Japan's consumer price index fell again in September--the 24th month in a row that prices have dropped. It was just 0.8% lower that last September but every little bit helps a shopper's wallet. Despite lower prices, Japan's consumers aren't buying as much. We all purchased 2.9% less stuff in September.

Dropping prices are bad for business and combined with a drop in overall purchases, members of the government are pressuring the Bank of Japan to plan inflation targets to increase prices. So far the BOJ has said no; they don't seem to like to tinker with the economy too much.