To Be Honest, the EU Looks Even More Panicked Than Japan
I was reading the news the other day, and it seems the EU is now rushing to make trade talks with the US go faster. They’ve agreed to use a “fast track” plan, and the top leaders are saying they’ll keep in close contact from now on.One of the EU’s trade officials even said, “We had a good phone call with the Americans!” — and to be honest, it sounded like they were really trying hard to show every...
Trade between China and India is on the rise.
You know what? Trade between China and India’s really been picking up lately. They’re teaming up more, especially in stuff like energy and manufacturing. Looks like they’re trying to take the lead in the whole emerging markets game. Can’t really blame them though — with the US and Europe being all over the place these days, a lot of businesses are just thinking, “Right, time to look somewhere a bi...
Why Is Japan Feeling a Bit Tired?
Once upon a time, Japan was full of sparkle.Shops were busy, buildings went up, and people smiled a lot.But then — pop! — the happy bubble burst.Money stopped growing, and things got quiet.Prices stayed low.People stopped buying.It felt like cold soup on a rainy day.Fewer babies were born.Grandmas and grandads became many.Fewer workers, fewer shoppers. Oh dear.While other countries ran fast,Japan ...
Weekend Chat: Canada’s Funny Little ‘Boycott’ of American Products
So, imagine you’re having a nice, slow Saturday afternoon, maybe with a cuppa tea, and you hear this rather funny bit of news from Canada. It’s 2025, and the Americans decided to slap some pretty hefty taxes on stuff coming from Canada. Normally, you might think, “Well, that’s just business,” and carry on. But the Canadians? Oh, they didn’t just sit back.They started what you might call a “boycott...
This Week’s Pub Chat: “World Trade’s Having a Bit of a Wobble, Innit?”
Alright mate, kick back, grab yourself a pint, and let’s have a little chinwag about what’s been going on in the world. Nothin’ too heavy – just enough to make you sound clever at the pub without killin’ the mood.So, here’s the scoop. The big dogs at the WTO – that’s the World Trade Organisation, if you’re wondering – reckon that in 2025, global trade in goods might drop by 0.2% compared to last y...
A Topic Everyone’s Been Talking About in London Recently
You know, lately I’ve been thinking – isn’t Japan working a bit too hard compared to the rest of the world?I mean, in some places, folks are working fewer days, taking proper holidays, and just breezing through life like it’s no big deal. Meanwhile in Japan, people are packed into trains every morning like sardines, working themselves to the bone, and coming home completely knackered.And what do t...
Toyota Industries – It’s Not Really a Car Company Anymore, Is It?
Toyota Industries – It’s Not Really a Car Company Anymore, Is It?Once upon a time, Toyota Industries was the pride of Japanese manufacturing. As the name suggests, it started off making looms – machines for weaving fabric – and later became the foundation of what we now know as the Toyota Group. Eventually, it moved into the car business and gained a strong reputation for quality and reliability.B...
The Story of Mr Elephant’s Big Factory
Once upon a time, in the Animal Village, there was a big, big factory run by Mr Elephant. It was called “Mr Elephant’s Big Factory,” and it was very clever.Mr Elephant made giant machines.Machines to clean water.Machines to make electricity.Machines to help other animals build things.He sold these machines to other places, like Lion Town and Giraffe Hill.Everyone said, “Wow! Mr Elephant’s machines...
“Trading Changes When Big People Talk”
You know what? Something funny is happening far away in China.The big people in America and China had a chat and said,“Let’s make things a little cheaper for 90 days.”Because of that, loads of people in China now have to work really fast!They’re making fridges, kettles, toothbrushes — all sorts of stuff —to send to America before the 90 days run out.It’s like a big sale at the shops.Everyone rushe...
This Weekend's Trade Joke: A House With No America Inside!?
Alright then, here’s a funny little trade story to kick off your weekend.So, a bloke in China posted a video saying,“There’s not a single thing in my house made in America!”He walked around his flat showing off everything — the rice cooker, the phone, even his pants — and saying,“Look! All of this is made not in America!”And guess what?The video got millions of views.People online had a field day....
Is Japan Just a Bit Too Peaceful?
Today, I went to watch a baseball game.It was fun! People were shouting, clapping, and smiling. I drank a cold beer, and when someone hit a home run, strangers gave each other high fives. I thought, “Wow, Japan is such a peaceful place.”But then I started to think... maybe we’re a bit too peaceful?A long time ago, some people talked about something called the “3S plan.” They said it was used to ke...
