Tag - finance-ministry

 
 

FINANCE MINISTRY

BUSINESS / Markets
Feb 25, 2016
Japan got paid $464 million to borrow thanks to negative yields
The government has been paid at least ¥52 billion to borrow money since the yield on its debt first fell below zero at auction in October 2014.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Feb 18, 2016
Exports suffer greatest fall in six years on China woes
Exports fall for a fourth consecutive month and the most since late 2009, underscoring continued weakness in the Japanese economy.
BUSINESS / Economy
Dec 29, 2015
Yen guru Gyohten says Abe must stimulate economy, as BOJ has done its part
Toyoo Gyohten, a former currency policy chief at the Finance Ministry, says 2016 will be the year for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to take up the mantle of stimulus from the Bank of Japan, which has done all it can to revive the economy.
BUSINESS / Economy
Oct 17, 2015
Aso says BOJ unlikely to expand easing for now
The central bank is unlikely to expand its unprecedented economic stimulus for now, Finance Minister Taro Aso said, citing a surplus of money in the economy and weak domestic demand.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy / YEN FOR LIVING
Sep 26, 2015
Inevitable looming consumption tax hike keeps the LDP awake at night
The LDP is in a tough spot between an public wary of consumption tax hikes and a Finance Ministry unwilling to budge on the promised move to a 10-percent levy.
BUSINESS / Economy
Sep 9, 2015
Plan to use My Number for tax rebates is flawed, some experts say
The system is set to streamline tax collection and social welfare benefits, but critics warn of privacy issues by using it to also provide sales tax rebates.
BUSINESS
Jun 15, 2015
Government puts Japan Tobacco sell-off on back burner without immediate need for cash
The central government has decided to push back the sale of its remaining stake in Japan Tobacco Inc., Asia's largest listed cigarette-maker, according to officials familiar with the matter.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Science & Health
Jun 2, 2015
Some experts doubt shift to generic drugs is best prescription for health care system
In a desperate bid to stem the rise in health care costs, the government is reining in one of its biggest medical outlays: prescription drugs.
COMMUNITY / Issues / LAW OF THE LAND
Apr 12, 2015
Bridging corruption and legitimacy: amakudari
Amakudari reaches into almost every aspect of civil and economic life, quietly taking its cut in the form of higher prices, obscure but lucrative monopolies and seemingly bizarre regulations.
COMMENTARY / Japan / SENTAKU MAGAZINE
Jan 21, 2015
Abe targets Finance Ministry
Angered by its resistance to some of his policy measures, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appears bent on curbing the power of the Finance Ministry.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Dec 20, 2014
A better way to spend yen on schools
Japan's Finance Ministry wants to increase the number of students in each class to save ¥8.6 billion in personnel costs. This will result in 3,325 schools being shuttered and up to 4,000 teachers cashiered. A good idea perhaps, but why not prioritize spending on students who need the most attention?
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Markets
Nov 26, 2014
'Mr. Yen' sees drop in exchange rate he forecast coming to an end
The 14 percent plunge in the yen since mid-year has about run its course, according to the former Finance Ministry official known as "Mr. Yen."
Japan Times
BUSINESS / YEN FOR LIVING
Nov 17, 2014
Are Japan's public school teachers paid too much?
Japanese teachers make more money than the world average, but they also work many more hours.

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