Josep Solano – Page 3 – Diplomacy & Business

Intramuros: Manila Between Colonial Walls and Memories of Liberation

30

Mar

Travel

Intramuros: Manila Between Colonial Walls and Memories of Liberation

Walking through Intramuros today, in the heart of Manila, is to traverse a city originally designed for dominance that ultimately fueled the very concept of liberty. For centuries, the named Pearl of the Orient was synonymous with colonial power, serving as the formidable stronghold of Spanish rule in Asia. Yet, within these same formidable walls, gestated a consciousness of resistance and national awakening that survived the devastating occupation by foreign powers, first Spanish and later Japanese. Today, Intramuros remains one of the few spaces within the sprawling metropolis of Manila where time appears to flow at a different cadence. Imprisoned…

Japan–China: between signals and contradictions

30

Mar

By Josep Solano

Opinion

Japan–China: between signals and contradictions

At a time when regional stability and economic interdependence demand careful stewardship, recent developments in Japan–China relations highlight how seemingly isolated signals can carry broader strategic weight. Two elements, in particular, deserve attention. The first is the incident involving a member of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces at the Chinese embassy in Tokyo. While limited in scope and quickly contained, such episodes inevitably resonate beyond their immediate context, especially in a bilateral relationship where symbolism and protocol matter as much as policy. The second is the characterization of China in Japan’s latest Diplomatic Bluebook, where the tone has been perceived as more…

Macau: The Heritage Hidden in the Neon Glow

29

Mar

By Josep Solano

Travel

Macau: The Heritage Hidden in the Neon Glow

When travelers look towards Macau, the images that most readily come to mind are those of dazzling casinos, opulent resorts dominating the skyline, boutiques where luxury is the only standard, and restaurants meticulously directed by Michelin-starred chefs. Yet, this tiny Asian peninsula, so often synonymous with glitz and excess, guards within its winding streets and historic squares a secret that remains largely undiscovered by many international visitors. Beyond the opulence lies a unique cultural legacy, the fruit of over five centuries of encounter between East and West. In Macau, Chinese traditions interweave with the Portuguese legacy in a singular manner…

The Resilient Soul of Hokkaido’s Indigenous Ainu

27

Mar

By Josep Solano

Travel

The Resilient Soul of Hokkaido’s Indigenous Ainu

For centuries, the Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan’s northern regions, lived in symbolic harmony with the nature of Ezo, the island now known as Hokkaido. Their profound culture, distinct language, and unique religious beliefs—rooted in the idea that spirits, or kamuy, dwell in every living and inanimate object—flourished long before the formal annexation of their land by the expanding Japanese state. However, modern history dealt a devastating blow to this ancient civilization. Starting in the 13th century, ethnic Japanese (Wajin) began arriving on the island, gradually encroaching on Ainu territory. Conflicts like Shakushain’s rebellion in 1669 and the Menashi-Kunashir…

Antonio López: “Leadership is not imposed by rank; it is chosen by the team”

02

Mar

By Josep Solano

Interview

Antonio López: “Leadership is not imposed by rank; it is chosen by the team”

Antonio López is not the typical buttoned-up executive one might expect to find at the helm of a Japanese multinational. Although he currently leads Nissan’s global marketing and product strategy from Yokohama, his personal compass remains firmly tuned to the Atlantic. A dedicated surfer, López brings the fluid agility of the Basque coast to the rigid, "zero-risk" discipline of Japanese corporate culture. This unique hybrid perspective is now driving Nissan’s ‘Ambition 2030’—a radical roadmap toward 100% electrification in Europe. From managing a £3 billion EV ecosystem in Sunderland to overseeing a strategic supplier network that still relies heavily on the…

Toshinori Tanaka: “There is a virtue of mutual respect that many visitors are failing to grasp”

02

Feb

By Josep Solano

Interview

Toshinori Tanaka: “There is a virtue of mutual respect that many visitors are failing to grasp”

Two decades ago, tiny Andorra in Europe received double visitors than Japan. Today, the roles have shifted: as Japan surpasses 33 million annual visitors and sets its sights on 60 million by 2030, and now the Mediterranean coast is confronting the social and physical limits of its model. This contrast illustrates Japan's pivot toward tourism as a cornerstone of its economic and diplomatic strategy. However, beneath the soaring numbers lies a profound challenge. Faced with an unprecedented demographic decline and a shrinking workforce, Japan increasingly relies on foreign spending to keep local economies—particularly in rural areas—alive. Toshinori Tanaka, Associate Professor…