Oh not again, Trump! That’s it – I’m flipping the bloody table!
SMACK! (sound of table being flipped)“What?! Again?! You’ve got to be kidding me!”I was just having my morning tea, nice and peaceful, and then I saw this madness on the telly.Trump’s at it again! The man just can’t sit still, can he?Now he’s saying he wants to slap at least 10% tax on all imports coming into the US. And wait for it – it could go up to 50%.But here’s the real kicker – he’s plannin...
"Scallops and Wagyu: Off on a World Tour!"
So guess what? Japanese food’s doing really well abroad these days. In 2024, Japan’s exports of farm and sea products, plus other foods, hit over 1.5 trillion yen for the first time. That’s a massive number! Scallops, wagyu beef, and sake are especially popular, flying off to places like the US and Southeast Asia.Take scallops, for example. They’ve gone from sea creatures to jet-setters! Grilled, ...
What is exchange rate? What does "strong yen" mean?
On May 14th, the stock market in Japan went down a little bit. Why? It’s because the value of the yen went up. When the yen gets stronger, it means that if a company earns money in another country, they won’t get as much yen when they change it. So, the company doesn’t make as much money.Also, people are worried that Japan and America aren’t getting along very well in their trade talks. This is al...
So, guess what? Trump is visiting Qatar! It’s a bit of a big deal, really. Qatar is like a super important friend for America. They help each other with things like army bases and business stuff. Trump wants to make sure everyone knows he’s good at making friends, especially now because he might want to be President again.But, here's the funny part: Qatar also has some tricky problems with workers...
I think most Japanese people probably feel the same way – it’s like they’re being tossed around, with everything changing so quickly. It’s almost like a comedy show, like something you'd see from an American comedian. The way things are handled in the trade talks seems so unpredictable, and it’s almost as if they’re making jokes out of serious matters. One minute, a deal is on, and the next minute...
🇬🇧 UK and USA Trade Deal: Tea and Steaks are Friends Now!
On May 8th, 2025, the UK and the USA signed a brand-new trade deal.The UK said,
“Tariffs and Tender Feelings” – A Weekend Tale of Trade and a Bit of Eye-Rolling
So here’s the gossip, mate. Seems the Yanks have suddenly decided to go all soft on British cars. That’s right — Uncle Sam’s now saying, “Oi, Brit cars? Let’s slap a smaller tax on ‘em — but only up to 100,000 a year, mind.” Like it’s a special club for Range Rovers or something.Now, naturally, Japan’s top trade geezer — one Mr Akazawa — didn’t take too kindly to that. You can almost hear him mutt...
Weekend chat - Some global drama
If you’re in the trade game, mate, you’ll know the drill – every time you think the week’s winding down, boom! Some global drama pops up and flips your spreadsheets inside out.This time? Ukraine’s in the spotlight again. Word on the street is that some top European leaders had a proper chinwag with President Zelensky and said, “Fancy asking Russia to take a 30-day break from all the fighting?” Lik...
World Bank’s Request:
While everyone in Japan was eating ice cream, riding trains, and saying “Yay, it’s Golden Week!”, something wobbly was happening far, far away in North America.The big boss over there — you know, the one on TV with the serious face — suddenly wasn’t so popular anymore. People started thinking, “Hmm… maybe someone else should be the boss.” Now, this might sound like boring grown-up stuff, but guess...
Today’s Trade News (with a Splash of Tea and Sarcasm)
Right then, here’s what’s been going on in the world of trade — and no, it’s not just about men in suits shaking hands.First up, the US and China have apparently decided to have another go at talking trade. Yes, they’re back at the table — hopefully with fewer angry faces and more biscuits. After this news came out, the stock markets perked up like they’d had a strong cup of tea. The Dow and S&P 5...
While everyone’s busy watching the States throw tariff tantrums and election wobbles, over on the other side of the world, the UK and India have been locked in what you might call the world's most politely chaotic tug of war. It's called an FTA – Free Trade Agreement – though at this point, it’s starting to feel more like a very long and awkward courtship.The UK, post-Brexit, has been desperate to...
