The hottest Japan Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Travel Topics
Japan Economy Watch 179 implied HN points 22 Apr 24
  1. The podcast discusses the author's interest in Japan, the reasons behind writing the book, and the experience of writing it, along with gratifying responses from Japanese and foreigners.
  2. Main messages from the book highlight the need for entrepreneurship in Japan's economic recovery and the potential for reform due to social and technological changes.
  3. The podcast covers various topics such as defense spending's impact on innovation, Japan's shortage of digital professionals, and the message to younger Japanese about creating societal change.
The Forgotten Files 373 implied HN points 24 Jan 24
  1. The post discusses how propaganda was used to shape public perception in America and Japan during WWII.
  2. Various examples of propaganda materials from the WWII era are showcased, including maps and leaflets.
  3. The materials highlighted demonstrate the different strategies and messages used in propaganda to influence attitudes and actions.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
Foreign Exchanges 648 implied HN points 13 Sep 23
  1. Syrian Democratic Forces faced resistance in eastern Syria's Deir Ezzor province despite claiming control
  2. Iraq relocating Iranian Kurdish opposition to comply with agreement, amid threat of Iranian attacks
  3. Japanese government appoints active duty official to defense attache in Taiwan, potentially escalating tensions with China
Chartbook 371 implied HN points 28 Feb 24
  1. The post discusses various topics including Biden's relationship with the oil industry, the concept of 'guns versus butter', the shrinking of Korea, Pax Economica, and the energy consumption of Bitcoin.
  2. There is a mention of resistance art in Japan, particularly focusing on the country's opposition to American influence after 1945 and the presence of a large Communist Party.
  3. The post is intended for paid subscribers, offering additional insights and content beyond what is available to the general audience.
Japan Economy Watch 259 implied HN points 20 Nov 23
  1. Japan's Prime Minister Kishida's approval rating has dropped to 21%, a historically low point that often precedes resignation.
  2. Support for the ruling party, LDP, also fell to 19.1%, indicating a significant loss of public trust.
  3. The decline in approval ratings is attributed to Kishida's lack of action despite making promises, with growing dissatisfaction among voters due to unmet expectations.
Japan Economy Watch 239 implied HN points 10 Nov 23
  1. The book is about reviving entrepreneurship in Japan and offers a 30% discount on the hardcover edition for pre-orders.
  2. Pre-orders are important for marketing efforts and a bigger print run. Ordering from Oxford's global site provides the discount.
  3. The book covers various topics like technological change, gender relations, and the need for entrepreneurial growth to improve Japan's economy.
Japan Economy Watch 139 implied HN points 31 Jan 24
  1. Japan's economic slump is not irreversible, and there is potential for recovery with shifts in attitudes, technology, and globalization.
  2. Despite Japan's structural flaws, South Korea's economic success shows that fixing the Japanese economy is achievable.
  3. The article in Foreign Affairs discusses the potential for Japan to revive entrepreneurial spirit for economic growth.
Japan Economy Watch 99 implied HN points 05 Feb 24
  1. Richard Katz participated in a lively dialogue about his new book on Japan's economic future during the Japan Zoominar.
  2. Questions from the audience were diverse and engaging, sparking interesting discussions.
  3. Katz will provide answers to more audience questions in a future post and will speak at the Tokyo campus of Temple University on Feb. 8th.
Japan Economy Watch 319 implied HN points 25 Jan 23
  1. Experts have mixed opinions about Japan's economic future, with some being optimistic, predicting growth and avoiding recession, while others are more pessimistic, warning of a crisis.
  2. Japan has challenges like wage suppression and resistance to change, but also opportunities for economic revival through societal megatrends like entrepreneurship and e-commerce.
  3. The government needs to support and capitalize on these opportunities in order to avoid missing out on potential economic growth and progress.
S(ubstack)-Bahn 160 implied HN points 09 Mar 24
  1. Japan's national public railway labor unions faced a significant decline from their powerful past, with membership dropping drastically over the years.
