All the below links are in English. Excerpts are on our own.
ご参考まで取り急ぎ以下貼っておきます。
The unusual Lambda variant is rapidly spreading in South America. Here’s what we know. (07/14/2021) | @natgeo
… “Why Chile is getting such high infection rates is perplexing, and it’s likely due to several factors. Because of their high vaccination coverage, the restrictions were relaxed a little too soon, and that could have led to [a] rise in cases,” says Pablo Tsukayama, a microbiologist at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru. It was Tsukayama who first spotted the Lambda variant after routinely sequencing the samples deposited between January and March 2021. “But it is also possible that the main variants in circulation, Gamma and Lambda, have some immune escape properties that lead to reduced protection from vaccines.” …
While Latin America has only eight percent of the world’s population, it makes up more than 20 percent of global coronavirus cases and 32 percent of COVID-19 deaths worldwide. … What has changed in Lambda?
The Lambda variant is very unusual because of the way its spike protein is altered compared to other variants. It has mutations at 14 positions including a long stretch of seven amino acids which has been deleted from a region of the spike protein called the N-terminal domain or NTD. Beyond these, Lambda also has mutations in the ORF1ab gene that are found in other variants of concern: Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. …
The seven amino acids deleted from the NTD belong to an NTD supersite where the spike is attacked by many of the body’s potent antibodies. Many variants, including Alpha, Beta, and Gamma also harbor mutations within this zone, suggesting that this region is important for the evolution of the virus. “NTD is not crucial for carrying out important functions of the virus and thus, it is easy for the virus to mutate and still remain viable, so as to evade the existing antibody response,” …
Among other mutations of Lambda is a unique one at location 452 which is also mutated in other highly transmissive variants: Delta, Delta Plus, Epsilon, and Kappa. While Lambda’s L452Q mutation has never been seen before in a variant, scientists predict that mutations at the 452 position boost the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect a cell.
The 452 position occurs in the part of the spike protein that interacts directly with the ACE2 receptor protein found on the lung and other human cells, and that interaction allows it to enter the body. “The 452 position is recognized by many neutralizing antibodies. Mutations at this site could result in decreased binding and thus less protection by certain vaccines in certain people, those with marginal responses to start with,” says Michael Diamond, an immunologist at Washington University School of Medicine. …
Canadian Kim Gaucher has won in her quest to bring her baby to the Olympics. The IOC says it will now allow breastfeeding athletes to bring their children to Tokyo.https://t.co/ODljO3x3ZJ
Canada's Denis Shapovalov says in a Twitter post he made the decision to pull out of the upcoming Tokyo Olympics for safety reasons "due to the current situation" amid the high number of COVID-19 cases and low vaccination rate in Japan. https://t.co/d0uJnUSKnN
Organizers of the Tokyo Olympics have set a limit of 50 per cent of capacity up to a maximum of 10,000 fans for all Olympic venues. The decision contradicts the country's top medical adviser. https://t.co/B0M9rgI6CI
Japan has extended a coronavirus state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas for 20 more days, with infections still not slowing as it prepares to host the Olympics in July. https://t.co/WH7Wr64ChV
A Toronto woman is hoping to make waves at the Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer. Sarah Douglas is part of the nine-member team representing Canada in sailing. She spoke with CBC News Toronto at 6 host @dwightdrummond about what inspired her to get into the sport. pic.twitter.com/X4b8l5raKT
"No word on vaccines, no testing at all." DIJ deputy director @barbGhawaii interviewed by @CBCNews Network morning show host Heather Hiscox @cbchh about Olympic volunteering and a potential shift in Japanese sentiment towards the #TokyoOlympicshttps://t.co/tDQ5Erhllo
From @WSJopinion: Holding the Tokyo Olympics this year would send an important message about the world moving again after more than a year of lockdowns. https://t.co/HJYYSgiR6D
Jessica Springsteen, the daughter of Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa, is ranked 27th in the world in show jumping and has a good chance to win a medal at the Tokyo Olympics. https://t.co/0JtQAmnq9v
Athlete activism has led the International Olympic Committee to adopt new rules allowing competitors at the Games in Tokyo to express their views on issues before their events, but not on the field, on the medal stand or during other ceremonies. https://t.co/IH8Z99PMmr
Worry about the Tokyo Olympics is widespread in Japan. With less than 10% of the population vaccinated, many fear the Games could cause a Covid-19 surge.
Will the sense of discontent fade? Listen to today’s episode of The Daily.https://t.co/5ClGRSU0NT
Alcohol will be banned at the Tokyo Olympics in a bid to control the coronavirus, organizers said. The decision came after an outcry from the Japanese public, which is deeply skeptical of hosting the Games.https://t.co/PomPPpDmMg
Wondering why the Tokyo Olympics haven’t been canceled? The answer lies in billions of dollars, years of work and thousands of athletes who can’t wait any longer. https://t.co/OEg1sfTuyB
Breaking News: Up to 10,000 domestic spectators will be allowed to attend the Tokyo Olympics this summer, indicating a growing certainty that the Games will go on.https://t.co/NNaamulIXS
Breaking News: Rafael Nadal announced that he would not participate in Wimbledon or the Tokyo Olympics “after listening to my body.”https://t.co/T0GVWdnndY
Australian softball players were the first athletes to arrive in Japan before the Tokyo Olympics. Their routine of coronavirus tests, hotel confinement and playing Nintendo offers a preview of a Games like no other.https://t.co/wiynpJBjFE
About 10,000 of the 80,000 volunteers for next month’s Tokyo Olympics have quit, the chief executive of the Games’ organizing committee said, amid rising worries about the Games happening during the pandemic. https://t.co/8UPvtKyxEA
The Tokyo Olympics are under new pressure. Public health experts have suggested the Games’ safety plans put athletes and others at risk, and the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, an Olympics partner, called on Japan’s prime minister for cancellation.https://t.co/rObgfoYLde
83% of people polled in Japan said they did not want Tokyo to host the Olympics this summer. Opposition to the Games comes as growing areas of the country have been placed under a state of emergency because of surging coronavirus cases. https://t.co/IWWjmCHbDF
The Ever Given has begun its journey out of the Suez Canal more than three months after it ran aground, clogging up one of the world's most vital trade arteries and disrupting global supply chains. https://t.co/LGYiROhAis
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has held the giant ship and its crew in a lake between two stretches of the waterway since it was dislodged on March 29, amid a dispute over a demand for compensation by the SCA.