Golden Week: Saving Pennies, Keeping Spirits High
So, Golden Week’s here again in Japan – that time when everyone’s supposed to be jetting off somewhere nice, right? But this year, well... let’s just say most people have decided to stay put. And who can blame them?With prices going up for literally everything – from cabbage to milk (which now costs almost as much as fancy wine), and the yen being as weak as a wet paper bag, going abroad’s startin...
What Real Rich People Are Like
What Real Rich People Are LikeYou know what people always say?
The Declining Japanese Economy
People keep asking these days, “Why is Japan the only rich country that’s going downhill?” Back in the day, everyone was shouting “Japan is number one!” and now look at it — Japan’s GDP is 4th in the world, after the US, China, and Germany. And they say India will overtake Japan by 2030. That’s a bit sad, isn’t it?Even worse, Japan’s GDP per person is now around 37th in the world. Why’s that so lo...
Japan’s May Day and the UK’s May Day
Japan’s May Day and the UK’s May Day might sound like the same thing, but they’re actually quite different. In Japan, May Day is held every year on the 1st of May, and it’s mainly organised by labour unions. People take part in marches and rallies, asking for higher wages, better working conditions, and more job security. It’s quite serious, with banners and speeches – more like a political event ...
When you hear the name “Arsenal,” chances are your ears perk up a bit, yeah? They’re one of the most well-known football clubs in England – red and white kits, packed stands at the Emirates, and a proper bit of history behind ’em.Well today, Arsenal are going head-to-head with none other than Paris Saint-Germain – PSG, you know, that flashy French club with all the money and megastar players. Tech...
A Very Special Royal Anniversary
Today is a happy day.It is 29th April, and it is the wedding anniversary of Prince William and Princess Catherine.They got married 14 years ago, in a big church in London.Many people watched it on TV. It was a very beautiful day.Princess Catherine wore a lovely white dress, and Prince William looked very smart.Lots of people said, “Wow! They look like a real prince and princess!”And yes, they did....
London Marathon 2025: Bigger Than Ever!
Today’s News from the UKThe 45th London Marathon took place on Sunday, 27th April 2025, and it was the biggest one yet, with over 50,000 runners taking part! The whole of London was buzzing with excitement – it was massive!In the men’s elite race, Sebastian Sawe from Kenya took the win with a time of 2 hours, 2 minutes and 27 seconds. For the women’s elite race, Tigist Assefa from Ethiopia crossed...
Hey, guess what’s happening in London today?It’s a really special day – it’s the London Marathon 2025!The whole city feels a bit different, a bit more exciting, you know?Tens of thousands of runners – about 36,000 of them – are running from Greenwich all the way to Buckingham Palace. It’s 26.2 miles – or about 42.2 kilometres if you’re thinking in metric. Just hearing that makes me feel tired alre...
From Nuts and Bolts to Bits and Bytes — What’s Going On with Toyota’s Mum?
Right, so here’s a bit of a story you might not have heard unless you’re knee-deep in the business pages. Toyota’s original company — yep, before they started making cars — was actually called Toyota Industries. These lot were proper machine-makers, big on things like looms and forklifts and whatnot. Real old-school stuff.Now guess what? They’re thinking about going private. That means they don’t ...
Oi Dollar, Give It a Rest, Will Ya? (Friday Night, 25th April Edition)
So listen, yeah — tonight, once again, the pound’s all over the place ‘cause of somethin’ the Americans said. One minute it was £1 = 139 yen, next thing you know, BAM! It shoots up to 143 yen.All 'cause one bigwig over in the States muttered somethin’ like, “The yen’s a bit too cheap, innit?” — and boom, the markets go proper bonkers.I mean seriously, who are these people? They say one little thin...
Trump’s Trade Talks: A Storm in a Teacup?
So, Mr. Trump summoned a Japanese minister for a trade discussion, did he? One might have expected a media frenzy, but alas, it barely caused a ripple across the pond. The American press gave it a cursory nod, and here in Blighty, it was met with a collective shrug.Apparently, Trump declared
America, China, and This Whole Tariff Business
Here we go again – another headline, this time saying the US and China are thinking about lowering tariffs. They’re apparently working on some kind of “special agreement”, though no one really knows the details yet. To be honest, from a Japanese point of view, it all feels a bit hard to keep up with.Tariffs are meant to be serious stuff – like a country’s way of saying, “We mean business.” Especia...
