By Akio Tanaka
Tokyo-based correspondent covering Japanese politics, economy and the region from a Japanese vantage.
Japan's 'Honebuto Shock' Term Emerges as Bond Yields Hit 30-Year High
Japanese long-term bond yields briefly surged to 2.81% on July 3, the highest in three decades. Analysts coined the term 'honebuto shock' as
In Quiet Suburban Japan, a Blind Councilman Fights for Dignity Over Party Politics
Hiroki Uchida, a blind city councilman in Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture, has turned his childhood trauma into a political mission. He focuses on
Japan Launches $6.1 Billion AI Consortium to Build Sovereign Foundation Model
Japan has launched Noetra, a government-backed consortium of SoftBank, Sony, NEC, and Honda, to build a national AI foundation model. The pr
Bank of Japan's Decades-Old Monetary Experiment Now Threatens the Yen
The yen has fallen to around 162 per dollar, its weakest since 1986. The Bank of Japan's four-decade experiment with ultra-loose policy and
China Blacklists 40 Japanese Firms, Accusing Tokyo of Militarization
China has placed 40 Japanese entities on export control lists, accusing them of advancing Japan's remilitarization. The move escalates trade
Uzbekistan's World Cup Debut Highlights Central Asia's Quiet Transformation
Uzbekistan has become the first Central Asian nation to qualify for the men's World Cup, debuting in the expanded 2026 tournament. The achie
China's Humanoid Robots Find Real Work in Aging Asia's Logistics
Japan's Haneda Airport is trialing Chinese humanoid robots for baggage handling amid a severe labor shortage. The move underscores a pragmat
Japan's Identity Debate: Culture, Not Creed, Defines Being Japanese
Japan's rising immigration is prompting a national conversation on identity. Unlike the US, where faith often anchors belonging, Japan's coh
Japan Pushes G7 for Rare Earth Price Floors to Counter China's Dominance
Japan is rallying G7 nations to establish floor prices for rare earths, aiming to break China's grip on critical minerals. The move follows
The 'Wasian' Label: Empowerment or a New Racial Hierarchy?
The term 'Wasian' has gained traction among Gen Z celebrities and social media meetups, but critics argue it centers whiteness. This article
Bank of Japan's Fifth Rate Hike in Two Years Fails to Stir Markets
The Bank of Japan raised its policy rate to 1% for the first time in 31 years, but the Nikkei 225 surged above 70,000 and the yen barely mov
Rising Anti-Foreigner Sentiment in Japan Reflects Generational and Political Divides
Nearly two-thirds of Japanese adults support tighter regulations on foreign land purchases and expect foreigners to follow local customs. Yo