TokyoVP said...

TokyoVP at 08:02 PM JST - 6th November

After publicly calling on Obama to produce economic miracles, Japan's business elite meet in private:

"What are we going to do? Our export market is gone!"

"Obama is a Democrat, he'll try to save Detroit first!"

"We spent money nurturing Republicans, but now we have Obama!"

"Japan must export to…

Posted in Japanese business leaders call for Obama to tackle financial turmoil at 08:02 PM JST - 6th November
TokyoVP at 10:25 PM JST - 5th November

Obama briefing book on Japan:

Japan has had 8 Agriculture Ministers in 12 months, 7 Ministers of Defense in 18 months, and 3 Prime Ministers in 24 months.

First Aso-Obama conversation:

Aso: Hello, Mr. Obama?

Obama: Yes, Prime Minister Aso.

Aso: Congratulations, Mr. Obama, on your victory.

Obama: My inauguration…

Posted in Aso congratulates Obama on election win at 10:25 PM JST - 5th November
TokyoVP at 09:10 PM JST - 2nd November

Note to Obama Administration:

Rethink "Alliance" with Japan

Posted in Air force chief fired over essay denying Japan's aggression during World War II at 09:10 PM JST - 2nd November
TokyoVP at 11:56 AM JST - 25th October

After telling Japanese reporters a "big mouth" leads to political trouble, Aso faces the Western media in Beijing:

Japan economy 'not in bad condition': Aso AFP - Friday, October 24

BEIJING (AFP) - - Japan's economy is not in a bad state despite being affected by the global financial turmoil,…

Posted in Aso says 'big mouth' could terminate politician's life at 11:56 AM JST - 25th October
TokyoVP at 06:54 PM JST - 24th October

Memo to Aso:

Turn out the lights, the party is over.

Posted in Nikkei falls 9.6%, ends below 8,000 for 1st time since May 2003 at 06:54 PM JST - 24th October
TokyoVP at 08:41 AM JST - 24th October

The export parasite grew to such a size the health of the host economy became impaired.

Posted in April-Sept trade surplus dives 85% to lowest in more than 26 years at 08:41 AM JST - 24th October
TokyoVP at 05:58 PM JST - 23rd October

Aso, seeking solace in scotch, confers with Gov Ishihara:

Aso: Shintaro, the media sure can be nasty!

Aso: Like an old nag, they complain when I drink!

Ishihara: Taro, listen, you have to be smarter than they are.

Ishihara: Yes, I had my own TV show...and the setting was a…

Posted in Aso fends off criticism over dining in luxury hotels at 05:58 PM JST - 23rd October
TokyoVP at 12:17 AM JST - 23rd October

Revised talking points for the Bush-Aso Summit:

Bush: Welcome, Taro. We've got a real mess with the financial markets.

Aso: We Japanese want you to fix mess, quickly, for radiant happy Japan.

Aso: Our exports to America dropped 25%, bad for radiant happy Ginza.

Bush: Sit down, Taro, I want…

Posted in Aso, Bush discuss financial summit at 12:17 AM JST - 23rd October
TokyoVP at 11:53 PM JST - 22nd October

No worry, Japan is "cash rich" and banks are sound, the press reports.

Meanwhile, politicians talk of public funds for regional and megabanks.

Prime Minister Aso shows how to be cool and calm during a global financial decline; Just dash to the Ginza every night for caviar and cocktails after…

Posted in Tokyo stocks dive on renewed jitters about corporate earnings at 11:53 PM JST - 22nd October
TokyoVP at 09:33 PM JST - 21st October

Bush, breaking the ice first with Aso, starts the conversation:

"Hey, Buddy, can you spare a dime?"

Posted in Aso, Bush discuss financial summit at 09:33 PM JST - 21st October