Ito Shingo, Senior Economist, Institute for International Economic Studies   Key points Aim to reduce dependence on the United States and contribute to the global economy Membership will inevitably require major adjustments to the economic system Negotiations should consider China’s economic characteristics and security exceptions On September 16, China applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Membership of this high-level FTA will however inevitably require China to implement bold reform and opening up, giving rise to various observations regarding the true motive behind its application and the seriousness of its intention. In this regard, the Chinese government has stated that its application to join the CPTPP signals (1) its will and commitment to achieving continuous deepening reform and opening up further; and (2) its support for free trade and its will to contribute to the recovery and growth of ... ... [Read more]

Komine Takao, Professor, Taisho University   Key points Uniform benefits go to savings and do not boost consumption Overall income slump is more severe than widening disparities Speed up industrial and corporate metabolism and regulatory reforms Following the lower house election, I would like to consider the future direction of economic policies. The Kishida administration’s economic policies have so far only consisted of slogans such as “a new form of capitalism,” “Reiwa double income,” “without distribution, there will be no subsequent growth,” and “neoliberal policy shift.” Depending on how these are concretized in the future, they may take the economy in a good direction or in a bad direction. The first thing that will be required of future economic policies is a switch from election mode to practice mode. Election mode, which has been active throughout the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election and the ... ... [Read more]

Sasao Shinta, Associate Professor, Tokyo Women’s College of Physical Education & Tokyo Women’s Junior College of Physical Education   The Olympic Charter lists “promoting a peaceful society” as its goal. The Host Town Initiative works to achieve that goal by encouraging mutually beneficial exchanges between participant countries and regions and local municipalities. I would like to detail those ideas and their actual implementation, then end by discussing my hopes for the future. Why We Even Have the Olympics This article will review the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games (hereinafter, “Tokyo 2020”) with a focus on host towns, one initiative enacted during Tokyo 2020. What is the purpose of the Olympics? In 2021, with Tokyo 2020 right around the corner, many people in Japan—especially those in Tokyo—undoubtedly thought hard upon this question. I doubt many people knew this before Tokyo 2020, but the goal ... ... [Read more]

  Sugimoto Kazuyuki, former Chairman of the Japan Fair Trade Commission   The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC)’s investigations into Apple Inc. effectively came to a close on September 1, 2021 when Apple announced it would make changes to some global regulations in 2022. Apple submitted an application for changes to regulations that would let users avoid the 15–30% delivery commission for “reader apps” that offer subscriptions for content like books, music, videos, etc., which some media outlets have called an “unusual conciliation.” Currently, all applications (hereinafter “apps”) used by iPhones and other Apple products must be downloaded from the App Store. Until now, application developers had to pay a commission to sell their apps, the so-called “Apple Tax.” In other words, they paid a “protection price” to a “bookmaker.” With the new decision by Apple, developers won’t have to pay the “Apple Tax” ... ... [Read more]

  Editor’s note: This article was written in March, before an increase in COVID-19 infections. However, we have obtained permission from the author and the publisher to reproduce this article unchanged now, when the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided again.   Kageyama Yumiko, antique art dealer and writer    In any age, works of art enrich the hearts of those who see them. Right now, as we are worn out by living with COVID self-restraint, a single painting can provide energy and help us forget time spent in sadness. Although some museums and galleries are currently closed due to COVID-19, others have carefully put in place infection control measures such as pre-booking and temperature checks, and are welcoming art fans. What’s more, as long as visitors wear masks and avoid crowded places, they can view art works in freedom. As a collector of paintings by ... ... [Read more]

Fukuda Yasuo, former Prime Minister of Japan Interviewed by Tanaka Akihiko, President of the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)   Tanaka Akihiko: On September 11, 2001, a series of terror attacks occurred in the United States. Subsequently, the world entered the age of “fight against terrors.” It was six months after the Koizumi Administration had been launched. As the then Chief Cabinet Secretary, you were at the heart of that administration, so how did you interpret these events at the time?   Fukuda Yasuo: It was around ten at night when the first report of the terror attacks reached me, amidst a meeting with media representatives. The report was that a plane had hit one of the New York World Trade Center buildings. At first, I thought it was an accident, but just as I left for home, I received news that ... ... [Read more]

Takagi Yusuke, Associate Professor, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies   The basic goal of the Southeast Asian countries’ strategy for China is to maintain strategic autonomy and aim for economic prosperity amid the US-China conflict. They cannot ignore the US-China conflict in terms of either supply chains or the security environment. Cooperation with countries outside of Southeast Asia is also essential for both budget and technology reasons if they wish to strengthen their defensive capabilities. In this article, I first give an overview of China’s presence based on a survey [The State of Southeast Asia: 2021 Survey Report] conducted by the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) in Singapore. Next, I examine how the South China Sea situation, which is one of the reasons for concern about China, was discussed by the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) ... ... [Read more]

Miyata Hiroaki, Professor, Keio University Confusion caused by digitalization delays ―Can you name some issues caused by digitalization delays in COVID-19 measures? Firstly, the operation of COVID-19 measures involves a variety of intertwining elements, so it’s not possible to explain all of it with just digitalization delays. I’d like to talk only about what’s based on facts. I think the first thing many Japanese people felt was strange was the shortage of the face masks. Even with the same volumes in stock, it’s possible that digital management could have kept track of how much is where and distribute it to avoid a situation where those who need it don’t get it. As an example, if they had clearly communicated that “there’s at least one month’s worth for “essential workers and high-risk people with chronic illness and two weeks’ worth for others,” then people would ... ... [Read more]