So, let’s talk about Japan’s trade news. Right now, there isn’t any specific news about trade statistics as of April 23, 2025. However, experts are still looking at past data and economic trends to understand how exports and imports are doing overall.Japan is part of several international trade agreements, like the TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) and the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partn...
The Seriousness of Japan's Energy Imports
Japan relies heavily on importing energy and resources, which plays a really important role in the country’s trade. Since Japan doesn’t have enough energy resources of its own, it imports things like oil, natural gas, coal, and even metal ores from other countries. These resources are essential for Japan’s industries, homes, and electricity generation, so importing them is absolutely crucial.When ...
Japan's Trade Deficit: Still a Big Problem
In November 2024, Japan's trade balance was a deficit of 1.176 trillion yen. That means they've had a trade deficit for five months in a row now. According to the Ministry of Finance, exports went up by 3.8% compared to last year, reaching 9.152 trillion yen, which is the highest for November ever. But even though exports were up, Japan still couldn't avoid a deficit. Exports of semiconductor manu...
The Yen’s Gone Bonkers – What on Earth’s Going On with the Exchange Rate?
Lately, if you’ve looked at the exchange rate between the US dollar and the Japanese yen, you might’ve thought, “Hang on a minute, is this some kind of mistake?” Just a few years ago, one dollar was worth a bit over 100 yen. Now it’s nearly hitting 160. You see the news saying “It’s the weakest yen in decades!” and, honestly, it’s starting to feel like normal.So, what’s causing this mess? The big ...
Oi, Have You Heard About the ‘Trade War’ on Telly Lately?
Oi, have you heard about the “trade war” on telly lately? Sounds a bit scary, doesn’t it? Like bombs and tanks and all that. But guess what—it’s not really a war at all.It’s just some grown-ups in suits arguing about money. One lot (America) says, “We’re going to make stuff from China more expensive.” And the other lot (China) says, “Oh yeah? Well, we’ll do the same to your stuff then!” So they’re...
“A Very Hot Day at the Osaka Expo”
My friend went to the Osaka Expo the other day. When I asked how it was, they said, “It was so hot!” Even though it’s only spring, the sun was shining like it was the middle of summer. Everyone was walking around with fans and cold drinks, trying to stay cool. I haven’t made any plans to go yet, but hearing that lots of people are enjoying it makes me feel a bit happy and calm.This time, the Expo ...
Weekend Chat: The German Shop Closing Law
Did you know that in Germany, there’s a law called the Ladenschlussgesetz — or simply, the “shop closing law”? It basically means that on Sundays and public holidays, most shops and restaurants have to stay closed. Yes, really. So if you suddenly feel like popping out for a nice meal or grabbing some groceries on a Sunday, you might be out of luck.For people in Japan, or even the UK, this might so...
It’s been a calm Saturday all over Japan today.The cherry blossoms have mostly fallen now, so the flower-viewing season is nearly over. People seem to be slowly losing interest in that, and starting to talk more about the Osaka Expo coming up.In the evenings, the nightlife areas are still packed—but mainly with tourists from abroad. Japanese folks? Well, many of them might be thinking, “I’ve been ...
貿易風に運ばれて: 時を越え、国境を越えて - Carried by the Trade Winds: Across Time and Borders
Japan's Trade Statistics for March 2025
According to Japan's trade statistics for March 2025, exports increased by 3.9% compared to the same month last year, marking the sixth consecutive month of growth. Imports also rose by 2%, but the growth in exports outpaced imports, resulting in a trade surplus of ¥544.1 billion (approximately $3.84 billion), exceeding market expectations. Notably, exports to the United States, Japan's largest t...
Is the Age of Bargain Online Shopping Coming to an End…?
Trump’s Tariff Tantrum and Hong Kong’s Postal MeltdownRight then — if you’re someone who loves a cheeky online bargain, especially from overseas, I’ve got some bad news for you.The good old days of clicking “Buy Now” without worrying about tax might be going… well, gone.You see, up until now, the United States had this lovely little rule — any package worth less than 800 US dollars (about £600) co...
How the Internet Changed Trade
The internet has really changed the world of trade. A long time ago, trade took a lot of time. If you wanted to send something to another country, it could take days or even weeks. But with the internet, trading can now happen in an instant, and information can spread all over the world in seconds.First of all, the internet made it much easier for businesses to buy and sell goods. Now, companies c...
