Francis B. Tang
@francisbtang.bsky.social
英字新聞ジャパンタイムズ記者 日米関税交渉・経産省・財務省・内閣府担当 | @japantimes.co.jp reporter covering economy, tariffs & trade. Also write about Japan’s politics, foreign relations and businesses. Views my own.
Twitter/X: @francis_towne | Signal/tips→DM
Twitter/X: @francis_towne | Signal/tips→DM
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in his first in-person meeting with new Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama on Monday night, praised Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s economic policy as Japan’s Nikkei 225 topped the 50,000 mark the same day. @japantimes.co.jp
U.S.-Japan finance leaders hold first meet as Nikkei passes 50,000 mark
Bessent also exchanged views with Katayama on the $550 billion investment Japan pledged to the U.S.
www.japantimes.co.jp
October 27, 2025 at 12:43 PM
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in his first in-person meeting with new Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama on Monday night, praised Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s economic policy as Japan’s Nikkei 225 topped the 50,000 mark the same day. @japantimes.co.jp
Japan’s Nikkei 225 stock index broke 50,000 for the first time ever on Monday, after a mix of recording-setting days and choppy trading over the past few weeks. @japantimes.co.jp
Nikkei 225 breaks 50,000 for first time ever
The rally comes after China and the United States reached a framework trade agreement.
www.japantimes.co.jp
October 27, 2025 at 2:02 AM
Japan’s Nikkei 225 stock index broke 50,000 for the first time ever on Monday, after a mix of recording-setting days and choppy trading over the past few weeks. @japantimes.co.jp
OKUMA/FUTABA, FUKUSHIMA PREF. – During his first trip outside Tokyo since becoming METI minister, Ryosei Akazawa told Tepco on Saturday to pursue “coexistence” with the local community while safely dismantling the wrecked Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. @japantimes.co.jp
Akazawa implores Tepco to pursue 'coexistence' with Fukushima community
Tepco announced in July that the full-scale removal of nuclear fuel debris will not start before fiscal year 2037.
www.japantimes.co.jp
October 27, 2025 at 1:58 AM
OKUMA/FUTABA, FUKUSHIMA PREF. – During his first trip outside Tokyo since becoming METI minister, Ryosei Akazawa told Tepco on Saturday to pursue “coexistence” with the local community while safely dismantling the wrecked Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. @japantimes.co.jp
Reposted by Francis B. Tang
The duo in charge of the trade agreement between Japan and the United States rekindled their bromance in Tokyo on Sunday, a day before U.S. President Donald Trump is set to step foot in Japan for the first time since returning to the Oval Office nine months ago. @japantimes.co.jp
Akazawa and Lutnick reunite to discuss trade deal ahead of Trump visit
Trade minister Ryosei Akazawa and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick visited Tokyo’s landmark Sensoji Temple before heading to Tokyo Skytree for a working lunch on Sunday.
www.japantimes.co.jp
October 26, 2025 at 9:12 AM
The duo in charge of the trade agreement between Japan and the United States rekindled their bromance in Tokyo on Sunday, a day before U.S. President Donald Trump is set to step foot in Japan for the first time since returning to the Oval Office nine months ago. @japantimes.co.jp
Reposted by Francis B. Tang
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick showed up in Tokyo this morning with METI minister Ryosei Akazawa. The duo had no comment on whether President Donald Trump has decided how to use Japan’s $550 billion investment fund. @japantimes.co.jp
October 26, 2025 at 1:43 AM
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick showed up in Tokyo this morning with METI minister Ryosei Akazawa. The duo had no comment on whether President Donald Trump has decided how to use Japan’s $550 billion investment fund. @japantimes.co.jp
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick showed up in Tokyo this morning with METI minister Ryosei Akazawa. The duo had no comment on whether President Donald Trump has decided how to use Japan’s $550 billion investment fund. @japantimes.co.jp
October 26, 2025 at 1:43 AM
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick showed up in Tokyo this morning with METI minister Ryosei Akazawa. The duo had no comment on whether President Donald Trump has decided how to use Japan’s $550 billion investment fund. @japantimes.co.jp
Japan’s outgoing PM Shigeru Ishiba leaves Kantei following the Cabinet’s resignation en masse this morning. @japantimes.co.jp
石破前首相が退邸。
石破前首相が退邸。
October 21, 2025 at 3:44 AM
Japan’s outgoing PM Shigeru Ishiba leaves Kantei following the Cabinet’s resignation en masse this morning. @japantimes.co.jp
石破前首相が退邸。
石破前首相が退邸。
Reposted by Francis B. Tang
Japan is ramping up trade defense measures by initiating a record number of anti-dumping investigations this year, as it seeks to protect domestic industries from China’s overproduction and sweeping tariffs imposed by the United States. @japantimes.co.jp
Japan turns to anti-dumping measures as international trade gets complicated
An uptick in number of probes this year indicates an evolving strategy.
