Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia, comprising four main islands and thousands of smaller ones, with its capital in Tokyo. The country has a population of about 125 million and ranks as the world's third-largest economy by nominal gross domestic product. Japan's economy is highly industrialised and export-oriented, with dominant sectors including automotive manufacturing, electronics, robotics, steel, chemicals and precision machinery. The currency is the yen, and the government operates as a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. Japan is resource-poor and imports the vast majority of its energy, metals and raw materials, making secure supply chains and trade relationships central to economic policy. Major trading partners include China, the United States, South Korea and countries across South-East Asia. The nation is a member of the Group of Seven, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the World Trade Organization and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Japan's industrial base is supported by advanced technology, a skilled workforce and a culture of continuous improvement, though it faces demographic headwinds from an ageing population and low birth rate. The country is a leading importer of liquefied natural gas, coal, iron ore and non-ferrous metals, including aluminium, to feed its manufacturing sector. Since the Second World War, Japan has rebuilt into a global economic power, pioneering lean production methods and high-quality consumer goods that have shaped international markets.
Japan Updates
Without the right tools, COP31’s implementation promise will fail Africa
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 7th August 2026 Key climate finance decisions have again been deferred, leaving African countries without the tools to deliver on ambitious goals. Geopolitical... →
South African iron-ore quality among strongest of seaborne market, Kumba reports 
By: Martin Creamer 28th July 2026 The quality of iron-ore from the Northern Cape is continuing to differentiate South Africa in the global iron-ore market. During the first half of... →
IMF lowers 2026 global growth forecast to 3%, sees rebound in 2027
By: Reuters 9th July 2026 The International Monetary Fund on Wednesday inched its 2026 global growth forecast lower again to a sluggish 3.0%, warning of ongoing risks linked... →
Platinum jewellery generates highest demand level since 2019
By: Martin Creamer 18th June 2026 Despite metal price and import tariff headwinds, platinum jewellery delivered growth across all markets in 2025, generating the highest demand... →
Platinum investment demand broadening to minor PGM metals, SFA (Oxford) points out
By: Martin Creamer 3rd June 2026 The strong ongoing investment demand for platinum is broadening to the minor platinum group metals (PGMs) such as ruthenium and iridium, SFA... →
Questions raised over frequent-flyer Mabuyane’s latest trip as the EC economy remains grounded
By: Reza Creamer 3rd June 2026 Premier Oscar Mabuyane’s latest overseas investment mission to Italy and Greece raises serious questions about why the province is paying for... →
Africa’s capital must stay home to plug its financing gap: how it could be done
21st May 2026 Africa is providing cheap liquidity to wealthy nations. In return it is paying huge interest rates to external institutional investors at the cost... →
China’s military support for Somalia is on the rise – what Taiwan and Somaliland have to do with it
16th April 2026 China recently pledged to expand military support to Somalia in its fight against al-Shabaab militants. Beijing has promised equipment, training... →
IMF cuts growth outlook, warns of potential global recession if Iran war worsens
By: Reuters 14th April 2026 The International Monetary Fund cut its growth outlook on Tuesday due to Iran war-driven energy price spikes and supply disruptions and warned... →
Can the UN’s transatlantic slavery decision deliver meaningful reparations?
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 10th April 2026 The UN General Assembly’s landmark resolution is likely to be stymied by a world divided on how to right past wrongs. A Ghana-led resolution... →
