Japan has fallen behind Germany and lost its position as the world’s third-largest economy. Despite a 1.9% expansion, Japan’s GDP of $4.2 trillion fell short of Germany’s $4.5 trillion. The depreciation of the yen against the dollar contributed to this change. India is expected to surpass both nations in the coming years. Japan faces challenges such as labour shortages and a declining population, while Germany struggles with energy costs and fiscal uncertainties.