An article on bloomberg. com about the Japanese economy noted, "Whether the 2.4 percent annualized gain in gross domestic product reported Wednesday can be maintained depends on consumers stepping in to buy the products that companies are piling up in warehouses."

a. Did business inventories in Japan increase or decrease during this period? Briefly explain.

b. What would happen if consumers do not buy the products that companies are piling up? Illustrate your answer with a 458-line diagram.