www.japantimes.co.jp
October 15, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Japan is ramping up trade defense measures by initiating a record number of anti-dumping investigations this year, as it seeks to protect domestic industries from China’s overproduction and sweeping tariffs imposed by the United States. @japantimes.co.jp
Reposted by Francis B. Tang
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is set to leave office with a few economic achievements and some important business unfinished. My latest @japantimes.co.jp
Ishiba to leave office with a mixed record on the economy
The outgoing prime minister achieved a few successes and left some important business unfinished.
www.japantimes.co.jp
October 15, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is set to leave office with a few economic achievements and some important business unfinished. My latest @japantimes.co.jp
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is set to leave office with a few economic achievements and some important business unfinished. My latest @japantimes.co.jp
Ishiba to leave office with a mixed record on the economy
The outgoing prime minister achieved a few successes and left some important business unfinished.
www.japantimes.co.jp
October 15, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is set to leave office with a few economic achievements and some important business unfinished. My latest @japantimes.co.jp
Japan is ramping up trade defense measures by initiating a record number of anti-dumping investigations this year, as it seeks to protect domestic industries from China’s overproduction and sweeping tariffs imposed by the United States. @japantimes.co.jp
Japan turns to anti-dumping measures as international trade gets complicated
An uptick in number of probes this year indicates an evolving strategy.
www.japantimes.co.jp
October 15, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Japan is ramping up trade defense measures by initiating a record number of anti-dumping investigations this year, as it seeks to protect domestic industries from China’s overproduction and sweeping tariffs imposed by the United States. @japantimes.co.jp
The “Takaichi trade” was back in full swing on Monday, as the Tokyo market cheered the election of fiscal and monetary dove Sanae Takaichi as the ruling party’s leader, with the Nikkei 225 index breaking the 48,000 level for the first time ever while the yen hitting 2-month low. @japantimes.co.jp
‘Takaichi trade’ takes Nikkei to record high
Takaichi is a proponent of expansionary fiscal spending and monetary easing, which is believed to have fueled market optimism and led to the rally.
www.japantimes.co.jp
October 6, 2025 at 10:34 AM
The “Takaichi trade” was back in full swing on Monday, as the Tokyo market cheered the election of fiscal and monetary dove Sanae Takaichi as the ruling party’s leader, with the Nikkei 225 index breaking the 48,000 level for the first time ever while the yen hitting 2-month low. @japantimes.co.jp
Anticipation is growing for a rate increase by the Bank of Japan in October as economic indicators pick up and consumer sentiment improves. @japantimes.co.jp
Bank of Japan rate increase looking more likely
The Cabinet Office is becoming more positive on consumer spending.
www.japantimes.co.jp
September 30, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Anticipation is growing for a rate increase by the Bank of Japan in October as economic indicators pick up and consumer sentiment improves. @japantimes.co.jp
Aside from possible conspiracy against the United States (as U.S. President Donald Trump said), Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin seemingly had other important issue to discuss at Wednesday’s lavish military parade in Beijing. @japantimes.co.jp
Hot mic catches Xi and Putin talking about organ transplants and immortality
The Chinese and Russian leaders, both 72, spoke of technology that could help humans live up to 150 years.
