Key Points: A proper understanding of Asian markets is indispensable for building strategies. Values related to consumption vary from one region to another. Look for the key to adjustment to local conditions in visitors from abroad. Japanese companies’ forays into overseas markets are heating up. According to the 2017 edition of Kaigai shinshutsu kigyo soran (Source Book on Japanese Companies Expanding Operations Overseas, published by Toyo Keizai Inc.), the highest ratio of companies establishing subsidiaries abroad, 30% of surveyed firms, cited overseas market development as the objective for establishing them. Companies with subsidiaries in Asia comprised 72% of them. Asia is attracting attention to this extent. Naturally, we see many companies advancing into Asian markets to develop an overseas production network. However, we should not forget that many of the overseas manufacturing plants that those companies have established in recent years are meant for ... ... [Read more]

Key Points: Inconsistent priorities have made monetary policy inflexible. The 2013 joint statement called for the establishment of a sustainable fiscal structure. A widening disparity between BOJ’s words and actual intentions appears to involve a risk. The Bank of Japan (BOJ) has demonstrated its unwavering dedication to the achievement of a 2% inflation target over the last five years. In his inaugural news conference held five years ago, Governor Kuroda Haruhiko referred to the joint statement announced by the government and the BOJ in January 2013 by saying, “It can be summed up as we will do whatever it takes to achieve 2% inflation at the earliest date possible.” Deputy Governor Iwata Kikuo also expressed his strong commitment to achieving the price stability target no matter what the situation would be by saying, “We should not make excuses by saying that it wasn’t our ... ... [Read more]

Key Points: Avoid real wages falling amid inflation targeting Improve messaging and reduce purchases of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) Further monetary easing policy may face criticism from abroad It has been five years since Kuroda Haruhiko was inaugurated as governor of the Bank of Japan (BOJ). The government has nominated Mr. Kuroda for a second term. Mr. Kuroda’s nomination was among those submitted to the Diet, which included nominations for two new deputy governors for the bank. In this article, I intend to review the BOJ’s monetary policy over the past five years and point out challenges confronting Japan’s central bank, which will be led by the reappointed governor. BOJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda launched a dramatic monetary policy aimed at achieving a 2% inflation rate, introducing quantitative and qualitative monetary easing (QQE) soon after he came on board in April 2013. The BOJ announced the ... ... [Read more]

―― Since you became Foreign Minister, your highly motivated strategic communications in Japan and abroad, as well as your active visits to foreign countries, have attracted attention. Kono Taro: Since assuming office in August 2017, I have visited numerous locations around the world, taking 13 foreign trips and visiting 25 countries (30 countries if revisits are included), as well as going to Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Okinawa in Japan. I have held more than 70 Foreign Ministers’ meetings in Japan and abroad, and have held more than 160 meetings in total, including other multilateral meetings, etc. In the process of meeting with the Foreign Ministers of other countries, I have strongly recognized that building personal relationships is very important in diplomacy. I will continue to make efforts to achieve concrete diplomatic results by solidifying personal relationships of trust and networks. ―― What kinds of diplomatic ... ... [Read more]

Points: Japanese economic growth rate set to slow under present circumstances Lifetime consumption rising with longer lifespans and working careers Boost consumption tax to 15% to provide for greater job diversity The Japanese economy continues to expand thanks to strong economies abroad. However, caution is still needed in assessing the medium-term economic outlook. In our Medium-Term Economic Forecast, we consider the relevant issues. World economic growth rates are rising in the short term, led by developed countries. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised in January their forecast a high of 3.9% world economic growth rate for 2018. Hidden in the backside, however, are a number of downside factors, and we believe that rates will slow over the medium term. The first factor is a structural one, namely the erosion of the United States potential growth rate, which gauges the long-term production capacity of the ... ... [Read more]