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 Emperor Akihito both during his reign and in his abdication ceremony. He was deeply committed to peace but was he a pacifist? And how was …
Pacifist or Peacemaker: What were Emperor Akihito’s views on war? Read More »
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 brand noticed not just by Japan, but by the whole world. It is a market watched globally for its trends and technological innovations, that is …
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. But when President Trump started direct talks with Kim Jong-Un there was mixed feelings. Japanese conservatives worried it could legitimise Kim and lead to another …
Trump and Kim have stopped talking, so things may be safer for Japan Read More »
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 Japanese usually seem very restrained but then suddenly burst into exuberant displays of anger or joy. Chinese people have a more balanced way of their …
“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. Her view is that the law must be changed so that same-sex marriages are legally accepted. A campaign is underway to make that possible. But …
Gay marriage challenges Japan’s view of love and law Read More »
The relationship between Japan and its neighbour South Korea is in a mess. Politicians from the two countries are still disputing events which date back to the first half of the last century, when Japan occupied the Korean Peninsula. Japan says it’s apologised enough for past misdeeds. South Korea disagrees. Find out what lies behind …
Japan’s Emperor called upon to apologise to South Korea Read More »
When the Chinese stage an official event they want everyone to see their smiling, friendly side. That’s not always true for the Japanese. They’re prepared to present their problems to the world, including their anger. That’s a surprise for those foreigners who think of Japan as a quiet calm country without much confrontation. In this …
Hitachi and Honda are among the big Japanese companies already being impacted by Britain’s vote to leave the EU. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe came to London to warn against a no deal Brexit. He spoke up for Japanese businesses which are distraught by the political situation in the UK. But I believe the Japanese are …
Hitachi Loses Billions as Japan Faces Brexit Fallout Read More »
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 …