Podcasts about liberal democratic party

参院本会議で立憲民主党の田名部匡代幹事長の代表質問を聞く高市早苗首相、２５日午前、国会内高市早苗首相は２５日、参院本会議の代表質問で、自民党の全衆院議員にカタログギフトを配布したことについて「法令上、問題はない」との認識を示した。 Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Wednesday defended her distribution of a gift catalog to all House of Representatives lawmakers of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, who won Lower House seats in the Feb. 8 general election.

自民党安全保障調査会の会合で発言する小野寺五典会長、２５日午前、東京・永田町の同党本部自民党安全保障調査会は２５日、党本部で会合を開き、防衛装備移転三原則の運用指針改定に向けた提言案を了承した。 A panel of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Wednesday finalized a proposal to scrap the country's existing rules limiting the scope of finished defense equipment that can be exported.

A panel of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Wednesday finalized a proposal to scrap the country's existing rules limiting the scope of finished defense equipment that can be exported.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Wednesday defended her distribution of a gift catalog to all House of Representatives lawmakers of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, who won Lower House seats in the Feb. 8 general election.

自民党安全保障調査会の幹部会合後に、記者団の取材に応じる小野寺五典会長、２４日午後、東京・永田町の同党本部防衛装備品の輸出拡大に向けた自民党の提言案が２４日判明した。 Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is set to call for allowing the export of lethal arms in principle by scrapping current rules limiting the scope of defense equipment transfers, a draft proposal showed Tuesday.

高市早苗首相、１８日、首相官邸高市早苗首相は２４日夜、自身のＸで、衆院選で当選した同党議員全員にカタログギフトを配布していたと明らかにした。 Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi admitted Tuesday that she distributed congratulatory gift catalogs to all lawmakers of her ruling Liberal Democratic Party elected in the Feb. 8 House of Representatives election.

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is set to call for allowing the export of lethal arms in principle by scrapping current rules limiting the scope of defense equipment transfers, a draft proposal showed Tuesday.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi admitted Tuesday that she distributed congratulatory gift catalogs to all lawmakers of her ruling Liberal Democratic Party elected in the Feb. 8 House of Representatives election.

In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by Nathan Sheets, Global Chief Economist at Citi and former U.S. Undersecretary of the Treasury for International Affairs, to explore Japan's shifting economic landscape following a historic political moment.* Just over 100 days into her term, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called a snap election that delivered a rare supermajority for the Liberal Democratic Party. With such a decisive mandate, Japan enters 2026 with renewed political strength and major policy opportunities. Together, they discuss what Prime Minister Takaichi's victory means for economic policymaking, how the U.S.-Japan alliance is shaping the outlook, and the growing debate around possible U.S. intervention in the yen. Nathan offers insight into why intervention is being discussed now, what it would aim to accomplish, and whether it is truly likely given recent messaging from Washington. The conversation also examines the broader dollar debate, Japan's uniquely high debt levels, and the pressures facing both the U.S. and Japanese economies. Clay and Nathan conclude with a look at geopolitics, specifically the delicate triumvirate relationship between the U.S., Japan and China, and how this balance could impact the global economy in the year ahead. *Before jumping into Japan, Clay acknowledges the U.S. Supreme Court's decision striking down the administration's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose sweeping global tariffs. For more on IEEPA and its implications, check out Current Account episodes [134](https://www.iif.com/Publications/ID/6450/Current-Account-with-Clay-Lowery---Episode-134--The-Best-of-Times-and-the-Worst-of-Times--A-Tale-of-Trump-s-Tariffs "https://www.iif.com/Publications/ID/6450/Current-Account-with-Clay-Lowery---Episode-134--The-Best-of-Times-and-the-Worst-of-Times--A-Tale-of-Trump-s-Tariffs"), [126](https://www.iif.com/Publications/ID/6360/Current-Account-with-Clay-Lowery---Episode-126--Stop--In-the-Name-of-Tariffs---The-Supremes--Court----IEEPA "https://www.iif.com/Publications/ID/6360/Current-Account-with-Clay-Lowery---Episode-126--Stop--In-the-Name-of-Tariffs---The-Supremes--Court----IEEPA"), [109](https://www.iif.com/Publications/ID/6166/Current-Account-with-Clay-Lowery---Episode-109--An-Eye-for-an-IEEPA--Trump-Tariffs---Where-Are-They-Now- "https://www.iif.com/Publications/ID/6166/Current-Account-with-Clay-Lowery---Episode-109--An-Eye-for-an-IEEPA--Trump-Tariffs---Where-Are-They-Now-"), and [96](https://www.iif.com/Publications/ID/6026/Current-Account-with-Clay-Lowery---Episode-96--Tariff-o-Rama--Explaining-U-S--Tariff-Implications "https://www.iif.com/Publications/ID/6026/Current-Account-with-Clay-Lowery---Episode-96--Tariff-o-Rama--Explaining-U-S--Tariff-Implications"). This IIF Podcast was hosted by Clay Lowery, Executive Vice President, Research and Policy, with production and research contributions from Christian Klein, Digital Graphics and Production Associate and Miranda Silverman, Senior Program Assistant.

After the Japanese ruling Liberal Democratic Party's landslide victory in the recent general election, legislation criminalizing the damaging of the Japanese national flag is expected to become a key focus of deliberations in the newly convened special session of the Diet, the country's parliament.

第２次高市内閣が発足し、記者会見に臨む高市早苗首相、１８日、首相官邸衆院選での自民党大勝を受け、日の丸を傷つけたり、汚したりする行為を罰する「国旗損壊罪」創設の是非も、特別国会の焦点になりそうだ。 After the Japanese ruling Liberal Democratic Party's landslide victory in the recent general election, legislation criminalizing the damaging of the Japanese national flag is expected to become a key focus of deliberations in the newly convened special session of the Diet, the country's parliament.

Japan is at a turning point as the nation recently held a snap election that saw a huge gain for the right-leaning, Trump-endorsed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Ms. Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party won a historic victory, securing a rare supermajority in the 465-member House of Representatives, explains Senator Sen Yamanaka to The New American’s Alex ... The post Anti-Globalist Coalition Grows in Japan Thanks to Help from Charlie Kirk: Japanese Senator appeared first on The New American.

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party just won a two-thirds majority in the lower house. This gives Prime Minister Takaichi a rare personal mandate and practically total control of the government for the next few years.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3O0pf7c

トランプ米大統領、１３日、ワシントン【ワシントン時事】トランプ米大統領は１６日、自民党が圧勝した先の衆院選について「彼女は私の支持のおかげだとしており、非常に良いことだ」と満足げに語った。 U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday claimed credit for the Japanese ruling Liberal Democratic Party's landslide victory in the latest House of Representatives election.

Emboldened by a historic victory in the Feb. 8 House of Representatives election, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party is demanding to retake key parliamentary posts.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday claimed credit for the Japanese ruling Liberal Democratic Party's landslide victory in the latest House of Representatives election.

