Watami chief says he is changing direction from ‘izakayas’ after buying Subway in the country
Sharp raising of threshold before earnings are taxed is key measure in first major initiative of new Ishiba government
The government’s campaign against overwork could have far-reaching consequences for businesses and consumers
Political uncertainty following election upset raises risks of abrupt policy shifts, warn analysts
Currency sinks below ¥150 against US dollar for first time since August surge
At least that’s what the bond market is whispering
Currency falls after Ishiba says Japan’s economy is ‘not in an environment’ for further interest rate rises
Changes to GPIF’s investment policies to take on more risk have been lauded — but the country’s system is under strain
Central bank forecasts Japanese economy will keep growing at a pace above its potential growth rate
Empty shelves blamed on government’s policy of limiting production, tourist influx and extreme weather
Parliament told there will be no change to central bank’s basic stance on monetary easing
Resurgent Japanese currency forces speculators to shut down years’ worth of bets that could run into billions of dollars
Bank of Japan’s interest rate increase catches Tokyo market by surprise
Tacit acknowledgment of this by the country’s central bank signals a shift to more honest thinking
Japanese central bank plans to halve monthly bond purchases as it tightens monetary policy
Yen weakens after Japanese central bank delays releasing details on plans to trim balance sheet
The US, Eurozone, UK and Japan each have reasons to be unhappy
Also in this newsletter: Brussels warns major tech platforms to do more against Russian disinformation
Currency’s slide towards 34-year lows resumes as finance ministry reveals scale of market intervention
This year’s powerful stock market rally attracted investors’ attention, but does it have staying power?
Barrier to deter sightseers highlights friction generated by rising visitor numbers drawn by weak yen
Legal expertise based on experience in government and industry is in demand to help shape regulation
The consequences of the world’s second-largest economy being sucked into a deflationary spiral would be severe
Weak yen puts pressure on household expenses and complicates central bank’s plan to raise interest rates
Unilateral efforts to prop up Japan’s currency are expensive and potentially futile
