Japan is trending because of a major interest-rate increase, concerns over the yen, and headlines involving Pokémon, sports and entertainment. The Bank of Japan raised its benchmark interest rate from 1% to 1.25%, a 31-year high, pledging to counter inflation risks. Corporate leaders are also sounding the alarm over the yen: despite strengthening rapidly over the past two weeks, it remains weak by historical standards, drawing concern even from companies that earn dollars.
Pokémon is another prominent theme. Restrictions on Pokémon card listings triggered a selloff in shares of Japanese online marketplace Mercari earlier this week, though the shares are recovering some losses. Meanwhile, fans have been queuing for the trading card game’s 30th-anniversary release. Japan also faces backlash over its cost-cutting decision not to build a dedicated athletes’ village for the Asian Games, raising questions about where competitors will stay.
Other coverage highlights Japanese culture and travel. Vivant became the first Japanese drama to lead a regional monthly streaming ranking across Asia, excluding China and India. Comiket cosplay and Tokyo film premieres are drawing entertainment coverage, while people who get lost on Mount Fuji during off-peak seasons will face rescue fees.
