By Akio Tanaka
Tokyo-based correspondent covering Japanese politics, economy and the region from a Japanese vantage.
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
Japan's Takaichi Secures ¥3.11 Trillion Supplemental Budget Amid Political Pressure
Japan's House of Councillors approved a ¥3.11 trillion supplemental budget on June 5, backed by a coalition including the LDP and Ishin no K
The Lockheed-Tanaka Bagman: How a Money Launderer Smuggled Bribes into Japan
Bruce Aitken, a money launderer for Deak & Company, smuggled ¥100 million in cash to Tokyo in a modified golf bag for Lockheed's bribery of
When AI Speaks in the Name of God: Faith Chatbots Spread Across Asia
A chatbot from Nigeria's Redeemed Christian Church of God pushes for personal data before offering spiritual advice. Across Asia, similar AI
Bank of Japan Caught Between Takaichi, Trump, and Iran War Inflation
Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda warns that oil-driven inflation risks becoming entrenched. He faces conflicting pressures from Prime Minis
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Launches Physical AI Hub in Silicon Valley
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has established a Physical AI development center in San Jose, California. The facility aims to integrate AI and ro
Japan's Takaichi Navigates Budget, Party, and Defense Spending Challenges
Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae is pushing a ¥3 trillion supplemental budget but faces opposition demands for stimulus. Her LDP study group dr
ULVAC to Build Rare Earth Furnace Factory in Japan, Reducing China Dependence
ULVAC, a Japanese vacuum technology firm, will establish a new factory in Chigasaki to produce rare earth melting furnaces. The move respond
Global Bond Selloff Rattles Japan as Yields Hit Multi-Year Highs
Global bond yields are surging, with Japanese 30-year government bonds reaching their highest since 1999. The selloff is straining Tokyo's f
Ming Furniture: How Wood, Craft, and Time Forge a Living Tradition
Ming-style furniture is not merely antique; it embodies a civilization through wood, joinery, and proportion. The Donghu Rosewood Museum in