Yoshiaki Nohara

Japan has sent senior officials to Russia to keep communication channels open and protect the assets of Japanese companies operating there, in what Tokyo says is the latest in a series of visits that have taken place since the war in Ukraine began.

Japan’s economy grew at a still solid pace at the start of the year even after the turbulence in Iran prompted businesses to cut investment.

Japan's economy grew at a still-solid pace at the start of the year even after the turbulence in Iran prompted businesses to cut investment.

Japan’s trade balance swung to a deficit for the first time in four months as imports of chips and other electronic components soared.

The deficit suggests trade may weigh on growth in the second quarter, when economists largely expect a slowdown due to the impact of the war in Iran.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi unveiled a long-term vision for Japan’s economic development featuring massive investment in artificial intelligence and semiconductors as well as other key sectors including defense, space and shipbuilding.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is staking her legacy as Japan’s first female premier on an unprecedented plan to reshape the country’s industrial base for decades to come.

Japan’s factory output rose in May as manufacturers were able to cope with the fallout from the war in Iran.

Media reports that claim Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration is attempting to steer interest rates lower aren’t accurate at all, according to Japan’s Growth Strategy Minister Minoru Kiuchi.

Investors are still trying to gauge if Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is trying to slow the Bank of Japan’s efforts to raise borrowing costs.