Japan's peaceful Heisei Era leaves legacy of change, growth and tragedy
Emperor Akihito's abdication Tuesday will end the three-decade Heisei Era that began on Jan. 8, 1989, a day after he inherited the throne upon the death of his father, Emperor Showa. During his rein, Japan struggled with economic stagnation and was hit by several natural ...
Reiwa Era to open in wake of decades of tumultuous economic change in Japan
The Heisei Era began three decades ago with Emperor Akihito ascending the throne near the zenith of one of the biggest stock market bubbles in history. It's been punctuated by the triple hit of an earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown, the fall of tech ...
Abe's poker face: If Japan's leader is wavering on tax hike resolve, how will we know?
Twice before, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has backed away from the sort of sales tax hike that toppled at least one predecessor. Now, he faces the same dilemma again. In five months Japan is set to raise the levy to 10 percent from the current ...
Japan government bonds have a cute sales mascot, but there's only one buyer that matters
In the land that gave us Hello Kitty, it's no surprise the government employs an endearing mascot to sell its bonds. His name is Kokusai-sensei. A pint-size rendition of him welcomes visitors to the investor relations office at the Finance Ministry. Pudgy and professorial, ...
Japan's Diet passes record ¥101 trillion budget with spending hikes for defense and social security
Key to the budget is a ¥2.03 trillion stimulus package that the government hopes will underpin domestic demand after the consumption tax is increased.
A recent spate of warning signs that the economy is headed for a downturn means the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe may need to take corrective action sooner rather than later. Worsening conditions — and upcoming elections — could push Abe to beef up ...
Bank of Japan's never-ending monetary stimulus offers lessons for the world's central banks
Central bankers searching for options to fight the next downturn should look to Japan, where policymakers are gathering for a regular review of the world’s most epic monetary stimulus program. The Bank of Japan's two-decade journey from zero interest rates to massive asset purchases, negative ...
Fostering greater entrepreneurship is the best way for Japan to achieve sustained economic growth.
American investor Jim Rogers warns of severe economic downturn and forecasts grim future for Japan
Prominent American investor Jim Rogers has warned in a new book that the worst economic downturn in his lifetime is around the corner and that Japan's future is in jeopardy unless it takes serious steps to deal with staggering debt and a declining birth ...
At a time of rising populism and authoritarianism around the world, Japan stands out as a relative island of social and economic stability.
Abenomics under heavy fire after dodgy data hid apparent drop in wages across Japan in 2018
The government refuses to publicize the average real wage of workers for last year, causing heated debate in the current Diet session and raising questions about the credibility of Abenomics.
Dissecting the Bank of Japan's zero-rate policy 20 years on
Long before the U.S. and Europe embraced radical monetary policies last decade during the global financial crisis there was the Bank of Japan. Twenty years ago this month — back when the American economy was running hot under Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan and the ...
