As things stand now, however, that step seems unlikely to be approved by the Senate - let alone translate into an end to nuclear proliferation and the dangers associated with it.
One worrisome indicator is that international job-cut activity is on the upswing, which may translate into increased U.S. unemployment toward the end of the year.
Japan's economic prospects, in their view, depend on whether healthier exports and profits continue to translate into more hiring, and eventually lead to rising wages, more consumer confidence and an end of deflation.