But it carries risks, not only for Japan, but for a world economy that totters on the edge of a full-fledged currency war.

FORBES: Asia's Week: China Tightens, Japan Loosens, Korea Pauses

The biggest insurance company in the world totters on the brink, and savings and loan giant Washington Mutual had its credit ratings cut to junk.

NPR: Wall Street Woes: Who Gets A Bailout?

Will the Bank of Japan tighten--unpopular at home--while Abe's government totters?

FORBES: A World Apart?

The contestants include a Caribbean-born transvestite who totters across the mud in stilettos and a germ-phobic choreographer who dons rubber gloves while trying to herd sheep.

ECONOMIST: Reality television

Any government defeats on the Growth and Infrastructure Bill, the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill or any other bill could be leveraged into concessions as the year totters to its end - particularly if there's a bit of intra-Coalition tension around the subject at issue.

BBC: Week ahead