Will a mix-up about mixed marriage mar Britain’s relations with Asia?
A slip of the tongue by Britain’s new Foreign Secretary has been on people’s minds in Asia. Jeremy Hunt said his wife is Japanese. In fact, she’s Chinese. Does it…
For North Korea, Japan is still Enemy Number One
North Korea claims to have dismantled a military base which was used to fire missiles towards Japan. But the Japanese Foreign Ministry insists that independent inspectors must verify the claim….
Japan and the EU offer to “light up the political darkness”
The EU and Japan are claiming that they can “light up the darkness” in an era of protectionism and trade wars. They’ve just signed a sweeping trade deal which should…
Japan’s tidy fans win support at the World Cup
Japanese football supporters amazed journalists covering the World Cup in Russia by cleaning up the sports stadium. They used plastic bags they’d brought with them to clear away their rubbish….
Is tourism polluting the charm and beauty of Japan?
Last time I walked through Shinsaibashi in the centre of Osaka, I seemed to hear more people speaking Chinese than Japanese. Most Chinese visitors to Japan say they are charmed…
Why is Shinzo Abe so patient with Donald Trump?
While President Trump has been making headlines recently, Shinzo Abe of Japan has often been at his side. He joined the President in Washington, then at the G7 meeting in…
US puts tariffs on Japanese Steel and aluminum – imported cars, trucks and auto parts next
Considering that the USA wants to put new tariffs on Japanese imported cars, trucks and auto parts after already having imposed tariffs on Japanese aluminum and steel imports, something must…
Would the Red Queen believe in the Trump-Kim summit?
There’s a famous line in the children’s story Alice about believing six impossible things for breakfast. Believing that the meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un will happen in Singapore…
Trump’s Trade War with China pits Japan against its US ally
Shinzo Abe’s friendship with Donald Trump is being sorely tested by a trade dispute over steel. Mr Trump is refusing to remove tariffs on Japanese steel imports and Japan has…
Japanese women chime in with #MeToo Protests
As the #MeToo movement spreads, Japanese women are challenging old ideas on gender. They are angry at harassment and discrimination. The issue of motherhood is also entering the debate. With…
Abe the diplomat takes cake to sweeten the Korea deal
Prime Minister Abe made a sweet gesture to the South Korean President Moon Jae-in this week: he gave him a cake to celebrate his first year in office. Although there…
Will Abe go?
For weeks, everyone in Tokyo has been talking about whether the Prime Minister will resign. Tens of thousands of people have been out on the streets chanting for him to…
Abe says: “I want to meet Kim, too”
Shinzo Abe says he should be included in the meeting between the US President and North Korean leader After North Korea’s leader made a surprise trip to Beijing, Shinzo Abe…
Shinzo Abe’s hope of becoming Japan’s longest serving PM is fading.
He continues to face allegations linking him and his wife to a right-wing organisation which appears to be hostile to China and South Korea. Protests have been taking place outside…
Japan 5th most attractive destination for multinational companies for 2017-2019
While Japan’s appeal, compared to other destinations, is very strong, its performance in terms of FDI has been weak at times. After a slowdown following the 2009 global financial crisis,…