author

 
Menu
Search
 
July 05, 2025
 

Today's print edition

Home Delivery
Subscribe for more access
Kazuaki Nagata

Meta

Twitter

@kzinagata

Kazuaki Nagata
BUSINESS / Markets
Apr 1, 2022
It's almost time for the TSE's restructuring, but frustrations linger
Reforms set to be rolled out on Monday are intended to bring clarity to the roles of the exchange's segments, but critics say bloat is still a major issue.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Mar 29, 2022
Yen's weakness casts a pall over Japan’s economy
Conventionally, a weak yen is believed to have benefits for the Japanese economy, as it helps exports, but the pandemic and Ukraine conflict complicate things this time around.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / FOCUS
Mar 15, 2022
Japan firms brace for more supply chain disruption after Ukraine war
Despite rarely procuring goods from Russia or Ukraine directly, Japan's manufacturers remain vulnerable to the war's far-reaching repercussions.
BUSINESS
Mar 4, 2022
Japan reinforces countermeasures against rapidly rising oil prices
To cushion the impact of soaring oil prices due to the war in Ukraine, the government said Friday that it will bolster a subsidy program for oil wholesalers.
BUSINESS
Mar 1, 2022
Japan's eased border restrictions offer hope for struggling business sectors
From major tech companies to elderly care facilities, Japanese businesses have had to battle through the pandemic without the foreign staffers they need.
BUSINESS
Feb 25, 2022
Cabinet approves bill to beef up Japan's economic security
Improving economic security is one of the primary policy agendas proposed by Kishida amid the pandemic and the growing rivalry between the United States and China.
BUSINESS
Feb 25, 2022
Japan braces for even higher inflation amid Ukraine crisis
Russia's invasion of Ukraine will only exacerbate an existing inflationary trend, thereby increasing the burden on firms and households.
BUSINESS
Feb 14, 2022
New bill looks to beef up Japan's economic security, but firms are wary
The planned legislation would cover a range of sectors, with penalties for those that don't comply, but businesses worry that it could harm international competitiveness.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy / FOCUS
Feb 9, 2022
Why Japan's wages aren't rising
Initially triggered by financial crises in the 1990s, economists today point to other factors affecting stagnant wage growth.
BUSINESS / Economy
Feb 3, 2022
Global inflation wave pushes up prices in Japan on everything from pasta to gasoline
Japanese companies are generally reluctant to pass higher costs on to price-sensitive consumers, but many feel they have no choice and prices on a slew of products are on the rise.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / ANALYSIS
Jan 26, 2022
Microsoft’s Activision purchase could leave Japanese video game-makers out in the cold
Japanese gaming firms, which are generally less agile and outward-looking than their U.S. peers, may struggle as companies invest in the metaverse.
BUSINESS / FOCUS
Jan 25, 2022
Amid the 'buy now, pay later' boom, Japan takes a different path
The country's unique approach to credit card payments undercuts the appeal of BNPL seen elsewhere, with the service finding a different niche as a result.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy / Outlook 2022
Jan 2, 2022
For first time in two years, Japan has some room for economic optimism
Omicron and inflation risks loom, but economists expect 2022 to be a year of recovery as consumption rises and people tap into the savings they've built up over the pandemic.
JAPAN
Dec 24, 2021
Japan’s draft budget hits record high for 10th straight year
Spending on areas such as social security and defense has jumped, while estimated tax revenue has been revised upwards.
JAPAN
Dec 18, 2021
Japan to shorten booster shot interval for medical workers and seniors on omicron concerns
The interval between second shots and booster shots will be six months for health care workers and those living in nursing homes, the prime minister said.
JAPAN
Dec 15, 2021
Extra budget to finance Kishida's massive stimulus package clears Lower House
The administration hopes to roll out economic and coronavirus measures quickly, as Japan's economy is still weighed down by the impact of the pandemic.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Dec 11, 2021
After a month of shifting rules, who can enter Japan?
Over the past month, Japan's border control policies have flip-flopped over the newly discovered omicron variant of the coronavirus, leaving many would-be travelers confused.
JAPAN / FOCUS
Dec 3, 2021
Abrupt reversal on flight bookings spotlights poor coordination within Kishida administration
If Kishida had gained any supporters for his quick and clear decision-making over the omicron coronavirus variant, that goodwill was lost in a hurry Thursday.
JAPAN
Dec 2, 2021
Japan quickly reverses course on halt of new reservations for inbound flights
Less than 24 hours after it was announced, Japan retracted its decision in a rapid reversal of a stunning move, which had caught even the prime minister off guard.
BUSINESS / Economy
Nov 26, 2021
Cabinet approves draft extra budget to sponsor record spending stimulus
Now approved, a wide array of policies will begin, including wage hikes, family support, decarbonization efforts and preparation for future waves of COVID-19.
A prophesied disaster (likely) won’t strike Japan this weekend
A viral manga prediction of a July 5 disaster has gripped Japan with anxiety and triggered an economic impact, but experts warn that while such dates are unreliable, the threat of a massive earthquake remains real. 
Magnitude 5.5 earthquake jars Tokara Islands amid flurry of seismic activity
A strong quake struck off the Tokara Islands on Thursday afternoon, with the island chain having recorded around 1,000 earthquakes since a burst of seismic activity first began on June 21.
Japan to require flight passengers to keep power banks within sight
The transport ministry has announced new regulations requiring flight passengers to keep power banks within sight to mitigate fire risks while on board planes.
Ghibli’s Isao Takahata exhibit shows how beloved anime is made
“The man who planted Japanese animation” exhibition includes a variety of sketches, drawings and animation cels from Isao Takahata films such as color design for characters by Michiyo Yasuda from "Grave of the Fireflies."
Residents of Tokara Islands begin evacuation as seismic swarm continues
Details about evacuations from Akuseki Island, located in the Tokara island chain in Kagoshima Prefecture, is seen written on a whiteboard in the city of Kagoshima on Thursday.
Ghibli’s Isao Takahata exhibit shows how beloved anime is made
“The man who planted Japanese animation” exhibition includes a variety of sketches, drawings and animation cels from Isao Takahata films such as color design for characters by Michiyo Yasuda from "Grave of the Fireflies."
Flag football facing challenges and opportunities ahead
Japan’s women’s flag football team at the 2025 International Bowl in Los Angeles in June. The sport is enjoying continued growth in the country.
From Hokusai’s Great Wave, shinkansen to One Piece: a cultural treasure box for Lego Japan
Michael Ebbesen, general manager of Lego Japan, says Lego bricks based on Japanese culture have a rich global appeal and are sellable around the world.
With farmed fish, RelationFish swims against the tide in fine dining
Chef Hideaki Matsuo (middle) and the staff of Oseto Suisan Fisheries prepare to check on their sustainably farmed fish.
As Southeast Asia heats up, a Japanese cooling giant sees a major opportunity
An employee of Daikin Cambodia explains the use of different tools during an air conditioner installation training session in Phnom Penh. Daikin is one of Japan’s oldest air conditioning companies, but as Japan’s population falls, the firm is keying in on overseas growth.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

Longform

Mount Fuji is considered one of Japan's most iconic symbols and is a major draw for tourists. It's still a mountain, though, and potential hikers need to properly prepare for any climb.
What it takes to save lives on Mount Fuji
By Alex K.T. Martin

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Looking ahead to Yokohama’s Green × Expo 2027
Looking ahead to Yokohama’s Green × Expo 2027

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTS note

Read more

SUPPLEMENTS BINDER