The owners and insurers of the #EverGiven container ship that blocked the #SuezCanal said a formal settlement had been agreed in a compensation dispute, and the vessel would be allowed to sail on July 7.https://t.co/WYsOf37uf7
The SCA said the settlement contract would be signed on Wednesday at a ceremony, and that participants would be able to watch the ship leaving. https://t.co/LC4qmRiTEl
While machine-made paper has largely replaced washi throughout the country, the painstaking process of making the paper by hand is still practiced in a handful of cities and towns https://t.co/DPTWRwXA8m
James Ryan gives his reaction to Ireland's 39-31 victory over Japan and his side's performance. Ryan is also asked about his absence from the Lions squad. #IREvJPN#RTERugbypic.twitter.com/RGf0CHusbQ
Congrats to @tcddublin student athlete John Tanguay who has been officially selected for the @usrowing@Paralympics team 👏🏼 John is part of a mixed four coxswain crew that will represent the US at the Tokyo Paralympics
— USC Public Diplomacy (@PublicDiplomacy) June 17, 2021
As US-China competition deepens, @POTUS has sought to repair many of the broken relationships with its Asian allies. What does this look like when it comes to US-Japan relations? @jbmllr@MLInstitute gives his critical view on our latest issue.https://t.co/uLqvuXtfpE
Japan is taking a big bet on hydrogen, and planning to shift a big chunk of their power to hydrogen. This is part of the country's plans to be carbon-free within the next 30 years, and it could revolutionize the global energy market. Via @WSJhttps://t.co/Kzjtfcl2bt
China’s defence spending has increased by 620% since 1990. ‘Greater Japanese activism is a defensive, responsible reaction to Japan’s worsening threat environment,’ write @profLind and Elbridge Colby. Read more: https://t.co/TIBEUvtWxX
With trade being central to the UK’s ambitions for ‘Global Britain’, a dedicated ministerial track is one obvious way to mark global trade as a key priority. ‘It is up to the UK to prove the format is worth keeping beyond 2021,’ argues @MPetsinger:https://t.co/fNgi5dXbVs
A massive custom-made face covering, weighing 35kg, has been placed on a giant Buddhist goddess statue in Japan to pray for the end of the coronavirus pandemic | https://t.co/s9C7UV8dSUpic.twitter.com/IbxKbWUasR
The escape of Carlos Ghosn.#AFPgraphics showing the escape route of Carlos Ghosn, the ex-CEO of Renault-Nissan, from Japan to Lebanon pic.twitter.com/I4jU23EEKT
VIDEO: Christopher Cosser, African climbing champion and South African Olympian, explains how climbing will work at the Tokyo Games
Sport climbing will make its Olympic debut alongside four other new disciplines: surfing, skateboarding, baseball and karate pic.twitter.com/HmCIgQtHMu
JAPAN'S SHIONOGI IS TO MANUFACTURE ENOUGH COVID-19 VACCINES FOR 30 MILLION PEOPLE BY THE END OF THE YEAR. THEY AIM TO ADDRESS VARIANTS – YOMIURI.
— Breaking Market News (@FinancialJuice) June 9, 2021
Shimadzu Corporation and Shionogi & Co., Ltd. announced the conclusion of a basic agreement on business partnership for wastewater surveillance for viruses in the field of infectious diseases including the novel coronavirus. https://t.co/QRMcBXYTfZ#shimadzu#covid19
Two Americans are standing trial in Tokyo on charges they helped ex-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn flee Japan while on bail. Michael and Peter Taylor are suspected in the escape plot in which Ghosn was spirited away in a music equipment box on a private jet. https://t.co/gdTUchtPN5
A top Japanese official says relations with Taiwan are non-governmental and practical that recognizes China as the sole legitimate government. “Japan's position is to maintain working relations with Taiwan at the nongovernment level.” (Corrects quote.) https://t.co/g0daZNYUsD
ANALYSIS-Japan's yen set to suffer a while longer as BOJ baulks at tapering: The developed world's most dovish central bank and companies keen to put cash to work overseas have combined to make Japan's yen one of the world's worst performers this… https://t.co/um72TLmwvh NASDAQ
Japan's Lower House condemns the Myanmar coup and presses the military to return to democracy, putting the Japanese government on record before this week's G7 summit. https://t.co/I051sHYSOCpic.twitter.com/jNf7GCGc8P
The 2020 Summer Games were meant to kick off this week in Tokyo. #UofG Prof. Timothy Dewhirst of @LangUofG considers the Olympic brand's ongoing challenges in a new @TorontoStar commentary.@UofGhttps://t.co/LosCGX5t42
— University of Guelph News (@UofGuelphNews) July 24, 2020
All the below links are in English. Excerpts are on our own.
ご参考まで取り急ぎ以下貼っておきます。
Youth, Delta variant behind UK COVID surge (06/17/2021) | @CIDRAP
… In total, 135 of 108,911 swabs tested positive for COVID-19, for a weighted prevalence of 0.15%, up from 0.10% of swabs collected from Apr 15 to May 3. Northwest England had the highest prevalence (0.26%), while the country’s southwest region had the lowest (0.05%). Residents of socioeconomically disadvantaged areas were at nearly double the risk of testing positive, compared with those in less-deprived areas.
Young people are behind the surge, with a 5-fold higher rate of COVID-19 test positivity among children 5 to 12 years (0.35% prevalence) and adults 18 to 24 (0.36% prevalence) than in those 65 or older. People younger than 50 were 2.5 times more likely to be infected than older people (prevalence, 0.20% vs 0.08%), although the researchers noted that infections seem to be growing at a comparable rate in both age-groups. …
In early February, the link between COVID-19 infection rates and hospitalizations started to lessen, apparently due to vaccinations, only to reemerge in late April. When the researchers stratified data by age, however, they found that those 65 and older still had a lower association between infections and hospital admissions.
