Japan's Economy

Why Japan’s de‑risking response to China is incoherent
Why Japan’s de‑risking response to China is incoherent
While “de-risking” has only recently entered the strategic vocabulary of Western policymakers, Japan has sought to de-risk its economy from China for well over ten years. Yet, the…
How to fix Japan
How to fix Japan
Book review: The Contest for Japan's Economic Future: Entrepreneurs vs Corporate Giants by Richard Katz (OUP, 2023) There is no advanced economy more in need of fixing than…
Japan feels the pinch as fertiliser costs soar thanks to Russia’s war
Japan feels the pinch as fertiliser costs soar thanks to Russia’s war
For many countries, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has had a grave impact on food costs and availability. Grain export bans and pipeline shutdowns by Russia have resulted in a sharp…
Economic diplomacy: Indonesian trade, ADB v BRI and Chinese money
Economic diplomacy: Indonesian trade, ADB v BRI and Chinese money
Slow but steady It has often been said that despite periodic diplomatic upheavals, Australia has been fortunate to have a sprawling multi-ethnic Asian neighbour to its north that…
America’s fiscal policy rethink reaches Japan
America’s fiscal policy rethink reaches Japan
Among some prominent policy wonks in America, a profound rethink of fiscal policy has been underway for the last couple of years, making the case for more-expansionary – or at…
'Message to Trump – no TPP renegotiation'
Commentary
'Message to Trump – no TPP renegotiation'
Originally published in the Nikkei Asian Review (Photo: Washington Post/Getty Images). Stephen Grenville
Abe gambles on a stoic Japanese electorate
Abe gambles on a stoic Japanese electorate
With his dynastic heritage, five years of assertive nationalism as Prime Minister, and eponymous brand of economics, Shinzo Abe warrants a seat at the top table of global…
Japan’s five years of Abenomics
Japan’s five years of Abenomics
For many international observers, the Japanese economy is an enigma. On the face of it, the economy has been in bad shape ever since the Japanese stock market began to crash in…
Abenomics loses some of its razzle-dazzle
Abenomics loses some of its razzle-dazzle
One of the hallmarks of Shinzo Abe’s longevity in power has been his ability to switch back to bread and butter economic issues when he tests the patience of voters with his more…