China threatens rare earth export bans following PM Takaichi's Taiwan comments. After 15 years since the 2010 Senkaku crisis, Japan's preparedness through supply chain diversification is now the model for the US, Europe, and Australia accelerating their "de-risking" from China.
In January 2026, the Nikkei 225 closed above 54,000 yen for the first time in history. The "Takaichi Trade" reignites amid speculation of snap elections, with foreign investors buying large-cap stocks. Driven by yen weakness and expectations of expansionary fiscal policy, the index may reach 60,000. Explore Japanese reactions and market outlook.
As the yen plunges to 159 per dollar for the first time in 18 months, Japan's Vice Finance Minister Mimura warns that "all measures are on the table" for currency intervention. Explore the background of the rapid yen depreciation amid dissolution election reports, Japan's intervention history, and what lies ahead for the currency markets.
Osaka Expo 2025 closed in October with 29.02 million visitors and a ¥3.6 trillion economic impact. In December the association revised its operating surplus up to ¥32-37 billion, beating Aichi Expo. Here is what made the expo profitable, and what the figures leave out.
Japan's beloved ikura (salmon roe) reaches record-breaking prices due to severe salmon shortages. Discover how climate change and declining catches in Hokkaido are transforming sushi restaurants and Japanese dining tables, and what this means for the future of Japanese cuisine.
In the February 8, 2026 general election, the LDP won a historic landslide with 316 seats on its own. This analysis covers why Prime Minister Takaichi called the snap election and what the ruling bloc's victory means for Japan's economy and financial markets.
Japanese hospitals are facing an unprecedented financial crisis. Rising costs, staff shortages, and government policies are forcing healthcare facilities to close across the nation. Discover the factors behind this growing crisis and how it may reshape Japan's renowned healthcare system.
In September 2024, Japan's Ministry of the Environment officially declared the complete eradication of the invasive small Indian mongoose from Amami Oshima island. This world-first achievement took 24 years of dedicated effort, protecting endangered species like the Amami rabbit and restoring the island's unique ecosystem.
On January 5, 2026, a purple sea urchin from Hakodate, Hokkaido sold for a record-breaking 35 million yen ($228,000) at Tokyo's Toyosu Market - five times last year's record. Learn about Japan's unique New Year auction culture and the $6,500 uni bowl it will become.
At Toyosu Market's 2026 New Year auction, a 243kg Oma bluefin tuna sold for a record ¥510.3 million ($3.2M). Learn why Japan's "ichiban maguro" tradition commands such astronomical prices and what it means for fishermen, businesses, and Japanese food culture.
Japan's government announced plans to raise visa fees for foreign nationals by approximately five times starting in fiscal year 2026. The move, part of the initial budget approved on December 26, 2025, aims to align fees with Western standards after remaining unchanged since 1978. The policy is expected to generate ¥120 billion in revenue while addressing overtourism concerns and rising administrative costs.