“We can take a lot of comfort in the fact that there does appear to be very good protection in the older age groups, where virtually everyone has been doubly vaccinated,” senior study author Paul Elliott…
… Delta has become dominant in the country, rising from 60% of positive COVID-19 tests at the beginning of the study to 90% by the end. …
… it’s very difficult to predict the duration of the exponential phase,” lead author Steven Riley… noting that extending coronavirus vaccination to younger people in the next month should slow the surge. …
… Riley adds, “Even though we are seeing the highest infection prevalence in younger people who are less susceptible to COVID-19, if this growth continues it will drive up infections in older, more vulnerable people, as the vaccines are not 100% effective and not everyone has been fully vaccinated. This would lead to more hospitalisations and deaths, and risks straining the NHS …
… a team led by University of Oxford researchers evaluated whether vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, or antibodies derived from COVID-19 survivors could neutralize the Delta variant’s B1617.1 and B1617.2 sublineages.
The researchers found substantial reductions in the ability of the AstraZeneca/Oxford and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines to inactivate the Delta variant, although the viruses weren’t broadly able to escape neutralization.
The ability of the Pfizer vaccine to neutralize the Delta variant dropped 1.34-fold between 4 and 10 weeks after the first dose, at which time the ability was nearly lost. “Recently in the UK some reduction in Pfizer-BioNTech effectiveness has been detected at 10 weeks, presumably as a result of waning immunity, leading to the recommendation that the second vaccine dose interval should be reduced from 12 to 8 weeks in those over age 50,” the authors said.
The researchers noted previous studies that found lower vaccine effectiveness against mild to moderate COVID-19 in countries in which Beta (B1351) was dominant, as well as against the Alpha (B117) variant first seen in England, although protection against severe illness was maintained.
Overall, convalescent sera was 4-fold less effective against B1617.1 and 2.7-fold less effective against B1617.2 than against an early strain from Wuhan, China. Still, convalescent sera containing antibodies against the Beta variant first seen in South Africa and the Gamma (P1) variant first identified in Brazil were the least able to inactivate Delta.
Data showed that the Delta variant’s affinity for ACE-2 was slightly enhanced compared with that of the Wuhan strain as well.
“Individuals previously infected by these variants may be more susceptible to reinfection by B.1.617.2,”…
The authors said that the true number of SARS-CoV-2 variants probably has been underestimated and that more variants of concern will continue to emerge. …
…”As the population develops immunity, by either natural infection or vaccination, pressure is mounting to select mutations that allow the virus to more effectively find an infectible host through increased transmissibility, or to evade the acquired immune response and cause reinfection.”…
UK Covid infections rise as Delta variant dominates (18/06/2021) | @BBCNews
… a single dose of vaccine reduces a person’s chances of catching coronavirus and needing hospital treatment by about 75%, even with Delta circulating in the UK.
And among people who had received the recommended two doses, the chances of catching and being hospitalised by coronavirus was reduced by more than 90%.
Of 806 people infected with the Delta variant who ended up hospital in England between 1 February and 14 June 2021:
527 (65%) people were unvaccinated
135 (17%) were more than 21 days after their first dose of vaccine
84 (10%) were more than 14 days after their second dose
As of 14 June, there have been 73 deaths in England of people who were confirmed as having the Delta variant and who died within 28 days of a positive test, and of these:
34 (47%) were unvaccinated
10 (14%) were more than 21 days after their first dose of vaccine
26 (36%) were more than 14 days after their second dose
…
Experts call for more sequencing after new ‘Delta plus’ variant identified (16/06/2021) | @Independent
… Referred to variously as the “Nepal variant”, the “Delta plus” variant or Delta AY.1, early data show this new lineage (B.1.617.2.1) allows the Covid virus to better resist antibody therapy treatments because it includes the K417N mutation – first found in the Beta variant that emerged in South Africa. …
From the data submitted by various labs across the world, we know the variant has been seen in Canada, Germany, Russia, Nepal, Switzerland, India, Poland, Portugal, Japan and the US. …
…the emergence of “Delta plus” and other new variants showed the need for regular genome sequencing to keep track of how the Covid virus is progressing.
He said the variant was “not a major concern immediately”. …
Five things we know about the Delta variant (and two things we don’t) (15/06/2021) | @gavi
Two weeks after receiving a second dose, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine appeared to provide 79% protection against infection with the Delta variant, compared with 92% protection against the Alpha variant…
…the number one symptom reported by app users with a confirmed infection has been headache, followed by sore throat, a runny nose, and fever. “Cough is rarer and we don’t even see loss of smell coming up in the top ten anymore…
What are the India, Brazil, South Africa and UK variants? (06/06/2021) | @BBCNews
… There are a few “India” variants, but one called B.1.617.2 appears to be spreading more quickly in the UK.
Surge testing is being deployed in some areas, including Bolton and Blackburn, to identify infections – but it may not be stopping the spread.
Second jabs for all over-50s (and the clinically vulnerable) in England are now being brought forward to protect more people, faster. Second doses will come eight weeks after the first, rather than 11-12 weeks.
Latest research suggests the Pfizer and AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccines are highly effective against the variant after two doses, but protection from one dose appears to be reduced. …
PM Suga: We held discussions on global health and other issues the world is facing. I welcomed the engagement of the other #G7 countries through concrete actions towards realizing a “free and open Indo-Pacific” and led discussions as the lead-off speaker on the equitable (1/2) pic.twitter.com/XhEozpQE3A
PM Suga: The #G7 Summit has now begun. In order for the global economy to successfully “build back better” from COVID-19, we discussed the promotion of the multilateral trading system, WTO reform, and related matters with other world leaders. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/4XPebtbDhN
PM Suga: At the upcoming #G7 Summit, I will have frank discussions on the critical issues of COVID-19, climate change, the economy, and regional issues with the leaders of the other G7 nations, which share universal values. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/kGVpe4M5oO
President Biden reaffirmed his support for the Summer Olympics in Tokyo during a meeting this weekend with Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide at the G7 summit. https://t.co/FIt76lZU44
Japanese Prime Minster Yoshihide Suga (@JPN_PMO) has welcomed the commitment to the Indo-Pacific region expressed by Germany and France in his separate bilateral talks with the leaders at the @G7 summit. #G7#IndoPacific#BilateralTalkshttps://t.co/4m7kRIdeXG
— TheFinancialDistrict (@TheFinancialDi2) June 14, 2021
Biden speaks to Japanese PM Suga at the G7 and once again the two leaders highlight the need to maintain stability in the Taiwan Strait. Maybe Tokyo doesn’t actually have buyer’s remorse?https://t.co/6ZnowETSe8
US and Japan seek to include a reference to the Taiwan Strait in the post-G7 joint statement in hopes of presenting a united front to counter China, Nikkei has learned.