首相官邸に入る高市早苗首相、１６日午前、東京・永田町衆院選の自民党圧勝で「高市１強」の政治状況となり、国会の風景が様変わりしつつある。 Emboldened by a historic victory in the Feb. 8 House of Representatives election, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party is demanding to retake key parliamentary posts.

Following her ruling Liberal Democratic Party's landslide victory in the Feb. 8 House of Representatives election, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is poised to use the firm base of her administration to support her diplomacy.

首相官邸に入る高市早苗首相、１２日、東京・永田町高市早苗首相は衆院選の自民党圧勝を受け、盤石な政権基盤をてこに外交を展開する方針だ。 Following her ruling Liberal Democratic Party's landslide victory in the Feb. 8 House of Representatives election, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is poised to use the firm base of her administration to support her diplomacy.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was featured as "the world's most powerful woman" in an article that ran in the latest issue of the British magazine The Economist, after she led her ruling Liberal Democratic Party to a landslide victory in a snap election.

In this week's episode, NK News' Lead Correspondent Shreyas Reddy joins John Lee. They  discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party's landslide victory, delivering a two-thirds parliamentary supermajority that could pave the way for long-sought constitutional revisions. They delve into how uncertainty surrounding U.S. foreign policy and alliance commitments is influencing both Seoul and Tokyo as they reassess defense self-sufficiency and trilateral cooperation. The episode also covers South Korea's expanding defense partnership with Saudi Arabia, where a new memorandum of understanding signals a shift from one-off arms sales to longer-term joint research and development. The pair discuss how deeper industrial cooperation aligns with Riyadh's localization goals under Vision 2030 and Seoul's ambition to solidify its position in the Middle East, while also considering potential friction with U.S. defense exporters. Shifting to domestic politics, the episode examines contentious judicial reform proposals in South Korea's National Assembly. Lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party are advancing plans to expand the Supreme Court and adjust the relationship between the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court.  The episode concludes with a look at the week ahead, including legislative maneuvering before the Lunar New Year holiday, continued developments surrounding U.S. tariff discussions and the unfolding Coupang saga.  About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Managing Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, delivering deep, clear analysis of South Korean politics, diplomacy, security, society and technology for professionals who need more than headlines. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. Audio edited by Alannah Hill

In this Friday, February 13 editorial, we are joined by Marc Chandler, Managing Partner at Bannockburn Global Forex and Editor of the Marc to Market website. Marc provides a deep dive into a week of market reversals, beginning with the political landscape in Japan and extending to the shifting yield curves across North America and Europe and precious metals volatility. Key Discussion Points The Japanese Election & Yen Squeeze: Marc breaks down the "landslide" victory for the Liberal Democratic Party under Sanae Takaichi and the subsequent massive short-covering rally in the Yen and JGBs that caught the "smart money" off guard. Global Bond Market Rally: Despite strong U.S. jobs data and rumors of China reducing Treasury exposure, yields fell significantly across the US, Canada, and Europe. Marc explains the "buy the rumor, sell the fact" mentality currently driving these markets. Central Bank Divergence: We explore why Australia was the first G10 country to raise rates this year and why the market is now pricing in more aggressive Fed rate cuts than the central bank's own "dot plot" suggests. The Longevity of U.S. Tariffs: Marc discusses the potential for a "softer" global policy heading into the U.S. midterms, the pending Supreme Court ruling on emergency power tariffs, and the declining popularity of trade barriers. The Outlook for Precious Metals: With Gold holding above $5,000 and Silver near $78, Marc analyzes why central bank diversification and industrial demand in electronics continue to provide a solid floor for metals despite recent volatility. Click here to visit Marc's site - Marc To Market - https://www.marctomarket.com/   ---------------------- For more market commentary & interview summaries, subscribe to our Substacks:  The KE Report: https://kereport.substack.com/  Shad's resource market commentary: https://excelsiorprosperity.substack.com/ Investment disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Investing in equities, commodities, really everything involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Guests and hosts may own shares in companies mentioned

森英介元法相自民党は新たな衆院議長に森英介元法相、千葉１１区、を推す方向で調整に入った。 Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party plans to recommend former Justice Minister Eisuke Mori as speaker of the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of the Diet, the country's parliament, senior LDP officials said Friday.

英誌エコノミスト最新号の高市早苗首相を紹介した記事、１３日、ロンドン【ロンドン時事】英誌エコノミスト最新号は、高市早苗首相を「世界で最も強力な女性」と紹介する特集記事を掲載した。 Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was featured as "the world's most powerful woman" in an article that ran in the latest issue of the British magazine The Economist, after she led her ruling Liberal Democratic Party to a landslide victory in a snap election.

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party plans to recommend former Justice Minister Eisuke Mori as speaker of the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of the Diet, the country's parliament, senior LDP officials said Friday.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi instructed her ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Friday to expedite deliberations at the upcoming special session of the Diet, Japan's parliament, so the government's initial budget for fiscal 2026 can pass through the Diet before the current fiscal year ends next month.

This week's show features stories from NHK Japan, France 24, Radio Deutsche-Welle, and Radio Havana Cuba. http://youthspeaksout.net/swr260213.mp3 (29:00) From JAPAN- The new Japanese PM, Sanae Takaichi, has sent her Defense Minister to attend an international security conference in Munich to explain their new defense policy. It has been 4 months since a ceasefire in Gaza was declared. 44 progressive politicians in Thailand are facing potential lifetime bans for wanting to change the royal insults law. Ukraine is expanding its drone strategy beyond its borders, with plans to produce and export its weaponized drones across Europe this year- Zelensky says the manufacturing of weapons is the largest industry in Ukraine. From FRANCE- 3 press reviews. First Zelensky announced plans for Spring elections and referendum on the peace deal. Then press from last Friday, before the Japanese snap elections called by the new ultra-conservative PM were held- the results were a landslide for her Liberal Democratic Party. Then press on the Trump announcement of revoking the EPA endangerment finding, and bringing back burning coal as a priority for military energy. One of France 24s best interview shows is called Tete A Tete and the week the guest was Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories. She discusses current Israeli maneuvers strengthening control over the West Bank. The host asks her about accusations that she is an anti-Semite. From GERMANY- The US blockade of fuel to Cuba has created many problems including loss of the ability to refuel commercial aircraft. From CUBA- Cuba denounced the blockade of fuel at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. More on Israel tightening controls on the Occupied West Bank. The Intercept reported that the Pentagon agreed to but $210 million worth of illegal cluster munitions from an Israeli firm. Thousands marched through the streets of Milan to protest the environmental and social impacts of the Olympics, and the presence of US ICE agents.. Available in 3 forms- (new) HIGHEST QUALITY (160kb)(33MB), broadcast quality (13MB), and quickdownload or streaming form (6MB) (28:59) Links at outfarpress.com/shortwave.shtml PODCAST!!!- https://feed.podbean.com/outFarpress/feed.xml (160kb Highest Quality) Website Page- < http://www.outfarpress.com/shortwave.shtml ¡FurthuR! Dan Roberts "We've moved from wisdom to knowledge, and now we're moving from knowledge to information, and that information is so partial - that we're creating incomplete human beings." --Vandana Shiva Dan Roberts Shortwave Report- www.outfarpress.com YouthSpeaksOut!- www.youthspeaksout.net

