Japan's Air Self-Defense Force scrambles over 700 times annually at $38,000 per hour. With China's drones increasing and F-15s aging, can the UK-Italy-Japan GCAP sixth-gen fighter solve the crisis? An in-depth look at Japan's air defense challenges.

In January 2026, the yen surged to the 155 level after reports that Japanese and US authorities conducted coordinated "rate checks," signaling potential currency intervention. We explain what this means for the Japanese economy amid election-driven fiscal policy debates.

Japan's 2025 trade deficit halved to ¥2.65 trillion, down 52.9% year-on-year. Record exports of ¥110.4 trillion were driven by strong electronic components and semiconductor shipments to Asia and EU. However, Trump tariffs caused the first decline in US-bound exports in 5 years.

Japan's fiscal outlook takes dramatic turn as Cabinet Office projects ¥800 billion primary balance deficit for FY2026, reversing previous ¥3.6 trillion surplus forecast. Analysis of Takaichi administration's supplementary budget impact and implications for fiscal health targets.

Japan commits over ¥10 trillion ($65 billion) to semiconductor revival by 2030. Explore Rapidus's 2nm production goals, equipment & materials strengths, and global competition in this comprehensive analysis of Japan's "Crisis Management Investment" strategy.

The Bank of Japan is expected to maintain its policy rate at 0.75% at the January 22-23, 2026 meeting. Despite raising rates to a 30-year high in December, the yen continues to weaken. We explore the impact on mortgage rates, future policy outlook, and reactions from Japan and around the world.

Prime Minister Takaichi calls for diversification of critical material supply chains at meeting with Keidanren. Amid China's tightening rare earth export controls, Japan accelerates domestic mining at Minamitorishima and international partnerships. Analysis of Japan's resource strategy for economic security.

On January 16, 2025, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met manga legend Tetsuo Hara, creator of Fist of the North Star, during her visit to Japan. Learn about Hara's historic honor at the Uffizi Gallery, how Fist of the North Star influenced Dragon Ball, Naruto, and One Piece, and why the series remains beloved in Italy after 40 years. Discover how manga has become a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy.

Kyushu Electric's CEO predicts 20-30% power demand increase by 2034 due to TSMC semiconductor expansion and AI data center growth. Japan's 7th Basic Energy Plan emphasizes renewables and nuclear power to meet surging electricity needs.

In 2025, Japanese agricultural corporation bankruptcies hit a record 103 cases. Learn about the structural challenges facing Japan's farming industry: weak yen, soaring material costs, labor shortages, and succession crisis, all while food self-sufficiency remains at just 38%.

According to the latest forecast by SEAJ (Semiconductor Equipment Association of Japan), sales of Japanese-made semiconductor manufacturing equipment are projected to reach ¥5.5 trillion in FY2026, up 12% YoY, exceeding ¥5 trillion for the first time in history. Expanding investment in advanced AI semiconductors is driving growth, with Japanese companies like Tokyo Electron expected to gain global market share.

Dentsu Soken and UK's Quant Network announce partnership to pioneer Japan's stablecoin market. Learn how programmable payments and orchestration technology are transforming Japanese finance, alongside megabank pilots and JPYC developments shaping 2026's digital currency landscape.

In January 2026, Japan's top currency official warned of possible intervention as the yen fell to 159 per dollar. Learn about the background of the yen's weakness, Japan's history of currency intervention, and how the Takaichi administration's fiscal policies and election speculation are affecting markets.

A new mineral called Takanawaite discovered in Mt. Takanawa, Ehime Prefecture contains rare earth elements. However, commercial development faces three major barriers: mining volume, stable supply, and radioactive waste processing. This article explores Japan's path to becoming a "resource power" alongside the Minamitorishima seabed development project.

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, a ¥280 billion operating surplus, and ¥3.6 trillion economic impact—exceeding pre-event projections. Discover what made this expo profitable and explore the factors behind successful World Expos.

Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae is reportedly considering dissolving the House of Representatives for a snap election. This analysis explores the timing, political motivations, and potential economic impacts on Japanese markets under both victory and defeat scenarios.

Japan's Fair Trade Commission launches investigation into unauthorized use of news articles by AI search services. Major newspapers sue Perplexity for copyright infringement. Analysis of antitrust concerns and market dominance issues in generative AI industry.