Latest news with #Shinohara
India Gazette
10 hours ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Osaka Gas India expands rapidly, eyes sustainable growth and clean energy future
Osaka [Japan], June 16 (ANI): Japanese energy giant Osaka Gas, established in 1987, is making significant strides in India's energy sector. With a legacy of expertise in gas production, supply, and pipeline infrastructure, the company also maintains a strong presence in electricity generation. Following successful expansions across Asia, the United States, and Australia, Osaka Gas launched its Indian subsidiary, Osaka Gas India, in 2021. Now, four years later, the company is charting an ambitious course for clean and sustainable energy in the country. In an exclusive interview, Takeshi Shinohara, Managing Director of Osaka Gas India, reflected on the company's journey and expanding role in the Indian energy landscape. 'In just four years, Osaka Gas India's operational area has expanded to cover 10% of India's land--roughly equivalent to the size of Japan,' said Shinohara. In India, Osaka Gas is actively engaged in city gas supply and pipeline construction, working in partnership with Chennai-based firm Think Gas. This collaboration has enabled the rapid development of urban gas infrastructure and ensured efficient energy distribution. The company's long-term vision for India rests on three foundational pillars. The first is its traditional strength in city gas operations. The second is a growing focus on renewable energy. In partnership with Indian clean energy leader CleanMax, Osaka Gas India is generating electricity through solar and wind power, serving industrial clients that demand environmentally sustainable energy. 'Our success so far has been made possible through strong partnerships with trusted Indian companies,' Shinohara noted. The third and most forward-looking pillar is E-Methane, a clean fuel alternative combining city gas with hydrogen derived from renewable sources. This innovative approach results in a circulative energy model that dramatically reduces carbon emissions. 'By combining city gas with hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources, E-Methane offers a sustainable, circulative energy solution that significantly reduces CO2 emissions,' said Shinohara. Shinohara emphasized that India's economic momentum and social transformation are fueling demand for smarter, greener energy options. 'India's rising economic power and dynamic society will drive increasing demand for cleaner and more efficient energy solutions in the coming years,' he said. Unlike passive financial investors, Osaka Gas operates with a 'hands-on' philosophy, committed to transferring technical knowledge and building long-term capabilities within India. 'Real Scene, Real Material, Reality,' Shinohara stated, describing the company's core principles. 'This reflects our deep commitment to operational excellence and grounded experience.' Looking ahead, Osaka Gas sees India as an integral part of its global future. 'By 2030, India will become a major pillar of Osaka Gas's global business,' he predicted. Yet, Shinohara also highlighted the stark developmental contrasts between India's urban centers and rural heartlands, particularly in agricultural regions. 'Osaka Gas India aims for real symbiosis with Indian society by combining our global experience with local understanding,' he concluded. As India undergoes a profound transformation in its energy landscape, Osaka Gas India's integrated approach--grounded in innovation, collaboration, and sustainability--could play a pivotal role in shaping the country's clean energy future. (ANI)
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump won't get 'Plaza Accord'-type dollar deal, says ex-Japan FX diplomat
By Leika Kihara TOKYO (Reuters) - Any U.S. attempt to pull off a 1985 Plaza Accord-type coordinated depreciation of the dollar likely won't work as it would require the consent of China and Europe, Japan's former top currency diplomat Naoyuki Shinohara said on Tuesday. Some analysts believe the Trump administration may push through a "Mar-a-Lago Accord" - a grand bargain to weaken the overvalued dollar - to reduce the huge U.S. trade deficit. Unlike for the Plaza Accord when the United States could work just with close allies Japan and Germany, Washington would need to engage more countries - including the China and European Union - to weaken the dollar effectively in a globalised market, Shinohara said. Having antagonised China and Europe with his decision to impose what he describes as reciprocal tariffs, U.S. President Donald Trump will find it extremely difficult to get their consent, Shinohara added. "In times like now, you need China to be in the loop, as well as European nations. That would be quite hard under the current circumstances," Shinohara told Reuters in an interview. "Currency intervention, even if coordinated among nations, has become less effective because markets have become so big." As Japan's vice finance minister for international affairs from 2007 to 2009, Shinohara negotiated with his U.S. and European counterparts for their cooperation in curbing sharp yen rises that were hurting Japan's export-heavy economy. He was also deeply involved in world-wide efforts among policymakers to deal with the global financial crisis caused by the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008. "In most past shocks, one could identify the cause. For the current one driven by Trump, it's hard to tell when and how many times shocks could hit" due to the president's back-and-forth comments on tariffs, Shinohara said. "That's leaving investors unsure how to respond" and keeping markets volatile, he said. The damage from Trump's tariffs could turn out to be much bigger than expected for Japan's economy, due to its heavy reliance on U.S. exports - especially for cars, Shinohara said. "Japan's reliance on U.S. exports means once the U.S. economy falters, the damage would be extremely large," he said. "What's important is for Japan to diversify its industry away from the U.S. market." While the weak yen has been a headache for policymakers as it hurts consumption by boosting import costs, that could easily change if the currency spikes and hurts exports, Shinohara said. "Once yen rises accelerate, it will cause a huge outcry from Japan's manufacturing sector for a policy response." The United States is Japan's biggest export destination, with roughly 28% of the total comprised of automobile shipments. Trump's decision to slap a 25% levy on auto imports, and a reciprocal 24% tariff on other Japanese goods, is expected to deal a huge blow to Japan's economy with analysts predicting the higher duties could knock up to 0.8 percentage points off economic growth. On the Bank of Japan's monetary policy, Shinohara said the central bank should continue to gradually raise interest rates as inflation-adjusted, real borrowing costs remain very low. "But with market volatility so high, it's probably impossible and undesirable for the BOJ to raise rates now."
