JAPAN

May 31 2026POLITICS

Japan challenges labels of rising military power

Japan’s defense chief recently spoke clearly at a major Asian security meeting in Singapore. He pushed back against claims that Japan is becoming more aggressive in military matters. His comments came after repeated accusations from China about Japan’s supposed "new militarism. " Yet the defense min

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May 26 2026POLITICS

How Japan and South Korea Balance Old Wounds with Modern Needs

Japan and South Korea share a bond that’s hard to ignore. On one side, they’re economic allies, trading technology, cars, and pop culture like K-pop. On the other, they’re stuck in arguments over history—especially Japan’s rule over Korea in the early 1900s. These fights pop up in trade disputes, co

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May 26 2026FINANCE

Japan’s overseas wealth grows, but global rank drops as rivals surge ahead

Japan still holds the biggest pile of money invested abroad, but its spot in the global ranking just slipped—again. In 2025, the country’s net external assets, which include everything from stocks and bonds to property overseas, hit a new high of 561. 75 trillion yen ($3. 53 trillion). That’s up 4.

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May 19 2026TECHNOLOGY

Japan's quiet chip powerhouse steps into the AI spotlight

For four decades, Toto has quietly supplied essential parts for the world's chipmakers. Known mostly for high-tech toilets, the Japanese giant operates a lesser-known division that produces the tiny ceramic holders used in memory chip production. When Allbirds shocked markets by rebranding as an AI

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Apr 17 2026POLITICS

How the U. S. and Japan Are Rethinking Defense and Trade for a Changing World

The U. S. and Japan are turning their long-standing partnership into more than just a military agreement. They’re building a system that connects defense, trade, and technology to stay ahead. Over the next ten years, this could reshape how both countries handle security and economic risks, especiall

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Apr 16 2026FINANCE

Global Money Talks: Japan and US Boost Currency Coordination

Japan and the United States have decided to increase their discussions about currency values following a meeting between their top finance officials. This move comes as both countries watch the Japanese yen hover near a key level that triggered past currency interventions. Japan’s finance minister p

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Apr 15 2026POLITICS

Japan Opens Arms Trade to Allies, Drawing Global Attention

Japan is set to relax its strict arms export rules, a move that has caught the eye of countries from Poland to the Philippines. The decision follows President Donald Trump’s uncertain stance on defense commitments and the ongoing conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, which have strained U. S. weapon suppli

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Apr 09 2026LIFESTYLE

Akiko Freeman: A Winemaker Making Waves Locally and Globally

Akiko Freeman isn’t just a name on a bottle of wine—she’s a bridge between cultures. The co-owner of Freeman Winery in Sebastopol has spent years blending her Japanese heritage with California’s winemaking traditions. A major recognition is coming her way on April 23 in San Francisco, where she’ll a

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Apr 02 2026TECHNOLOGY

French Plan to Boost Data Centers

The French government is preparing new policies that will make it easier for companies to build data centers across the country. Finance Minister Roland Lescure announced that these measures will be revealed in the coming weeks, aiming to attract more investment and support France’s digital infrastr

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Mar 22 2026POLITICS

Japan Mulls Clearing Mines in Hormuz if War Stops

Japan’s foreign minister said the country might send its forces to sweep naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz if a ceasefire ends the U. S. -Israeli conflict with Iran. The minister explained that such an operation would only happen after a complete stop to fighting and if mines were blocking shippin

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