John D.’s Post

Thanks to Cheap Japan, the nation’s ranking of world’s richest countries in 2024 has fallen off a cliff. No longer in the top 20. Now only about half the USA, including adjustments for prices and hours worked. Source: The Economist

Starlink for airlines is amazing! Cannot perceive any difference from terrestrial wireline or cellular. ANA & JAL take note.

Highly recommend. Sharmin is a rock star (literally)

“Democracy at risk of collapse” Hardly. Don’t mind eccentric candidates, like Dr. Nakamats, who just lost for the 8th time at age 96. Respect the libido. But the grifters just advertising their YouTube channels using public funds and fake candidacy are bothersome. I hope to see Dr Nakamats again in 4 years for his 9th loss at age 100. He should get some kind of recognition for persistence. (しつこい)

HND travelers take note. The end of chikuwa?

As usual, an excellent analysis by Richard Katz. Why is the JPY so weak? 1. Momentum trading. The yen is getting cheaper so it will always be getting cheaper. Until it doesn't. 2. New NISA investments in USD assets - Mrs Watanabe wants 50% USD assets 3. USD payments to Google, Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon 4. Japanese companies not repatriating cash 4. Interest rate differential Richard's book is excellent and I recommend for summer reading while you are escaping the summer Tokyo furnace.

Noooooooo

Yes. Like all other global tourist destinations. Bali, Maldives, NYC, Hawaii. Minimum 15% plus VAT. https://lnkd.in/g3fvU8T5

Cheap Japan. Again. ¥160 helps a lot. Everything in Japan is at fire sale prices. Buy. Dinner for 2 at my favorite exclusive and extraordinarily hard to book Osaka sushi restaurant is ¥60,000. No tip required. $375 or $190 person. Compare to venue in USA that tries hard but can never match a truely talented Japan itamae - 2 persons $1,000 plus 20% tip.