Silver, Gold and Crypto (oh my) Hang on – Wild ride here Superbowl, Olympics- Wait until you hear about the CAPex spending! Shakeup in Dietville PLUS we are now on Spotify and Amazon Music/Podcasts! Click HERE for Show Notes and Links DHUnplugged is now streaming live - with listener chat. Click on link on the right sidebar. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter Interactive Brokers  Warm-Up - Silver, Gold and Crypto (oh my) - Need a stock for CTP - Hang on - Wild ride here - Superbowl, Olympics- Wait until you hear about the CAPex spending! - Shakeup in Dietville Markets - Massive moved during the week - - Bitcoin clipped $60k before rebounding - DJIA tops 50,000 for the first time - Wait until you hear about the CAPex spending! - CAT == 1,100 points on the DJIA in 2026 Superbowl and Superbowl ads - Game review - Any ad stick out? - $10M per ad this year - Half Time with Bad Bunny? - Anthropic busting on OpenAi Last Week! - Massive moved - quick calc showed that about $1T was wiped from market caps in the sell-off, particularly in tech names. - HOWEVER - Friday alone is estimated to have added $1.5T to market cap AI Ripping Through - Plenty of names getting cooked over AI announcements - First it was the software companies - Now there are names in legal and finance that got clocked - Today - Altruist.ai can do tax planning and that hurt companies in financial space Earnings Season Update - Reporting so far: 59% of S&P 500 companies have reported Q4 2025 results. - Beat rate: 76% have topped EPS estimates (vs. 5-yr average: 78% (slightly lower) vs. 10-yr average: 76% (in line) - Magnitude of beats (aggregate): earnings are 7.6% above estimates vs. 5-yr average: 7.7% (about the same) vs. 10-yr average: 7.0% (a bit better) - Nothing great,  like Goldilocks Earnings Highlights - Palantir (PLTR): Reported strong Q4 results early in the week , beating estimates with revenue ~$1.41B (vs. ~$1.33B expected) and EPS $0.25 (vs. $0.23). Guidance for 2026 was upbeat (~61% revenue growth). Shares rallied sharply initially (~7–11% post-earnings), but gave back some gains amid broader tech volatility (e.g., down ~11–22% in parts of the week from peaks). - AMD: Reported mid-week, beating EPS (~$1.53 vs. lower expectations) with solid data center growth (~39%). However, Q1 guidance disappointed relative to high expectations in the AI chip space. Shares sank dramatically — down ~15–17% the next day, with some reports noting up to 20%+ drops at points, contributing to broader chip sector pressure. - Alphabet (GOOGL/GOOG): Reported beating on revenue (~$113.8B) and EPS (~$2.82), with strong core performance. But capex guidance for 2026 ($175–$185B, roughly double prior levels) sparked AI spending worries. Shares dipped post-earnings (down ~0.5–5% initially, flat to lower the next day, with some volatility pulling it below key moving averages). - Amazon (AMZN): Reported after hours on February 5, with mixed results — EPS ~$1.95 (narrow miss vs. ~$1.97 expected), but solid overall. The big negative was a surprise $200B capex forecast for 2026 (well above expectations), tied to AI/cloud buildout. Shares plunged sharply — down ~7–10% in after-hours/extended trading, with Friday moves around -5–8% in some sessions. Recent Tech CAPEX announcements - Amazon (AMZN) — Guided to approximately $200 billion in capex for 2026 (a massive jump from ~$125–131 billion in 2025, with ~80% likely AI-related per analyst commentary). This was the largest single-company figure and a major surprise, contributing heavily to the week's "wild" reactions. - Alphabet (GOOGL/GOOG) — Guided to $175–185 billion in capex for 2026 (roughly double the $91 billion spent in 2025, far above analyst expectations of ~$115–119 billion). Emphasis was on AI compute capacity, servers, data centers, and networking to meet demand for Gemini and cloud services. - Meta Platforms (META) — Guidance from late January (but heavily discussed last week): $115–135 billion for 2026 (up significantly from ~$70–72 billion in 2025, potentially an ~87% increase). - Microsoft (MSFT) — No new full explicit 2026 guidance in early February (fiscal year runs July–June), but recent quarterly run-rate and analyst projections put it around $97–145 billion (with some sources citing ~$105 billion or higher based on Q2 spending trends and signals of continued growth from prior levels of ~$88 billion in FY2025). ------!!!!Combined 2026 capex projected at $635–665 billion (low/high ends) or up to $650–700 billion in some reports — a ~60–74% increase from their collective ~$381 billion in 2025. Market Reaction from all of this.... - Markets were a bit spooked on the Anthropic announcement earlier in the week - software sold off and set a sour mood - Microsoft dumped pretty hard as the amount of spend was higher than anticipated, especially with some slower growth in Azure. - Amazon took a beating on the increased spend they anticipate *(extra by $50B) - BUT: Friday markets rallied as there was realization that the $200B spend by Amazon would seep into the economy and fuel infrastructure spending along with chips, tech etc. Other Earnings of Interest -  Reddit reported fourth-quarter earnings on Thursday in which the social media company beat on the top and bottom lines. - The company said it expects first-quarter sales to come in the range of $595 million to $605 million, which is higher than Wall Street expectations of $577 million. - Reddit also announced a $1 billion share repurchase program. - Reddit gets about $250 million a year from OpenAi and Google to have your data for training their LLMs While we are on the subject - Friday, DJIA hit 50,000 - first time ever! - Up 1,200 point of which approx 350 was from caterpillar and 280 was from Goldman Sachs Hats off to WalMart - Walmart Inc. shares pushed its market capitalization past $1 trillion on Tuesday for the first time ever| - Big transformation over the pst year - Walmart has maintained its appeal to households looking for value, its online offerings are drawing new, wealthier shoppers seeking convenience. Google Bond Offering - Issuing several tranches of bonds, denominated in Stirling - one as long as 100 years - Would you buy that? - The Google parent is set to raise $20 billion from a US dollar bond offering on Monday — more than the $15 billion initially expected — and is also pitching investors on what would be its first ever offerings in Switzerland and the UK. - The latter would include a rare sale of 100-year bonds, the first time a tech company has tried such an offering since the dotcom frenzy of the late 1990s Fat Profits in Dietville - Really interesting sequence of events happening... - Hims launches compounded pill at prices as low as $49 per month - Analysts cite questions on efficacy, legality of pill - Hims' move shifts focus from Novo's strong Wegovy pill launch - Broader obesity market whipsawed as pricing pressure rises THEN.. - Hims and Hers Health shares dive 14% after hours on Friday (Down 25% on Monday) - FDA cites concerns over quality, safety, federal law - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday it would take action against telehealth provider Hims & Hers, for its $49 weight-loss pill, including restricting access to the drug's ingredients and referring the company to the Department of Justice for potential violations of federal law. AND.... - Eli Lilly last Wednesday posted fourth-quarter earnings and revenue and 2026 guidance that blew past estimates, as demand for its blockbuster weight loss drug Zepbound and diabetes treatment Mounjaro soars. - The pharmaceutical giant anticipates its 2026 revenue will come in between $80 billion and $83 billion. Analysts expected revenue of $77.62 billion, according to LSEG. - Meanwhile, NOVO had a really bad outlook that took the shares down 13% after the report. Japan Markets Soar - Japanese stocks jumped to a record high Monday, leading gains in the region after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi won a landmark election victory. - The ruling Liberal Democratic Party captured a two-thirds supermajority in the 465-seat lower house, public broadcaster NHK reported. - Japan's Nikkei 225 jumped past 57,000 for the first time before paring gains to close 3.9% higher at 56,363.94, while the Topix also notched a record high, closing at 3,783.94, up 2.3%. Employment Report? - Government shutdown is forcing them to postpone again (Which is dumb) - Number due this Wednesday - Maybe because of this:U.S. employers announced 108,435 layoffs for the month, up 118% from the same period a year ago and 205% from December 2025. The total marked the highest for any January since 2009. - At the same time, companies announced just 5,306 new hires, also the lowest January since 2009, which is when Challenger, Gray & Christmas began tracking such data. - Also, job openings fell sharply in December to 6.54 million, to their lowest since September 2020. - Available jobs are down by more than 900,000 just since October. - NO! Ai and advancements in tech have noting to do with this! NO NO NO M&A - Texas Instruments Inc. has reached an agreement to buy Silicon Laboratories Inc. for about $7.5 billion, deepening its exposure to several markets for chips. - Silicon Labs investors will receive $231 in cash for each share of the company's common stock and the transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2027. - The transaction still needs to win approval by investors in Silicon Labs and shares of Silicon Labs surged by 51% to $206.48 after the announcement. Inflation - This helps - PepsiCo (PEP.O), opens new tab will cut prices on core brands such as Lay's and Doritos by up to 15% following a consumer backlash against several previous price hikes, the snacks and beverage maker said on Tuesday after it topped fourth-quarter results. Miran - Moving - Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran is leaving his post as chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, CNBC has confirmed. - He joined the CEA in January 2025, but had been on leave from that post since last September when he filled the unexpired term of former Fed Governor Adriana Kugler.- He reamins on Fed board No Biggie???? - There are some astonishing cased being reported of Bad AI in the operating room - JNJ's TruDi Navigation System - Since AI was added to the device, the FDA has received unconfirmed reports of at least 100 malfunctions and adverse events. - At least 10 people were injured between late 2021 and November 2025, according to the reports. Most allegedly involved errors in which the TruDi Navigation System misinformed surgeons about the location of their instruments while they were using them inside patients' heads during operations. - Cerebrospinal fluid reportedly leaked from one patient's nose. In another reported case, a surgeon mistakenly punctured the base of a patient's skull. In two other cases, patients each allegedly suffered strokes after a major artery was accidentally injured. Cuba - The main airport has putt out a bulletin that they are out of Jet Fuel - Blackouts and lack of other fuels are creating big problems - No airlines have stopped running at this point, but many will as they cannot refuel - This is a bigger problem for cargo planes (supplies) that may not be able to risk flying to Cuba as they will not be able to get out. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? ANNOUNCING THE WINNER OF THE THE CLOSEST TO THE PIN CUP 2025 Winners will be getting great stuff like the new "OFFICIAL" DHUnplugged Shirt!     FED AND CRYPTO LIMERICKS   See this week's stock picks HERE Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter

