Economists define recession as two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth – or better said, two consecutive quarters of GDP decline. Japan may qualify at the end of the next quarter. You might want to read Japan Plunges Into Deep Recession; GDP Shrinks 3.5% Annualized; Japan Current Account Turns Negative First Time in 30 Years; watch the Yen for a summary of what one commentator thinks is going on in Japan.