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 Kazuaki Nagata

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Kazuaki Nagata
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Apr 26, 2022
Kishida unveils economic measures to counter inflation
The government's package includes steps aimed at addressing rising gasoline prices and supporting low-income households with children.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / ANALYSIS
Apr 19, 2022
Japan’s trade shifts mean a weak yen is likely here to stay
The nation is expected to face a chronic trade deficit, putting further downward pressure on the yen.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / FOCUS
Apr 6, 2022
As Japan's politicians call for big spending amid price hikes, some question the timing
With an Upper House election approaching in July, economists have pointed out that the move appears to be politically motivated.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Markets
Apr 1, 2022
It's almost time for the TSE's restructuring, but frustrations linger
Reforms set to be rolled out on Monday are intended to bring clarity to the roles of the exchange's segments, but critics say bloat is still a major issue.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Mar 29, 2022
Yen's weakness casts a pall over Japan’s economy
Conventionally, a weak yen is believed to have benefits for the Japanese economy, as it helps exports, but the pandemic and Ukraine conflict complicate things this time around.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / FOCUS
Mar 15, 2022
Japan firms brace for more supply chain disruption after Ukraine war
Despite rarely procuring goods from Russia or Ukraine directly, Japan's manufacturers remain vulnerable to the war's far-reaching repercussions.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Mar 4, 2022
Japan reinforces countermeasures against rapidly rising oil prices
To cushion the impact of soaring oil prices due to the war in Ukraine, the government said Friday that it will bolster a subsidy program for oil wholesalers.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Mar 1, 2022
Japan's eased border restrictions offer hope for struggling business sectors
From major tech companies to elderly care facilities, Japanese businesses have had to battle through the pandemic without the foreign staffers they need.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Feb 25, 2022
Cabinet approves bill to beef up Japan's economic security
Improving economic security is one of the primary policy agendas proposed by Kishida amid the pandemic and the growing rivalry between the United States and China.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Feb 25, 2022
Japan braces for even higher inflation amid Ukraine crisis
Russia's invasion of Ukraine will only exacerbate an existing inflationary trend, thereby increasing the burden on firms and households.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Feb 14, 2022
New bill looks to beef up Japan's economic security, but firms are wary
The planned legislation would cover a range of sectors, with penalties for those that don't comply, but businesses worry that it could harm international competitiveness.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy / FOCUS
Feb 9, 2022
Why Japan's wages aren't rising
Initially triggered by financial crises in the 1990s, economists today point to other factors affecting stagnant wage growth.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Feb 3, 2022
Global inflation wave pushes up prices in Japan on everything from pasta to gasoline
Japanese companies are generally reluctant to pass higher costs on to price-sensitive consumers, but many feel they have no choice and prices on a slew of products are on the rise.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / ANALYSIS
Jan 26, 2022
Microsoft’s Activision purchase could leave Japanese video game-makers out in the cold
Japanese gaming firms, which are generally less agile and outward-looking than their U.S. peers, may struggle as companies invest in the metaverse.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / FOCUS
Jan 25, 2022
Amid the 'buy now, pay later' boom, Japan takes a different path
The country's unique approach to credit card payments undercuts the appeal of BNPL seen elsewhere, with the service finding a different niche as a result.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy / Outlook 2022
Jan 2, 2022
For first time in two years, Japan has some room for economic optimism
Omicron and inflation risks loom, but economists expect 2022 to be a year of recovery as consumption rises and people tap into the savings they've built up over the pandemic.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 24, 2021
Japan’s draft budget hits record high for 10th straight year
Spending on areas such as social security and defense has jumped, while estimated tax revenue has been revised upwards.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 18, 2021
Japan to shorten booster shot interval for medical workers and seniors on omicron concerns
The interval between second shots and booster shots will be six months for health care workers and those living in nursing homes, the prime minister said.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 15, 2021
Extra budget to finance Kishida's massive stimulus package clears Lower House
The administration hopes to roll out economic and coronavirus measures quickly, as Japan's economy is still weighed down by the impact of the pandemic.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Explainer
Dec 11, 2021
After a month of shifting rules, who can enter Japan?
Over the past month, Japan's border control policies have flip-flopped over the newly discovered omicron variant of the coronavirus, leaving many would-be travelers confused.

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Construction takes place on the Takanawa Gateway Convention Center in Tokyo, slated to open in 2025.
A boom for business tourism in Japan?