In a week where:Morgan McSweeney quits as Keir Starmer's chief of staff.Sanae Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party win snap Japanese Elections in a landslide.Ghanaian Highlife legend Ebo Taylor dies aged 90.Seattle Seahawks beat New England Patriots to win SB60.Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong pro-democracy figure, sentenced to 20 years in prison for national security offences.In Politics: (8:42) Peter Mandelson was always a snake but snaked a bit too much when he allegedly shared information with Jeffrey Epstein. As the Red Tories reel in the scandal, it must be acknowledged that maybe, just maybe, UK Politics is corrupted to the core. (Article by Alan Rusbridger) In Life: (24:50) Something I have been saying for years is that a war for water is coming. So let's drill into why and how soon it could happen. (Article By Peter Frankopan) In Film: (47:17) As a graduate of Film & Television, I pride myself on being able to consume the visual arts with a critical eye. So why the hell are film students now unable to do the one thing they need to do... Which is watch film??? (Article By Rose Horowitch)Lastly, in Photography: (1:02:43) I love a bit of Street Photography but I can understand that some forms of it are straight up invasive and creepy. So what's the level? Or should it all be chalked up to be art for art's sake? (Article By David M. M. Taffet) Thank you for listening! If you want to contribute to the show, whether it be sending me questions or voicing your opinion in any way, peep the contact links below and I'll respond accordingly. Let me know "What's Good?"Rate & ReviewE-Mail: the5thelelmentpub@gmail.comTwitter & IG: @The5thElementUKWebsite: https://the5thelement.co.ukPhotography: https://www.crt.photographyIntro Music - "Too Much" By VanillaInterlude - "Charismatic" By NappyHighChillHop MusicOther Podcasts Under The 5EPN:Diggin' In The Digits5EPN RadioBlack Women Watch...In Search of SauceThe Beauty Of Independence

