One of the most powerful business figures in Japan has appeared in court in handcuffs and wearing plastic slippers. Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn said “I am innocent of all the accusations made against me.” He said he’d been unfairly detained on “meritless and unsubstantiated grounds.” The appearance was short but it’s shown that this …
Handcuffed business hero protests his innocence from the dock Read More »
There’s been a storm of criticism in the media over Japan’s decision to resume commercial whaling. Newspapers and websites claim the decision has no economic or ecological justification. Yet look carefully and you can see there are political reasons behind the move. And it does raise the question: are the lives of whales more important …
Japan is famous for its fast and efficient trains but could they run without human drivers? Tests are about to start using automated trains on one of Tokyo’s busiest urban lines. And there are also plans to remove human drivers from the cabs of some of the famous shinkansen bullet trains. In this week’s Japan …
Is it artistic to show pictures of naked women tied by ropes? That question has often been asked about the famous Japanese photographer Araki. He exhibits works at some of the world’s most prestigious galleries. However, some Asian women say they’ve had enough. Find out the reasons for their angry protest in this week’s Japan …
Angry Asian Girls Raise Questions about Art and Pornography Read More »
Japan usually tries not to intervene in the politics of other countries. But Britain’s exit from the EU has big implications for Japanese companies, which have been lobbying politicians in the House of Commons this week. The Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe has also been pressing his case to the British leader Theresa May. Will …
All the press in Japan are desperate for more news of what’s going on with the former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn. The media’s rife with speculation but some of it doesn’t seem to plausible to me. For example, I don’t trust the line that Mr Ghosn denies the charges against him. How could he? No …
Where is Carlos Ghosn and has he been charged with any crime? Read More »
President Trump is feeling confident following the Midterm elections. Although he lost some political support, he’s free to continue his trade battle with China. Japan recognises China as a rival is some ways, although their relationship is intertwined economically. In this week’s Japan Story blog, we look at the dilemmas facing Japan because of Mr …
Japan would make the perfect ally if Trump wants to raise the stakes with China Read More »
I am a fan of Japan but I also try to maintain a balanced view when it comes to journalism. This week, I was challenged by a reader of my blog on whether I’m too optimistic. I then came across a very positive article in the Economist, telling readers all the good things about Japan’s …
Am I too optimistic? Well, the Economist is upbeat, too! Read More »
Most of the international media were positive about Prime Minister Abe’s landmark trip to China. But not everyone agrees that it was the Trump factor which brought the Asian rivals closer together. One outspoken writer says it’s “arrant nonsense” that China needs Japan as an ally in its trade war with the US. You can …
China’s attitude to Japan has changed. Shinzo Abe is receiving the red carpet treatment in Beijing. China and Japan have long been rivals and five years ago their relationship was in poor state, diplomatically. China blamed the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for stirring up trouble over history and territorial disputes. Yet this week, China’s …
Japan and China are entering a new stage and it’s all about business Read More »