"Japan’s Going All Empty Without Us Noticing!"
Oi, listen up! You won’t believe it — Japan’s losing people. Again!The government said that in October 2024, there were about 123.8 million people in the country. That’s 550,000 fewer than the year before! Half a million people just gone. Poof! I mean, I still see folks on the train – doesn’t feel that empty, does it?And get this – it’s been going down for 14 years straight. Fourteen! That’s a pro...
Weekend Chit-Chat: So... You Going to the Expo?
“So, are you going to the Expo next year?”“Eh? Is that still a thing? Honestly, I don’t really know what it’s about…”“Exactly! Same here. I heard it’s in Osaka, but it just feels like it’s not really for us, doesn’t it?”Honestly, not many people around me are talking about it. I saw on the news that more than 60% of people across Japan aren’t really interested. Even folks in Osaka-Kobe area seem t...
Cherry Blossoms and Big World Trouble – A Little Weekend Chat
You know, the world feels a bit noisy this weekend.America said, “Right, we’re putting a big tax – up to 125% – on things from China!”And China said, “Well, we’ve had enough of you. We won’t play this game anymore!”It’s like two kids arguing in the playground: “You’re not my friend!” – “Fine! I don’t need you anyway!”Then, guess what? Hong Kong jumped in and said, “Hang on, we’re not the same as C...
Weekend Chat: Is anyone really excited about the Expo?
So, here's a little thought I had over the weekend.You know the Expo that's going to happen in Japan? Honestly, I don’t feel like many people are talking about it. Not in my circle, anyway.I mean, sure, it’s been on the news and I’m sure lots of people are working hard behind the scenes. But when I chat with friends, most of them say things like, “Oh, when is that again?” or “What’s it even about?...
Trump’s Tariffs and the EXPO Fanfare
So, Trump’s at it again, threatening to slap on those big tariffs and stir up the global economy. The news is all buzzing with headlines like “Tariffs Across the Board!” and “Global Economy to Shudder!” But over here in Japan, most people are probably thinking, “Er… does this mean the price of pork at my local supermarket is going up?” In other words, it feels like a problem that’s happening somew...
Starting today, we have a new rule where countries put taxes on goods that they import from each other. This is called mutual tariffs. It sounds complicated, but it basically means that when one country sends goods to another country, they have to pay a tax. This is going to affect how people all around the world buy things and how businesses work. Let's talk about what might happen.First, we know...
Is this weak yen really alright?
You know, a lot of people are asking these days:“Why has Japan left the yen so weak for so long? Is it really okay?”Well, the honest answer is: no, it’s not okay at all.The government and the Bank of Japan have kept interest rates at zero, or even lower, for years.The idea was, “Don’t leave your money in the bank doing nothing – put it into the economy, invest it!”It sounds clever, doesn’t it?But ...
"US Steel and the President: Is it an 'Arranged Marriage' Now?"
So, the big news about US Steel is that the President of America has told everyone to “hold up! We need to check things again!” just when we thought the buyout was all set. Quite a shock, isn’t it? This isn’t the President’s first go at this – it's actually something that started with the previous president. But the timing? Oh dear, not great! Right now, the world’s economy is a bit of a mess, and...
People are making a big fuss because the stock market went down a little bit, but it’s not a big deal. It’s nothing to worry about.The real economy isn’t doing that well, but the stock market was really high for no good reason.It looks like a lot of money was moving behind the scenes, but it wasn’t regular people doing it.The stock brokers are just complaining, saying all sorts of silly things. It...
Peace – A Simple Luxury from Cherry-Blossom Japan
This weekend was really calm and lovely here in Japan. The weather was warm and sunny, and loads of people went out to see the cherry blossoms. Parks were full of families, couples and friends, all smiling and chatting. You could hear laughter everywhere, and everyone was looking up at the trees, amazed by the soft pink flowers.Standing there under the trees, I couldn’t help but think, “Japan real...
Weekend Chat: Tariffs, Tulips, and a Pint
Well, looks like Mr Trump’s been at it again – slapping tariffs all over the place and sending stock markets into a spin. A 34% tariff? That’s mad. Imagine your Friday night fish and chips going up by 34% – folks would be marching in the streets!But over here in Japan, it’s all a bit more peaceful. The cherry blossoms are out, people are picnicking in parks, kids are chasing pigeons, and couples a...
