Japan's major industrial powers, Sony and Toyota, are struggling, with job cuts dominating the headlines. But one brand name is thriving amid the economic slowdown - Mickey Mouse.
According to the company that runs Tokyo Disneyland, Japan's busiest theme park will be more packed than ever over the festive season. Despite the bad economy, it has already been a record year for a holiday that is cheaper than the average night out in Tokyo.
"Here, recession seems a world away," visitor Namie Katsunuma said as she munched on a bowl of caramel popcorn. "This is the only place I can totally forget the economic worries and hardship of my life."
The single mother's salary at a car-dismantling factory was cut in November but, with her $500 (£340) yearly pass in hand, she makes the 60-mile trek from her home to Tokyo Disneyland every couple of months.
The park's operator, Oriental Land Co, estimates a record 26.5 million people will visit Tokyo Disneyland and its nearby sister park, Disneysea, during the year to March.
"In a way, the slumping economy works well for Tokyo Disneyland," said Hiroshi Watanabe, an economist at the Tokyo-based Daiwa Research Institute. "Because of the recession, people have stopped buying cars and houses or going to Hawaii, and Tokyo Disneyland offers an affordable and pleasant alternative."
Around the world, Disney's theme parks have been a bright spot for the brand this year as people seem to look for an escape from bad times. Revenue from its resorts worldwide was up 8% for the year, to $11.5bn (£7.8bn), the firm has said.
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