Japan - Latest News/Current Events, Economic Overview & Trade Relations
AEI | Quick Facts about Japan
| Official Name | Japan |
| Capital | Tokyo |
| Location | Eastern Asia, island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula |
| Area | total: 377,835 sq km land: 374,744 sq km water: 3,091 sq km note: includes Bonin Islands (Ogasawara-gunto), Daito-shoto, Minami-jima, Okino-tori-shima, Ryukyu Islands (Nansei-shoto), and Volcano Islands (Kazan-retto) |
| Climate | varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north |
| Terrain | mostly rugged and mountainous |
Editor PicksBrowse Asia News Archive
Japan and Taiwan Exports Improve from May to June
Japan's and Taiwan's exports declined at slower paces in June 2009, compared to the last eight to twelve months. The fall in Japanese overseas sales went from 40.9 percent in May to 35.7 percent in June compared to the same time in 2008, reported the…
read full newsJapan's Economic Forecast Downgraded but Remains Positive
The Bank of Japan is now expecting its economy to shrink 3.4 percent, higher than its previous forecast of 3.1 percent, "in the 12 months to 31 March 2010".
read full newsJapan Tankan Signals Business Spending Cuts May Impede Recovery
The Bank of Japan's quarterly Tankan report reflected businesses plans to further reduce spending, since it is estimated that profits will fall 20 percent this year, which is almost twice the March forecast.
read full newsBank of Japan's Tankan Survey Looks Better
It is predicted that the Bank of Japan's Tankan survey on June 1st will show that important manufacturing companies believe the "worst of the recession" is over.
read full newsGoldman Sachs recommends Japanese Banks
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. said it recommends buying Japanese banks and shorting the nation's steelmakers, citing valuations. Japanese bank stocks are relatively cheap as they trade at about 70 percent of their average price-to-book ratio, compared with…
read full newsJapan Limits Exports to North Korea while China Prepares to Act
Japan has banned exports to North Korea in response to their nuclear and missile tests in May, with the purpose of sending a "strong message".
read full newsBrowse Asia News Archive
Trade Agreements
Japan - Malaysia Economic Partnership Agreement
Under the Agreement, both countries will work to eliminate all tariffs within ten years. The partnership will allow Japanese firms to move into the Malaysian car market. The tariffs on Japanese cars will be eliminated by 2015. Trade in Japan is expected to increase as Japan is Malaysia’s third largest trading partner. JMEPA will strengthen the economic ties between the two countries and remains a solid basis for the facilitation of trade between the countries. http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/malaysia/epa/index.html
Japan - Mexico Economic Partnership Agreement
MexicoThe Agreement between Japan and the United Mexican States for the Strengthening of the Economic Partnership attempts to strengthen the bilateral economic relations between the two countries. It promotes the liberalization of investments and trade. In addition, it attempts to offer people a freer flow for business purpose. Japan will obtain access to the Mexican market, a consumer base will nearly 100 million. Japan will also gain a bridge to the North and South American markets through Mexico, as it has numerous agreements with countries in the region, allowing Japan treatment equal to that of the EU, Canada and US in services, customs, investment and government procurement. http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/latin/mexico/agreement/index.html
Japan - Singapore Economic Agreement for a New-Age Partnership
The JSEPA strives for better market access as well as national treatment conditions. The Japan Singapore agreement is the model agreement for Japan as it was its first EPA. Not only does it cover tariff reduction, JESPA synchronizes customs procedures and addresses the movement of people. http://www.fta.gov.sg/fta/pdf/FTA_JSEPA_Agreement.pdf
Trade Organizations
ASEAN Plus 3
Forum as a coordinator of cooperation between ASEAN and China, Japan and South Korea.
Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD)
The Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) is an International Organization to promote Asian cooperation at a continental level, helping to integrate the previously separate regional organizations of political or economical cooperation such as ASEAN, SAARC
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a forum for 21 Pacific Rim countries or regions (styled 'member economies') to discuss the regional economy, cooperation, trade and investment. The membership is claimed to account for approximately 41 percent of the world's population, approximately 56 percent of world GDP and about 49 percent of world trade. The activities, including year-round meetings of the members' ministers, are coordinated by the APEC Secretariat.
Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP)
The Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP) is a non-governmental (second track) process for dialogue on security issues in Asia Pacific.
East Asia Summit (EAS)
The East Asia Summit (EAS) is a Pan-Asia forum of 16 countries in East Asia, with ASEAN in a leadership position.