Is golf still in trouble in Japan or has it rebounded?

[PEZGolf]

In the May 8th issue, 2004, of "Golfweek", there was a comprehensive article about how golf had fallen "out of favor" in Japan. The most important stats were these: 1. Clubs sold---DOWN 63%
2. rounds played---DOWN from 102 million to 88 million from 1992 to 2002
3. 71% of the golf courses were in financial trouble
4. The numbers for new golfers and young ones were down significantly.

Now, I do know that Ai Miyazato is SUPER POPULAR in her home country, but is golf overall still in trouble? It used to be considered a way to get ahead in business to take customers to play golf, but after the recession there, it was no longer true.

Does anyone know what the current situation is in the "Land of the Rising Sun"?

[PEZGolf]

In the May 8th issue, 2004, of "Golfweek", there was a comprehensive article about how golf had fallen "out of favor" in Japan. The most important stats were these: 1. Clubs sold---DOWN 63%

I am surprised that no one responded to this thread. Hasn't any one been in Japan lately to give us a first-hand report?