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Hiromasa Kubo
For Hiromasa Kubo's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
BUSINESS
Feb 12, 2001
Will trade surplus continue its slide toward acceptance?
It is estimated that Japan's trade surplus on a customs clearance basis declined to 12.6 trillion yen in 2000, significantly lower than the 14 trillion yen recorded in 1999 and the 16 trillion yen of 1998.
BUSINESS
Feb 12, 2001
Will trade surplus continue its slide toward acceptance?
It is estimated that Japan's trade surplus on a customs clearance basis declined to 12.6 trillion yen in 2000, significantly lower than the 14 trillion yen recorded in 1999 and the 16 trillion yen of 1998.
BUSINESS
Dec 4, 2000
Global economic factors paint gloomy picture for new year
Since the mid-1990s, the world economy has expanded remarkably, propelled mainly by the introduction of advanced information and communication technologies. In fact, according to the IMF's recent World Economic Outlook, global output grew 3.4 percent in 1999 and is expected to accelerate to 4.7 percent this year.
BUSINESS
Sep 25, 2000
Global competitors face tough decisions
Although monetary policy has been tightened, the U.S. economy is still on a steady growth path, propelled by the expansion of its information technology industry, which is said to be far ahead of its counterparts in the European Union and Japan.
BUSINESS
Aug 7, 2000
If Europe can unify currency, why can't Southeast Asia?
The Southeast Asian economy has reportedly found the path to recovery after being crippled by the regional financial crisis of 1997.
BUSINESS
May 15, 2000
Constructive advice for launching multilateral talks with the WTO
the summit of major industrialized countries kicks off in July, one of the things the world will be waiting to see is whether the leaders of these nations will be able to launch a new round of multilateral trade liberalization talks under the World Trade Organization.
BUSINESS
Feb 28, 2000
E-consumers' habits reveal low-tech solution to recession
Major supermarket operator Nagasakiya Co. has just gone bankrupt, and reports say many department stores are taking heavy losses.
BUSINESS
Jan 17, 2000
Will the Japanese trade surplus continue its downward ways?
Japan's trade surplus on a balance of payments basis was estimated at 14.8 trillion yen in 1999, significantly lower than the 16 trillion yen posted in 1998 after two consecutive years of sharp increase.

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A statue of "Dragon Ball" character Goku stands outside the offices of Bandai Namco in Tokyo. The figure is now as recognizable as such characters as Mickey Mouse and Spider-Man.
Akira Toriyama's gift to the world