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BUSINESS

Economy

Inflation is surprisingly strong, increasing the possibility that the Bank of Japan will raise its interest rate by the end of the year, according to Tsutomu Watanabe, an emeritus economics professor at the University of Tokyo.

BUSINESS / Economy

Jul 4, 2025

Japan's inflation is outpacing BOJ's view, expert says

By Toru Fujioka and Sumio Ito

The remarks of Tsutomu Watanabe, a former central bank official, are likely to feed market expectations for another interest rate hike this year.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to just decide tariff rates himself and send out letters.

BUSINESS / Economy / FOCUS

Jul 4, 2025

Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations enter uncharted territory

By Francis Tang

A deal seems impossible as both sides refuse to budge just days ahead of the deadline.

Outlays by households in Japan, adjusted for inflation, gained 4.7% from a year ago in May, according to the internal affairs ministry.

BUSINESS / Economy

Jul 4, 2025

Japan’s households boost spending by most since summer of 2022

By Yoshiaki Nohara

Consumption makes up more than half of Japan’s economic output and could determine whether the economy will enter or avoid a technical recession.

A container ship is anchored at the Tan Vu port in Hai Phong, Vietnam. Much of Vietnam's exports to the U.S. are made up of items such as AirPods, phones or other products assembled with Chinese components and then shipped on.

BUSINESS / Economy

Jul 4, 2025

U.S. trade deal leaves Vietnam with questions and one big challenge

By Nguyen Dieu Tu Uyen, Nguyen Kieu Giang and Nguyen Xuan Quynh

Companies operating in the Southeast Asian hub are on notice to move up the value chain.

A container is loaded onto a cargo ship at Hai Phong port in Vietnam. A trade deal secured by Vietnam with the U.S. sets a high bar for Japan's tariff talks.

BUSINESS / Economy

Jul 3, 2025

Vietnam steals a march and leaves Japan in a tough spot on U.S. tariffs

By Francis Tang

The deal sets a high bar for Japan and other countries still negotiating with the United States.

Data compiled by the Japan Department Stores Association shows that tax-free inbound sales at over 80 department stores across the country fell by 41% in May from a year earlier.

BUSINESS / Economy

Jul 3, 2025

Japan’s department store shares lag as tourist splurge slows

By Momoka Yokoyama

Tax-free inbound sales at over 80 department stores across the country fell by 41% in May from a year earlier.

Opposition parties are proposing a consumption tax cut as inflation, especially food inflation, remains high.

BUSINESS / Economy / FOCUS

Jul 2, 2025

Consumption tax cut enters political conversation ahead of Upper House election

By Kazuaki Nagata

The Liberal Democratic Party opposes a reduction in the tax, but opposition parties are in favor of a cut.

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.

Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

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

Smile! It’s ‘Sanrio Time,’ now and ever after

Smile! It’s ‘Sanrio Time,’ now and ever after

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