You know, when the US bumps up tariffs, all those countries and companies just shipping stuff in and cashing in — yeah, they’re gonna feel it.But Japan’s kinda taken a different path. Like with cars — they didn’t just ship 'em, they built factories in the States, gave folks jobs, put some skin in the game.So instead of just “sending stuff over,” it’s more like “made in the US, sold in the US.” Mak...
Mr. America:
There’s been big news this week about taxes between America and Japan. Grown-ups on the news are talking a lot about it. They say it might make things like cars or toys more expensive. But if you ask people in town — mums at the shops or students at school — most don’t seem to care much. Some don’t even know it’s happening!Maybe that’s because Japan is an island, with the sea all around. We don’t ...
The Impact of North America's Tariff Announcement
Today has been a very tough day for the trade industry. Early this morning, North America announced new tariffs, and the news quickly spread across Japan. For Japanese export companies, this is a big problem.The market reacted immediately. In Japan, people started worrying, saying things like,
Hoping for Thailand’s Recovery
It’s been quite a while since I last visited Bangkok, and hearing about the recent earthquake there was quite a shock. Earthquakes aren’t very common in Thailand, so this must have been a big event for the people. Fortunately, my business contacts have told me that there wasn’t any major damage, and the banks and other services are working as usual. It seems that trade with Japan has already resum...
An earthquake in Bangkok? That doesn’t sound right, does it? Bangkok is known as a city where earthquakes are rare. It’s not sitting on a major fault line like Japan, and it doesn’t get frequent big quakes like Indonesia. But this time, the unexpected happened, and the people of Bangkok were caught completely off guard.A City Built Without Earthquakes in MindBangkok was never designed with earthqu...
I sent a polite message to an old business partner in Thailand, mentioning that their payments had been a bit delayed recently. It was just part of the usual business routine, nothing personal. But when I read their reply, I was taken aback.
April is just around the corner. The cherry blossoms are beginning to bloom, and the spring breeze gently brushes against our cheeks. In Japan, this season truly feels like a fresh start.At company entrances, you’ll see new employees dressed in crisp suits. Their faces show a mix of nervousness and excitement as they take their first steps into the working world. Senior colleagues welcome them war...
These days, more and more young people in Japan are looking for jobs abroad. Some folks just shrug and say, “Well, that’s their choice,” but it’s not that simple, is it? Sure, everyone makes their own decisions, but let’s be honest—working in Japan isn’t exactly a dream for many. Low pay, long hours, strict rules, and not much of a future to look forward to... Can you blame them for wanting better...
Blimey! I was all set for a nice, relaxing weekend chat, and then this news pops up! A 25% tariff increase? Just like that? No warning? That’s a bit much, isn’t it?I mean, sure, some bigwig probably just said,
With the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo just around the corner, people in Japan seem to be feeling a mix of excitement and indifference. Billed as a
After years in the trade business, you end up meeting all sorts of Japanese folks abroad. Some have been away from Japan so long they’re practically locals wherever they are. Others are constantly bouncing back and forth, not quite sure which country they actually live in. And then there are the ones who boldly declare,
Sake in Trouble? Rice Prices Stir Up a Storm!
Not too long ago, I was writing about how Japan’s food exports were booming, with sake leading the charge. It seemed like the world just couldn’t get enough of our lovely rice wine. But, as always, good times don’t last forever, do they?Now, there’s a bit of a crisis brewing—literally! The price of rice has shot up, and it’s causing all sorts of headaches for sake makers. You see, until now, the s...
Working in a foreign country is not easy, is it? Different languages, different cultures, different business rules... Sometimes, things go wrong in ways you would never expect in Japan. But even in these tough situations, you keep going. That is amazing, and I respect you for it.If you only read guidebooks, you won’t see the real world. You need to live there, work there, and meet people to truly ...
So, is this individual really just desperate for attention?
The former President has recently decided to partner with Boeing for the development of a new fighter jet and, to no one's surprise, has named it 'F47'—a nod to his own illustrious title as the 47th President. Now, one could ask, could he not have been a tad more modest? Certainly, he was the 47th President, but to go ahead and plaster his number on the fighter jet itself? Quite the move, isn't it...
Places where all the super-rich people like to live.