Reuters
08-04-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Trump won't get 'Plaza Accord'-type dollar deal, says ex-Japan FX diplomat
Summary US needs China, Europe buy-in for 'Mar-a-Lago Accord' to work FX intervention, even if coordinated, less effective now Tariff damage to Japan's economy may be bigger than expected Sharp yen rise likely remains a risk for Japan policymakers BOJ should keep raising rates, but not now, Shinohara says TOKYO, April 8 (Reuters) - Any U.S. attempt to pull off a 1985 Plaza Accord-type coordinated depreciation of the dollar likely won't work as it would require the consent of China and Europe, Japan's former top currency diplomat Naoyuki Shinohara said on Tuesday. Some analysts believe the Trump administration may push through a"Mar-a-Lago Accord" - a grand bargain to weaken the overvalued dollar - to reduce the huge U.S. trade deficit. Unlike for the Plaza Accord when the United States could work just with close allies Japan and Germany, Washington would need to engage more countries - including the China and European Union - to weaken the dollar effectively in a globalised market, Shinohara said. Having antagonised China and Europe with his decision to impose what he describes as reciprocal tariffs, U.S. President Donald Trump will find it extremely difficult to get their consent, Shinohara added. "In times like now, you need China to be in the loop, as well as European nations. That would be quite hard under the current circumstances," Shinohara told Reuters in an interview. "Currency intervention, even if coordinated among nations, has become less effective because markets have become so big." As Japan's vice finance minister for international affairs from 2007 to 2009, Shinohara negotiated with his U.S. and European counterparts for their cooperation in curbing sharp yen rises that were hurting Japan's export-heavy economy. He was also deeply involved in world-wide efforts among policymakers to deal with the global financial crisis caused by the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008. "In most past shocks, one could identify the cause. For the current one driven by Trump, it's hard to tell when and how many times shocks could hit" due to the president's back-and-forth comments on tariffs, Shinohara said. "That's leaving investors unsure how to respond" and keeping markets volatile, he said. The damage from Trump's tariffs could turn out to be much bigger than expected for Japan's economy, due to its heavy reliance on U.S. exports - especially for cars, Shinohara said. "Japan's reliance on U.S. exports means once the U.S. economy falters, the damage would be extremely large," he said. "What's important is for Japan to diversify its industry away from the U.S. market." While the weak yen has been a headache for policymakers as it hurts consumption by boosting import costs, that could easily change if the currency spikes and hurts exports, Shinohara said. "Once yen rises accelerate, it will cause a huge outcry from Japan's manufacturing sector for a policy response." The United States is Japan's biggest export destination, with roughly 28% of the total comprised of automobile shipments. Trump's decision to slap a 25% levy on auto imports, and a reciprocal 24% tariff on other Japanese goods, is expected to deal a huge blow to Japan's economy with analysts predicting the higher duties could knock up to 0.8 percentage points off economic growth. On the Bank of Japan's monetary policy, Shinohara said the central bank should continue to gradually raise interest rates as inflation-adjusted, real borrowing costs remain very low. "But with market volatility so high, it's probably impossible and undesirable for the BOJ to raise rates now."