A snap election bet paid off in a very big way for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. She and her Liberal Democratic Party now hold a supermajority in the country’s Lower House. This gives them the power to override the opposition, push through legislation and even amend the Constitution. Ms Takaichi has made bold pledges on everything from industry and the economy to immigration and national security. But how quickly and aggressively will she move, and what does it mean for Japan and its neighbours? Arnold Gay gets insight from CNA's Senior Correspondent Michiyo Ishida.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Liberal Democratic Party dominated in a snap election on Sunday and the country's stock market loved it. This week, the Nikkei 225 hit an all-time high. Today on the show, Hakyung Kim joins Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong to discuss what the election means for markets in Japan, the US and Europe. Also, they go short Alphabet's 100-year bond, streaming services and the luge. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer.You can email Robert Armstrong and Katie Martin at unhedged@ft.com.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beijing urged Tokyo on Monday to adhere to peaceful development and follow the four political documents between China and Japan, which serve as the political foundation of bilateral relations.周一，中方敦促日方坚持和平发展，恪守作为中日双边关系政治基础的中日四个政治文件。Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular news briefing after media reports said that Japan's ruling coalition had won a supermajority in a parliamentary election on Sunday.外交部发言人林剑在例行记者会上作出上述表态。此前有媒体报道称，日本执政联盟在周日的国会选举中赢得超三分之二的绝对多数席位。Though the election was an internal affair of Japan, it "indicated some deep-rooted issues and trends" that are "worthy of profound reflection", Lin said.林剑表示，选举虽是日本的国内事务，但本次选举反映一些深层次的结构性问题，以及思潮动向、趋势，值得日本各界有识之士和国际社会深思。"We urge Japan's ruling authorities to face, rather than ignore, the concerns of the international community, to follow the path of peaceful development instead of returning to militarism," Lin said.“我们敦促日本执政当局正视而不是漠视国际社会的关切，走和平发展道路而不是重蹈军国主义覆辙。”林剑说。He called on Japan to "abide by the four political documents between China and Japan, rather than go back on commitments made".他同时敦促日方恪守中日四个政治文件，而不是背信弃义。Japan's ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party secured 352 seats in the snap election, surpassing the two-thirds majority needed to enact bills approved by the House of Representatives, or lower house, but rejected by the House of Councillors, or upper house, public broadcaster NHK reported early Monday.据日本公共广播机构NHK周一早些时候报道，由自民党与日本维新会组成的日本执政联盟，在此次临时选举中斩获352个席位，超过了使众议院通过的法案在遭参议院否决后仍可生效所需的三分之二多数门槛。The LDP, which had 198 seats before the election, gained control of two-thirds of the 465-member lower house on its own after winning 316 seats.选前拥有198个席位的自民党，此次独得316席，单独掌控了465个席位的众议院三分之二以上席位。Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's victory in Sunday's vote has drawn growing attention to the country's political trajectory and regional security outlook. Experts warned that the result could accelerate Japan's rightward shift, strengthen its military posture and heighten regional tensions.日本首相高市早苗在周日选举中的胜选，引发外界对日本政治走向与地区安全前景的高度关注。专家警告称，此次选举结果或将加速日本右倾化进程，强化其军事姿态，加剧地区紧张局势。Hiroshi Shiratori, a professor at Hosei University in Tokyo, told China Daily that the election result is likely to push Japan to further advance its security and intelligence agenda.日本法政大学教授白鸟浩接受《中国日报》采访时表示，选举结果可能推动日本进一步推进其安保与情报相关议程。Since taking office in October, Takaichi has not made a clear commitment in the Diet — the Japanese parliament- to uphold Japan's long-standing Three Non-Nuclear Principles — not possessing nuclear weapons, not producing them and not permitting their entry into the country — but instead has moved to increase defense spending and revise key security documents.高市早苗自去年10月就任首相以来，并未在日本国会明确承诺坚守日本长期奉行的无核三原则（不拥有、不制造、不运进核武器），反而着手增加防卫开支、修订核心安保文件。On the issue of constitutional revision, Shiratori noted that the LDP's acquisition of more than two-thirds of the seats in the House of Representatives means it now has the numbers needed to initiate a constitutional amendment in the lower house.在修宪问题上，白鸟浩指出，自民党拿下众议院超三分之二席位，意味着其已具备在众议院发起修宪动议的席位条件。A two-thirds majority is a key threshold in modern Japanese politics, as it is required to initiate the constitutional amendment process, which also needs a referendum.三分之二多数席位是日本现代政治的关键门槛，发起修宪程序需达到这一要求，修宪最终还需经由全民公投通过。"If constitutional revision moves forward, Japan may shift from its passive, exclusively defense-oriented posture to a more active exercise of the right of collective self-defense, and could even pursue more proactive overseas operations," Shiratori said.“若修宪进程推进，日本或将从被动的专守防卫姿态，转向更主动地行使集体自卫权，甚至可能推行更具进攻性的海外军事行动。”白鸟浩说。The professor also noted that Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan, which renounces war as a sovereign right and prohibits Japan from maintaining armed forces with the potential to wage a war, is founded on a pacifist principle, adding that the Three Non-Nuclear Principles serve as an important guardrail of that pacifism.他还指出，日本宪法第九条放弃以国家主权发动战争的权利，禁止日本保有可发动战争的军事力量，这一条款以和平主义为根基；而无核三原则，则是守护这一和平主义的重要屏障。Jin Yongming, a professor at Ocean University of China's School of International Affairs and Public Administration, said the result of the election is likely to steer Japan toward a more assertive military and diplomatic posture, heightening regional tensions and increasing the risk of confrontation.中国海洋大学国际事务与公共管理学院教授金永明表示，此次选举结果或将让日本采取更强硬的军事与外交姿态，加剧地区紧张局势，提升对抗风险。"Japan's Diet is likely to tilt further to the right. Under a government led by Takaichi, there could be renewed efforts to revise its 'three security documents', ease restrictions on arms exports, and expand Japan's military capabilities, which would mark a significant shift away from its postwar pacifist trajectory to a more overtly militarized posture," Jin said.“日本国会或将进一步右倾。在高市早苗领导的政府执政下，日方或再度推进修订‘安保三文件'、放宽武器出口限制、扩充军事力量，这标志着日本将大幅偏离战后和平主义轨道，转向更为公开的军事化姿态。”金永明说。Lin, the Foreign Ministry spokesman, warned that Japan's far-right forces will face resistance from the Japanese people and a strong response from the international community if they misjudge the situation and act recklessly.外交部发言人林剑警告，日本极右翼势力若误判形势，恣意妄为，必将遭到日本人民的抵制和国际社会迎头痛击。China's policies toward Japan remain stable and consistent, and will not change because of a single election in Japan, Lin said, urging the Japanese side to retract Takaichi's previous erroneous remarks that hinted at military intervention in the Taiwan Strait.林剑表示，中方对日政策始终保持稳定性和连续性，不会因日本某一次选举而变化，同时敦促日方撤回高市早苗此前暗示武力介入台湾海峡的错误言论。Japan should take concrete actions and demonstrate the necessary sincerity in upholding the political foundation of bilateral relations, Lin added.他还表示，日方应以实际行动展现维护中日关系政治基础的基本诚意。Jin, from Ocean University of China, warned that "tensions and strategic rivalry" between the two countries are likely to persist in the foreseeable future, as Japan has long portrayed China as a "challenge" to its national interests and has amplified the so-called "China threat" narrative. It has also actively sought to build exclusive security blocs aimed at constraining China's development, he said.金永明还警告，中日两国的紧张关系与战略博弈在可预见的未来或将持续。日本长期将中国定位为其国家利益的“挑战”，大肆渲染所谓“中国威胁论”，还积极打造排他性安全集团，企图遏制中国发展。"Heightened confrontation between China and Japan would likely weigh on Japan's trade with China, undermining the performance of its manufacturing sector and constraining broader economic growth. It could also impede the momentum of regional cooperation, slowing both its overall progress and institutional development," he added.他补充道，中日对抗升级，势必冲击日本对华贸易，拖累其制造业表现，制约日本整体经济增长；同时也会阻碍地区合作势头，延缓区域整体发展与机制化建设进程。regular news briefing /ˈreɡjələr njuːz ˈbriːfɪŋ/例行记者会militarism /ˈmɪlɪtərɪzəm/军国主义go back on commitments made /ɡəʊ bæk ɒn kəˈmɪtmənts meɪd/ 背信弃义enact bills /ɪˈnækt bɪlz/ 颁布法案political trajectory /pəˈlɪtɪkl trəˈdʒektəri/政治轨迹intelligence /ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/情报constitutional revision /ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃənl rɪˈvɪʒn/宪法修订referendum /ˌrefəˈrendəm/全民公投proactive /ˌprəʊˈæktɪv/ 进攻性的pacifist /ˈpæsɪfɪst/和平主义的overtly /əʊˈvɜːtli/公开地Japan's far-right forces /dʒəˈpænz ˈfɑː-raɪt ˈfɔːsɪz/日本极右翼势力recklessly /ˈrekləsli/鲁莽地

