Asian Markets on Edge as US Tariff Deadline Looms

## Overview Nikkei, formally known as Nihon Keizai Shimbun (日本経済新聞), is Japan’s leading business and financial newspaper and the flagship publication of Nikkei, Inc.[1][2][3] It is recognized as the world’s largest financial newspaper by circulation, with over 1.7 million daily copies, and is one of Japan’s four major national dailies.[1][3] The organization’s influence extends beyond print, encompassing digital media, broadcasting, research, and global business news. ## History Nikkei’s origins trace back to 1876, when Mitsui & Company launched the Chugai Bukka Shimpo (“Domestic and Foreign Commodity Price Newspaper”) to report on market prices during Japan’s rapid industrialization in the Meiji era.[1][3][4] The paper evolved through several name changes and mergers, becoming the Nihon Keizai Shimbun in 1946.[1][2] The Nikkei 225, Japan’s premier stock market index, has been calculated by the newspaper since 1950 and remains a key barometer of the Japanese economy.[1][6] ## Key Achievements Nikkei’s reputation is built on comprehensive, impartial coverage of commerce, industry, finance, and economic policy.[3] The organization pioneered digital subscriptions in Japan and Asia, staying ahead in media innovation.[4] A landmark achievement was Nikkei, Inc.’s acquisition of the Financial Times in 2015, significantly expanding its global footprint and cementing its status as a major player in international business journalism.[2][3] Nikkei also owns TV Tokyo and publishes Nikkei Asia, further broadening its media reach.[2] ## Current Status Today, Nikkei, Inc. is an employee-owned media conglomerate with diverse interests in newspapers, magazines, books, digital platforms, broadcasting, and research services.

## Overview The Bank of Japan (BoJ), established in 1882, is the nation’s central bank and the sole issuer of the Japanese yen[1][6][7]. Its primary missions are to maintain price stability and ensure the stability of the financial system, roles it fulfills through monetary policy, currency issuance, and oversight of financial institutions[5]. The BoJ is headquartered in Tokyo and plays a central role in shaping Japan’s economic landscape, influencing everything from inflation and interest rates to foreign exchange markets[5][7]. ## History The BoJ was founded to unify and stabilize Japan’s previously fragmented monetary system, which was plagued by numerous private banks issuing their own currencies[3]. Modeled after European central banks, the BoJ gained a monopoly on money supply control in 1884 and began issuing banknotes in 1885[1]. Its early years were marked by Japan’s adoption of the gold standard in 1897 and the gradual consolidation of national currency issuance[1]. The bank underwent significant reorganization during the 20th century, especially after World War II, when its functions were briefly suspended during the Allied occupation[1][4]. The 1942 and 1949 reforms redefined its structure, including the establishment of the Policy Board[2]. For much of the post-war period, the BoJ relied on “window guidance” credit controls, which were later criticized for contributing to the asset bubble of the 1980s[1]. The 1997 Bank of Japan Act granted the BoJ greater independence while emphasizing collaboration with the government[1][2]. ## Key Achievements The BoJ has navigated numerous economic challenges, including the oil shocks of the 1970s, the asset bubble and subsequent bust of the late 1980s and 1990s, and the prolonged deflationary period that followed[3][4]. In response, it pioneered unconventional monetary policies, such as the