An interesting article by the Nikkei Shimbun analysing the divergence of views on the consumption tax hike within the Abe Cabinet. Indeed something that will drive markets in weeks to come and a topic for Abe today, his first day back in Nagatacho af...

According to the Asahi Shimbun, the Japanese government plans to propose abolishing tariffs on up to 85% at TPP negotiations in Brunei. This will not include politically sensitive agricultural products. 

The Nikkei Shimbun reports that new direct investment by foreign firms to Japan is decreasing. According to government statistics, from January to June, new investment was at the lowest level in ten years. Abenomics has attracted short-term equity in...

A 100-member delegation left Japan to participate in the Trans-Pacific Parternship (TPP) negotiations that began last week in Malaysia. Led by Deputy Foreign Minister Koji Tsuruoka, the delegation also consists of representatives from the Ministry of...

This morning, GR Japan's Senior Adviser Dr. Llewelyn Hughes presented a study predicting that the governing coalition will secure a stable majority in the upcoming election. The Liberal Democractic Party (LDP) and the New Komeito Party (Komeito) coal...

While most politicians are out of Nagatacho campaigning for the upcoming election to the House of Councilors, Kasumigaseki is fighting over control of the nuclear energy policy discussion. The Denki Shimbun runs an interesting story about both METI a...

On July 6 and 7, the Asahi Shimbun conducted a second survey (telephone) in regards to the House of Councillors election. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) topped the list at 41% (the first survey conducted on June 29 and 30 indicated 44%) of propor...

Japan's economy is too large to continue to drift through recession and deflation. In considering the challenges we face, I always start from this basic realization. To put the size of the Japanese economy into context, as measured in nominal GDP, it...

At a meeting of GR Japan's International Policy Forum on 20 May, Japan's Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry, Masaaki Taira, addressed an audience of business leaders on the Abe government's growth strategy for Japan. New meas...

Since taking the helm as prime minister for the second time last December, Abe Shinzō has focused on economic policy, including the adoption of an inflation target. The market has responded favorably, and the national mind-set seems to be shifting. J...