  2. The labor unions within Japan's national railways held significant influence and power in the past, shaping the fate of the railways through radical left-wing politics and strikes.
  3. The privatization of Japan's national railways in the 1980s marked the end for the powerful labor unions, leading to mass layoffs, legal battles, and the dissolution of the unions.
kalanis 98 implied HN points 05 Mar 23
  1. February in Asia-Pacific had a lot of interesting content to explore
  2. Japan's buses stay punctual with infrared sensors and smart technology
  3. Innovative aquatech startup in Indonesia using smart technology to optimize feeding and increase farm productivity
Diane Francis 399 implied HN points 05 Aug 21
  1. Japan is a leader in automation and robotics, using technology to solve labor shortages due to its aging population. This means they create robots to do many jobs, helping to keep the economy strong.
  2. The country showcases its robotic innovations, especially during events like the Olympics, where robots assist in hospitality and care roles. This shows how much they trust and embrace technology in everyday life.
  3. Japanese robots are not just for work; they also help with caring for the elderly at home. This includes robots that can make life easier and safer for seniors, proving that technology can improve quality of life.
Japan Economy Watch 99 implied HN points 28 Jun 22
  1. The discussion on reviving entrepreneurship in Japan highlighted the need to broaden the definition of high-growth entrepreneurs beyond just high-tech ventures.
  2. Innovation should not be limited to high-tech areas like AI or quantum computing, but should encompass various aspects of business.
  3. Barriers to entrepreneurship in Japan are not solely cultural but also relate to issues such as funding, staffing, and access to customers.
Political Currents by Ross Barkan 12 implied HN points 28 Apr 23
  1. Japan features advanced public transportation infrastructure like high-speed trains and clean, efficient metro systems.
  2. Japan's historical significance and economic growth have shaped societal norms and attitudes towards outsiders.
  3. Despite economic challenges and political stagnation, Japan maintains a unique cultural identity and commitment to technological innovation.
Bee Curious's Newsletter 0 implied HN points 11 Oct 24
  1. Yayoi Kusama is famous for her polka dots and colorful art. She is also known for her big sculptures, especially a pumpkin that stands out.
  2. Kusama has faced many challenges, including mental health issues, but she has turned her struggles into powerful art. Her work often carries messages of love and peace, even reflecting on topics like feminism.
  3. At 95 years old, Kusama continues to create art that inspires people around the world. She started making art as a way to cope with her childhood experiences and has since become a leading figure in the art world.
Japan Economy Watch 0 implied HN points 24 Sep 21
  1. Suga Yoshihide will not contend in the upcoming Liberal Democratic Party presidential elections, stepping down as Japan's prime minister once a replacement is found.
  2. The new Prime Minister will face key domestic political challenges in Japan, along with having to address economic matters and foreign policy issues.
  3. Experts on Japan's politics, economics, and foreign policy will discuss the challenges and issues for Japan's new leader.
Japan Economy Watch 0 implied HN points 28 Apr 21
  1. Japan has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, a significant shift from its previous timeline of 2050-2100.
  2. Japan's current reliance on coal for electricity and low carbon tax highlight the need for urgent action to address climate change.
  3. The Japan Climate Initiative, comprising 400 leading companies, is advocating for increased use of renewables to meet global business standards, putting pressure on Japan for real change.
Japan Economy Watch 0 implied HN points 08 Mar 08
  1. Japan can aim for both growth and security by adopting a model like the Scandinavian flexicurity, which combines market elements with policies promoting equality and security.
  2. Market-conforming policies that focus on security and equality can increase political tolerance for necessary 'creative destruction' to foster growth - a lesson learned by Nordic countries in the 1990s financial crisis.
  3. Countries like Sweden have seen high productivity growth while ensuring that the benefits are shared with the labor force, unlike scenarios where wage growth lags behind productivity growth.