The Group of Seven wealthy nations said they supported the holding of the Tokyo #Olympics this year, a communique issued on Sunday after a leaders' summit in #Cornwall. https://t.co/ZgpLMw7wxn
— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) June 13, 2021
At a meeting with Japan's Yoshihide Suga on the sidelines of the G7 summit, Boris Johnson agreed to work together on a range of issues from trade and technology to defence and climate.https://t.co/xqHPwgr6H3
UK PM Boris Johnson along with President Biden, French President Macron, Angela Merkel, Japanese PM Suga arrive at the picturesque English seaside at Carbis Bay for #G7Summit2021https://t.co/tSdSKzSa71
The Group of Seven wealthy nations said they supported the holding of the Tokyo Olympics this year, a communique issued on Sunday after a leaders' summit in Cornwall. https://t.co/mslO0dQNIE
"We reiterate our support for the holding of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 in a safe and secure manner as a symbol of global unity in overcoming COVID-19," the communique said.https://t.co/1CEGWXL13m
US President Joe Biden and his colleagues from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan will sit down for their first face-to-face gathering in nearly two years, after the pandemic wiped out last year's summit.https://t.co/0poCINuUTJ
#DrHabib_Music (Kyodo) — Japan's first lady Mariko Suga on Saturday watched a musical about the marine environment with other partners of the leaders of the Group of Seven at a theater in Cornwall, southwestern England, where the…https://t.co/vVW5lRVEEIhttps://t.co/jrADo1uNeg
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday gave the Tokyo Olympics a show of public support at a meeting with Japan’s Yoshihide Suga and welcomed efforts to ensure the Games can take place safely. https://t.co/cNtZ9q7gde
Their brief encounter marks the first face-to-face meeting between Moon and Suga since the Japanese leader took office last September. @AsiaNewsNetworkhttps://t.co/caz9ppRPRI
PM Suga is taking part in @G7 summit in #Cornwall. This is the first #G7 after the pandemic and the leaders started their discussion on how to ensure strong and sustaining economic recovery. https://t.co/FOUPBxqlIO
— ISHIGAKI Tomoaki 石垣友明 (@TomoakiIshigaki) June 12, 2021
At the summit in England, G7 leaders agreed to a joint communique that singled out China by name a handful of times, but did not overtly condemn Beijing. https://t.co/LdrSvmN1jU
“We underscore the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and encourage the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues.” https://t.co/1WiMvX0JSK
It was the first time the two leaders had met face-to-face. They met “accidentally” and said they were happy to see each other, according to the South Korean presidential office. https://t.co/hNV7u6e8HI
“This is not just about confronting or taking on China. But until now we haven’t offered a positive alternative that reflects our values, our standards and our way of doing business.” https://t.co/NhZOCFWviT
The G7 leaders plan to unveil a new alternative to China’s “Belt and Road” project, while the post-meeting joint statement will be closely watched for references to Taiwan. https://t.co/vQxBYImfwT
The leaders of the #G7 industrialized countries agree to launch a new initiative to provide financing for infrastructure in the developing world to counter #China's Belt and Road Initiative.#G7Summithttps://t.co/79lSBD8GzO
Johnson backs Tokyo Olympics; Japan wants more G7 support: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday gave the Tokyo Olympics a show of public support at a meeting with Japan's Yoshihide Suga and welcomed efforts to ensure… https://t.co/2icC0YG7st
Suga arrives in Britain for G7 summit: Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrived in Britain early Friday to attend a summit of the Group of Seven industrialized nations, with discussions set to focus on tackling… https://t.co/k4SxNljbN6
The Japanese prime minister's main priority will be to secure explicit support from G7 leaders for holding the Tokyo Olympics, which remain unpopular at home. pic.twitter.com/PX3uobN9dr
UK PM Johnson expressed support for the Tokyo Olympics meeting with Japan PM Suga on the #G7 summit sidelines. The two also affirmed cooperation toward realizing rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific amid China's growing assertiveness. (via @kyodo_english)https://t.co/nXsFz9SOf6
Japanese Prime Minister Suga left for the UK on Thursday to attend a three-day summit of the #G7 major industrial countries from Friday. Key issues at the summit include measures against COVID-19, ways to deal with China, and climate change. (via @jijicom)https://t.co/kt7TDFl4dq
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and South Korean president Moon Jae-in have both met with the German Angela Merkel at the G7 Summit. pic.twitter.com/jvG2QNw4BS
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and his wife have met UK's Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the #G7 summit in Cornwall. pic.twitter.com/Xr26vP0I1O
On behalf of the Bernard Leach family, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to His Excellency, Yoshihide Suga, Japanese Prime Minister, and his delegation, on the occasion of his visit to St Ives, Cornwall for the 2021 G7 summit.@G7@CornwallCouncil@GOVUK@JapanGovpic.twitter.com/VM8X30AJsu
Justin Trudeau, Charles Michel, Joe Biden, Yoshihide Suga, Boris Johnson,Mario Draghi, Emmanuel Macron, Ursula von der Leyen and Angela Merkel during the leaders official welcome and family photo in Carbis Bay, during the G7 summit in Cornwall.
The G7 or Group of Seven is an organization made up of world’s “most influential” and “advanced” economies. Every year, the leaders of the U.S., U.K., Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan gather to talk global affairs. But why seven countries and what do they actually do? pic.twitter.com/sw70wmSlYh
Thinking back to Justin Trudeau's first G7 summit in Japan in 2016. When the group reconvenes this week, the entire cast of characters will be different – except for Trudeau and Angela Merkel. And this will be Merkel's last G7. pic.twitter.com/4Ft9leIX01
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) June 10, 2021
Does anyone know whatever happened to this initiative? They provided numbers too unlike the G7 today.
