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.
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.
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.
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry allocates approximately 300 billion yen for generative AI in its 2026 budget proposal. Supporting domestic AI development with 1 trillion yen over 5 years in partnership with private companies like SoftBank. Also advancing next-generation nuclear reactor development to strengthen Japan's industrial competitiveness.
Japan's Finance Minister Katayama signals strong willingness to intervene in currency markets amid persistent yen depreciation. Despite the Bank of Japan's rate hike in December 2025, the yen continues to weaken to 157-level against the dollar, raising market concerns about potential intervention based on Japan-U.S. joint statement.
Japan's new smartphone competition law, effective December 18, 2025, brings major changes to Google Play's billing system. Learn about external payment redirects, third-party payment options, and how these regulations impact both users and developers, along with reactions from Japanese consumers.
In December 2024, Finance Minister Kato expressed strong concern over yen weakness reaching 157 per dollar, warning of "appropriate response to excessive movements" and hinting at potential currency intervention. Analysis of Japan's over ¥15 trillion interventions in 2024, the US-Japan interest rate gap driving yen weakness, and impacts on living costs.
The Bank of Japan raises policy rates to 0.75%, the highest level since 1995. A comprehensive analysis of this historic monetary policy shift aimed at addressing inflation and yen depreciation, including economic impacts and future outlook.
