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Toru Fujioka
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Jun 8, 2021
Japan's GDP shrinks less than feared, easing double-dip worries
The adjusted figure came as yet another round of restrictions to contain the coronavirus threatens to prolong an economic slump.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
May 28, 2021
Kuroda says BOJ will consider climate in monetary policy discussions
Until now, Kuroda has largely stuck to the view that the BOJ needs to consider climate change from the perspective of how it might present a risk to the financial system.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
May 21, 2021
Japan's falling prices obscure inflation goal, but weak yen may lift economy
The disconnect as the nation bucks the global trend of rising inflation could split its policy stance away from the trajectory of other major economies.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Apr 27, 2021
Japan to miss key 2% inflation target again as policy coordination loosened
'It's hugely symbolic that even Kuroda can't hit the target after a decade,” said a chief economist and former Bank of Japan official.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Apr 16, 2021
BOJ likely to discuss raising economic outlook, sources say
BOJ officials see a strong recovery in the United States and China as a driving force for Japan's export-reliant economy.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Apr 13, 2021
Ex-BOJ member sees no rate cuts without fresh crisis
Former board member Makoto Sakura's comments indicate the BOJ's bar for lowering rates is as high as ever and that weak inflation alone won't be enough to trigger such a move.
JAPAN
Apr 12, 2021
Japan’s slow vaccine rollout pushes back recovery time frame
The slow rollout means struggling businesses and fearful shoppers will have to hold out for longer as the economy's recovery is delayed by as much as two years compared with global peers.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Markets
Mar 19, 2021
BOJ carves out more policy flexibility after three-month review
The bank also said it would offer lending incentives if it lowered its target rates.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Markets
Mar 11, 2021
BOJ looking to foster more yield fluctuations in bond market
The range around the 10-year yield target is a key focus for markets as the central bank looks to enhance the sustainability of its monetary stimulus.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Markets
Mar 1, 2021
BOJ considers three pressure points to prolong stimulus
But with the Nikkei stock index around three-decade highs, some lawmakers and economists are asking why it's necessary to keep propping up the market.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Feb 26, 2021
Japan’s factory output shows resilience despite emergency
Industrial output rose 4.2% in January from the previous month, with production of memory chips and semiconductor equipment climbing, the trade ministry reported Friday.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Jan 18, 2021
Bank of Japan policy review seen as fine-tuning, not game-changing
BOJ Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda has a history of delivering surprises, so investors have been left guessing about what the policy assessment announced last month will deliver, if anything.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Dec 16, 2020
Japan’s ¥73.6 trillion stimulus hinges on spending by older generation
People over the age of 65 make up 29% of the population and account for almost 40% of the consumer spending that is the biggest driver of Japan's economy.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Dec 14, 2020
BOJ seen extending pandemic-fighting programs this week, according to survey
All but one economist projected the BOJ will make no change to its interest rates, forward guidance or key asset-purchase program.
BUSINESS
Nov 25, 2020
BOJ’s local bank aid makes rates harder to cut, ex-official says
To gain eligibility for the interest payments, regional banks must make decisions on merging or show they have improved their profitability.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Nov 19, 2020
Japan’s top union federation to demand wage raises despite pandemic
Rengo chief Rikio Kozu has indicated he'll push for a 4% wage increase, including base pay.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Nov 12, 2020
Tokyo’s tiny ramen bars close up shop rather than raise prices
'A price increase was never an option because passing our burden onto customers would be totally unfair,' said a worker at one restaurant that closed in August.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Oct 23, 2020
BOJ official says digital currency needs public support first
China's plans to issue a digital yuan, while still not fleshed out, have heightened global interest in digital currencies among central banks and policymakers.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Oct 21, 2020
BOJ likely to reduce inflation forecasts as Go To campaign cuts prices
The travel discounts started in July, and have helped drive consumer inflation below zero as hotel prices dropped by more than 30% from a year ago.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Markets
Oct 12, 2020
BOJ’s swelling share of Japan assets complicates future exit from stimulus
The central bank now owns 71% of exchange-traded funds, a fifth of commercial paper and 7% of corporate bonds, its assets equivalent to 137% of gross domestic product.

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