Tag - economy

 
 

ECONOMY

Among Keidanren member firms traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's top-tier section, the proportion of female executives rose by 2.2 points to 19.0%, reaching the government's 2025 interim target.
BUSINESS
Oct 2, 2025
Share of female execs at major Japan firms rises to 18.4%
The figure remained below the government's target of increasing the share of female executives at companies on the Prime section to at least 19% by 2025.
The European Commission's High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas (left) and Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic present EU-Mercosur and EU-Mexico trade agreements in Brussels last month.
BUSINESS / Economy
Oct 2, 2025
Hit by Trump tariffs, rest of world races to forge new trade alliances
New trade pacts may not fully compensate for losses in commerce with a more protectionist America, but rival economies have been spurred into action nonetheless.
People work at an automotive parts factory in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, on April 11. Export powerhouse Japan saw manufacturing activity shrink in September.
BUSINESS / Economy
Oct 1, 2025
Asian factories struggle as soft China and U.S. demand takes toll
Export powerhouse Japan and global tech hub Taiwan saw manufacturing activity shrink in September, leaving businesses in Asia on fragile footing.
The Bank of Japan is likely to raise rates by the end of this year or early next year.
BUSINESS / Markets
Oct 1, 2025
Japan's tankan survey suggests rate increase sooner rather than later
Corporate sentiment improved as tariff uncertainty lessened following an agreement with the U.S.
The Pokemon mascot Pikachu wearing a Chicago Cubs jersey attends the Tokyo Series at Tokyo Dome in March. As the world rediscovers Japan, it’s learning that many preconceptions no longer apply.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Oct 1, 2025
Is Japan finally back? That’s the wrong question.
Almost three decades after prices first fell into negative territory, they’ve now risen every month for the past four years.
Signs of recovery in consumer spending have some analysts looking for a rate increase as soon as October.
BUSINESS / Economy
Sep 30, 2025
Bank of Japan rate increase looking more likely
The Cabinet Office is becoming more positive on consumer spending.
With the average farmer in Japan over 65, the agricultural sector, like others, faces the challenge of demographic decline as an aging workforce strains productivity and growth.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Sep 30, 2025
Graying Japan needs both globalization and immigration
Japan has the highest ratio of elderly to working-age people in the world — over 50% — meaning there are only two workers for every person over 64.
A wide range of products will see higher prices due to rising material and labor costs.
BUSINESS / Economy
Sep 30, 2025
Prices to rise for 3,024 food products in Japan in October
The figure is up 3.4% from a year earlier, marking the 10th consecutive month of increase.
Industrial production in Japan dropped 1.2% from the previous month, following the same pace of decline from July, according to the economy ministry.
BUSINESS / Economy
Sep 30, 2025
Japan’s output falls as U.S. tariffs drag on global outlook
The data reflect ongoing caution among manufacturers as the U.S. continues to threaten additional tariffs to narrow its trade deficit.
The Justice Ministry's figures show the number of specified skilled worker visa holders hit a record high as of the end of June.
JAPAN
Sep 30, 2025
Skilled worker visa holders hit record high ahead of new visa program
The Justice Ministry stated that the goal for a new program set to be rolled out in 2027 is to make Japan a "country of choice" for foreign workers amid a labor shortage.
Former economic security minister Sanae Takaichi at a debate at the Japan National Press Club with other candidates for the Liberal Democratic Party presidency on Sept. 24
BUSINESS / Economy
Sep 29, 2025
Takaichi moots U.S. tariff deal do-over when asked about $550 billion pledge
The woman who could become Japan’s next prime minister raises questions about the agreement.
People take photos of Sanrio characters at an event organized by a transportation and real estate firm in the city of Okayama in July. Hello Kitty celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, while My Melody reached its 50th anniversary this year.
BUSINESS
Sep 28, 2025
Oshikatsu consumption grows in Japan, buoying related stocks
According to research company Intage, 35.1% of 5,000 people said they support certain characters or celebrities, and this proportion was higher among younger respondents.
The average salary for men was ¥5.87 million, up 3.2%, and that of women was ¥3.33 million, up 5.5%, both marking record highs.
BUSINESS
Sep 27, 2025
Japan private-sector pay hits record in 2024
The average grew for the fourth consecutive year. The pace of increase exceeded 3% for the first time in 33 years.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks before signing executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington on Sept. 19.
BUSINESS / Economy
Sep 27, 2025
Trump’s 100% pharmaceutical tariffs won’t apply to Japan and EU
A U.S.-Japan joint statement says American tariff rates on Japanese drugs and semiconductors should not exceed those applied to others, including the EU.
Concern about prices in Japan is at or near record highs.
BUSINESS / Economy
Sep 26, 2025
Inflation and ‘food situation’ concerns top key Japan survey
Rising prices have not been this much of a worry since just after the 1973 oil shock.
U.S. President Donald Trump is rolling out a number of new tariffs on Oct. 1.
BUSINESS / Economy
Sep 26, 2025
Japan might be spared Trump's 100% tariffs on pharmaceuticals
The country has a most-favored-nation agreement with the U.S. that should cover these products.
Most Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Section companies have independent directors now.
BUSINESS / Companies / FOCUS
Sep 26, 2025
Japanese corporate boards have changed dramatically in recent years
Governance reforms have led to the addition of independent outside directors.
Tokyo inflation is holding steady in September as subsidies offset price pressures, supporting Bank of Japan's cautious policy path.
BUSINESS / Economy
Sep 26, 2025
Tokyo consumer inflation unexpectedly holds steady, backing BOJ’s caution
The sudden steadying of the main gauge shows anew the volatility of data as government measures meant to help consumers cope with soaring costs of living swing the results.
The Trump administration’s new fees and proposed changes to the H-1B visa system risk undermining 
the country’s college-to-work pipeline for foreign STEM graduates, potentially damaging American competitiveness.  
COMMENTARY / World
Sep 26, 2025
The H-1B visa reset will crush America’s college pipeline
The Department of Homeland Security says it’s moving to a weighted selection process that would "favor the allocation of H-1B visas to higher skilled and higher paid aliens.”
The U.S. dollar has weakened 9.75% since the start of the year against a basket of major trading partners.
BUSINESS / Economy
Sep 26, 2025
Global debt hits record of nearly $338 trillion, report shows
Total debt in emerging markets rose by $3.4 trillion in the second quarter to a record high of more than $109 trillion.

Longform

Growing families are being priced out of Tokyo’s condo market, forced to choose between downtown convenience and suburban space.
Is living in central Tokyo still affordable?