Jiji Press – Author Carlo Carrasco

Japan’s Kikkoman Opens 3rd American Plant to Meet Growing North American Demand

September 21, 2026September 20, 2026carlocarrasco

Kikkoman Corp. – the Japan-based food manufacturer and world’s largest producer of soy sauce – formally launched its third American plant in the state of Wisconsin to meet the growing demand in North America, according to a Jiji Press news article. This is the latest development of Japanese companies (or subsidiaries) investing in the United States.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…

Japanese soy sauce maker Kikkoman Corp. on Friday held an opening ceremony for its third U.S. plant in Jefferson, Wisconsin.

During the ceremony at the new plant, Yuzaburo Mogi, honorary CEO of Kikkoman, said that the company will increase soy sauce production to meet the growing demand in North America.

The third plant has already begun operating and will start shipping products in October. It is scheduled to produce some 4,000 kiloliters of soy sauce by March next year.

Kikkoman is also considering producing teriyaki sauce and “ponzu” citrus-flavored sauce at the plant in the future.

Other attendees at the ceremony included Kikkoman President and CEO Shozaburo Nakano and Senior Executive Corporate Officer Osamu Mogi, as well as local representatives.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? If you are based in the United States, how many Kikkoman products do you have in your kitchen right now? Is Kikkoman your first choice whenever you look for soy sauce?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Hitachi to Build $528-million Transformer Manufacturing Plant in America

September 17, 2026September 16, 2026carlocarrasco

Hitachi Energy Ltd. – a global leader in energy technology and electrification – announced yesterday that it will invest almost $530 million to construct a transformer manufacturing plant in the state of Mississippi in the United States, according to a news article by Jiji Press. The investment is to help meet the rising power demand as the use artificial intelligence (AI) keeps on rising.

Hitachi Energy Ltd. is the energy arm of the Hitachi Group with over a century of innovation, and a long list completed projects that helped people for their access to dependable energy.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…

Hitachi Energy Ltd. said Wednesday that it will invest 528 million dollars to build a transformer manufacturing plant in Mississippi to meet surging U.S. power demand amid wider use of artificial intelligence.

The Swiss unit of Hitachi Ltd. expects the plant to more than double its production capacity compared with an existing transformer plant in Mississippi. Construction of the new plant will begin later this year, with production scheduled to start in 2029.

The new plant will be “the cornerstone” of Hitachi Energy’s 1.5-billion-dollar U.S. investment plan, the company said.

In September last year, Hitachi Energy said it would invest 1 billion dollars in the United States. It later expanded the plan as Japan pledged to make 550 billion dollars in investment and loans to the United States as part of a bilateral trade agreement.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you consider this new investment by Hitachi a crucial one in relation to the rising demand for power in the United States? Are you hoping that the bilateral trade agreement between the United States and Japan will create economic and energy breakthroughs for Americans in the near future?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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ICC President Akane Calls Her Organization the “Last Bastion of the Rule of Law”

September 8, 2026September 8, 2026carlocarrasco

Tomoko Akane, the incumbent president of the International Criminal Court, called her organization in The Hague the “last bastion of the rule of law” as she labeled America’s sanctions against her illegal and unacceptable, according to a news article by Jiji Press.

This past August, the United States sanctioned Akane and ICC trial lawyer Abdoul Seye of Senegal which is a part of their campaign to dismantle the organization’s threat to American sovereignty. Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae called the sanctions against Akane (a Japanese citizen) “very unfortunate”. It remains to be seen how the ICC sanctions will impact the current state of US-Japan relations and cooperation.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire Jiji Press news article. Some parts in boldface…

International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane, under U.S. sanctions, on Sunday called The Hague-based organization the last bastion of the rule of law in the world.

Support from people around the world is necessary for the continuation of the ICC, she said in an event held by a nongovernmental organization in Tokyo.

Akane, who attended the event online, expressed her sincere gratitude for assistance from Japan, such as a signature campaign.

The U.S. sanctions are illegal and unacceptable, she said, calling them a move to suppress justice through external force.

Akane said she has been able to receive her salaries through a local bank while facing problems remitting money. Companies have rejected transactions with her due to the sanctions, she added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you find Akane’s words about the American sanctions on her rather twisted given the fact that the ICC itself threatened American sovereignty and even interfered Philippine sovereignty and justice system? Are you convinced that Akane is simply pretending to be a victim? Do you want to see the ICC come to an end soon?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Full Lifting of Import Ban on US Fresh Potatoes Could Happen in Japan

September 4, 2026September 4, 2026carlocarrasco

The Ministry of Agriculture in Japan is advancing procedures that could lead to the full lifting of the import ban on fresh potatoes from the United States as a crucial briefing will happen this month, according to a news article by Jiji Press.

