Only One and Number One [Akira Mori]

Mori Akira's Profile

Economist. Affiliated with a think tank (United States). Specializes in exchange-rate policy, monetary policy, macroeconomic policy, and financial regulation. Engages with market participants, financial authorities, and policy officials to analyze exchange-rate trends from multiple perspectives.

*This article is a reprint and revised edition of an article from FX攻略.com, January 2019 issue. Please note that the market information stated in the text may differ from current market conditions.

At the entrance of a store where I usually shop, I found a pumpkin for Halloween. Among them there was an unpleasant pumpkin with something that looked like a wart (image ①) for sale as well. The inside of the store was in autumn orange tones. Yes, I felt that the season had already turned to autumn.

In Japan, Halloween is said to be when adults dress up and walk around the streets. I have no intention of criticizing that approach, but it feels somewhat strange. In the town where I live, once students reach junior high or high school, they stop dressing up to receive chocolates, and instead they give chocolates to the younger neighbors who come to their homes.

In September I listened to President Trump's address at the United Nations (*), and Vice President Pence's address at the Hudson Institute (**). The content was far from globalization. After hearing their speeches, I was reminded of SMAP's song “Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana” (Only One Flower in the World). Most surprisingly, the group had already disbanded.

＊https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfVdIKaQzW8
＊＊https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-vice-president-pence-administrations-policy-toward-china/