“plan that is set to be backed by a 60 billion euro ($65.48 billion) EU guarantee fund, development banks and private investors.”https://t.co/B8gdlNIv27
"G7 economies — Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Canada, the UK and the US — could see annual average losses of up to 8.5% by 2050 if CO2 #emissions continue unabated," the article reports.https://t.co/yvoKmyHdyH
Japan’s addiction to coal is undermining meaningful climate action and a just transition to clean energy. We urge Prime Minister Suga to set things right at the @G7 by committing to coal phase out and ending overseas finance for coal, gas and oil. @JPN_PMO#G7Cornwall#G7UK#G7pic.twitter.com/lEMHikRus7
— Oil Change International (@PriceofOil) June 11, 2021
Giant Pikachus head to the G7 summit in stance against Japan's burning of coal pic.twitter.com/7HPsZfYeBK
An environmental activist group showed up to the G7 Summit in Cornwall, England to protest Japan’s reluctance to reduce its use of coal in a unique way: in Pikachu costumes. pic.twitter.com/NN4pkivKRD
The Pikachus are part of “No Coal Japan,” a coalition of 35 environmental groups seeking to stop the usage of coal as an energy source.https://t.co/1tQsnngLgf
G7 and COAL: Despite the rapid transition away from coal in recent years (helped by cheap nat gas plus renewables), coal still accounts for a huge share in electricity generation in the US, Germany and Japan (the later still produces 1/3 of total electricity by burning coal) 6/8 pic.twitter.com/4KDFw1XdBN
— Fridays For Future Bangladesh (@FFFinBD) June 14, 2021
Japan’s coal addiction is undermining real climate action and a just transition to renewable energy.
So we’re joining 35+ groups urging @JPN_PMO to show strong climate leadership at the #G7 Summit & end all overseas funding for fossil fuel projects!https://t.co/1hYO5jaizS
— Friends of the Earth (Action) (@foe_us) June 12, 2021
G7 climate protests: Pickachus and pupils —>
Pikachu's are here to push alleged Pokémon fan Yoshihide Suga on his coal policy. “Being inside a Pikachu costume is like a worst case global warming. Hot, sweaty and constant fear you’re gonna fall into the sea.” pic.twitter.com/TVoOsW20Ln
My one quibble is the lack of historical context. This was first time ever that G7 has explicitly addressed coal. So a Leaders agreement on coal exit is a big step.https://t.co/AGULtFkIHZ
West Australian Political Journalist Sarah Ison says Australia and Japan’s joint statement in opposition to China’s coercive behaviour presents a “united front” ahead of the G7 summit.https://t.co/qiRE91VH9g
“There were few disagreements over the communique, which is going through final drafting, though Japan pushed for a tougher line on China, a diplomatic source said” https://t.co/1hO9Zem4fy
— तरुणमित्र (हिंदी दैनिक ) (@tarunmitragroup) June 4, 2021
Under the new scheme, first varrient identified in the UK, is labelled “alpha”. The 2nd one from South Africa is “beta”, the 3rd one from Brazil is “gamma” and the 4th one detected in India is “delta”.#COVID19#COVID19PK https://t.co/vQONPBkXGK
— Muzzamil Hussain مزمل حسین (@1sudo) June 4, 2021
#COVID19 variant first found in the UK will be labelled ‘Alpha’ and the one detected in India as ‘Delta’, according to WHO's new nomenclature
From now on the WHO will use Greek letters to refer to variants of #COVID19.
Current variants of concern (VOC) are:
Alpha – first identified in UK Beta – first identified in South Africa Gamma – first identified in Brazil Delta – first identified in India https://t.co/loTb61rv9e
Vaccilating on Vaccines@NepaliTimes Editorial: 'Nepal’s vaccine diplomacy has failed, but India, UK, EU, US, WHO have also let us down as we are battered by the #Covid19 second wave."https://t.co/24I2vCsv8D
4 present variants of concern—UK/Kent (B.1.1.7), South Africa (B.1.351), Brazil (P.1) & India (B.1.617.2)—will now be given the letters Alpha, Beta, Gamma & Delta respectively.
Panel warns #India’s ‘delta’ #COVID19 variant highly infectious. Global response needed to tackle virus that is 50% more transmissible than the one in UK https://t.co/leXkS2vqGT
Excellent. We shouldn't be classifying diseases based on country of origin. Having this terminology for #covid19 variants is important (even as I wish they'd come earlier):
.@IndianExpress reports India may soon test feasibility of mixing two different vaccines. Early data from a similar study in UK showed adverse reactions were short lived, with no other safety concerns. Full results coming in June. https://t.co/uggzxwWcfD#Covid19#vaccines
Vietnam plans to test all 9 million people in its largest city for the coronavirus and imposed more restrictions Monday to deal with a growing #Covid19 outbreak.https://t.co/flfO34FKY3
"After running gene sequencing on newly detected patients, we have discovered a new variant that is a mix of India and UK ones," Nguyen Thanh Long was quoted as saying.#COVID19
"We found 94% of the patients with #COVID19 can be treated with home care."@Deloitte CEO @PunitRenjen discusses his company's work with the #Haryana govt to set up a virtual health care system & reduce the "crush" on #India's hospitals.
