author

 
 

Meta

Yoshifumi Takemoto
Shigeru Ishiba speaks during an interview in Tokyo on Tuesday.
BUSINESS / Economy
Aug 7, 2024
LDP bigwig Ishiba endorses BOJ's rate hikes
"The Bank of Japan is on the right policy track" in raising interest rates, Shigeru Ishiba said.
An LDP panel's proposal on fiscal policy underscores how a weak yen and an exit from ultra-low interest rates are piling pressure on Japan to rein in its huge public debt.
BUSINESS
May 30, 2024
Japan must restore fiscal discipline to protect yen's value, LDP panel says
The views of the panel of Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers are shared by the powerful Finance Ministry, who oversees the state budget.
Katsunobu Kato, former chief Cabinet secretary and a ruling party veteran, says the Bank of Japan must keep a close eye on economic conditions and coordinate carefully with the government in working out when to raise rates.
BUSINESS
May 13, 2024
Japan on track to normalize monetary policy, says ruling party heavyweight
The weak yen has inflated import costs, hurting consumption and creating headaches for policymakers looking to shore up a fragile economic recovery.
Former Prime Minister Taro Aso speaks during a forum in Taiwan in 2023.
JAPAN / Politics
Apr 19, 2024
Former PM Aso seeks Trump meeting during New York visit: report
Aso had attempted to meet Trump in January during a trip to the U.S. but was not able to see him.
Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa (right) meets with UNRWA head  Philippe Lazzarini in Tokyo on March 28.
JAPAN
Apr 2, 2024
Japan resumes funding to embattled Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA
Japan on Tuesday said it will lift its suspension of funding to the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) as the relief body works to regain trust after an allegation that some of its staff were involved in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks in Washington on Wednesday. Japan has stepped up attempts to engage with people close to Trump in recent weeks, worrying that if he returns to power he may seek some kind of deal with Beijing that could undermine recent efforts by the Group of Seven countries to counter China.
JAPAN
Feb 2, 2024
Japan's message for Donald Trump: Don't cut a deal with China
Tokyo has stepped up attempts to engage with people close to Trump in recent weeks.
Shigeru Ishiba, a heavyweight in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, says the Bank of Japan should immediately end its negative interest rate policy.
BUSINESS / Economy
Jan 30, 2024
Dark-horse prime minister candidate calls for ending BOJ's negative rate policy
An outspoken Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker, Shigeru Ishiba consistently ranks among favorites to become the next prime minister in opinion polls.
People pass an electronic board showing the rate of the yen against the dollar on a street in Tokyo on Wednesday.
BUSINESS
Nov 15, 2023
Former currency czar sees structural factors behind yen weakness
"I wonder whether overseas investors may be thinking what's in it for investing in Japan," said Rintaro Tamaki.
A structure of the Arctic LNG 2 joint venture is seen under construction near the settlement of Belokamenka, Murmansk region, Russia, in July last year
BUSINESS
Nov 7, 2023
U.S. sanctions on Russia LNG won't harm supplies, minister says
The industry minister said that Japan will ensure its energy supplies are not affected by U.S. sanctions on a Russian project in which it has a stake.
Kioxia and Western Digital have held merger talks since 2021 but the negotiations have often stalled over a series of issues.
BUSINESS / Companies
Oct 27, 2023
Western Digital and Kioxia call off merger talks, source says
South Korea's SK Hynix — a major Kioxia investor — has said it does not back the deal due to its impact on its investment asset value.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 22, 2023
Riding on G7 success, Fumio Kishida eyes early election
Lower House elections aren't until 2025, but the Prime Minister could strengthen his position in the LDP ahead of a leadership race next fall.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
May 2, 2023
U.S. banking troubles won't affect Japan, says Economy Minister Shigeyuki Goto
While optimistic overall, Goto urged financial institutions and authorities to respond firmly to liquidity risks that have led to difficulties in the West.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Mar 9, 2023
Lower House approves Kazuo Ueda as next BOJ chief, with Upper House to vote Friday
Approval by the two chambers has been seen as a done deal as the ruling coalition holds majority seats in both houses.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jan 30, 2023
Key panel urges BOJ to make 2% inflation target long-term goal
The re-defining of the price target must be made in a new policy accord between the government and the central bank that would replace the one crafted in 2013, the panel said.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jan 18, 2023
Japan's November core machinery orders fall further than expected
Separate survey data showed confidence at big Japanese manufacturers had logged the first negative reading in two years.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Jan 17, 2023
New BOJ nominees likely to be presented to parliament on Feb. 10
The nominees, if approved by both houses of parliament, will succeed BOJ Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda and his two deputies, Masayoshi Amamiya and Masazumi Wakatabe.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Dec 27, 2022
Ex-top finance official says BOJ adjustments will smooth governor change
The central bank surprised markets last week by relaxing its yield tolerance for 10-year Japanese government bonds, a move aimed at easing the cost of prolonged economic stimulus.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Mar 7, 2022
Firms in Japan start to feel the heat over Russia ties as rivals shun Moscow
Executives say privately they are worried about reputational damage, a sign corporate Japan is — however reluctantly — becoming more responsive to pressure on social issues.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Feb 9, 2021
'Nothing good will come from replacing him:' Tokyo Olympics chief finds high-level support
Some on the Tokyo organizing committee believe it is important for Mori to 'quietly overcome' the crisis and for officials to do all they can to 'protect' him from the public fallout.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 31, 2020
Former Japan defense chief Shigeru Ishiba to run in LDP leadership race, report says
In an interview, Ishiba said Tokyo should deepen ties with its Asian neighbors, including South Korea, amid growing tension between China and the United States.

Longform

Wozme, founded by dancer and choreographer Wakaba Kohei, is composed of Kana Kitty, Ami Ishii, Akane Watanabe and Natsuki. Its aim is to inject elegance and beauty, traits traditionally associated with femininity, into the sometimes grotesque art form of butoh dance.
Wozme, an all-women dance troupe, wants to move the needle in butoh