Economy | ANALYSIS
Households to take hit from tax hike
by Tomoko Otake
The consumption tax increase will hit every household in Japan hard, with many people’s financial future hanging on whether their wages rise enough to offset the hike's impact.
Editorial Sep 23, 2013
Monetary easing lifts land prices
It appears that the monetary easing pushed by the Abe administration through Bank of Japan's purchasing operations is gradually raising land prices in some urban areas.
Economy Sep 5, 2013
BOJ sees moderate recovery in economy
The Bank of Japan upgrades its opinion of the economy for the first time since July, describing it as "recovering moderately" on solid consumer spending and recovering corporate spending amid improvements in jobs and nonbase pay.
Editorial Jul 9, 2013
'Abenomics' too narrow in focus
The Abe administration's policy of monetary easing must end sometime. Voters in this month's Upper House polls should weigh the policy's effect on jobs and wages.
Economy Jun 25, 2013
BIS: Reform more, rely less on monetary easing card
The Bank for International Settlements has called on advanced economies, including Japan, the United States and the European Union, to promote fiscal and economic structural reforms and labor market overhauls, instead of further depending on aggressive monetary easing. “The phrase ‘whatever it takes’ has ...
Economy Jun 20, 2013
BOJ can ease more if situation faces significant change: Kuroda
The Bank of Japan could add to its unprecedented monetary easing announced two months ago should economic conditions change significantly, BOJ Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda said Wednesday. The April 4 package could be expanded or reduced as needed, Kuroda told lawmakers. The BOJ said in ...
Japan-related | SENTAKU MAGAZINE Jun 17, 2013
BOJ facing new brain drain
The Bank of Japan could face a drain of elite talent as foreign financial institutions mull rebooting their activities in Tokyo after the recent market rebound.
Editorial Jun 17, 2013
The dark side of Abenomics
The dark side of Abenomics is rearing its head as stock prices show erratic fluctuations. Institutional investors have made profits, but not ordinary citizens.
Global-related Jun 17, 2013
Ultra-easy money experiment impedes reform
by William White
The ultra-easy monetary experiment is impeding the necessary process of deleveraging, threatening central banks' "independence" and raising asset prices.
Economy | ANALYSIS Jun 16, 2013
BOJ dilemma: Stabilize bond market or stick to QE guns?
by Mie Sakamoto
Should the Bank of Japan take new steps to stabilize turbulent financial markets or resolutely stick to its deflation-busting schedule of radical quantitative easing?
Economy May 20, 2013
Japan must boost credibility of bonds as exodus to stocks hikes rates: Amari
by Yoshiaki Nohara and Yuji Okada
Japan’s government must demonstrate a commitment to fiscal rehabilitation to boost the credibility of government bonds and prevent a spike in long-term yields as soaring stocks damp the allure of the nation’s sovereign debt, Economy Minister Akira Amari said. “As stocks have rallied this ...
Business May 6, 2013
'Abenomics' meets curse of the second 100 days — will the mirage last?
by William Pesek
The accomplishments of the first 100 days in office are a favorite benchmark for democratic leaders. It’s thought to offer a preview of his or her worldview, ambition and political fortune. So, viewed through this lens, just how is Prime Minister Shinzo Abe doing? ...
Global-related May 6, 2013
Austerity era appears over (for now)
by Neil Irwin
Something remarkable has happened in the last few weeks. It looks like world financial leaders are focusing on too few jobs instead of the risks from government debt.