James D.J. Brown's book explores the history of Russian espionage against Japan, focusing on the impact of the forged 'Tanaka Memorial' document on American perceptions of Japan during World War II. The text discusses the origins ...
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Peter Tasker is a finance guru, author, and speaker with a deep understanding of Asia, known for his novels and nonfiction books.
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Japan's Topix index has surpassed its previous high, reflecting a recovery from decades of economic stagnation, largely due to Shinzo Abe's reforms and leadership.
The blog post explores the connection between David Bowie and Aritomo Yamagata through the lens of Japanese gardens, particularly in Kyoto. It discusses Yamagata's influence as a nationalist and garden enthusiast, and Bowie's fasc...
The post examines the implications of the year of the fire horse in Japan, focusing on political, economic, and cultural narratives surrounding Prime Minister Takaichi and Japan's future.
The British Museum's Samurai exhibition is criticized for its superficiality and pop culture distractions, failing to adequately represent the depth of samurai history and culture.
Warren Buffett, the renowned investor, is retiring at 94. He has not made significant new investments in the US for years, and his successor is Greg Abel. Buffett praised five Japanese companies he invested in and expressed hope t...
The text is a tribute to Gwen Robinson, describing a memorable evening at her favorite restaurant and highlighting her diverse network of friends and acquaintances. The author reflects on her impact and character, emphasizing her ...
The text is a cinematic ode to Japan's avant-garde pioneers, focusing on Shuji Terayama, a significant figure in the Japanese counterculture of the 1960s and 70s. It discusses the impact of Terayama's work and the avant-garde move...
The article discusses the 100th anniversary of Yukio Mishima's birth and the publication of his collection of short stories. It highlights the range of Mishima's talent and the themes of his stories. It also delves into the contro...
The text discusses the significance of the Year of the Snake in East Asia, particularly in Japan, and presents five scenarios for the year. It covers topics such as Japan's economic prospects, political developments, corporate tak...
The text discusses the life and career of Masayoshi Son, CEO of SoftBank Group, and his investment philosophy. It highlights his ambitious ventures, including the $100 billion Vision Fund and the disastrous investment in WeWork. T...
During the Pacific War, jazz was banned in Japan, but a certain hotel in Kobe was a haven for jazz music and a motley crew of residents. The memoir of Keichoku Saito, a haiku poet, provides a unique perspective of life during the ...
Richard Nathan, the brains behind the Red Circle imprint, has published a book that takes readers on a personal journey through Japan's literary culture. The book is a highly personal wander through Japan's literary culture, from ...
Lesley Downer's book 'The Shortest History of Japan' provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of Japan's rich and resilient history, from ancient times to the present. The book offers a fresh perspective on Japan's past and i...
In July 2024, a new set of Japanese banknotes will go into circulation, featuring Eiichi Shibusawa on the highest denomination note. Shibusawa was a serial entrepreneur who founded and invested in over five hundred companies, and ...
Sadao Watanabe, a monumental figure in Japanese music, is a self-taught musician who has explored various genres and achieved commercial success. His latest album is a collection of ballads, reflecting his appreciation of music's ...
0The Geopolitics of “Shōgun”
2024-05-24 • entertainment japan drama geopolitics west
The Shōgun miniseries has been a critical and commercial success, telling a story about the relationship between Japan and the West. It is based on the story of William Adams, the first Briton to set foot in Japan, and his role in...
The text is about Akio Sakurai, a former kimono salesman from Niigata Prefecture, who has dedicated his life to reproducing the sound magic of Jimmy Page, the leader of the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin. Sakurai's scholarly app...
The Bank of Japan has made massive purchases of Japanese equities, leading to concerns about how it can ever sell them. The article discusses the potential solution to this problem, drawing parallels with the Hong Kong Monetary Au...
The text discusses the potential scenarios for the year of the dragon, including geopolitical and economic predictions, Japan's role in the global economy, changes in Japan's stock market culture, the impact of deflation, the NISA...
The text discusses the possibility of China following in Japan's footsteps with a real estate collapse and deflation. It compares the real estate excesses in China to those in Japan in the 1980s and 1990s, highlighting the potenti...
0The Geopolitics of Godzilla
2023-12-04 • history japan geopolitics cinema godzilla
The text discusses the geopolitical implications of the Godzilla movies and how they reflect Japan's history and contemporary concerns. It explores the political and social themes portrayed in the films and their relevance to real...
Olga V. Solovieva’s “The Russian Kurosawa” and David A. Conrad’s “Akira Kurosawa and Modern Japan” explore how Kurosawa’s films reflect the condition of Japan when they were made. Solovieva analyzes Kurosawa’s obsession with Russi...
The article discusses the enduring culture of silent movies in Japan, particularly the role of benshi, live performers who provide commentary during silent films. It explores the history of benshi, their decline with the advent of...