Francis Tang

Tokyo

英字新聞ジャパンタイムズ記者 | @japantimes reporter based in Tokyo. Ex @Reuters @dailyorange, alum @MaxwellSU @SyracuseU. DM for Signal/tips. Views my own. he/they

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Articles

Japan joins world in mourning death of Pope Francis

2 days ago | japantimes.co.jp | Francis Tang

Japan joined the world in mourning after the Vatican proclaimed Pope Francis’ death on Easter Monday, commending the pontiff’s lifelong efforts in delivering the message of peace, which included a trip to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in a statement issued Monday night, said he was extremely saddened to hear the news of the pope’s death.
Tokyo insists defense issues and tariff talks must remain separate

3 days ago | japantimes.co.jp | Francis Tang

Defense-related discussions should be separate and distinct from tariff negotiations with Washington, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Monday, after a weekend in which various compromises aimed at bridging the gap with the United States were floated, such as buying more U.S. soybeans. “Tariff negotiations are tariff negotiations. National security discussions are national security discussions.
Trump reiterates opposition to Nippon Steel’s purchase of U.S. Steel

6 days ago | japantimes.co.jp | Francis Tang

U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his opposition to foreign ownership of U.S. Steel on Thursday, while sending mixed signals as to whether the acquisition of the iconic American company by Nippon Steel could be part of tariff negotiations between Japan and the United States. “It could be, but I doubt it. I think we’re going to view it separately,” Trump said when asked by reporters about whether the $14.9 billion transaction was included in the tariff negotiations.
Japan and the U.S. begin tariff talks on good terms, but without breakthroughs

1 week ago | japantimes.co.jp | Francis Tang

Tariff negotiations between Japan and the United States began in Washington on Wednesday with goodwill being expressed by both sides but little progress made, other than an agreement to meet again. Significantly, exchange rates were not discussed, according to Ryosei Akazawa, Japan's chief tariff negotiator, although defense may have been on the agenda.
Akazawa, Japan’s tariff czar, jets to Washington for Mission Impossible

1 week ago | japantimes.co.jp | Francis Tang

Japan's tariff czar flew to Washington on Wednesday morning tasked with getting two sides friendly but far apart on trade issues at least somewhat closer. Even he says it won't be easy. In the days leading up to the trip, the position of the United States has evolved somewhat, with olive branches being extended but a renewed focus on the currency being expressed. For its part, Japan has remained polite but firm.
Maryland governor talks trains and trade while in Japan

1 week ago | japantimes.co.jp | Francis Tang

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is keen on high-speed rail and lukewarm on tariffs, he said during an interview in Tokyo on Sunday, the day after a visit to the Yamanashi Maglev Test Track. “We’re big believers in transportation assets and being able to provide consistent and fast options for people to be able to go from where they live to where they work,” Moore told The Japan Times on the second day of a four-day trade and investment mission to Japan.
Trump halts higher tariffs on most nations, but hikes China rate

2 weeks ago | japantimes.co.jp | Francis Tang

In an astonishing turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday afternoon ordered a 90-day halt to fresh tariffs on dozens of countries — just 13 hours after they went into effect earlier in the day. A baseline 10% tariff, which entered into force Saturday, will still be in place for all goods imported into the United States.
Tokyo cheers Trump’s dramatic tariff U-turn even as other big levies remain

2 weeks ago | japantimes.co.jp | Francis Tang

In an astonishing turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday afternoon ordered a 90-day halt to fresh tariffs on dozens of countries — just 13 hours after they went into effect earlier in the day. The news was welcomed by Japan and its markets, with the 225-issue Nikkei stock average up more than 7% just after the open on Thursday morning in Tokyo and holding the gains throughout the day. In afternoon trading, Toyota was up more than 6%, Sony 12% and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial 10%.
Clock ticks down to Trump's 24% tariffs on Japan

2 weeks ago | japantimes.co.jp | Francis Tang

U.S. President Donald Trump is making good on his promise to implement a broad and brutal tariff program, allowing new levies on almost all goods entering the United States to go into effect as scheduled on Wednesday, with Japan being one of hardest hit. Hopes for an 11th-hour backpedal by a president known for such last-minute maneuvers faded as the White House dug in the day before and made no hint of a reconsideration.
Trump’s 24% tariffs on Japan now in effect

2 weeks ago | japantimes.co.jp | Francis Tang

U.S. President Donald Trump made good on his promise to implement a broad and brutal tariff program, allowing new levies on almost all goods entering the United States to go into effect as scheduled on Wednesday, with Japan being one of hardest hit. Hopes for an 11th-hour backpedal by a president known for such last-minute maneuvers faded as the White House dug in the day before and made no hint of a reconsideration.