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Yoshiaki Nohara
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Aug 17, 2022
Japan’s trade gap hits record on commodities impact and weak yen
The record deficit bodes ill for Japan's economic recovery, as higher import bills especially for energy and food can cool domestic activity.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy / FOCUS
Aug 11, 2022
Kishida's Cabinet reshuffle indicates Bank of Japan easing will continue
As a result of the reshuffle, economists expect the BOJ to keep rock-bottom interest rates to support the economy, while a resurgence of the coronavirus threatens its fragile recovery.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Aug 9, 2022
Japanese merchants’ mood takes biggest hit since winter omicron wave
A gauge of sentiment among store managers, taxi drivers and others who deal directly with Japanese consumers slid 9.1 points to 43.8 last month.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jul 29, 2022
Japan on track for modest recovery for now after output jump
Output of cars, electronics parts and communications equipment led an 8.9% gain in industrial production in June from the previous month's sharp drop.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jul 22, 2022
Pressure mounts on BOJ as key inflation gauge rises above 2% target
Details of the June inflation data offer some support for the BOJ's argument that the current inflation is largely based on cost-push pressure.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Jul 12, 2022
Japan and U.S. finance chiefs agree on volatile forex risk
The pair also welcomed last month's statement from Group of Seven leaders promising to explore a potential price cap on Russian oil exports.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Jul 5, 2022
Japan’s paychecks trail inflation, suggesting a reluctance to spend
The inflationary pain has become a key topic ahead of a national election on Sunday.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jun 23, 2022
Yen strengthens after ex-forex czar’s intervention remark
'Unilateral intervention shouldn't be eliminated as a possibility,” said Takehiko Nakao, while flagging that the hurdle for gaining support from abroad was high.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Jun 8, 2022
Japan’s smaller first quarter economic slip points to consumer rebound
Consumption continued to grow in the quarter despite a raft of omicron-related restrictions on business operating hours.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
May 18, 2022
Japan’s sputtering recovery offers support for BOJ stimulus case
Gross domestic product contracted at an annualized pace of 1% in the quarter through March, the Cabinet Office reported Wednesday.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
May 6, 2022
Fastest Tokyo inflation in decades complicates BOJ’s messaging
Consumer prices excluding fresh food in the capital climbed 1.9% from a year ago, the internal affairs ministry said Friday.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Apr 29, 2022
Yen’s historic fall signals rewrite of global currency playbook
The speed of decline caught policymakers off guard, exposing a rift between a central bank intent on stoking inflation and a government facing backlash over rising prices.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Apr 20, 2022
Fueled by weak yen, Japan trade deficit extends longest run since 2015
While the trade deficit narrowed to u00a5412.4 billion, the streak of shortfalls is the longest since early 2015, providing a possible reason for Japan's currency slide.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Markets
Apr 18, 2022
BOJ’s Kuroda steps up yen warning to stave off stimulus doubts
Kuroda is facing a balancing act as he tries to stick with his commitment to keep stimulating a fragile economy without adding momentum to the weakening trend.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Apr 7, 2022
Amid deepening yen weakness, a mixed blessing sours for Japan
What had long been considered a boon for Japan's economy is increasingly in question as the yen's recent plunge aggravates the impact of surging commodity prices.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jan 7, 2022
Japanese households cut spending even before omicron hit
Consumers showed less appetite for spending in November even as vaccination rates climbed and COVID-19 cases became rarer.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Dec 24, 2021
Consumer prices rise 0.5% in Japan on energy costs, but 2% without phone fees
The underlying price trend is being obscured by distortions caused by government policies — such as the drive to lower phone charges.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Dec 22, 2021
Top chipmaking adviser proposes tax breaks and spending to revive industry in Japan
Spending approved this week should be just the start of its efforts to reverse decades of decline, says Tetsuro Higashi, the leading chip expert advising the Kishida administration.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Nov 19, 2021
Japan inflation shows continued pulse as gas prices surge
Soaring commodity prices amid supply chain bottlenecks and a weaker yen are squeezing many Japanese businesses, which are facing the strongest cost pressure in four decades.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Oct 15, 2021
Abenomics fell short on spreading wealth: economic revitalization minister
The economic policy package's trickle-down approach of getting companies to share the benefits of growth was insufficient, according to Daishiro Yamagiwa.

Longform

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