Love Letter to Japan
Founded in Pune by hospitality entrepreneur Siddhi Gokhale and Japanese cuisine specialist Chef Brehadeesh Kumar, Ginkgo is known for its mastery of Kaiseki Ryori, an elegant, seasonal, multi-course tradition and vibrant Izakaya-style dishes that celebrate both authenticity and innovation.
'I started Ginkgo four and a half years ago in Pune, when I was just 23,' shares Chef Brehadeesh, adding, 'My love for Japan began long before that; I studied the language for nearly eight to nine years.' The fascination, he recalls, started with a small gift from his grandfather — a 10 Yen coin. 'It was so meticulously carved. I kept wondering, what kind of people live in a country where even the coins have such detail?' he shares.
This childhood curiosity became a lifelong passion. Chef Brehadeesh began studying Japanese in classes 11 and 12, later pursuing Culinary Arts at IHM Mumbai, followed by a BA in Japanese Studies in Pune. 'I was determined to go to Japan,' he says, adding, 'So I applied for the MEXT scholarship from the Japanese government and got it. I lived there for two years.' His commitment and craft recently earned him the title of Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador, one of the first non-Japanese chefs in India to receive the honour. 'It's a big responsibility, sharing the essence of Japanese cuisine authentically. I love introducing Japanese food to Indians and Indian food to the Japanese. There's so much more to both than just sushi or curry.'
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Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
'Seed money': Japan will invest $550 bn in US at my direction, says Trump
President Donald Trump is bragging that Japan has given him, as part of a new trade framework, $ 550 billion to invest in the United States. It's an astonishing figure, but still subject to negotiation and perhaps not the sure thing he's portraying. "Japan is putting up $ 550 billion in order to lower their tariffs a little bit," Trump said Thursday. They put up, as you could call it, seed money. Let's call it seed money. He said 90 per cent of any profits from the money invested would go to the US even if Japan had put up the funds. It's not a loan or anything, it's a signing bonus, the Republican president said, on the trade framework that lowered his threatened tariff from 25 per cent to 15 per cent, including on autos. A White House official said the terms are being negotiated and nothing has been formalised in writing. The official, who insisted on anonymity to detail the terms of the talks, suggested the goal was for the $550 billion fund to make investments at Trump's direction. The sum is significant: It would represent more than 10 per cent of Japan's entire gross domestic product. The Japan External Trade Organisation estimates that direct investment into the US economy topped $780 billion in 2023. It is unclear the degree to which the $550 billion could represent new investment or flow into existing investment plans. What the trade framework announced Tuesday has achieved is a major talking point for the Trump administration. The president has claimed to have brought trillions of dollars in new investment into the US, though the impact of those commitments have yet to appear in the economic data for jobs, construction spending or manufacturing output. The framework also enabled Trump to say other countries are agreeing to have their goods taxed, even if some of the cost of those taxes are ultimately passed along to US consumers. On the $ 550 billion, Japan's Cabinet Office said it involves the credit facility of state-affiliated financial institutions, such as Japan Bank for International Cooperation. Further details would be decided based on the progress of the investment deals. Japanese trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa, upon returning to Japan, did not discuss the terms of the $ 550 billion investment. Akazawa said he believes a written joint statement is necessary, at least on working levels, to avoid differences. He is not thinking about a legally binding trade pact. The US apparently released its version of the deal while Japanese officials were on their return flight home. If we find differences of understanding, we may have to point them out and say that's not what we discussed,' Akazawa said. The US administration said the fund would be invested in critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, computer chips and shipbuilding, among other industries. It has said Japan will also buy 100 airplanes from Boeing and rice from US farmers as part of the framework, which Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said would be evaluated every three months. And if the president is unhappy, then they will boomerang back to the 25 per cent tariff rates, both on cars and the rest of their products. And I can tell you that I think at 25, especially in cars, the Japanese economy doesn't work, Bessent told Fox News' The Ingraham Angle. Akazawa denied that Bessent's quarterly review was part of the negotiations. In my past eight trips to the United States during which I held talks with the president and the ministers," Akazawa said. I have no recollection of discussing how we ensure the implementation of the latest agreement between Japan and the United States. He said it would cause major disruptions to the economy and administrative processes if the rates first rise to 25 per cent as scheduled on Aug 1 and then drop to 15 per cent. We definitely want to avoid that and I believe that is the understanding shared by the US side, he said. On buying US rice, Japanese officials have said they have no plans to raise the current 770,000-ton minimum access cap to import more from America. Agricultural Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Japan will decide whether to increase US rice imports and that Japan is not committed to a fixed quota. Trump's commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, has suggested that the Japanese agreement is putting pressure on other countries such as South Korea to strike deals with the US Trump, who is travelling in Scotland, plans to meet on Sundayv with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss trade. Whatever Donald Trump wants to build, the Japanese will finance it for him, Lutnick said Thursday on CNBC. Pretty amazing. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Pisces, Weekly Horoscope, July 27 to August 02, 2025: Guard against financial risks and arguments early in the week
