Image: Langley EsquireJapanese Politics Updates - August 23, 2026 - Langley Esquire Government Relations & Public Affairs: Getting the impossible done in Japan
• The Takaichi Administration is facing a fiscal squeeze as Japan recorded a 364 billion yen trade deficit for the month, equivalent to roughly 7% of the annual defense budget. • Trade data shows oil imports from the United States now comprise 36% of Japan's total volume, while Chinese tourism remains down over 50% for the eighth straight month. • Tourism has turned fractionally positive overall, though this growth is driven primarily by visitors from Korea and Taiwan rather than China.
langleyesquire.com


