author

 
 
 Kazuaki Nagata

Meta

Twitter

@kzinagata

Kazuaki Nagata
BUSINESS / FOCUS
Aug 10, 2022
LDP politics take precedence over economy in Kishida’s Cabinet reshuffle
The apparent desire to achieve an internal balance of power seems to have mostly affected ministerial positions concerned with economics.
BUSINESS
Aug 1, 2022
Ministry panel proposes record ¥31 hike of Japan's minimum wage
The proposal follows tough talks between management and labor representatives on the key panel, with both sides struggling to reach an agreement.
BUSINESS
Aug 1, 2022
Japan looks to take startup ecosystem to next level with more government help
Initiatives under the Abe administration helped the development of some firms, but overall Japan still lags behind powerhouses such as the U.S. and China.
BUSINESS
Aug 1, 2022
Japan creates new Cabinet post to boost startup ecosystem
In addition to his role as economic revitalization minister, Daishiro Yamagiwa will now oversee the promotion of startup policies.
BUSINESS
Jul 29, 2022
KDDI to spend ¥7.3 billion to compensate users for major network outage
The carrier said about 22.8 million subscribers had experienced difficulties making voice calls, while more than 7.65 million users had trouble connecting to the internet during the outage.
BUSINESS
Jul 28, 2022
KDDI’s network outage rekindles calls for stronger emergency systems
To prevent a situation where people are unable to use their cellphones for an extended period of time, there is an urgent need to consider a system enabling 'cross-carrier roaming.'
BUSINESS
Jul 21, 2022
Bank of Japan keeps easing policies in place, reaffirming position as global outlier
The decision by the central bank was widely expected among economists, as long-time Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda has shown no sign of departing from his dovish policy.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jul 13, 2022
Canada pitches itself to Japan as key part of green supply chain
Francois-Philippe Champagne, Canada's minister of innovation, science and industry, says his country's EV battery ecosystem can help decarbonization efforts.
BUSINESS / Economy / FOCUS
Jul 12, 2022
Despite new political capital, questions linger over Kishida’s economic agenda
There is uncertainty about exactly what it is that Kishida wants to do with his new mandate, as so far he has only set out his agenda using broad brushstrokes.
JAPAN / FOCUS
Jul 10, 2022
With fresh mandate, Kishida set to have hands full in coming months
Fresh off his party's Upper House election victory, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to set his sights on a signature economic policy, Japan's COVID measures and a defense overhaul.
BUSINESS
Jul 5, 2022
KDDI says services fully restored after three-day disruption
The problem experienced by the mobile phone carrier, Japan's second-largest by number of subscribers, mushroomed into one of the country's worst-ever network outages.
BUSINESS / Companies
Jul 4, 2022
KDDI network ‘almost restored’ as Japan assesses outage's full impact
The problem has impacted not only users but also organizations in areas ranging from banking and logistics to emergency services.
BUSINESS / FOCUS
Jul 1, 2022
As Japan looks to raise minimum wage, firms say they’ll struggle to pay it
While rising inflation is increasing the necessity of wage hikes for workers, companies are facing heightened financial pressures of their own.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / New Normal 2.0
Jun 28, 2022
Japan firms that embraced remote work rediscover value of the office
Despite recognizing the advantages of work from home, some are finding the benefits of in-person communication and collaboration hard to ignore.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jun 24, 2022
BOJ sticks to its guns despite inflation, but consumers aren’t so tolerant
While the central bank has so far indicated it will not change its policy, signs are growing that consumers aren't so sanguine about rising prices.
BUSINESS
Jun 17, 2022
BOJ stands pat on policy despite pressure following Fed rate hike
While many economists had said a policy shift was unlikely, the Fed's decision to introduce its largest rate hike since 1994 had fueled speculation that an adjustment might be made.
BUSINESS / FOCUS
Jun 13, 2022
Amid geopolitical tensions, Japan firms put focus on economic security
Mitsubishi Electric, NEC and Hitachi are just some of the companies that have set up divisions to internally coordinate on supply chain resilience and the assessment of geopolitical risks.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / FOCUS
Jun 10, 2022
When will the BOJ act on the yen? Not anytime soon, economists say.
Kuroda's remarks reinforce the growing gap between Japan's monetary policy and other central banks attempting to fend off inflation.
BUSINESS / Economy / FOCUS
Jun 2, 2022
Kishida's 'new capitalism' not so new, economists say, but on the right track
Much of the language in this week's draft economic proposal was familiar, but the new emphasis on human resources could help lift Japan's economy.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
May 31, 2022
Japan approves ¥2.7 trillion extra budget bill to fend off inflation
The entire budget, which will be financed by government bonds, is being directed toward a u00a56.2 trillion emergency relief package put together to fend off rising prices.

Longform

Professional cleaner Hirofumi Sakurai takes a moment to appreciate some photographs in a Gotanda apartment whose occupant died alone.
The last cleanup: Life and death in a lonely Japan