This is the latest development about US fresh potatoes following the authorities’ response to an official request from Washington. It has officially been documented that the production of fresh potatoes in Japan reached 2,236,458.75 metric tons in 2024 which pales in comparison with the 4.1 million metric tons achieved in 1986.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…

Japan is advancing procedures that could lead to the full lifting of its ban on imports of fresh potatoes from the United States, even as concerns persist about quarantine issues and the impact on Japanese farmers’ livelihoods.

Last Friday, the agriculture ministry announced that it would hold a briefing this month on pests and diseases identified as possibly posing a threat to domestic agriculture if they arrive in the country on potatoes. It plans to then begin considering specific quarantine measures before making a final decision on whether to allow imports.

While lifting the import ban could take several years, many are wary about allowing potatoes from the United States, one of the world’s biggest producers.

“We will approach the discussions with resolve,” agriculture minister Norikazu Suzuki told a press conference Friday.

Japan in principle bans imports of fresh potatoes to prevent pest infestations. However, an exemption to the ban was granted in 2006 for U.S. potatoes used to make potato chips.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think chances are good that Japan will lift the ban on the importation of fresh potatoes from the United States? Do you think having more American fresh potatoes in the Japan market will seriously disrupt the livelihoods of Japanese farmers? Do you think Japan’s farmers have what it takes to significantly boost potato production by hundreds of thousands in metric tons per year in the short term?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Availability of Cashless Payment Services for Children in Japan Grows

August 25, 2026August 21, 2026carlocarrasco

The number of cashless payment services for children in Japan is growing and already parents have the means to check their kids’ spending history and balances using digital means, according to a news article by Jiji Press.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…

Cashless payment services for children are increasingly available in Japan, allowing parents to check their children’s balances and spending history through an app to prevent excessive spending.

They are also attracting attention as a financial education tool that helps children learn how to manage their allowances and spend money systematically as Japan becomes increasingly cashless.

In July, Seven Bank began offering a prepaid card and a dedicated app for children aged 6 or older. Parents can load their children’s allowance onto the card via the app and review their spending history.

Notifications are sent whenever the card is used. The app has a feature to send money to children as a reward for achieving goals, such as completing chores.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What is your opinion about having more cashless payment services for children? Do you think the said services will help them become more financially literate and also more disciplined on handling their money?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Law to Punish Japanese Flag Desecration Takes Effect

August 14, 2026August 13, 2026carlocarrasco

If you are caught desecrating the national flag there in Japan, you will eventually get arrested and get punished by means of imprisonment and penalty fees as a new law took effect, according to a news article by Jiji Press. About a month ago, the law to punish the desecration of Japan’s flag was enacted by the nation’s Parliament and was a legislative victory for the administration of Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, their partner Japan Innovation Party and even some opposition members.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…

A law to criminalize acts of damaging Japan’s national flag came into effect Thursday, amid unresolved concerns about its impact on expressive activities following criticisms that the scope of punishable acts is unclear.

Under the Japanese law, those who publicly damage, remove or deface the national flag in a way that causes people to feel extremely uncomfortable or disgusted could face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 200,000 yen. Livestreams of such acts are subject to punishment, while archive broadcasts are not.

The law seeks to protect tangible objects used as a national flag. Creative works, such as anime and images produced with generative artificial intelligence, as well as flag-shaped decorations on children’s meals and flag-inspired patterns on clothes are excluded from the scope of the law.

The legislation stipulates that whether an act is punishable is determined through a comprehensive assessment of the objective circumstances, including the external form of the act and the surrounding situation, while giving consideration to the freedom of expression and belief.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you aware that previously Japan had laws protecting international flags but none for the Japanese flag? What comes to your mind when you see Islamists and Leftists who damage or even burn the Japanese flag publicly? If you are residing in Japan right now, would you be willing to report the acts of flag desecration to the local authorities immediately?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Japan Sees Urgent Need To Prepare Itself For New Ways Of Warfare

August 5, 2026August 4, 2026carlocarrasco

In this age of artificial intelligence (AI), the rising use of drones in military operations and Communist China’s disturbing presence at sea, the Defense Ministry of Japan sees the urgent need to prepare the nation for the new ways of warfare, according to a news article by Jiji Press.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…

Japan’s Defense Ministry emphasized the urgent need to prepare for what it calls new ways of warfare leveraging drones and artificial intelligence technology in an annual white paper adopted Tuesday.

