economy

Japan’s domestic rice prices surge, causing private imports to skyrocket 95-fold. Why “foreign rice” is chosen despite high tariffs and future outlook

Private rice imports in 2025 surged to approximately 97,000 tons—a 95-fold increase from the previous year. What lies behind this abnormal situation where foreign rice is deemed “more cost-effective” even with high tariffs of ¥341 per kilogram? Based on the latest statistics from the Ministry of Finance, we provide expert analysis on the impact of soaring domestic rice prices, trends in the restaurant industry, and the outlook for the rice market.

2026.01.30

economy

Japan’s Economic Turning Point! What Scenario Can Turn the 2025 Crisis of Falling to 5th Place in Global GDP into Growth?

By 2025, will Japan's GDP be overtaken by India, dropping to fifth place globally? Daiwa Securities' Satoshi Osanai thoroughly explains the government's “24 trillion yen comprehensive economic stimulus package.” From countermeasures against rising prices to growth investments in AI and Green Transformation (GX), he clearly unravels the scenarios for Japan's economic revival and their impact on our lives and businesses.

2026.01.20

economy

The Full Picture of Japan’s Economy in 2026: The Arrival of the 0.5% Interest Rate Era and the Multifaceted Impact of “Trump Tariffs”

Japan's economy will fully transition to a “world with interest rates” by 2026. What impact will the Bank of Japan's policy rate hike to 0.5% have on businesses and households? We provide expert analysis on three key factors shaping 2026's economic outlook, including tariff policies under a second Trump administration and supply chain disruptions stemming from geopolitical risks.

2026.01.18

economy