Alright, listen up, lovely grown-ups! I wanna tell you about the places where all the super-rich people like to live. You know, the ones with big houses, fancy cars, and soooo much money they don’t even know what to do with it!1. New York (USA)Oooooh, New York has soooo many rich people! There are 349,500 millionaires! And guess what? There are 744 people with more than 100 million dollars and 60 ...
A New Playground for the Rich: Why the Wealthy Are Moving to Southeast Asia
Lately, more and more rich people from around the world have been moving to Southeast Asia. For a long time, places like Dubai and Singapore were known as the “millionaire cities,” but now, another city in the region is joining the list. With warm weather, amazing food, and a boom in luxury housing, it’s becoming a top choice for the wealthy.Why Southeast Asia?When the rich choose a place to live,...
A Nice Little Weekend Chat: Is Being Rich Really That Great?
“If you could be rich, would you want to be?” Most people would shout, “Yes, please!” But hang on a minute—just having loads of money doesn’t mean you’ll be happy. Ever heard of those people who win the lottery, only to lose it all and end up broke a few years later? That’s not exactly a happy ending, is it?The thing is, money is just a tool. It helps you buy nice food, go on fun holidays, and cho...
"The Rise of the Nikkei Nomads?"
Lately, I’ve noticed more and more young Japanese people packing their bags and heading overseas. It’s not just a holiday thing—some of them are setting up proper lives abroad! You’ve probably heard of the Indian diaspora (Indians living all over the world) and the Chinese diaspora. Well, maybe it’s time for the Japanese diaspora to become a thing too?
But You Know, People Are Still Traded Like Goods
When people hear
The Spring Equinox: A Special Day Celebrated Around the World
The spring equinox is a special day when daytime and nighttime are almost the same length. Many countries and cultures see it as an important occasion. In Japan, it is a national holiday and is part of the Higan period, when people pay respects to their ancestors. But if you look around the world, you’ll find many countries celebrating the equinox with unique festivals and traditions.For example, ...
Are People Being Traded Like Pandas? – The Curious Case of Human “Imports and Exports”
It’s not just pandas and tropical fish—have you ever thought that people might be getting traded like goods too? Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about pirates selling sailors or medieval merchants swapping blacksmiths. People have always moved across borders to work—traders, craftsmen, mercenaries, you name it. But these days, the way human talent moves around the world feels a bit… diffe...
Did You Know Animals Are Traded Too? – From Pandas to the Global Trade in Living Creatures
Have you ever heard that renting a panda costs around a million pounds a year? Those adorable giant pandas you see in zoos around the world aren’t actually owned by the zoos – they’re on loan from China. Behind their cute and cuddly appearance, pandas play an important role in international diplomacy. China lends them to other countries as a way of building friendly relationships – a strategy ofte...
It’s clear that the
What’s Next for Japan’s Trade? – Let’s Have a Think!
Alright, imagine you’ve got loads of apples, but no oranges. Meanwhile, your mate across the sea has a ton of oranges but no apples. What do you do? Simple! You swap! That’s how trade started long, long ago. Some places have too much of something, while others don’t have enough, so people trade to even things out. It’s been going on for ages, and it’s not stopping anytime soon!But here’s the trick...
Weekend Chat – If You Work Abroad, Do Your Homework First
Did you see the news? Two Japanese men have been arrested overseas! Apparently, they might have been involved with some dodgy fraud gang. As someone working in trade, I find it really disappointing. Business relies on trust, and when people pull stunts like this, it ruins the reputation for everyone.These two men, aged 31 and 22, were arrested for overstaying their visas. But there’s talk that the...
The Reality of Living on a Budget as a Trader Abroad
Lately, the cost of food abroad has been skyrocketing, hasn’t it? As a trader, every time I travel, I find myself wondering,
Alright, let’s do this proper British geezer style—weekend vibes, bit of a moan, but all in good humour!So, tariffs are back in the news again, eh?Now, I ain’t no expert, just a bloke having a cuppa, but from what I gather, it’s all about countries shouting, “Oi! Buy my stuff!” and slapping taxes on each other’s goods.You’d think the simple answer would be, “Just make your own stuff and sell it at...
Some people say that a ceasefire will just give more chances for the war to carry on. But others think that's too simple a way to look at it.Learning from ExperienceThere's a view that some people, who weren’t very experienced before, have learned a lot and are now able to make better decisions with the right people around them.The Start of the WarThe war started because different countries were g...
