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Michael Schuman
For Michael Schuman's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Mar 31, 2021
I wrote a book on Chinese history. It was stolen by pirates on Alibaba
The scale of counterfeiting in China is so vast that tackling it is an epic undertaking even for the supposedly uber-capable Chinese state
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Feb 26, 2019
Trump's China trade 'win' will likely cost America
The China deal is exposing Trump's willingness to sacrifice long-standing American ideals for short-term political gain.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Feb 19, 2019
What North Korea could learn from Vietnam
The Asian tiger would be an especially apt model for Kim Jong Un to emulate.
COMMENTARY / World
Jan 21, 2019
China also built a big, beautiful wall, but it failed
Political infighting and xenophobia doomed the Ming Dynasty's attempts to shore up border security. Sound familiar?
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
May 8, 2018
China should do what Trump says on trade
Many of the reforms demanded by the U.S. would help the Chinese economy.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Apr 16, 2018
In trade dispute, China has a secret weapon
American companies could face a popular backlash in the world's biggest market.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Mar 23, 2018
Trump's tariffs may be playing into Xi's hands
Tough U.S. measures allow the Chinese leader to be the economic nationalist he wants to be.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Mar 22, 2018
U.S. can't win a trade war all on its own
Donald Trump appears to have an outdated and exaggerated view of how big a role the U.S. plays in the global economy.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Mar 16, 2018
Why Japan will never reach its inflation target
After five years of unprecedented stimulus, BOJ Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda should recognize reality.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Mar 6, 2018
Asia suggests autocrats can outperform democrats
The key for most successful strongmen is sound economic guidance.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Dec 20, 2017
What the world can learn from Japan's factories
Countries hoping to revive their manufacturing sectors should look east for answers.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 13, 2017
With big deals, Trump and Xi both 'lose-lose'
What was missed on Trump's trip to China was an opportunity for the world's two most powerful men to tackle some big decisions on issues that could shape not just the future of the U.S.-China relationship, but the growth prospects and competitiveness of both economies.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 7, 2017
Trump's supposed 'bad' deals are good for the U.S.
Trump wants the U.S. to be a superpower without making the sacrifices that requires.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jun 28, 2017
Toshiba deal repeats Japan Inc.'s old mistakes
With their persistent interference, the bureaucrats are hurting, not helping Japan's prospects.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
May 2, 2017
Why China's drones are taking off
China's hands-off approach, whether intentional or not, has created an environment in which startups can experiment with trial-and-error, take on increased risk and thrive.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Mar 16, 2017
Trump is already losing to China in technology
U.S. President Donald Trump's policies offer a road map for how not to compete with China.
COMMENTARY / World
Mar 2, 2017
Confucius blocks change in South Korea
At the 'chaebol,' Confucian reverence for the 'emperor' translates into obedience to company founders and their families, who are treated like royalty.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jan 26, 2017
America starts making China great again
By pulling the U.S. out of the TPP, Trump has hurt American business, pulled the rug out from under U.S. allies and damaged American prestige in the most economically critical region in the world.
COMMENTARY / World
Jan 10, 2017
What Beijing should do to counter Trumpism
If China is concerned about a reverse of globalization, its leaders should practice the free exchange they preach.
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 4, 2016
Trump sets a terrible precedent — just ask Japan
The U.S. economy has long been based on transparency, rule of law and free enterprise. It should stay that way.

Longform

Historically, kabuki was considered the entertainment of the merchant and peasant classes, a far cry from how it is regarded today.
For Japan's oldest kabuki theater, the show must go on