Local businesses left in limbo as Japan’s politicians squabble over Go To Travel campaign
A political cacophony persists as lawmakers clash over who has the final say in peeling back countermeasures meant to blunt the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
By leaning on prefectural governors to determine whether travel and dining subsidies should be suspended in their area, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is delegating responsibility — or accountability — to local leaders, many of whom are calling on the central government to take charge of national programs.
On the other hand, Suga’s shift in policy amounts to an implicit acknowledgement on the government’s part that the pandemic is, in many ways, a regional issue best dealt with by regional leaders.
The oscillating tension has produced a state of uncertainty in those industries, for which local businesses are paying the price.
“Hotels, travel agencies and other local businesses hoping to get a boost from these programs will bear the brunt of the cost,” said Yasushi Aoyama, a professor of political science at the Meiji University Graduate School of Governance who served as Tokyo’s vice governor from 1999 to 2003.
“The confusion among lawmakers is making the future even more unpredictable,” he said. “Meanwhile, business owners are left in limbo.”
Dec 02
A political cacophony persists as lawmakers clash over who has the final say in peeling back countermeasures meant to blunt the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.(Japan Times)
Dec 02
The unemployment rate in Japan hit a 3-year high in October. Officials say the coronavirus has driven the figure to 3.1 percent, the highest since May 2017.(NHK)
Dec 02
The World Trade Organization says South Korea broke international trade rules when it renewed a series of tariffs on Japanese stainless steel bars in 2017. (Bloomberg)Dec 02
Japan’s capsule hotels have long been a convenient shelter for commuters and even an intriguing option for budget tourists. (South China Morning Post)Dec 01
The head of the Tokyo Stock Exchange has stepped down to take responsibility for a recent trading halt.(NHK)
Nov 30
All Nippon Airways has proposed a more flexible work setup for flight attendants, including the option of working less for lower pay, with an eye on retaining jobs while reducing personnel costs. (Nikkei)Nov 30
Japanese trend-setters can now protect against the coronavirus in luxurious style with opulent masks adorned with diamond and pearls for a cool million yen ($9,600) each. (Reuters)Nov 28
Tokyo stocks ended higher Friday, with the benchmark Nikkei extending its rally to a fourth straight day and renewing a 29-year high, as buying in real estate and high-tech shares wiped out initial losses on the yen’s rise.(Japan Today)
Nov 27
Over 40 percent of medical institutions in Japan lowered their year-end bonuses for nurses and other staff members due to the effects of the pandemic, a survey by the Japan Federation of Medical Worker’s Unions has shown. (Japan Times)Nov 27
Officials at Japanese beverage maker Kirin Holdings say they will sell their Australian drink business to a dairy maker in the country.(NHK)
Nov 27
Japanese property developer Mitsui Fudosan plans to acquire Tokyo Dome, eyeing a tender offer of more than 100 billion yen ($960 million) for the ballpark and hotel operator. (Nikkei)Nov 24
Carlos Ghosn’s detention for almost 130 days in a Japanese jail was neither necessary nor reasonable and violated the former Nissan Motor Co. chairman’s human rights, a U.N. panel concluded in a harsh critique of Tokyo prosecutors who led the case against him. (Japan Times)Nov 22
The overseas outlets of U.S. retail giant Walmart have been burdened by a jinx, the severity of which seems inversely proportional to their distance from the American mainland. In other words, the further away, the weaker their earnings.(Nikkei)
Nov 21
Japan’s major travel agency, JTB, plans to eliminate 6,500 jobs, as it expects to post the largest ever net loss this fiscal year, due to the coronavirus pandemic.(NHK)
Nov 20
The surge in coronavirus cases across Japan is putting a damper on plans for the festive season, with many bosses say they won’t throw parties for their employees this year.(NHK)
Nov 19
Japan’s exports in October bounced back to just below the levels seen before the novel coronavirus pandemic, as global demand for products such as cars has risen in line with a gradual recovery in business activities, government data showed Wednesday. (Japan Today)Nov 19
This year’s Beaujolais Nouveau went on sale in Japan on Thursday with a more demure reception amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Kyodo)Nov 19
Nikkei Inc. announced on Wednesday that it will remove NTT Docomo as a component of the Nikkei Stock Average, as the wireless carrier is expected to be delisted in December after parent Nippon Telegraph and Telephone turns it unit into a wholly owned subsidiary via a tender offer. (Nikkei)Nov 19
SoftBank Group Corp.’s founder Masayoshi Son said he has $80 billion (Y8.3 trillion) in cash to buy back more shares and continue investing in both private and public companies. (Japan Times)Nov 18
A Japanese sushi chain has introduced a totally contactless dining experience amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. (Ruptly)
