Trump hammers away at Japan for a third day threatening 35% duties
Trump hammers away at Japan for a third day threatening 35% duties On July 3, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump escalated his trade offensive against Japan for the third consecutive day, threatening to impose tariffs of up to 35% on Japanese imports starting July 9, unless Tokyo reaches a trade deal with Washington. The remarks, […]
Is the shine coming off the U.S.-Japan ‘Golden Age’?
Is the shine coming off the U.S.-Japan ‘Golden Age’? In January 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the U.S.-Japan relationship as “a friendship like few others,” declaring a new “golden age” of bilateral ties poised to flourish. Yet, by July 2025, this optimism is waning, with trade talks stalled, defense disputes escalating, and diplomatic missteps […]
China partially lifts ban on Japanese seafood imports in bid to ease frictions
China partially lifts ban on Japanese seafood imports in bid to ease frictions On June 29, 2025, China announced the partial lifting of its nearly two-year ban on Japanese seafood imports, imposed in August 2023 over concerns about the release of treated wastewater from Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The decision, effective immediately, allows […]
Measures to ease inflation must be speedy says Prime Minister Ishiba Free 290625
Trump Signals Continuing Trade-Defense Link as Tariff Talks Drag On Measures to ease inflation must be speedy says Prime Minister Ishiba On June 29, 2025, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (石場茂, いしばしげる, イシバシゲル) emphasized the urgent need for swift measures to combat inflation, warning that delays could exacerbate economic pressures on Japanese households. Speaking at […]
LDP to discuss governance plans after Upper House election Moriyama says
LDP to discuss governance plans after Upper House election Moriyama says On June 28, 2025, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama (森山裕, もりやまひろし, モリヤマヒロシ) announced that the ruling party will discuss governance strategies after the July 20 Upper House election, signaling a pragmatic approach to Japan’s shifting political landscape. Speaking in an interview with […]
Lawmaker hints at new social media regulations as misinformation taints elections
Lawmaker hints at new social media regulations as misinformation taints elections On June 27, 2025, a senior Japanese lawmaker from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) hinted at stricter social media regulations to combat misinformation ahead of the Upper House election, scheduled for July 2025, citing its potential to undermine democratic processes. The announcement, reported […]
Japan holds first preparatory panel meeting on sex crime background checks
Japan holds first preparatory panel meeting on sex crime background checks On June 26, 2025, Japan’s Children and Families Agency convened the first meeting of a preparatory committee to establish a system for screening individuals working with children for sex crime records, a significant step toward enhancing child safety. Modeled after the United Kingdom’s Disclosure […]
Over 470 gearing up to run in Japan’s Upper House election
Over 470 gearing up to run in Japan’s Upper House election On June 25, 2025, a survey by The Japan Times revealed that over 470 candidates are preparing to contest the July 20 House of Councillors election, a pivotal moment for Japan’s political landscape as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s minority government faces a crucial test. […]
Japan Aims to Regulate Social Media Monetization in Disasters
Japan Aims to Regulate Social Media Monetization in Disasters On June 23, 2025, Japan’s Internal Affairs Ministry unveiled a draft interim report calling for a legal framework to regulate social media monetization during natural disasters, aiming to curb the spread of disinformation that has plagued disaster response efforts. The report, presented by a ministry working […]