Amounting to essentially a death sentence for Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong publisher is sentenced to 20 years in prison for violating China's national security law. What can Donald Trump do when he meets with Xi Jinping during his visit to China later this year? Plus, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi leads her Liberal Democratic Party to victory.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy media tycoon in Hong Kong, has been jailed for 20 years for colluding with foreign forces under the city's controversial national security law.Rights groups called it a death sentence for the 78-year-old, whose family has raised concerns about his health, but Hong Kong's leader said it was "deeply gratifying". We'll hear from Mr Lai's son about his father's situation.Also in the programme: We'll be reflecting on a historic election victory for the Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi with a member of the governing Liberal Democratic Party; how the DNA of identical twinas is complicating a murder trial in France; and we'll get the reaction to last night's half-time Superbowl show by the Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny, which has been criticised by President Trump.(Photo shows Jimmy Lai walking to a prison van to head to court in Hong Kong, China on 12 December 2020. Credit: Tyrone Siu/Reuters/File Photo]

Today, Les, Jamil, and Jess break down Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's sweeping victory in a snap election, a historic result that gives the Liberal Democratic Party a two-thirds majority in the lower house for the first time since World War II. The outcome dramatically strengthens Takaichi's political mandate and opens the door to significant shifts in Japan's national security policy. With a strong working relationship with Washington, the moment may be ripe for deeper U.S.–Japan coordination and a stronger coalition to counter China's growing military power, including its rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal.While Takaichi now has the authority to act on national security issues, economic concerns are what drove voters to the polls. Can she deliver economic results while advancing a more assertive defense agenda? And as China pushes regional red lines, how will Japan balance domestic pressures with the strategic realities ahead?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@jamil_n_jaffer@NotTVJessJonesLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/BAf34HsixlI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.On today's podcast:1) The Seattle Seahawks won their second Super Bowl title on Sunday, beating the New England Patriots by a score of 29-to-13 at Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. The Seahawks' defense came out strong, recording six sacks and forcing two interceptions against Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III was named Super Bowl MVP for his offensive efforts, becoming the first running back to win the award since the Denver Broncos' Terrell Davis in 1998.2) Chinese regulators have advised financial institutions to rein in their holdings of US Treasuries, citing concerns over concentration risks and market volatility, according to people familiar with the matter. Officials urged banks to limit purchases of US government bonds and instructed those with high exposure to pare down their positions, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing private deliberations. The directive doesn’t apply to China’s state holdings of US Treasuries. Communicated verbally to some of the nation’s biggest banks in recent weeks, the guidance reflects growing wariness among officials that large holdings of US government debt may expose banks to sharp swings, the people said. The worries echo those made by governments and fund managers elsewhere amid a brewing debate over the safe haven status of US debt and the appeal of the dollar.3) Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi secured a historic election triumph, positioning her as the nation’s strongest leader in the postwar era in an outcome that sent stock prices and bond yields soaring. Her ruling Liberal Democratic Party achieved the biggest post-war victory for a single-party in a general election in Japan, an extraordinary transformation of fortunes for a party that was on the ropes last summer before getting behind the nation’s first ever female premier in October. The LDP secured a two-thirds super majority in the 465-seat lower house by itself, according to public broadcaster NHK. A tally of results by NHK early Monday showed that the ruling coalition had won 352 seats in the lower house, expanding its previous razor-thin majority of 233 by a considerable margin. The LDP’s haul of 316 seats gives it a higher proportion of representatives in the lower house than any other party in post-war Japan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Nikkei 225 index in Tokyo, which tracks the performance of Japan's largest companies, hit a new record on Monday after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's ruling Liberal Democratic Party secured a two-thirds majority in the lower house over the weekend. Takaichi ran on an ambitious big-spending agenda, welcomed by investors, although concerns over the country's debt load –around 230% of GDP – are likely to persist.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 173-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 31,956 on turnover of $10.4-billion N-T. Cross-border effort leads to Taiwan fugitive's arrest in Philippines A 33-year-old Taiwanese fugitive has been arrested in Metro Manila following a joint operation between Philippine and Taiwanese authorities. The suspect, surnamed Chien (簡), had been on the run since August 2023, when an arrest warrant was issued by the Miaoli (苗栗) District Prosecutors Office on theft charges. Philippine immigration officials say Chien was also classified as an “undesirable (不受歡迎的) alien” after overstaying his temporary visitor visa. He is currently being held at a detention facility pending deportation. Since the start of 2025, officials have successfully tracked down and arrested 22 wanted Taiwanese fugitives in the Philippines through intelligence sharing and other forms of cooperation. Airport MRT to run 5 a.m. express train from Feb. 12-22 for LNY Taoyuan Airport MRT is adding an early morning express train service from Taipei Main Station to handle (應付) increased outbound travel over the Lunar New Year holiday. According to the operator, the train will run from February 12th to the 22nd … and depart at 5 AM … reaching Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 2 Station within 41 minutes. On the way, it will call at A3 New Taipei Industrial Park, A8 Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and A12 Airport Terminal 1 stations — as usual for the express train. To support the service, Taipei Main and New Taipei Industrial Park stations will open earlier — at 4:30 AM. In-town check-in at Taipei Main will also be available at that time. While the other stations it stops at will open at 5 AM. Japan PM Party Secures Supermajority Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's governing party has secured a two-thirds supermajority in a parliamentary election. Takaichi told public broadcaster NHK later that she is ready to pursue (實行) policies to make Japan strong and prosperous. TV networks cited preliminary results from Sunday's vote in reporting that Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner won 352 seats in the 465-seat lower house. The huge jump from the previous parliament could allow Takaichi to make progress on a right-wing agenda that aims to boost Japan's economy and military capabilities as tensions grow with China and she tries to nurture ties with Washington. US FBI concluded Jeffrey Epstein wasn't running a sex trafficking ring for powerful men, files show From the US…. Files show the FBI concluded Jeffrey Epstein wasn't running a sex trafficking ring for powerful men. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports Venezuela Gov Releases Opposition Members from Prison Venezuela's government has released (釋放) several prominent opposition members from prison, including one of the closest allies of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado. These releases come as acting President Delcy Rodriguez faces pressure to free those detained for political reasons. The move follows a visit from representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. On Sunday, Foro Penal confirmed the release of at least 30 people. Machado's ally Juan Pablo Guanipa, a former governor, and her attorney, Perkins Rocha, were among the released. The ruling party-controlled National Assembly is debating an amnesty bill that could lead to more releases. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 一趟遠程飛機 一篇小日記 飛行 9800 公里 穿越一個又一個時區 把想說的話 全都唱給妳聽 擁抱同一片藍天 望著同一顆月亮 讓想念帶著我們前進 用愛對齊時間 用心容納一切 盧可沛 Look 首張個人專輯傾心醞釀中 首波前導單曲〈小日記〉2/9搶先收聽

Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi captured a historic supermajority for her Liberal Democratic Party in yesterday's election, meaning the LDP holds two-thirds or more seats in the Lower House, and giving her the scope to pursue her fiscal agenda. The Nikkei 225 rallied 5.5% today, crossing the 57,000 threshold for the first time. Other Asian markets rallied this morning following the recovery in the US indices on Friday. Nevertheless, last week marked a rotation out of Big Tech and into smaller companies and dividend growth stocks. Gold is back up above USD 5,000 after whipsawing last week. Louis Chua, Equity Research Asia, joins the podcast today to talk about the likely impact of the Takaichi victory on Japan's financial markets, and Mensur Pocinci, Head of Technical Analysis, provides his analysis of the moves in the IT sector and what the charts suggest might lie ahead.(00:00) - Introduction: Helen Freer, Product & Investment Content (01:14) - Markets wrap-up: Bernadette Anderko, Product & Investment Content (06:47) - Japan elections: Louis Chua, Equity Research Asia (11:56) - Technical Analysis update: Mensur Pocinci, Head of Technical Analysis (14:20) - Closing remarks: Helen Freer, Product & Investment Content Would you like to support this show? Please leave us a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

As of the evening of February 9th, according to Jiji Press, Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party secured a historic landslide victory in Sunday's House of Representatives election, winning 316 seats to occupy a standalone two-thirds majority of the 465 seats in the all-important lower chamber of the Diet, the country's parliament. Episode notes: 'Japan Ruling LDP Claims Historic Win in Lower House Election': https://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2026020901581

Japan's governing coalition led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is projected to have won two-thirds of the seats in the House of Representatives. Ms Takaichi sought and got a clear public mandate in a general election she called just four months after becoming leader of the Liberal Democratic Party.Also, the Iranian Nobel peace laureate, Narges Mohammadi, has received another prison sentence - for what the court said was "collusion to commit crimes." And we speak to one of the Epstein survivors who had a relationship with him for two years.(Photo: Sanae Takaichi appeared at the LDP headquarters on Sunday night for the vote count. Credit: Getty Images)

The poll projects that the Liberal Democratic Party and its partner will have two-thirds of the 465 lower house seats.

Japan's Liberal Democratic Party led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to win a majority in the House of Representatives in Sunday's election, according to Kyodo News exit polls. Episode notes: ‘Japan's ruling LDP certain to win lower house majority: exit polls' https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/70097

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party secured a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives in Sunday's general election, delivering a strong mandate for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and enhancing her ability to advance key policies. Holding more than 310 seats in the 465-member chamber allows the party to pursue constitutional revision and pass legislation even if rejected by the House of Councillors, where the ruling bloc lacks a majority. Meanwhile, the minor populist party Sanseito expanded its lower house presence to 13 seats from two, though its leader voiced dissatisfaction with the outcome, while Team Mirai won its first seat, according to early returns. Episode notes: ‘LDP Wins Two-Thirds Majority, Sanseito and Team Mirai Gain Seats': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/09/ldp-wins-two-thirds-majority-sanseito-and-team-mirai-gain-seats/

The Japan Innovation Party and Sanseito have called for setting a cap on the percentage of foreign nationals in Japan's population in their promises to voters for Sunday's House of Representatives election. By contrast, the Liberal Democratic Party, the JIP's ally in the ruling camp, makes no mention of such a cap in its election platform. The Centrist Reform Alliance, a new opposition party created by Lower House lawmakers from the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito, considers such a cap a premature measure. Episode Notes: ‘JIP, Sanseito Call for Cap on Foreigners in Japan': https://barrierfreejapan.com/2026/02/04/jip-sanseito-call-for-cap-on-foreigners-in-japan/

This weekend's Japanese election is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in years. As Sanae Takaichi, newly installed leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, seeks to cement her mandate, government bond yields and the yen have been moving in opposite directions amid headlines warning of plans to open the fiscal floodgates.But are markets really responding to fears of runaway spending, or to the reality that Japan is finally emerging from decades of deflation? Capital Economics' Head of Asia-Pacific, Marcel Thieliant, and Head of Asia-Pacific Markets, Thomas Mathews, join the show to unpack what the return of inflation means for the Japanese economy, for the Bank of Japan, for government bonds and for the outcome of this weekend's vote.Also on the show: a new US-India deal to slash eye-watering reciprocal tariff rates is the latest in a flurry of trade agreements from the Modi administration. Shilan Shah, our India research lead, explains what these deals mean for India's economic outlook – and whether the country can truly wean itself off Russian oil.Read our key analysis about the return of inflation to Japan's economy.For Capital Economics clients: Japan Drop-In: Takaichi's election gamble – Fiscal risks, market consequences

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.theflyingfrisby.comThis has been for ages one of those things that has been going to happen that never actually happens.But on Monday there were signs it is actually going to happen.I'm talking about some kind of financial crisis in Japan, whether in its currency, its debt markets or a bit of both. Because it's so far away, we tend to overlook in Western Europe what a big deal Japan is: but it's the world's 4th largest economy - only the US, China and Germany have greater GDP.But its debt-to-GDP is 230% - 4 times Germany's (~63%), more than double the UK's (100%) and almost double the US's (~124%). But it has sustained these “unsustainable” levels for so long it's now normal. Shorting the yen has been the great widow maker.In addition to roughly $10 trillion of government debt, Japan also carries around $8 trillion of non-financial sector debt, including corporate and household borrowing. This is not new. What may be new is the market's willingness to continue absorbing it at the margin.On Monday Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called a snap election for February 8th, seeking a stronger mandate for her coalition government. She has high approval ratings, I read, and is looking to capitalise on them, restoring the Liberal Democratic Party's majority in the powerful lower house. Even so, though she is favourite, this is also a gamble.If you live in a third world country such as the UK, I urge you to own gold or silver. The pound will be further devalued. The bullion dealer I recommend is The Pure Gold Company. Pricing is competitive, quality of service is high. They deliver to the UK, the US, Canada and Europe or you can store your gold with them. More here.Takaichi will run on a platform of more stimulus. The worry is how she “pays” for her proposed cuts to food taxes. It's not totally unlike the Liz Truss situation, when she proposed tax cuts without material cuts to spending.How much is enough?I just don't get it with governments. Something doesn't have the desired effect. Instead of stopping and reassessing, they do more. Ooh, this petrol isn't putting out the fire. Let's add more petrol.But the result of her announcement was that Japanese borrowing costs rose sharply to all-time highs (again). 30-year yields posted their biggest daily jump since 2003, and 10-year yields surged 19 basis points. Not quite such a record breaking rise but the sharpest since 2022.Japan's bond market, long regarded as the safest and dullest corner of global finance, is suddenly being treated as risky. Compounding the problem is the fact that Japanese insurers, historically reliable buyers of long-dated bonds when yields rose, have become net sellers. That removes a key stabilising force.Charlie Morris monthly gold report, Atlas Pulse is, in my view, the best gold newsletter out there. Get your copy here. No pay nada.At some point the Bank of Japan may step in and buy bonds to calm things down. That's what usually happens. The risk, however, is that Japan is deemed even more fiscally permissive, the yen weakens further, and inflationary pressures stoke.If the yen carry trade unravels - that is the financial world borrowing Japanese yen at low rates and using the money to invest elsewhere - then everything unravels, and we get the 2020s version of 2008. It's been threatening to happen a long time, but it never quite does. But hot money - aka liquidity - will get sucked out of everything from gold and silver to the stock market to the bond markets to bitcoin, and the world gets a massive margin call. The bottom line is that this raises the risk of more global market volatility. If Japan, long the calmest corner of global finance, becomes unstable, everything priced on the assumption of low and stable interest rates needs to repice. Risk-on flips to risk-off. Speculative assets get hit.Add all the Greenland stuff to the mix and everything looks very shaky all of a sudden.Periods like this are not necessarily about bold calls. They're about deciding where you refuse to be sloppy. So I am taking some action.

