Final answer:
In 2012, Japan's public debt was about 226% of its GDP, with policies under Shinzo Abe leading to a short-term economic improvement but also a substantial increase in debt.
Step-by-step explanation:
After employing short-term solutions such as printing money and public-works spending, the percentage of Japan's GDP that was public debt in 2012 was approximately 226%. By employing expansionary monetary policies like near-zero interest rates and increasing the money supply, the Japanese government attempted to stimulate economic growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. While these policies provided some short-term economic relief, they also contributed to a significant increase in Japan's public debt, with projections at the time expecting it to approach 240% of GDP.