Politics and Economy

Nine months after the Japan-EU BRT proposal, the rare earth landscape has transformed: 55-nation pricing agreements, an EU center modeled on Japan's JOGMEC, and $1.3B US funding. But can the West truly break China's grip?

On April 13, 2026, Japan's 10-year government bond yield surged to 2.490%, surpassing the 1998 'Trust Fund Bureau Shock' level for a 27-year high. BOJ Governor Ueda warned of Middle East geopolitical risks at the Trust Convention. All eyes are on the April 27-28 policy meeting.

China's carrier Liaoning conducted flight operations near Minamitorishima — Japan's remote rare earth island. With Beijing tightening export controls in retaliation for PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks, and a US-Japan rare earth partnership signed at the March 2026 summit, this is no longer just about minerals. It's a geopolitical power game with South China Sea parallels.

Japan's Economy Minister Akazawa called BOJ policy to boost the yen 'one option' to curb Iran-driven inflation. With USD/JPY near 160 and a 60% chance of a BOJ rate hike on April 28, we explain why a cabinet minister weighing in on forex policy is so unusual.

Kyoto University Professor Emeritus Hiroki Kamata warns Mount Fuji is in eruption standby mode, with high risk of being triggered by the Nankai Trough megaquake. NHK Special dramatizes Tokyo blackout scenario from volcanic ash, while Sakurajima continues active eruptions

Japan's METI officially approved an additional $4 billion for Rapidus, bringing total government support to $15 billion. We analyze Japan's 2nm chip ambitions alongside the US CHIPS Act, EU Chips Act, TSMC's Kumamoto expansion, and the critical challenge of finding customers.

A deep dive into Japan's latest energy policy as reported in the April 2026 Keidanren Times. Covering the three pillars of perovskite solar cells, next-gen geothermal, and offshore wind, plus hydrogen supply chains, CCS demonstrations, and green steel initiatives toward carbon neutrality by 2050.

On March 31, 2026, Japan officially enacted a tax reform law introducing a flat 20% separate taxation on crypto assets — down from the previous maximum of 55%. However, the new rate only applies to 'specified crypto assets' traded through domestic exchanges, excluding overseas platforms and DEXs. Implementation is expected from January 2028. We compare Japan's new approach with crypto tax policies worldwide.

Japan Research Institute proposes an Ocean Industrial Complex combining deep-sea robotics, rare earth mining, and blue carbon. With a successful trial extraction of rare earth mud from 6,000m depth and breakthrough underwater wireless tech, Japan's ocean strategy is becoming reality.