www.japantimes.co.jp
September 3, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Aside from possible conspiracy against the United States (as U.S. President Donald Trump said), Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin seemingly had other important issue to discuss at Wednesday’s lavish military parade in Beijing. @japantimes.co.jp
Japan is looking to raise the bar for business manager visas from October amid rising concerns of foreign nationals using it as an easy loophole to settle in the country. Here’s what’s changing and what you need to know:🧵 @japantimes.co.jp
Japan aims to tighten rules for business manager visas from October
The move comes amid concerns that foreign nationals are using the visa as an easy loophole to settle in the country.
www.japantimes.co.jp
August 26, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Japan is looking to raise the bar for business manager visas from October amid rising concerns of foreign nationals using it as an easy loophole to settle in the country. Here’s what’s changing and what you need to know:🧵 @japantimes.co.jp
Japan and the US reached a surprise trade deal after months of negotiations and some tense moments, with both sides claiming wins and Japanese markets cheering the news.
The US is promoting it as the deal of the century. For Japan, it was a mission-accomplished moment. @japantimes.co.jp
The US is promoting it as the deal of the century. For Japan, it was a mission-accomplished moment. @japantimes.co.jp
Japan and U.S. both claim win in surprise 11th-hour tariff deal
The 'reciprocal' rate is set at 15%, while the rate on autos is 12.5%
www.japantimes.co.jp
July 23, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Japan and the US reached a surprise trade deal after months of negotiations and some tense moments, with both sides claiming wins and Japanese markets cheering the news.
The US is promoting it as the deal of the century. For Japan, it was a mission-accomplished moment. @japantimes.co.jp
The US is promoting it as the deal of the century. For Japan, it was a mission-accomplished moment. @japantimes.co.jp
Japan and the United States have reached a deal with the “reciprocal” tariff rate set at 15%, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday. @japantimes.co.jp
www.japantimes.co.jp/business/202...
www.japantimes.co.jp/business/202...
Japan and U.S. reach tariff deal with ‘reciprocal’ rate at 15%
The agreement, announced by Trump on social media, came after Tokyo's top trade negotiator arrived in Washington on Monday for an eighth round of talks.
www.japantimes.co.jp
July 22, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Japan and the United States have reached a deal with the “reciprocal” tariff rate set at 15%, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday. @japantimes.co.jp
www.japantimes.co.jp/business/202...
www.japantimes.co.jp/business/202...
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, Komeito, were projected to lose their majority in the Upper House, media reports said Sunday, a defeat that could trigger Ishiba’s resignation or political deadlock in parliament.
@japantimes.co.jp
@japantimes.co.jp
Japan ruling bloc projected to lose majority in Upper House election drubbing
The ruling LDP-Komeito bloc’s devastating loss in Sunday’s poll could lead to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation or political gridlock in parliament.
www.japantimes.co.jp
July 20, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, Komeito, were projected to lose their majority in the Upper House, media reports said Sunday, a defeat that could trigger Ishiba’s resignation or political deadlock in parliament.
@japantimes.co.jp
@japantimes.co.jp
Reposted by Francis B. Tang
In tomorrow's edition of The Japan Times Weekend: White-water thrills in Wakayama
July 4, 2025 at 10:47 AM
In tomorrow's edition of The Japan Times Weekend: White-water thrills in Wakayama
My latest: With a July 9 deadline fast approaching, Washington is ramping up pressure on trading partners to strike quick deals, but Tokyo’s intentions remain hard to decipher. @japantimes.co.jp
Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations enter uncharted territory
A deal seems impossible as both sides refuse to budge just days ahead of the deadline.