#COVID19 | The research paper was published on the backdrop of the UK's decision to reduce the gap between two doses of vaccine to address the concerns about the spread of the B.1.617 variant, first detected in India.https://t.co/VnIBRZFMYp
The UK officials working on the review into COVID-19 status certificates believe there is no chance the law will be changed to mandate their use within the UK, the report added.#Covid19https://t.co/YrX4RaEJRc
The Delta variant of #COVID19, or the B1.617.2 highly transmissible variant of concern (VOC) first identified in India, has now become the dominant VOC in the #UK as infections rose by 5,472 in a week to hit a total of 12,431 https://t.co/2DbcjKfuMJ
The Delta variant of concern first identified in India is now dominant in Britain and might have an increased risk of hospitalisation compared to the Alpha variant, #UK#Covid19#CovidVarianthttps://t.co/zTRsjBI97w
— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) June 4, 2021
via @NYTimes Delta variant leaves UK cautious despite announced June 21 opening up. US on the other hand has dropped covid19 restraints. Europe is even more cautious. Unlikely if India will see barred entry to these nations lifted soon. https://t.co/UwOE8axlWW
Despite a fairly high vaccination rate,the UK has started experiencing a new surge in #COVID19 cases during last 7 days. There has been a 24% jump. Another indicator of the fact that India should be cautious in unlock moves and do not lower the guards. pic.twitter.com/ZXvOaFxUys
The #UK is in the early stages of a third wave of #COVID19, a scientist advising the UK government said, media reports said on Monday. pic.twitter.com/zmqGtCcnNU
Currently, there are 43 countries on the UK government’s red list to cover regions linked with high-risk COVID-19 variants such as #India, Brazil and South Africa.#RedList#COVID19#travelhttps://t.co/woQzq3X0Wy
— Circular Economy (@circularimpacts) May 27, 2021
President Biden plans to announce that he has selected R. Nicholas Burns as his ambassador to China and Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles as his ambassador to India. Rahm Emanuel, the former mayor of Chicago, has also been selected as ambassador to Japan. https://t.co/5oCe5cQK14
Good choice, if true. I worked closely with @RahmEmanuel as CoS and in Chicago. Key focus was how Chicago could develop its own engagement with world and advance interests of Chicagoans. As mayor, he thought globally, acted locally. Tokyo will welcome his close ties to Biden. https://t.co/XyKb88utIl
“From the point of view of Tokyo, the most sought [after] asset in a US ambassador to Japan is proximity to the president… There is reassurance on that score since Rahm Emanuel and Joe Biden go way back.” https://t.co/Jv2O4Nx7ft
Although Japan “might be worried about Emmanuel’s temperament … Tokyo will certainly emphasize his long-standing role within the Obama and Biden White Houses, which should help Japan to establish a solid channel for managing the alliance.” https://t.co/bTv4xZowqp
The second in-person meeting between Motegi and the U.S. secretary of state comes ahead of a three-day meeting of foreign ministers of the G7, where China and North Korea are also expected to be high on the agenda. https://t.co/n1HckxpKFI
The United States, Japan and South Korea are arranging a meeting of their foreign ministers during the #G7 meeting in the United Kingdom next week, @Yomiuri_Online reported on Thursday, citing multiple government sources / @reutershttps://t.co/M1AitEo0X2
"The United States, Japan and South Korea are arranging a meeting of their foreign ministers during the G7 meeting in the United Kingdom next week, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported on Thursday, citing multiple government sources." @Reutershttps://t.co/CyyGmodDW3
Japan's Nissan Motor will furlough around 800 workers at its production plant in Britain as output slows there because of a semiconductor shortage, the Nikkei newspaper reported https://t.co/7gznuI0o7d
Japan will support domestic production of advanced #semiconductors and batteries under this year's growth blueprint, as it seeks to buffer against chips shortages that have buffeted the nation's core industries. (via @NikkeiAsia)https://t.co/sMQUSAtjH7
‘Those who control semiconductors will control the world’ – Amari has been appointed chairman of a group which includes former PM Shinzo Abe, to secure Japan’s semiconductor supplies. #Mannerismshttps://t.co/GaJofqZdos
— Electronics Weekly (@ElectronicsNews) May 20, 2021
Japan’s exports turbo charge in April, up 40% YoY: to China and US esp strong. Big base effects, of course, but also strong moves by key goods: cars (to US) & semiconductor mfg kit (to China). But one wonders about future of latter given economic resilience/security pressures. https://t.co/TnnaBpnuqs
A move by India, Japan and Australia last month to collectively boost supply chain resilience could eventually squeeze China out of the trios’ supply chains for sectors such as semiconductors, batteries and rare earths, experts say. https://t.co/614FRtrSsYpic.twitter.com/h4E0mgMKrT
— Center for Security and Emerging Technology (@CSETGeorgetown) March 26, 2021
EXCLUSIVE | CHIP ALLIANCE
Three of Japan's leading suppliers to the semiconductor industry will join hands in a government-supported effort to develop advanced chipmaking production technology, Nikkei has learned.https://t.co/1jEeBhmy1S
"Technologists describe semiconductor manufacturing equipment as a “choke point technology” because it is dominated by just three countries—the U.S., Japan and the Netherlands—making it relatively simple to restrict." https://t.co/nFrkpcylzl
Japanese semiconductor maker Kioxia called off what was to have been one of this year’s biggest stock offerings, after earlier saying that U.S. export restrictions on China’s Huawei Technologies were hurting its business https://t.co/6hv7kMiYMA
(1/4) 42 countries including Japan & the US have agreed to include military-grade cyber software and manufacturing technology of weapon-capable semiconductor parts for export control in an effort to counter cyberattacks and other international threats. https://t.co/t6E39F3gk1
Panasonic Corp said it would sell its loss-making semiconductor unit to Taiwan's Nuvoton Technology Corp for $250 million as the Japanese electronics giant struggles to lift its profit amid a lack of growth drivers. https://t.co/kNn1i6j79X
It used to be 'Don't fight the Fed'. A new version might read 'Don't bet against the Chinese government's ambition to build its own semiconductor industry'. We advise owning Japanese stocks aligned with China's plans & EUV technology. #investinginjapanhttps://t.co/iwBG8wvXmr
About 75% of global semiconductor manufacturing capacity is concentrated in mainland China and elsewhere in East Asia, a report by an industry group and a consultancy firm has said. https://t.co/FEFGWSx9pe
In 1987, USA was already blaming Japan for stealing its technology. Japan had no choice but to lay low and listen to its master. Later USA was taken by surprise with China coz it believed it could break it down in pieces, make it become another US vassal state, won't happen pic.twitter.com/5lOl8h154A
In the 80's, the U.S. destroyed Toshiba and stole Japanese semiconductor technology. Only after that, American companies dominated the global semiconductors industry. That's what #Trump's administration is trying to repeat with #Huawei#Chinahttps://t.co/ARYTDOKHvl
Japan floats plan to attract US chip manufacturers
Semiconductors are the heart of every technology governing our world today—from computing to appliances to communication devices, transportation systems, and critical infrastructure. The world chip crisis has led to product… pic.twitter.com/0ITCACrPvt
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer unveiled revised bipartisan legislation to spend $52 billion for U.S. semiconductor chip production and research over five years. https://t.co/ZOkltyLVL1
— Mirror Breaking News (@MirrorBreaking_) May 26, 2021
Really strange. Japan's case rates are among the lowest in the world, and dropping. So why this hysteria? See : Japanese hospitals on brink of 'collapse' just eight weeks before Olympics https://t.co/5hXSgfIXy4pic.twitter.com/WGSjBcGW9U
— The Travel Insider (@thetvlinsider) May 24, 2021
Universal Studios Japan will reopen for weekdays only starting June 1, the park has announced. https://t.co/c8misIIDhm
Japan's biggest airline ANA said Monday it aims to become carbon neutral by 2050 through new technology, emissions trading and other effortshttps://t.co/MYt67g6BVO
The Japanese animated film "Demon Slayer" had the best opening ever recorded in North America for a foreign language film, unseating the Chinese film "Hero" released in August 2004, according to box office returns Sunday https://t.co/pMVageuzyn
“If there’s a country with a fine-grained understanding of China, Japan is it. For most of its life, the Five Eyes has been seen as one unchangeable bloc but I think it’s important to move with the times” say #ANUExpert@Rory_Medcalf@ANUmedia for this @smh article ⬇️ https://t.co/JWVLaXBGN3
ASPI’s Peter Jennings on the escalation in Taiwan, ‘Whatever Biden does about Taiwan, he will expect Japan and Australia to be there…There is no exit strategy from our own region’ | Read this @smh article: https://t.co/vfsG8lhy01
Japan remains committed to a strategic relationship with China, writes @observingjapan. Chinese aggression in the region may be empowering hawks in Tokyo, but it has not yet triggered a fundamental change in Japan’s China policy.https://t.co/v9rGJaspMH
Maintaining the status quo in Taiwan and the South China Sea is an increasingly dangerous choice for the United States to make, argues Charles L. Glaser.https://t.co/5MgVM9ZMGv
Opposition to the Tokyo Olympics has deepened in Japan and spread to some prominent business: SoftBank's CEO painted a scenario in which arriving athletes and officials triggered a new wave of infections https://t.co/ofweTQD7Zq
The postponed Tokyo Olympics is currently scheduled to proceed. But doubts will likely linger to the last minute about whether it really is, and whether it should. We take a look at the risks to manage for all those involved in the event: https://t.co/qVyRBbOLRQ#TokyoOlympicspic.twitter.com/jePQu5F9Yk
As the coronavirus surges in Japan, a top Olympics official said last week that the Games will go on even if a state of emergency is declared in Tokyo this summer. https://t.co/echizaSAn3
Japan extended a state of emergency in Tokyo and eight other prefectures until at least June 20, barely one month before the city is set to host the Olympics.