Pisces, this week is marked by introspection, breakthroughs, and the need for self-care. The week opens with warnings: guard against sharing sensitive information, borrowing money, or engaging in unnecessary arguments. Health and emotional ups and downs may surface on Monday and Tuesday—seek support from your inner circle and stay grounded. As the week advances, the energy shifts toward romance, education, and personal empowerment. Wednesday and Thursday are ideal for deepening family bonds, making business decisions, and seeking help from trusted allies. By Friday, achievements in both work and personal life lift your spirits. The weekend's energy is mixed—manage tension in relationships carefully, and keep a flexible approach to any plans that change unexpectedly. Love and Relationship: Pisces, your love life moves through powerful cycles this week. Early days ask for patience and restraint—avoid arguments or overreacting to misunderstandings, especially with your partner or close friends. Singles may feel misunderstood, but this is a passing phase. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Japanese AI invention allows you to speak 68 languages instantly. The idea? Genius. Enence 2.0 Undo From midweek onwards, romance rekindles. Unmarried Pisceans might receive marriage proposals or reconnect with old flames. For couples, Friday and Saturday promise intimate moments, mutual support, and the chance to resolve lingering issues. However, the weekend brings fresh challenges—avoid debates, and instead focus on nurturing harmony and appreciation in your relationship. Remember: compassion and honest communication are your best tools. Education and Career: This week rewards hard work, especially for students and those pursuing new opportunities. Early days may feel tough—health or emotional distractions can hamper concentration, so prioritize a healthy routine. By Wednesday, focus returns, and with effort, academic or professional success follows. If you're seeking new business partnerships, proposals, or legal resolutions, this is a favorable time. Business owners and professionals can expect positive developments through family or in-laws. The weekend is best spent reviewing goals, planning future studies, or collaborating with others. Stay flexible and keep your ambitions realistic—perseverance brings results. Money and Finance: Finances for Pisces require careful stewardship this week. Early days advise against borrowing or lending money, and investments should be approached with caution. Midweek, the picture brightens: new offers, proposals, or family support can stabilize your financial base. Gains from legal matters or long-term investments are possible. Friday brings the potential for blocked funds to be released, providing relief and a sense of security. However, the weekend warns against impulsive spending or risky speculation. Save for the future, and consult trusted advisors before major purchases or commitments. Patience and practical planning will sustain your prosperity. Health and Well-being: Physical and mental well-being require your attention throughout the week. Early days may bring fatigue, minor ailments, or emotional tension—don't ignore warning signs, and seek rest as needed. Focus on gentle exercise, a balanced diet, and regular sleep. By midweek, your energy and optimism return, particularly as emotional burdens lift. Engaging in hobbies, spiritual practices, or time with loved ones will help maintain equilibrium. The weekend calls for balance—avoid conflict, and find peace through creative or relaxing pursuits. Listen to your intuition and nurture your mind, body, and soul. Discover everything about astrology at Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces . Read your detailed Horoscope Today and Horoscope Tomorrow here.
Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Indian Express
Japan says $550 billion package in trade deal could finance Taiwanese chipmaker in US
Japan's $550 billion investment package agreed in this week's US tariff deal could help finance a Taiwanese firm building semiconductor plants in the US, Japan's top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa said on Saturday. Japan agreed to the sweeping US-bound investment initiative, which includes equity, loans and guarantees, in exchange for lower tariffs on its exports to the US. However, the structure of the scheme remains unclear. 'Japan, the United States, and like-minded countries are working together to build supply chains in sectors critical to economic security,' Akazawa told public broadcaster NHK. To that end, he said projects eligible for financing under the package are not limited to US or Japanese firms. 'For example, if a Taiwanese chipmaker builds a plant in the US and uses Japanese components or tailors its products to meet Japanese needs, that's fine too,' he said, without specifying companies. The US is significantly reliant on Taiwan's TSMC for advanced chip manufacturing, raising economic security concerns due to geographic proximity to China. TSMC announced plans for a $100 billion US investment with US President Donald Trump at the White House in March, on top of $65 billion pledged for three plants in the state of Arizona, one of which is up and running. Japan will use state-owned Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI) for the investments. A recent law revision has enabled JBIC to finance foreign companies deemed critical to Japan's supply chains. Akazawa told NHK that equity investment would account for just about 1-2% of the $550 billion, suggesting that the bulk will come in the form of loans and guarantees. When asked about the White House statement that the US would retain 90% of the profits from the package, he clarified that the figure refers only to returns on equity investment, which would represent a small fraction of the total. While Japan initially hoped to secure half of the returns, a loss from the concession on the profit-sharing would be marginal compared to the roughly 10 trillion yen ($67.72 billion) in tariff costs that could be avoided under the deal, he said. He added that Japan aims to deploy the $550 billion investments during Trump's current term.
