Blog – Page 10 – Diplomacy & Business

Japan backs Pakistan’s mediation in U.S.-Iran talks

13

Apr

Japan

Japan backs Pakistan’s mediation in U.S.-Iran talks

Japan has voiced strong support for Pakistan’s role in facilitating recent U.S.-Iran talks, while stressing the urgent need to secure maritime stability in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy flows. In a telephone conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi praised Islamabad’s mediation efforts and reaffirmed Tokyo’s backing for continued dialogue between Washington and Tehran. Takaichi emphasized that the priority now is to achieve tangible de-escalation, warning that instability in the region could directly impact global logistics and energy security. She highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, describing…

Norwegian craft artists bring nature-inspired works to Tokyo

13

Apr

By Diplomacy and Business

Arts

Norwegian craft artists bring nature-inspired works to Tokyo

ノルウェー大使館 Norwegian Embassy in Tokyo Facebook A duo exhibition featuring Norwegian artists Ingjerd Hanevold and Sidsel Hanum will open in Tokyo this week, offering a refined exploration of nature through contemporary craft across two venues in the city. Titled “Tidewaters,” the exhibition runs from April 18 to April 30 and unfolds simultaneously at HALL IN THE WALL in Shibuya and het Labo atrium in Takadanobaba. The project brings together jewelry and ceramic works that reflect a shared sensitivity to natural forms and materials, from metal to clay. Hanevold, a prominent jewelry artist and professor affiliated with leading Scandinavian art institutions,…

U.S. Embassy warns travelers on strict CBD rules in Japan

13

Apr

By Diplomacy and Business

Social

U.S. Embassy warns travelers on strict CBD rules in Japan

The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo has issued a renewed warning to American citizens regarding Japan’s strict regulations on CBD products, cautioning travelers against bringing such items into the country. While some CBD products are technically legal in Japan, authorities enforce a zero-tolerance policy on THC, meaning that even trace amounts — commonly found in products sold abroad — can result in legal consequences. As a result, embassy officials advise that the safest option is to avoid carrying CBD altogether when entering Japan. Under Japanese law, all forms of marijuana and THC remain illegal, including for medical purposes. This extends to…

Middle powers push for nuclear dialogue before NPT summit

13

Apr

By Diplomacy and Business

Diplomacy

Middle powers push for nuclear dialogue before NPT summit

A cross-regional group of non-nuclear-weapon states has issued a joint call for renewed dialogue and cooperation ahead of the upcoming Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), set to begin later this month. The statement, released by the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative (NPDI), brings together countries including Japan, Germany, Canada and Australia, and aims to rebuild momentum around the global nuclear framework at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. Framing the current moment as a “critical juncture,” the group warned that recent developments — including the expiration of the New START treaty between the United…

Japan and Moldova signal closer ties at ambassador’s farewell

13

Apr

By Diplomacy and Business

Diplomacy

Japan and Moldova signal closer ties at ambassador’s farewell

Moldova’s diplomatic presence in Japan took center stage this week as officials, diplomats and business representatives gathered in Tokyo to mark the end of Ambassador Dumitru Socolan’s mandate, in an event that highlighted the country’s European ambitions and its growing engagement in Asia. Held at the European Union Delegation in Tokyo, the reception brought together Japanese officials, foreign diplomats and private sector representatives, underscoring Moldova’s efforts to expand its international partnerships beyond Europe. The event also served as a platform to present the country’s ongoing progress toward European integration. In her remarks, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Arfiya Eri praised…

Japan expands business presence in Southeast Asia

13

Apr

By Diplomacy and Business

Business

Japan expands business presence in Southeast Asia

Japanese companies are stepping up their expansion across Southeast Asia, reinforcing the region’s role as a strategic pillar for Japan’s long-term economic positioning. From manufacturing to finance and digital services, firms are increasing their footprint in key ASEAN markets amid shifting global supply chains. The move reflects a broader recalibration of Japan’s outward investment strategy. With domestic growth remaining modest and demographic pressures intensifying, Southeast Asia offers a combination of young populations, rising consumption, and competitive production bases. Countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand have emerged as primary destinations for Japanese capital. Recent data from trade and investment agencies…

13

Apr

By Josep Solano

Opinion

The Einstein precedent

The case of Idrissa Gogo is more than a legal dispute; it is a profound litmus test for Japan’s self-proclaimed ambition to become a global magnet for talent. As the Ministry of Justice moves toward tightening language requirements for specialized visas, the sight of a high-level academic fighting for the right to contribute to the Japanese intellectual landscape exposes a jarring contradiction in the nation’s immigration philosophy. For years, the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" visa has been the primary gateway for global professionals. The government’s recent proposal to mandate a CEFR B2 (JLPT N2) proficiency level for these roles is…

13

Apr

By Diplomacy and Business

Editorial

Sovereignty in the age of silicon

Japan is currently engaged in a profound recalibration of its national power, shifting from a passive observer of global supply chains to an active architect of its own industrial destiny. This past Wednesday, the Takaichi administration signaled the scale of this ambition by announcing a massive 1.5 trillion yen injection into the domestic semiconductor industry. This is not merely a subsidy; it is a strategic bet on sovereignty. By targeting the production of next-generation 2-nanometer chips, Tokyo is attempting to reclaim its position at the apex of the global technology pyramid, ensuring that the "brains" of the future economy are…

Japan tones down China ties in annual diplomatic report

10

Apr

By Diplomacy and Business

Diplomacy

Japan tones down China ties in annual diplomatic report

Japan has softened its official language on relations with China in its latest Diplomatic Bluebook, reflecting a more cautious stance amid rising bilateral tensions. The annual report, approved by the Cabinet this week, no longer describes China as “one of Japan’s most important bilateral relations,” instead referring to it as “an important neighbor.” The shift in wording, while subtle, points to a recalibration rather than a rupture. Japanese officials have stressed that the country remains committed to promoting a “strategic and mutually beneficial relationship” with Beijing, while continuing dialogue to ensure stability in bilateral ties. However, the report also highlights…

Japan’s National Ballet earns UK nomination after London acclaim

10

Apr

By Diplomacy and Business

Arts

Japan’s National Ballet earns UK nomination after London acclaim

Photo by Foteini ChristofilopouloThe National Ballet of Japan has been nominated for the Stef Stefanou Award for Outstanding Company at the 26th National Dance Awards, one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious distinctions in the field of dance. The nomination places the Tokyo-based company among the leading international ensembles recognised by the Critics’ Circle for performances staged in the UK during 2025. The recognition follows the company’s appearance at London’s Royal Opera House in July 2025, where it presented a critically acclaimed production of Giselle. The performances received widespread international praise, including five-star reviews, and were later listed among the…