This week, the Krewe is joined by Loretta Scott (aka KemushiChan on YouTube Channel) for a personal, insightful, and often funny look at what it's like raising kids in Japan as an American parent. We dig into birth experiences, cultural differences from the U.S., unexpected parenting moments, and tips for families living in or visiting Japan. Curious about family life abroad or considering a trip to Japan with the munchkins? This episode is packed with helpful insight just for you!------ About the Krewe ------The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------Use the referral links below!Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan! ------ Links for Tobias Harris ------Loretta on InstagramKemushiChan YouTube Channel------ Past Language Learning Episodes ------Inside Japanese Language Schools ft. Langston Hill (S6E3)Japanese Self-Study Strategies ft. Walden Perry (S5E4)Learn the Kansai Dialect ft. Tyson of Nihongo Hongo (S4E14)Heisig Method ft. Dr. James Heisig (S4E5)Prepping for the JLPT ft. Loretta of KemushiCan (S3E16)Language Through Video Games ft. Matt of Game Gengo (S3E4)Pitch Accent (Part 2) ft. Dogen (S2E15)Pitch Accent (Part 1) ft. Dogen (S2E14)Language through Literature ft. Daniel Morales (S2E8)Immersion Learning ft. MattvsJapan (S1E10)Japanese Language Journeys ft. Saeko-Sensei (S1E4)------ JSNO Upcoming Events ------JSNO Event CalendarJoin JSNO Today!

Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript ----- Political developments in Japan and France have brought more volatility to sovereign debt markets. Our Global Economist Arunima Sinha highlights the risks investors need to watch out for.Arunima Sinha: Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Arunima Sinha, from Morgan Stanley's Global and U.S. Economics teams.Today, I'm going to talk about sovereign debt outlooks and elections around the world.It's Wednesday, October 15th at 10am in New York.Last week we wrote about the deterioration of sovereign debt and fiscal outlooks; and right on cue, real life served up a scenario. Elections in Japan and another political upheaval in France drove a reaction in long-end interest rates with fiscal outlooks becoming part of the political narrative. Though markets have largely stabilized now, the volatility should keep the topic of debt and fiscal outlooks on stage.In Japan, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, the LDP, elected Sanae Takaichi as its new leader in something of a surprise to markets. Takaichi's election sets the stage for the first female prime minister of Japan since the cabinet system was established in 1885.That outcome is not assured, however. And recent news suggests that the final decision is a few weeks away. The landmark movement in Japanese post-war politics, in some ways further solidifies the changing tides in the Japanese political economy. Markets have positioned for Takaichi to further the reflation trade in Japan and further support the nominal growth revival.The Japanese curve twists steepened sharply as Tokyo markets reopened with the long-end selling off by 14 basis points amid intensifying fiscal concerns and the unwinding of pre-election flattener positions. Specifically, expectations appear to be aligning for a more activist fiscal agenda – relief measures against inflation, bolstered investment in economic security and supply chains, and stepped-up commitments to food security.Our strategists expect that sectors poised to benefit will include high tech exporters, defense and security names, and infrastructure and energy firms, as capital is likely to rotate towards these areas. Though, as our economists cautioned, the lack of a clear legislative maturity may hamper efforts for outright reorientation of fiscal policy.Meanwhile, we expect the implications for monetary policy to be limited. Our reading is that Taikaichi Sanae is not strongly opposed to Bank of Japan Governor Ueda's cautious stance reducing expectations for near term hikes. But we also reiterate that a hike late this year remains a possibility, particularly as the yen weakens.Economically, our baseline call has been supported by the election outcome given we did not expect the BoJ to raise rates in the near future. Indeed, market expectations of an increase in interest rates have been priced out for the next meeting.France is the other economy that saw long-end rates react to political shifts since we published our debt sustainability analysis. PM Lecornu's resignation was far quicker than markets expected, especially given the fact that he was only in office for a matter of weeks.A clear majority in the current parliament remains elusive pointing to continued gridlock, and ultimately snap elections remain a possibility for the next weeks or months. At the heart of the political uncertainty is division about how to proceed with fiscal consolidation against a moving target of widening deficits.The lack of fiscal consolidation in France has been a topic for many years. Though the ECB provides an implicit backstop against disruptive widening of OAT spreads through the TPI, our Europe economists view the activation of TPI as unlikely. As the spread widening has been driven by concerns around France's fiscal sustainability, a factor that is likely seen as reflecting fundamentals.In our rather mechanical projections on debt, we highlighted markets would ultimately determine what is and is not sustainable. These political events are the type of catalyst to watch for.So far, the risks have been contained, but we have a clear message that complacency could become costly at any time. With the deterioration in debt and fiscal fundamentals, we suspect there will be more risks ahead.Thanks for listening. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a review wherever you listen and share Thoughts on the Market with a friend or colleague today.

PREVIEW: Historic Election of Takaichi Sanae as LDP Leader and Presumed Next Prime Minister of JapanGuest: Scott Harold John Batchelor's conversation with Scott Harold focuses on the newly elected head of the LDP (Liberal Democratic Party) in Japan, Takaichi Sanae, who is presumed to be the next prime minister. Ms. Takaichi's political background is that of a conservative LDP member and an acolyte of the late Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. Her victory was attributed to two main factors. First, she was the most conservative candidate at a time when the LDP was worried about losing conservative votes to another party that sought to emulate parts of the MAGA ideology. The party viewed her as the best candidate to retrieve those votes. Second, while her competitor was the younger, more liberal son of a former prime minister, LDP voters and legislative members were ultimately "more comfortable voting for an older conservative woman." Additionally, a major scandal involving derogatory remarks posted by her competitor's supporters helped drive down his support late in the race. This is a historic election as Ms. Takaichi will be the first female Japanese prime minister. She has described herself as an emulator of Margaret Thatcher and emphasizes boosting the Japanese economy with substantial spending, including on defense, to enhance the US-Japan alliance.