Despite growing public opposition to the Games, organizers have insisted that they will go on.https://t.co/syrGLRezX1
The Tokyo Olympics came under new pressure as prominent public health experts accused the I.O.C. of using outdated science to draw up its health protocols and the Asahi Shimbun, a key Olympic partner, called on Japan's prime minister to cancel the Games. https://t.co/EGrRN9t5T3
IOC claims the #Tokyo2020 Games can be held even under a state of emergency
"But creating a televised bubble to beam images…around the world during a global pandemic…would be hard to justify…anywhere, & Japan is no exception" –@knakano1970@guardianhttps://t.co/lr2tcBB7Od
The Olympics are always enormously disruptive for the host city and nation. No wonder they're unwelcome. But, still the continue, regardless…. See : In Japan most people want to cancel the Olympics, but the government won’t listen | Koichi Nakano https://t.co/4d9fu9zUTlpic.twitter.com/bbO79dRwnj
— The Travel Insider (@thetvlinsider) May 27, 2021
Japan's government is expected to widen a virus state of emergency, just 10 weeks before the Tokyo Olympics, as campaigners submitted a petition with more than 350,000 signatures urging the Games be scrapped. https://t.co/aHOuHXOsoD
Japan's government is set to extend a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas by about three weeks to curb a surge in novel coronavirus cases just months before the start of the Tokyo Olympics. https://t.co/itKgmMbsEg
Japan's western region of Osaka has cancelled Olympic torch events as record coronavirus infections prompted its government to declare a medical emergency https://t.co/TniBW9AkHn
Canon has partnered with Tokyo Electron and Screen Semiconductor Solutions to develop advanced chipmaking production technology with support from the Japanese government according to a report by Nikkei Asia. #canon#industrynewshttps://t.co/zgMZHPcJeOpic.twitter.com/Wu1KdpLjnN
We will invest € 20 million to expand our research & development and manufacturing site in Shizuoka, one of @Merck_Elec's key technology hubs in Japan. The site focuses on developing and manufacturing materials for #semiconductor and #display industries: https://t.co/7baFD8MlbF
Merck to Expand its R&D and Manufacturing Site in Japan: Shizuoka is one of Merck's key technology centers in Japan, focusing on advanced materials development for the semiconductor and display industries https://t.co/EtF3PiI3APpic.twitter.com/rKubjIteJ3
The proletarian, manual nature of the development of semiconductor technology in Japan may interest you, if not already familiar.https://t.co/fxjBq1hGLu
Japanese firm Renesas Electronics says it’s in talks to acquire Dialog Semiconductor, the U.K. chip designer whose clients include Apple https://t.co/8Rrw1MthfY
Panasonic Corp said it would sell its loss-making semiconductor unit to Taiwan's Nuvoton Technology Corp for $250 million as the Japanese electronics giant struggles to lift its profit amid a lack of growth drivers.https://t.co/kwbSv1ee61pic.twitter.com/ti3PmbBbfs
#Japanese semiconductor company Ebara Electric HD developed the company's car sharing service, which uses smartphone apps to match user mechanisms and #blockchain technology, and can effectively use company-specific vehicles with a initial fee. pic.twitter.com/Z2OsZDgpRc
#Technology edge for consolidation – #Japanese#MitsuiMiningSmelting produces electrolytic copper foil of less than 5 microns, controls more than 90% market !! Used in semiconductor package substrates of modules and memory storage, adopted for smartphone motherboards https://t.co/267G3ddXqe
Have you read IMA's Japan Newsletters? If not, check out innovative developments that are happening such as developments in #magnesium alloy with a 20% improvement in #magnesium battery capacity from the National Institute for Materials Science.https://t.co/yQKZIMTxK3pic.twitter.com/dXRnPJUqGZ
