Elon Musk, the well-known business magnate, recently took to the microblogging site ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter) to share an update about his arrival in Japan. This comes just days after a diplomatic controversy involving a fake ‘X’ account impersonating Japan’s top currency diplomat, Masato Kanda.
The Japanese government had issued a rare warning, requesting Elon Musk to take down the impersonation account of Masato Kanda. The ministry posted a message in English on the social media platform, urging people not to follow or comment on the fake account. Masato Kanda is a significant figure in Japan’s efforts to stabilize the value of the yen.
This isn’t the first time Elon Musk has faced scrutiny in Japan. In 2022, he sparked controversy when he commented on Japan’s declining population, suggesting that the country “would cease to exist.” This comment received strong criticism from the Japanese government. Musk had pointed out data showing a record decline in Japan’s population and expressed concern about the country’s future.
Moreover, in June, it was reported that Japan’s defense forces were testing Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service for potential adoption. The Ministry of Defense was exploring the use of Starlink technology, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, which could provide communication capabilities via a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit.
Meanwhile, Tesla Inc. has made price cuts for its vehicles in China, raising concerns about a possible price war. The company reduced the prices of Model S sedans and Model X SUVs in inventory, fueling speculation about the company’s pricing strategy in the Chinese market.
Elon Musk’s arrival in Japan amidst diplomatic tensions and controversies further highlights his complex relationship with the country. His presence in Japan is likely to attract attention given his previous remarks and interactions with the Japanese government and public.