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Yoshifumi Takemoto
For Yoshifumi Takemoto's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
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.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Aug 7, 2020
Japanese lawmaker wants sales tax ditched as coronavirus weighs heavily on economy
Hiroshi Ando said the raising of the sales tax rate to 10 percent last October was a mistake because the economy was already in a downturn.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 30, 2020
As Japan mulls missile defense, Raytheon lobbies for Lockheed’s radar deal
Under Abe, the nation has strengthened its military to deter threats from neighbors, including North Korea and China.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 27, 2020
Weeks of anguish and a 'black box': Inside the decision to delay the Tokyo Olympics
Officials in charge of staging the Tokyo Olympics crowded around a low table inside Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's residence late Tuesday, wincing as they spoke by phone with International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Dec 27, 2019
Deepening negative rates would do more harm than good, says Bank of Japan ex-deputy
The Bank of Japan has nearly exhausted its policy ammunition for boosting the economy, as deepening negative interest rates — seen as the most likely step if it were to expand stimulus — will do more harm than good, former BOJ Deputy Gov. Toshiro Mutoh has said.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Apr 16, 2009
Russia tax puts North America logs back in favor
Japan's lumber industry, which imports 80 percent of its supplies, may buy more timber from the United States, Canada and New Zealand after an increase in export taxes slashed Russian shipments by 55 percent.

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