What could a trip to the dentist reveal about economics?
Most dentists expect their patients to tell them where the pain is before they suggest a cure. The problem with countries is that they don’t always know what’s causing their…
Rocket man returns
North Korea has lashed out at South Korea firing more missiles in the direction of Japan. They landed in the sea but experts say the weapons are getting more dangerous….
Argument
Have you ever wondered why people from East Asian countries appear to be reserved in meetings, including conferences and university lectures? It could be that they are trying to avoid…
The gulf between Japan and Russia is widening
Russia and Japan are still bitter rivals, despite a friendly welcome for President Putin in Osaka for the latest G20 meeting. The nations went to war twice last century and…
Shinzo Abe’s Iranian headache
The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is an experienced diplomat but he’s been derided for failure in his latest effort in the Middle East. He has failed to broker peace…
No more high heels, boss!
Some of Japan’s women have been angrily kicking back against the pressure to wear high heeled shoes. They say the government should intervene and the blame is being laid firmly…
Vietnam – Japan Trade and Investment
With durable diplomatic relation, the momentum of Vietnam – Japan Free Trade Agreement (VJFTA), Vietnam – Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (VJEPA), ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (AJCEP) and Comprehensive and…
It may be painful to pander to Trump but businesses reckon it’s worth it
It was all smiles when Donald Trump met business leaders in London and Tokyo recently. They told him they want more trade with the US, despite his disruptive and sometimes…
Sea monster ice cream deserves good table manners
I like chewy, hot squid on a stick – even though it looks like a cross between an ice cream and a sea monster. It’s not easy to eat, though,…
What is the Japanese army doing in Egypt?
It’s hard to imagine the Japanese Self Defence Force going to war in Egypt. But two officers are heading there to try to keep the peace between Egypt and Israel….
Pacifist or Peacemaker: What were Emperor Akihito’s views on war?
The international media are using the start of Japan’s new era to look closely at the role of the Emperor. Reporters are interested in the words and gestures used by…
What is the Market Readiness Framework?
Two major sporting events, Japan Rugby 2019 and Tokyo 2020 are just around the corner, with the Osaka World Expo following in 2025. It’s the ideal time to get your…
Trump and Kim have stopped talking, so things may be safer for Japan
North Korea still scares Japan but maybe less than before There’s even relief Trump and Kim stopped talking Japan has long lived in fear of an attack by North Korea….
How do the Chinese see Japan
Why are the two countries so different emotionally? People from China often seem puzzled by the emotions of the Japanese and regard them as rather strange. They wonder why the…
Gay marriage challenges Japan’s view of love and law
“Why don’t we even have the simple choice of whether or not to get married?” asks Yoko Ogawa, who has been in a partnership with a woman for 25 years….