author

 
 
 Kazuaki Nagata

Meta

Twitter

@kzinagata

Kazuaki Nagata
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Jan 4, 2023
Both hurt and saved by regulations, what is next for crypto in Japan?
Strong regulations may have helped Japan avoid some of the FTX fallout, but some LDP lawmakers are pushing for a loosening of rules to embrace virtual assets.
BUSINESS / Economy / Outlook for 2023,New Year Special 2023
Jan 3, 2023
What to expect from Japan’s economy in 2023
The Japanese economy faced its share of hurdles last year, but economists say better days may be ahead in 2023.
BUSINESS / Outlook for 2023
Jan 1, 2023
Japan's monetary policy outlook more cloudy than ever
Expectations have been shaken by a recent surprise move by the Bank of Japan, and speculation over its next governor is also adding to the uncertainty.
BUSINESS / Economy
Dec 21, 2022
Why the BOJ chose the final weeks of the year to shift policy
The BOJ has apparently been keen to shore up its easing policy's side effects, but such a shift needed to catch market participants off guard to prevent speculative moves.
BUSINESS / Economy
Dec 16, 2022
Tax reform package takes on defense spending and individual investors
Ruling coalition approves proposal after debate over plan to hike taxes for a bolstered defense budget.
BUSINESS
Dec 15, 2022
Japan plans higher taxes, but only on small group earning over ¥3 billion
The idea of imposing higher taxes on the wealthy stems from the fact that the tax rate on overall earnings begins to decrease once an individual's income exceeds u00a5100 million.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / FOCUS
Dec 12, 2022
Kishida's plan to fund higher defense spending faces backlash
The prime minister's suggestion of tax increases hasn't gone down well, even among Cabinet members and lawmakers from his own party.
BUSINESS
Dec 9, 2022
Japan looks to boost protections for freelancers with new law
With business usually agreed on verbally, many freelancers experience issues with payment and disagreements over the expected work.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal / EXPLAINER
Dec 2, 2022
The Tokyo Games bribery and bid-rigging scandals: What you need to know
Allegations of bid-rigging by leading advertising firms for Games test events have recently surfaced, adding to a scandal over suspected bribes paid for sponsorship contracts.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Nov 25, 2022
Tokyo aims to be 'most startup-friendly' city with new support for firms
The capital, which is aiming for a tenfold increase in 'unicorns' over five years, plans to create a hub for young firms and increase its procurement from such companies.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Nov 24, 2022
Japanese firms re-imagine offices to make them hubs of communication
Whether staffers are mostly working remotely or in person, firms have a similar concept in mind — that the office should be a place to strengthen networks within the organization.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / FOCUS
Nov 17, 2022
Following U.S. on China chip export curbs would hit Japan's industry hard
The impact on chip equipment- and material-makers would be more significant than on chipmakers, as Japan's powerful global players are concentrated in those areas.
BUSINESS
Nov 11, 2022
Leading firms join Japan's 'last chance' push to reinvigorate domestic chip sector
Eight major companies have jointly invested to launch a new firm that is expected to play a key role in boosting the chip sector.
BUSINESS / Companies
Nov 10, 2022
Chip shortages and rising costs hurt automakers despite boost from weak yen
Although the earnings of some major carmakers for the April-September period showed that many have benefited from the historically weak yen, they now appear to be more cautious than upbeat.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Longform
Nov 7, 2022
Collapsing pyramid: EV shift strikes at heart of Japan’s auto sector
The major transition is fundamentally reshaping how the domestic industry works and is understood.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / FOCUS
Oct 31, 2022
Weak yen prompts people to shift savings into dollars and foreign bonds
Banks are seeing a surge in the number of customers funneling their money into foreign currency deposits.
BUSINESS / Economy
Oct 28, 2022
Kishida Cabinet approves fresh ¥39 trillion stimulus package
The government aims to reduce monthly electricity, gas and gasoline costs for the average household by u00a55,000 between January and September next year.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Oct 28, 2022
BOJ maintains dovish monetary policy as inflationary pressure grows
The central bank revised its inflation outlook for this fiscal year, which runs through March, raising it to 2.9% from 2.3%.
BUSINESS / ANALYSIS
Oct 23, 2022
Wage growth — and spring negotiations — in focus as inflation hits
The Rengo trade union announced that it's bumping the pay raise target to about 5%, the highest in 28 years.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Markets
Oct 20, 2022
Yen crosses key ¥150 mark as inflation pressure mounts
The yen's plunge has persisted amid the stark divergence between the hawkish monetary policy of the U.S. Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan's tenaciously dovish stance.

Longform

Growing families are being priced out of Tokyo’s condo market, forced to choose between downtown convenience and suburban space.
Is living in central Tokyo still affordable?