Recent indicators point to jobless numbers even higher than 9.1 percent in coming months.
But the process seems to have accelerated recently, even though most economic indicators now point upward.
A piece can only travel in directions its indicators are pointing.
Some indicators point to an increase in cross-border investment of late.
But other indicators pointed to evidence that the economy might be gathering some strength again.
"All the other indicators are pointing in the right direction."
"Various indicators point to the fact that a recession is not threatening," he said.
Other indicators also point to an end to 20 years of mass abandonment.
He turned the wheel back till the indicator pointed to five.
But all indicators point to Japan's ailing for several years to come.