NGOs condemn rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric ahead of Upper House vote
NGOs condemn rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric ahead of Upper House vote On July 8, 2025, eight human rights nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), joined by 266 others, issued a joint statement condemning a surge in anti-immigrant rhetoric by political parties ahead of Japan’s July 20 Upper House election, warning of its potential to fuel xenophobia and undermine […]
Japan to set up ‘control tower’ for crimes by foreign residents
Japan to set up ‘control tower’ for crimes by foreign residents On July 8, 2025, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (石場茂, いしばしげる, イシバシゲル) announced the establishment of a new organization within the Cabinet Secretariat, dubbed a “control tower,” to coordinate government efforts in addressing crimes committed by foreign residents, set to launch the following week. […]
Trump Announces New Tariff Rate on Japan — and Extension of Deadline to Aug. 1
Trump Announces New Tariff Rate on Japan — and Extension of Deadline to Aug. 1 On July 7, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on Japanese exports to the United States, effective August 1, 2025, escalating tensions in ongoing trade negotiations. The announcement, made via letters posted on Truth Social to Japanese Prime […]
Foreign nationals’ presence in Japan emerges as key issue in Upper House poll
Foreign nationals’ presence in Japan emerges as key issue in Upper House poll As Japan approaches its July 20, 2025, House of Councillors election, the record-high presence of foreign nationals—3.77 million as of December 2024—has emerged as a pivotal issue, intensifying debates over immigration, economic contributions, and social integration. Political parties, from the ruling Liberal […]
U.S. Tariffs to Kick In Aug. 1 Barring Trade Deals
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BRICS nations voice ‘serious concerns’ over Trump tariffs
BRICS nations voice ‘serious concerns’ over Trump tariffs On July 7, 2025, the BRICS bloc—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members including Indonesia and Iran—issued a joint statement at their Rio de Janeiro summit, expressing “serious concerns” over U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, set to take effect August 1 unless trade deals are […]
Trump set to start notifying countries of tariffs up to 70%
Trump Set to Start Notifying Countries of Tariffs Up to 70% On July 7, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration would begin notifying trading partners of new tariffs, some as high as 70%, effective August 1, unless trade agreements are finalized, escalating global trade tensions to unprecedented levels. The announcement, made via […]
Japan’s households boost spending by most since summer of 2022
Japan’s households boost spending by most since summer of 2022 Japan’s household spending surged by 4.7% year-on-year in May 2025, marking the fastest growth since August 2022, according to data released by the Internal Affairs Ministry on July 4, 2025. This significant uptick, far exceeding market expectations of a 1.2% rise, signals a potential shift […]
Foreign buying of Japan stocks hits longest spell since 2013
Foreign buying of Japan stocks hits longest spell since 2013 Foreign investors have purchased Japanese stocks for 13 consecutive weeks through June 27, 2025, marking the longest buying streak since 2013, according to data from the Japan Exchange Group (JPX). This sustained influx, totaling ¥4.1 trillion ($28.5 billion), reflects a strategic shift toward diversification away […]