COGNICURRENT

Japan's consumer sentiment improved significantly in February, resulting in an upward revision of economic assessments by the Cabinet Office.

Iran's ongoing crisis leads to significant declines in the Japanese stock market, driven by fears of global economic downturn and rising energy prices.

The supply and demand gap in Japan for the year 2025 is projected to be positive for the first time in two years, although current estimates show a slight negative gap.

The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has requested to conduct the first phase of an investigation for a nuclear waste disposal site on Minami-Torishima.

The military attacks on Iran by the U.S. and Israel are expected to significantly increase global energy prices, heavily impacting Japan, Europe, and China, while the adverse effects on the U.S. may be comparatively limited.

Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akazawa announces plans to request a literature survey for a nuclear waste disposal site in Ogasawara Village, Tokyo.

Japan, heavily reliant on Middle Eastern oil, anticipates economic repercussions such as rising prices and stagflation amid ongoing tensions related to military actions by the U.S. and Israel against Iran.

Rising oil prices, influenced by military attacks on Iran by the US and Israel, are prompting concerns about their impact on the Japanese economy.

The UK maritime authority UKMTO reported receiving multiple reports regarding a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, crucial for global energy transport, but has not confirmed these reports.

The article discusses the rapid growth of the global space economy, dominated by the US and China in terms of rocket launches, and explores Japan's potential strategies to thrive in this competitive market.

Concerns rise over a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, which could severely impact global oil prices and Japan's economy, dependent on Middle Eastern crude.

Chida Katsuhiro has been promoted to president of Resona Bank, expressing confidence in supporting corporate growth by taking risks as the Japanese economy enters a growth phase.

Japan has fallen to the seventh largest exporter in the world, overtaken by South Korea and Italy, according to a recent report from the Nikkei Asian Review.

The Japanese government, together with the private sector, has announced an investment of 267.6 billion yen in Rapidus, aiming to advance cutting-edge semiconductor production.

Customers are lining up to buy stocked rice despite delays in delivery and processing caused by agricultural policy changes in Japan.

India's economy is poised to potentially surpass Japan's, bolstered by its large population and younger demographic, as India's GDP approaches that of Japan's amid currency fluctuations.

At the recent Workers’ Party Congress, Kim Jong Un touted the economic achievements of North Korea over the past three years as the most significant in three decades, showcasing a change in tone from previous admissions of failure.

JBIC President Nobuhiko Hayashi discussed the challenges and risks associated with Japan's initial investment projects in the U.S., totaling $5.5 billion, during a press conference on March 26.

The yen has fallen to a two-week low against the dollar following the appointment of two academics to Japan's central bank board, raising concerns about future interest rate hikes amidst supportive monetary and fiscal policies advocated by Prime Minister Sanae Takeichi.

The Bank of Japan announces it will keep its key interest rate as low as possible, approaching zero, in response to a stalled economy and destructive deflation that began in the late 1990s.

President Trump is set to deliver a State of the Union address, emphasizing his economic achievements ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

The Trump administration has enacted new tariffs replacing the previously illegal reciprocal duties, imposing a uniform additional tariff of 10% on various countries, including Japan.

The article discusses Donald Trump's efforts to reform his tariff strategy amid legal challenges, which have led to global uncertainty and market pressures.

Germany retains its position as the world's third-largest economy despite an ongoing economic slump, with a GDP of approximately $5.052 trillion in the previous year, surpassing Japan.

North Korea's 9th Workers' Party Congress highlights Kim Jong Un's achievements while revealing a facade of economic prosperity, as indicated by former official Ri Jeong-ho who escaped to South Korea in 2014.

Russia continues to advance on the frontline in Ukraine, defying expectations of economic collapse due to international sanctions imposed after its invasion.

Japan's economy is boosted by an estimated 3 trillion yen from cat-related activities as businesses capitalize on Cat Day on February 22.

Trump announced an increase in global uniform tariffs from 10% to 15% following a Supreme Court ruling declaring his administration's mutual tariff policies illegal.

The 9th Congress of the Workers' Party of North Korea has opened in Pyongyang, where Kim Jong-un outlines the country's direction over the next five years, focusing on economic development and defense policies.

Despite severe sanctions from the U.S. and Europe, Russia continues to sustain its war efforts thanks to an unexpected economic recovery and support from emerging countries.

The US Supreme Court ruled that the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Trump administration were illegal, prompting discussions on the future of US tariff policy and its economic implications for the US and Japan.

Prime Minister Sanae Takai's recent policy speech emphasized economic policies and the government's intentions in light of Japan's current political landscape.

North Korea's Workers' Party congress begins, highlighting Kim Jong-un's confidence in the country's economic achievements despite past failures.

The Hankyoreh editorial argues that South Korea should not rush its investments in the US just because Japan is moving quickly, emphasizing the need for a careful approach.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takagi questioned the longstanding views on fiscal austerity in her speech, even as the country's national debt surpasses 1 trillion yen.

Consumer prices in Japan increased by 2.0% in January, with a notable decline in gasoline prices and rising costs for food items.

The Workers' Party Congress in North Korea has commenced with Kim Jong-un expressing confidence in the future and hinting at potential amendments to the party's regulations.

The U.S. goods trade deficit grew by 2.1% to reach a record high of $1.2409 trillion last year, marking the highest deficit amid Trump's tariff policies.

The city of Fukagawa, known for its rice production, is expecting a 12% increase in citizen tax revenue due to rising rice prices that have improved farmers' incomes.

The podcast discusses the financial implications of the EU's SAFE program for Poland's military modernization and the government's vision for economic growth.

Japan's new cabinet under Prime Minister Takaichi is set to focus on bold and strategic crisis management investments across various sectors, raising concerns about their long-term effectiveness and responsibility.

The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan intends to appoint Yasutoshi Nishimura, a former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, as the next head of its election strategy committee.

The Japanese parliament has elected Sanae Takaiichi as Prime Minister following a recent election that gave her party a two-thirds majority.

Japan's export increased by 16.8 percent in January compared to the same month last year, driven by a significant rise in exports to China and other Asian markets.

A significant trade agreement has been reached between the US and Japan, with President Donald Trump announcing a $550 billion investment commitment from Japan.

Trump announced three major investment projects from Japan totaling 5.5 trillion yen, focusing on energy and minerals.

Labor unions of Japan's three mega banks have set their highest demand for base wage increases in response to rising prices and strong performance, with Sumitomo Mitsui seeking over a 10% increase.

Japan's economy showed a slight growth of 0.2% in the last quarter of 2025, narrowly avoiding a recession but falling short of growth expectations.

Japan's economy grew by 0.2% in the fourth quarter, defying recession predictions, primarily driven by private consumption.

Japan's GDP growth remains stagnant at a meager 0.2% for the October-December quarter of 2025, amid weak personal consumption and ongoing impacts of tariffs.