Pingback by BizCast Japan #12 Released Japan Economy News & Blog - Business, Economy, Marketing and Economic Reports

February 18, 2008 @ 12:12 am

[…] This is just a quick announcement that BizCast Japan #12 has been released over at Trans-Pacific Radio. In this edition of the show, Albrecht Stahmer and I discuss Japan’s tourism industry, the government’s attempt to subsidize the conversion of part-time workers to full-time status, Blu-Ray, Panasonic, Seiyu, capital injections at Japan Air Lines and increasing wheat prices. […]

Comment by Nitpicker

February 19, 2008 @ 8:56 pm

Like many, your spellong of Labour is wrong.
Check it out: http://www.mhlw.go.jp/

Comment by Ken Worsley

February 19, 2008 @ 11:33 pm

I actually used to always spell it that way to be ‘correct’ but haven’t been recently. Good to see that people pay attention to details!

Comment by Nitpicker

February 20, 2008 @ 11:23 am

Ken, Don’t you find it interesting that they chose the British spelling with all the connotations of British Socialism?

Comment by Ken Worsley

February 20, 2008 @ 3:04 pm

Not particularly.

Comment by Mark A

February 22, 2008 @ 5:19 pm

Nice show, with a good variety of topics. Your new format works well, I think.

Too bad the shameful taxpayer bailout request as a result of wanton mismanagement (surprise, surprise) at Shinginko Tokyo came too late for this edition. Maybe you can roast Ishihara in a future edition.

Comment by Ken Worsley

February 22, 2008 @ 7:06 pm

Yes, Mark, you’re right…trouble’s been brewing there for some time, but it’s getting to be a political liability now…though there’s no way Ishihara is going to run again (right?)

At any rate, it looks like the scapegoating is already starting…

Comment by Kenta

April 21, 2008 @ 9:41 pm

I think Japan have to appeal differences from Singapore, China or other popular countries in Asia, because it seems Westerners don’t distinguish Japan from other Asian countries.
Then, I guess more foreigners must be interested in Japanese sophisticated culture or some other good point.

Kenta Kato
Current Affairs

Comment by Sawa

April 25, 2008 @ 1:58 am

I think the rise of wheat prices hit the family budget directly. So, many people have to cut down on their living expenses, especially the fatherless familys and the pensioners are worried about this rise. In my point, the government must concider a plan to support them immediately.

Sawa Matsumoto
Current Affairs

Comment by Ken Worsley

April 25, 2008 @ 2:05 am

Sawa, interesting points. But, what should the government actually do, in your opinion? Last year, the Japanese government destroyed 1,400 tons of wheat in order to keep the price up. The Ministry of Agriculture controls import prices; firms cannot import wheat directly on their own. We also see the government manipulating rice prices - Japan is one of the only nations where rice prices are actively being prevented from falling. Without government intervention, Japanese rice would be cheaper for everyone. The government’s agenda seems very out of line with what you’re suggesting.

Wouldn’t the government’s best move be to allow a free market to develop?

Comment by Mami

April 29, 2008 @ 2:22 pm

Now,in the world,lack of some resources and food is standing out. Of course in Japan,some companies thinks this problem seriously and try to innovate under this situation. Surely it’s important to increase their companies revenue but to produce safe and high quality goods is the most important basis.
I hope Japanese progressive companies are estimated their abilities in the world.

Mami Murata
Current Affairs