Policy goal: How to get from good to great
As Japanese and global policymakers are rushing to design policies to counter the looming economic depression, advice from one of my favorite economists, Jean-Baptiste Say, comes to mind. In 1803 he wrote: “In policy as well as in morality, the grand secret is not ...
NSC change prepares Japan for new global realities
Japan is moving toward a wiser decision-making process when it comes to key security questions.
Fintech-based financing thriving in Japan amid coronavirus crisis
A growing number of small and midsize companies affected by the coronavirus pandemic are utilizing "fintech," or the integration of finance and technology, as part of their fund procurement efforts. This is because fintech allows such companies to obtain loans within several days, as their ...
Sentiment among Japan's big manufacturers falls into negative for first time in seven years
Business sentiment among large Japanese manufacturers fell into negative territory in March for the first time in seven years, weighed down by fears about the global economic fallout from the coronavirus crisis, the Bank of Japan's tankan survey showed Wednesday. The key index measuring confidence ...
Japan factory output slows, with worse expected as virus grips economy
Industrial output rose in February at a slower pace than the previous month and factories believe production plunged in March, adding to growing signs that the coronavirus pandemic is taking a toll on an economy already on the cusp of recession. While retail sales fared ...
Japan's ruling party asks for ¥60 trillion stimulus to aid virus-hit economy
The Liberal Democratic Party is calling for a ¥60 trillion ($556 billion) stimulus package to help households and small businesses survive the fallout from the coronavirus outbreak. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has warned of a prolonged battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, has pledged to ...
‘Jobs for life’ in South Korea and Japan set to cushion virus blow
A longtime thorn for businesses and productivity in Japan and South Korea is set to prove a bulwark for those economies as the coronavirus threatens millions of jobs around the world. Mass layoffs are frowned upon and labor laws make it hard for employers to ...
Tokyo stocks fell Monday, with the benchmark Nikkei sinking over 800 points at one point as a sharp rise in coronavirus infections in Tokyo stoked fears that the metropolitan government may halt economic activities in the capital to prevent a further escalation of the ...
Japan restaurants embrace takeout and seek regulars’ help in COVID-19 crisis
Restaurants in Japan are navigating rough waters amid the COVID-19 pandemic, inspiring new ideas as they try to come up with ways to remain afloat. As the virus spreads, more people are refraining from dining out, especially in big gatherings. This has led to cancellations ...
Japan plans ambitious expansion of esports to boost economy through 2025
The government has an ambitious plan to expand Japan's esports industry with the private sector to help revitalize regional economies and increase social participation by people with disabilities, with an eye to generating ¥285 billion ($2.6 billion) in economic benefits a year by 2025, ...
Japanese hotels lose out on Olympic bet as coronavirus spreads
The Osaka Corona Hotel has been eerily quiet and empty the past few weeks. “Our name is extremely regrettable,” Kohei Fujii, the hotel’s sales director, said with a sigh as he sat in an empty cafe in the lobby. A sign advertising discounted bottles of ...
