Geopolitics Ruling parties of Japan and Taiwan agree to discuss regional issues By Keith Preston on July 28, 2023 • ( Leave a comment ) Top News Stories Kishida seeks reset as My Number woes hit approval ratings The prime minister has embarked on a nationwide tour to listen to the concerns of local communities in an effort to expand his political reach and prop up his popular support. Transport ministry conducts on-site probe of Bigmotor amid scandal The surprise inspection, which covered dealerships in 24 prefectures, came after the ministry interviewed Bigmotor executives including newly appointed President Shinji Izumi on Wednesday. Osaka Expo asks for overtime cap exemption as time pressure mounts The move comes as the expo faces mounting concerns that construction, especially of pavilions for foreign nations, will not be completed on time for the scheduled opening in April 2025. Hong Kong court rejects ban on pro-democracy anthem The court said the publication and proliferation of the song is already punishable under the city’s National Security Law, also questioning the efficacy of a ban. July set to be world’s hottest month on record We may have to go back thousands if not tens of thousands of years to find similarly warm conditions on our planet. Other Stories JAPAN Ruling parties of Japan and Taiwan agree to discuss regional issues Members of the Liberal Democratic Party and Taiwans Democratic Progressive Party have exchanged views on economic security matters pertaining to critical goods, including semiconductors. BUSINESS Tokyo CPI growth tops consensus, focusing attention on BOJ Consumer prices excluding fresh food rose 3% in the capital, beating analysts’ forecast of a 2.9% increase, underscoring the stickiness of underlying inflation. JAPAN Dead trees bring fresh scandal to used-car chain Bigmotor There is emerging speculation that the company may have perceived the roadside trees as a detriment to their business, possibly by obstructing the visibility of the displayed used cars. CULTURE Ginger Root’s modern spin on Showa nostalgia The California-based project is set to bring its distinct interpretation of city pop to Fuji Rock Festival this weekend. Attack the SystemTweetMore Print (Opens in new window) Print Share on Tumblr Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Categories: Geopolitics