www.japantimes.co.jp
July 4, 2025 at 8:46 AM
My latest: With a July 9 deadline fast approaching, Washington is ramping up pressure on trading partners to strike quick deals, but Tokyo’s intentions remain hard to decipher. @japantimes.co.jp
A tariff deal negotiated between the United States and Vietnam has set a high bar for Japan, which has made no concrete progress over 11 weeks of intense trade talks with Washington and has earned itself the ire of U.S. President Donald Trump in the process. @japantimes.co.jp
Vietnam steals a march and leaves Japan in a tough spot on U.S. tariffs
The deal sets a high bar for Japan and other countries still negotiating with the United States.
www.japantimes.co.jp
July 3, 2025 at 1:21 PM
A tariff deal negotiated between the United States and Vietnam has set a high bar for Japan, which has made no concrete progress over 11 weeks of intense trade talks with Washington and has earned itself the ire of U.S. President Donald Trump in the process. @japantimes.co.jp
Trump's contentious remarks about Japan signal that the U.S. is losing patience after months of unproductive talks, and is now trying to force Japan to make concessions to claim a win. Japan should keep dragging out the talks and avoid making major compromises, observers said. @japantimes.co.jp
Trump hammers away at Japan for a third day, threatening 35% duties
The U.S. president said he might simply end negotiations and set a tariff rate for Japanese products.
www.japantimes.co.jp
July 2, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Trump's contentious remarks about Japan signal that the U.S. is losing patience after months of unproductive talks, and is now trying to force Japan to make concessions to claim a win. Japan should keep dragging out the talks and avoid making major compromises, observers said. @japantimes.co.jp
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to raise reciprocal tariffs on Japan to the even higher rate of 35% — higher than what was initially set for China — as part of another attempt to force Japan’s concession after broadsiding the ally over the past two days. @japantimes.co.jp
Trump doubles down on Japan again by threatening 35% tariff
Japan is currently subject to 25% auto tariffs and a 50% tariff on steel and aluminum, as well as a 10% reciprocal tariff that could return to 24% if no deal is struck by July 9.
www.japantimes.co.jp
July 2, 2025 at 12:10 AM
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to raise reciprocal tariffs on Japan to the even higher rate of 35% — higher than what was initially set for China — as part of another attempt to force Japan’s concession after broadsiding the ally over the past two days. @japantimes.co.jp
Trump went on Fox News on Sunday and complained about the lack of U.S.-made cars in Japan. He followed that up on Monday by taking aim at rice.
“Negotiations didn't collapse,” said Ryo Sahashi, a professor at the University of Tokyo. “But the incentives for Japan to compromise became very small.”
“Negotiations didn't collapse,” said Ryo Sahashi, a professor at the University of Tokyo. “But the incentives for Japan to compromise became very small.”
Japan-U.S. trade negotiations stall as Trump fumes
The two sides remain far apart, and no new talks are scheduled.
www.japantimes.co.jp
July 1, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Trump went on Fox News on Sunday and complained about the lack of U.S.-made cars in Japan. He followed that up on Monday by taking aim at rice.
“Negotiations didn't collapse,” said Ryo Sahashi, a professor at the University of Tokyo. “But the incentives for Japan to compromise became very small.”
“Negotiations didn't collapse,” said Ryo Sahashi, a professor at the University of Tokyo. “But the incentives for Japan to compromise became very small.”
My latest @japantimes.co.jp: Nippon Steel's acquisition of United States Steel could be a model for a trade deal between Japan and the United States.
A big, beautiful trade deal, one academic quips.
A big, beautiful trade deal, one academic quips.
Japan needs a big, beautiful trade deal with the United States
A creative solution along the lines of the U.S. Steel 'golden share' has been suggested.
www.japantimes.co.jp
June 24, 2025 at 8:30 AM
My latest @japantimes.co.jp: Nippon Steel's acquisition of United States Steel could be a model for a trade deal between Japan and the United States.
A big, beautiful trade deal, one academic quips.
A big, beautiful trade deal, one academic quips.