Japan’s government lifted the nationwide state of emergency on 25 May but some restrictions remain.  The government is now working to lift border restrictions in phases with business travellers allowed in first, and resumption of tourism later in the year. Following the record-breaking supplementary budget on 30 April, the government is now preparing a second, even larger package to tackle the crisis and support economic recovery.  The crisis has proved a challenge to Japanese leaders, with Abe’s ratings falling below 30% despite the low number of cases.

GR Korea was honoured to welcome Dr. Jiyoon Kim, a popular radio and TV commentator on Korean politics and elections, as the guest speaker at the first International Policy Forum webinar in Korea.  The subject of the webinar was Korea’s National Assembly Election - Implications for Government and the Economy in the Covid-19 World, and it was hosted by Juyun Moon, Team Leader for GR Korea.

GR Japan was honoured to host a webinar with Yoshimasa Hayashi, Chair of the LDP Headquarters for Economic Growth Strategies, the body setting Japan’s economic policy responses to the coronavirus crisis.  Mr. Hayashi shared invaluable insights into Japan’s economic response and its impact on businesses and individuals.  The webinar was hosted by GR Japan’s CEO, Jakob Edberg. 

Ishiba’s three observations on the meaning of the change from Heisei to Reiwa

The beginning of the Reiwa era marks the end of Japan’s post-war era;
Japan’s thinking needs to react to the fact that the nature of capitalism has changed, including an increase in economic inequality;
Japan’s democracy needs a new vision and new goals, in keeping with these changes and the end of the post-war era. 

Ishiba speaking at GR Japan