The 2026 report, submitted by Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi to the day’s cabinet meeting, also displayed vigilance over the Chinese military’s expanding activities in the Pacific, saying Japan should respond with its “comprehensive national power.”

The white paper said that large-scale attacks combining low-cost unmanned equipment and conventional missiles have been conducted on the battlefields of Ukraine fighting Russia’s aggression.

Acknowledging that preparing for prolonged conflicts has become a key issue, the government stressed the importance of securing adequate stockpiles and ensuring sustained operational capability.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you support the idea of Japan tremendously modernizing itself militarily to defend itself while pushing back against Communist China’s military presence at sea? Would you like to see Japan become more sophisticated in the new ways of warfare using whatever state-of-the-art technologies it has? Do you think Japan should approach the United States for more advanced military hardware?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Cyberattacks Became Faster And More Sophisticated With AI

July 31, 2026July 27, 2026carlocarrasco

In relation with the recent wave of cyberattacks that impacted several businesses and their customers in Japan, the president of S&J Corp. pointed to artificial intelligence (AI) that made the said attacks faster and more sophisticated, according to a news article by Jiji Press.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…

Cyberattacks are becoming faster and more sophisticated with the use of artificial intelligence, Nobuo Miwa, president of Tokyo-based information security service provider S&J Corp., has said in a recent interview.

His remarks came after a series of cyberattacks on major Japanese companies, including frozen food maker Nichirei Corp., household goods supplier Askul Corp. and beverage maker Asahi Group Holdings Ltd., which suffered serious disruptions to their corporate activities due to system failures.

Asked about trends in cyberattacks, Miwa said AI-driven attacks have increased in recent months, shortening the time between the discovery of a vulnerability and the launch of an attack. “Attack programs can be created in the blink of an eye with AI,” he said.

Because Japanese companies have historically faced fewer cyberattacks, many lack adequate defenses, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals, Miwa added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? How do you think Japanese businesses and the government will react to prevent further cyberattacks enhanced by AI? Do you think an international group of hackers or activists or Islamic terrorists could be behind the recent cyberattack wave in Japan? What do you think cybersecurity experts in Japan should do to protect the nation from more cyberattacks?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Japan To Raise Foreigners’ Residency Fees Significantly

July 9, 2026July 3, 2026carlocarrasco

In a clear attempt to cover the administrative costs resulting from the sharp increase of foreign residents in their country, Japan intends to raise foreigners’ residency fees significantly this year, according to a news article by Jiji Press.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…

Japan announced a draft cabinet order Friday to raise the fees for permission to change temporary residence status and extend the period of stay to up to 75,000 yen from the current 6,000 yen.

The new fees will range from 10,000 to 75,000 yen, varying depending on the length of the period, according to the draft, released by the Immigration Services Agency. The fee to obtain permanent resident status will jump to 200,000 yen from 10,000 yen.

The agency hopes to put the fee hikes into effect in October after a public comment period from Friday.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the planned hike of foreigners’ residency fees are justified and timely? Do you think the plan will deter Third World countries from sending their citizens to Japan as immigrants or as migrant workers? Do you think the hike of foreigners’ residency fees will take effect this October?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Japan’s Steelmaker To Invest Up To $2.5 Billion In America

June 12, 2026June 11, 2026carlocarrasco

The steel industry of the United States will receive a much-needed boost as Japanese steel giant Nippon Steel Corp. will invest up to $2.5 billion in the Pennsylvania-based Mon Valley Works over the next three years, according to a news article by Jiji Press.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Jiji Press news article. Some parts in boldface…

Nippon Steel Corp. plans to invest up to 2.5 billion dollars in United States Steel Corp.’s Mon Valley Works in Pennsylvania over the next three years, the U.S. steelmaker said Monday.

“The total investment may range from approximately 2 billion to 2.5 billion dollars, more than double the original commitment” of the Japanese steelmaker, which acquired U.S. Steel last year, the Pittsburgh-based company said.

The investment includes construction of a new hot strip mill, set to replace an 87-year-old facility to produce high-value steel products such as those used in automobiles, U.S. Steel said.

The U.S. steelmaker said that the investment would generate 1.7 billion dollars in economic impact and create up to 6,381 jobs in Pennsylvania over three years.

The investment will deliver “lasting benefits to Pennsylvania workers, businesses, and communities,” U.S. Steel said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think this major investment pledge by the Japanese steel giant will be economically beneficial to the steel workers, small businesses and local communities in the state of Pennsylvania? Do you think more Japanese investment in America will lift up the nation’s economy as long as the ties between US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae remain strong?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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