All articles tagged with #japan
Japan's yen is weakening as markets demand higher interest rates, but raising rates risks a fiscal crisis given gross debt around 240% of GDP while net debt is about 130%. Official FX intervention is unlikely to stop the slide; the more viable path is to reduce gross debt by selling government assets, which could ease depreciation, though illiquid assets and policy risks complicate any such move.
At a two-day summit in Nara, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi wrapped up with a symbolic drum jam, playing K-pop hits together and exchanging autographs on drumsticks—an upbeat moment meant to signal warmer bilateral ties. Beyond the show, they pursued concrete cooperation on DNA testing for victims of the 1942 Chosei coal mine disaster, scam-crime cooperation, and the launch of economic security talks, while keeping thornier issues like comfort women and territorial disputes off the agenda; they also visited the ancient Horyu-ji temple, underscoring a rhythm of engagement over confrontation.
Japanese equities rose to record highs as investors bet Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will call a snap election, fueling the Takaichi trade with a weaker yen boosting exporters. The Nikkei 225 topped 54,000 at 54,341.23 and the Topix hit a fresh peak as the yen slid past 159 per dollar. Regional markets were mixed, with silver surging above $90 while U.S. indices fell amid volatility from political proposals.
A Japanese research vessel sails to Minamitori Island to test lifting rare-earth seabed sludge from 6 km deep, as Tokyo seeks to diversify its supply away from China amid export controls; the month-long test could lead to a full-scale mining trial by 2027 if economics improve, backed by stockpiles and overseas projects to reduce dependence on Chinese supplies of critical minerals.
In Japan, physical sales of Pokemon Legends: Z-A on Nintendo Switch 2 exceed 1 million, making it the second Switch 2 title to hit the milestone; the original Switch version has sold over 2.5 million physically, with digital copies likely pushing total to around 4 million.
Japan is rallying international partners to diversify its access to rare-earth minerals as concerns grow over China’s growing dominance in these critical resources, aiming to shield electronics and green-tech industries from potential supply disruptions.
A large Tokyo electronics retailer, Sofmap Gaming in Akihabara, is begging customers to sell their old gaming PCs as shelves empty due to soaring PC-part prices driven by AI data centers, with RAM and GPUs in short supply and prebuilt PCs potentially rising in price, prompting the call for used rigs and components.
A record-breaking $3.2 million bluefin tuna from Japan was flown to LA and served at Sushi Zanmai in Koreatown, but it has now sold out. The tuna was auctioned in Tokyo and is considered a symbol of good fortune, with the restaurant offering affordable sushi slices from the giant fish.
The Mauritshuis will lend Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' to the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka this summer, marking a rare international travel for the painting, which is usually kept as a star exhibit in the Netherlands. The loan, organized in collaboration with Asahi Shimbun, aims to fund museum renovations and create an education center, offering a unique opportunity for Japanese audiences to experience the iconic artwork.
China has intensified its criticism of Japan's recent moves towards nuclear armament, accusing Tokyo of violating non-nuclear principles and threatening regional stability, while Japan denies these claims amid ongoing tensions over defense policies and regional security concerns.
China has shown signs of moderation after threatening to restrict dual-use exports to Japan earlier in the week, emphasizing that it does not wish to strain bilateral relations and assuring that civilian trade will remain unaffected.
During the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo, Jehovah’s Witnesses organized a sign-language preaching campaign, engaging deaf athletes and spectators from around the world through literature displays and conversations in sign language, successfully spreading their message and making meaningful connections.
China has imposed immediate bans on certain dual-use exports, including rare earth elements, to Japan, citing Japan's recent comments on Taiwan as a justification, escalating tensions between the two countries amid ongoing geopolitical disputes.
China has imposed an export ban on dual-use goods to Japan's military in response to Japanese comments about Taiwan, escalating tensions over sovereignty and military implications in the region.
A 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Matsue, Japan, causing shaking with potential aftershocks within 100 miles, with data subject to revision as scientists analyze further information.