Now $Nio claims it will beat everyone to solid state #lithium battery punch by next year. This puts them and @Toyota neck and neck, years before $QS. This SSLB space is dangerously mysterious right now.$Tsla and $Aapl also touting their batteries.https://t.co/sDOa3pZPkv
A $4b #lithium battery project in Indonesia will begin construction on January 1 2019, involving investors from South Korea, Japan and China https://t.co/eyW8zOkpNn
Asahi Kasei increasing annual capacity for its Celgard and Hipore micro-porous polyolefin lithium battery separator films by 450m m2. Expansions at sites at Moriyama in Japan and Charlotte in US will take total capacity to 1.55bn m2/yr by mid 2021. https://t.co/e9nCRi9eA8
"Japan is the world's No. 1 when it comes to battery-related patents. ". But patents do not necessarily translate into innovations. This explains why #Panasonic lags behind #CATL and #LG Chem in #lithium battery production nowadays. https://t.co/eC8S7T2wqN
1.(総合的な)国際的影響力 i
超大国と言うと、まずはこの種の指標でしょうか。
これは、国家首脳のリーダーシップ、文化的影響力、国際的な同盟関係などにつき1万人以上の有識者が付けたスコアによりランキング化したものだそうです。本稿で以下に挙げている各論的指標も大いに参考になります。
アメリカが世界一とされており、順当でしょう。日本も世界7位に一応入っており、色々考えるとこんな感じかなというところでしょうか。
2.言語 ii
何をするにしても人間のすることの多くには言語を伴うので、他国より優位な言語を母国語とすること自体が国や国民にとっての武器になります。有り得ない仮定ですが仮に完全に同じ能力なら、優位な言語を使えるほうが勝ちと言えるのではないでしょうか。
アメリカ国民の母国語である英語はダントツの世界一。現実感覚的には当然の結果です。日本語も、国際的な印象もあるポルトガル語を一応抑えて世界8位とされており、個人的にはこの結果自体には悪い気はしません。
3.研究
一筋縄では実りませんが、いざ実ると、研究全般のみならず企業活動そして現実生活の様々な事柄にも長きにわたってプラスの作用をもたらしますので、国や企業そして国民にとって非常に重要です。
⑴ 大学 iii
研究や研究者についてのものも含む、評判についてのこのランキングでは、世界101位までの大学のうち、アメリカは42校とダントツ1位。日本は5校となっており、両国とも聞き慣れた結果となっています。
学力だけを見るならば、日本の大学生は同等とされるアメリカの大学の学生に負けていることはない、というのが個人的印象です。他方、アメリカを筆頭とする英語圏の大学院には世界各国から多くが来て、少なからぬ人材が自らの希望で卒業後その滞在英語圏国の研究を支える、という形が定着しています。
⑵ ノーベル賞受賞者数 iv
この栄誉ある賞の対象になっていない研究分野も少なくなく、この賞を受賞していないが非常に優れた研究をされた或いはされている研究者も星の数ほど居られます。生きていないと受賞できないこと、時のトレンド等も含めて、運の要素も小さくないようにも思います。その前提で、あくまで分かり易い指標として挙げます。
累計で約1000名のうち、アメリカは383名でこれもダントツ世界一。日本は28名で、これも世界10位以内に一応入っています。
受賞された日本人の研究者はほぼ例外無く、英語論文が評価されて受賞に至っている、というのがよく見る光景です。正直、日本人が受賞すると、他人事ではありますが毎回嬉しいです。
⑶ シンクタンク v
政府との人材の出入りが珍しくないアメリカでは、政策立案や提言などにおいて一定の影響力を持っていると言えます。
政治・経済から人工知能にまで亘る、大学付属のものも含めた世界合計8200強のうち、アメリカだけで合計1900弱、しかも上位175のうち25を占めています。日本は合計128、上位175のうち4となっています。
日本の場合、これまで言われてきたとおり「中央省庁が日本最大のシンクタンク」であり、その働きを今後どのようにしていくかとも絡めて、シンクタンク機能を考えていく必要があります。
4.経済 vivii,vii’
アメリカの名目GDPは世界一で、21兆4000億ドル強。人口は3億3000万人弱(世界3位)、一人当たりGDPは6万5000ドル強(世界7位)、一人当たり可処分所得は5万3000ドル強。
日本は、名目GDP 5兆ドル強(世界3位)、人口1億3000万人弱(世界11位)、一人当たりGDP 4万ドル強(世界25位)、一人当たり可処分所得は4万ドル弱。名目GDPが世界2位だったのは、1968年から2009年までの42年間でした。 viii
GDPの比較でアメリカは日本の4倍強であること、国内で格差が一段と大きい印象はありますが国民平均の可処分所得でアメリカは日本を2割以上上回っていること等、率直に言って、外国から色々と集まるアメリカ経済の規模は日本経済の規模よりも随分大きいと言えます。
6.企業 xi
経済を回すのは、何と言っても民間企業です。
合計で収益33兆ドル・利益3兆ドルを産み出し7000万人を雇用していた収益世界上位500社のうち、アメリカに本社を置く企業は121社。他方、日本企業は52社でした。
この指標では、上位の日本企業数が少なくなく、海外各国現地でも雇用を産み出しており、日本企業もまだまだ健闘していると言えます。
7.株式市場 xii
アメリカには、時価総額28兆ドル強のニューヨーク証券取引所(NYSE)、13兆ドル弱のナスダック証券取引所(NASDAQ;新興企業向け)があり、時価総額で世界1位と2位で世界シェアの45%超となっています。日本の日本証券取引所は、時価総額5兆ドル強で世界3位です。
なお、10位以内にそれぞれ3兆5000億ドルから5兆ドル弱の上海、香港、深圳の3証券取引所があります。例えば私自身、前回のアメリカ滞在時にはブルームバーグニュースを毎日見ていましたが、アジア関連では概ね中国関係者が発信する中国関係情報が多く、日本関係情報発信の積極化の重要性を幾度と無く感じました。
8.通貨 xiii
(異種同士の取引なので合計が200%になる)一日当たり取引額のシェアは、ドルが88%強(世界1位)、日本円が17%弱(世界3位)。
事実上のドル本位制の下、企業や各国政府が取引通貨として自主的にドルを選んでいる結果です。また、この現体制の過去50年近くの間に、日本経済が世界2位であった42年間が概ね重なり、日本円も安全資産の代表格となっています。
10.原油 xv,xv’
輸入日量は、アメリカ800万バレル弱、日本300万バレル強。アメリカは600万バレル弱の輸出もしています。
使用される資源エネルギーの多様化は進み、2020年春には原油先物価格がゼロ未満になった xvi ほど原油価格暴落の印象が強い昨今ですが、まだ今は原油に完全に取って替わるものは無く、依然として重要な指標です。
11.食料自給率 xvii
地球の気候変動が科学的に言われ、定性的実感としては確かに有る昨今、食料や農業については誰しも気になる或いは気にすべきです。
例えば、時々議論の有るカロリーベースで、2000年代後半、アメリカは124%、日本は40%となっています。
ちなみに、食料品の物価については、モノにも場所や店にも依りますが、アメリカでは概ねさほど安くないという個人的印象を持っています。