Weekend chat summary: The Key Points of Negotiation
Alright, so let’s have a little chat about what's been happening in these big, serious negotiations. Now, you might think this is all a bit dull and dry, but trust me, it’s actually more like a game of chess – with a bit of drama thrown in for good measure. Here's the lowdown:No Immediate Ceasefire: First off, there’s no “let's stop the fighting right now” deal happening. Nope, they’re not going f...
The Big Boss, the Student, and the Silly Game of Who Stays and Who Goes
Some big important bloke is at it again, doing silly things he really doesn’t need to do.So, there was this student from far, far away, yeah? He was studying at a really big, fancy school in a country across the ocean and leading a big shouty protest. Then—bam!—the police grabbed him, shoved him in a van, and sent him miles and miles away to some locked-up place for people who weren’t born there. ...
A tariff war is basically just a playground squabble, isn’t it? “You tax my stuff? Fine, I’ll tax yours even more!” But in the end, nobody actually wins.Take this for example—the big country says, “Right then, we’re slapping a huge tariff on your cars!” And the small country goes, “Oh yeah? Well, we’re slapping an even bigger one on your beef!” But who really benefits from this? Consumers end up p...
AI is getting smarter, but customer service is getting worse!
I had to call a supposedly top-tier service provider overseas. Honestly, the experience was anything but
Come on, Japan! We’ve got this!
Let’s face it, things aren’t exactly easy for Japan right now. We’ve got an ageing population, the aftermath of COVID-19, the Ukraine war, and the whole global political mess. All of this has piled on, and Japan’s economy is facing challenges like never before.But here’s the thing – Japan’s not going to fold under the pressure. Far from it! We’re rolling up our sleeves, using our brains and hard w...
The Age of the "Tight-Fisted Traveller"
Lately, Japan has been absolutely flooded with foreign tourists. Thanks to the weak yen, they’re splashing cash left, right and centre, giving a nice boost to Japan’s economy. Meanwhile, Japanese travellers heading abroad have changed their ways completely. Gone are the days of
Kindergarten Chat: The Magic Word!
Oh dear, someone forgot to say thank you! And now the grown-ups are very cross about it. Imagine that! Not just any grown-ups, but the really important ones—the ones who decide all the serious things in the world. And what’s the big problem? Well, somebody didn’t say “thank you” loud enough, apparently. How very rude!Now, in nursery, we do say “thank you” when someone shares their crayons or gives...
Alright, lads, how about this for a bit of weekend banter? Grab a pint and listen up – this is about that fella from a certain country who popped up on American telly.So, after a bit of a heated chat, he went on FOX News, and let me tell you, it was quite something. The host asked him straight up,
I've somehow managed to make a living in the trade business, but looking back, I honestly can't say whether I was ever truly suited for it. Still, the fact that I'm still here, doing what I do, must mean I’ve been getting by well enough. It’s only recently that I’ve come to think that way.Trade, as a profession, has been around for ages. I reckon it dates back to the moment some caveman said,
A Long-Awaited Wish Comes True
The other morning, I was flicking through the newspaper, sipping my tea, when I stumbled upon an article about—of all things—Japanese-American internment camps. Now, that’s not the sort of thing you expect to see on a Wednesday morning, is it? Bit random, I thought.It was all about how, in 1942, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt signed an executive order, and—just like that—abo...
Lost in the Digital Age – A Simple Phone Call Gone Wrong
I had to call a business partner in a small town in England, two days in a row. Not because of any serious problem—just to check on some service-related matters. But what was supposed to be a quick and simple call turned into a long and painful journey through the dark side of the digital age.First, I dialled the number. Did a real person answer? Of course not. Instead, a cheerful automated voice ...
Politicians Messing with Currencies and Tariffs – What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
As someone working in the trade industry, I can’t help but be gobsmacked by the way politicians treat currencies and tariffs. Just the other day, someone came out claiming that Japan is “manipulating” interest rates. And let’s not forget those sudden tariff hikes – honestly, it’s like watching a toddler with a big red button labelled “DO NOT PRESS.” If a top executive from a major Japanese bank sa...
Having worked in trade for many years, I must say, seeing people openly shouting at each other like this on television just doesn’t sit right with me.That 78-year-old gentleman certainly knows how to use the media, but his rather condescending tone and loud voice must have made quite a few people uncomfortable. At the same time, losing the agreement on securing rare earth resources was surely a mi...
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