Fast, Cheap and Creative Ways To Get To Osaka

A vibey city of 2.7 million, it’s bigger than neighboring Kyoto—and arguably more down to earth. Osaka, a port city, was once the business hub of Japan, with merchants from all over selling their wares and serving up good grub. The food culture ... ( read original story ...)

JAL to launch low-cost carrier ahead of 2020 Tokyo Olympics

TOKYO: Japan Airlines (JAL) on Monday announced plans to launch ... adding it may seek other investors to expand its business model. JAL has thus far limited its low-cost operations to its partial control of Jetstar Japan, which is owned by JAL and ... ( read original story ...)

Japan wants to teach kids how to patent their ideas

China overtook Japan in 2017, according to World Intellectual Property Organization data. It was the first time for China to clinch the position. This has Japanese policymakers and other parties fretting. How can their country keep up with archrival China? ( read original story ...)

Japanese marketplace app Mercari launches $1.1 billion IPO

TOKYO (Reuters) - Flea market app operator Mercari Inc has received approval for an initial public offering in Tokyo that will raise up to $1.1 billion, a regulatory filing showed on Monday, giving investors a rare chance to buy into a Japanese unicorn ... ( read original story ...)

Japan tightens border controls against smuggled gold and drugs

TOKYO -- At a Tokyo customs inspection site in late April, airfreight from China to Japan's main international gateway, Narita Airport, is being carefully examined. Gloved officials pull wallets from packed boxes, checking each one closely, running through ... ( read original story ...)

Turn the Post Office into a bank? First check Japan

The greatest public speaker I've ever seen was former Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. I watched him in 2005 as he gave a speech to a crowd outside a train station. He thundered, cajoled and generally mesmerized the assembled throng. This was all ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo stocks rise for third straight session

Tokyo stocks rose for the third consecutive session Monday on a weak yen, as market sentiment stayed positive on sound corporate earnings and expectations that US inflation will stay low. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index gained 0.47 percent or 107.38 points ... ( read original story ...)

TOKYO | Snoopy joining Sony? Music unit buying stake in Peanuts

TOKYO — Snoopy may be joining Sony. Japanese electronics maker Sony Corp.’s music unit said Monday that it is buying a stake in Peanuts Holdings, the company behind Snoopy and Charlie Brown. Sony Music Entertainment signed a deal with DHX Media, based ... ( read original story ...)

Japan Is Cracking Down On Anime & Manga Piracy

According to the Japan Times, Japan’s Cabinet Office Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters will be working with the country’s internet provider to identify and deter the websites that offer pirated anime, manga, and music. Supposedly, this is not ... ( read original story ...)

Japanese Lakeside House

This unusual property in Japan uses five interlocking levels to create multiple viewing platforms both inside and outside the property. Designed by architecture studio Sugawaradaisuke, this unique lakeside house is something truly refreshing and modern ... ( read original story ...)

Afghan relics rescued from ruins, restored in Japan

“I hope to proceed with restoration work in Japan while helping to develop a local framework for conservation, including by training restoration workers,” Kijima said. Items of cultural property, once restored, will be returned to Afghanistan. The ... ( read original story ...)