China’s Japan-foods import ban used as ‘bargaining chip’
While Beijing seems to use the easing of the measures as a diplomatic bargaining chip, the maneuver may impact talks on China becoming a member of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Japan
Goal to raise minimum wages to be included in Kishida’s ‘new capitalism’ action plan
The government wants to eliminate regional disparities and improve the terms of nonregular employees and other workers, aiming to raise the weighted average minimum wage to…
Japan’s de facto aircraft carrier Izumo to be dispatched to Indo-Pacific from mid-June
The deployment includes other vessels, such as the destroyers Takanami and Kirisame and a submarine, and aerial units including a P-1 maritime patrol aircraft, and will run…
20,000 digital advisers eyed to support Japan’s silver surfers
Under the proposal, volunteer advisers will be assigned to teach elderly people who are not accustomed to using smartphones and other digital devices how to operate them through…
LDP aims to codify government’s responsibility for overseas Japanese schools
According to the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry, as of April 2021, there were 94 Japanese schools in 50 countries and regions around the world.
Anti-harassment movement grows as actors reveal sexual violence
In March, a magazine carried an article with accusations from several women against Japanese director Hideo Sakaki; similar claims against another director soon followed.
Draft of Japan’s economic, fiscal reform policy hints at 2% increase in defense spending
Defense outlays total about ¥5.4 trillion in the fiscal 2022 budget, or about 0.96% of Japan’s GDP. If this were to be raised to 2% of the GDP, it would reach about ¥11…
International passengers arrive smoothly as Japan eases Covid-19 border controls
From Wednesday (June 1), countries and regions have been classified into three categories — blue, yellow, red — depending on the risk of virus inflow into Japan.
Wealth distribution toned down in Japan’s government policy drafts
The new capitalism action plan instead emphasizes investment in people, including skill development and job search support for approximately one million people.
Apparel makers tapping into ethical consumption
The move came considering the 2013 collapse of a Bangladeshi garment factory that triggered a global movement in the apparel industry to review poor working conditions.