Story perspectives

Japan's Businesses Navigate Rising Tensions with China

12/9/2025

Summary

Story summary

Beijing and Tokyo's tensions over Taiwan could negatively affect Japanese businesses in China.
Executives at a luxury department store in Zhejiang province remain calm, having learned to manage political sensitivities.
The store opened in April 2021 and faced backlash when its launch coincided with a controversial historical date.
Since then, it has pursued a low-profile approach, a tactic many Japanese firms in China are using to weather the downturn.

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Story summary

Beijing and Tokyo's tensions over Taiwan could negatively affect Japanese businesses in China.
Executives at a luxury department store in Zhejiang province remain calm, having learned to manage political sensitivities.
The store opened in April 2021 and faced backlash when its launch coincided with a controversial historical date.
Since then, it has pursued a low-profile approach, a tactic many Japanese firms in China are using to weather the downturn.