Japan is struggling to boost inflation

Core consumer prices in Tokyo rose 0.5% year-over-year in May. That was down from the 0.6% print in April. The Bank of Japan is targetting 2% inflation. Japanese inflation is weak, and moving further away from the Bank of Japan's target. That trend looks ... ( read original story ...)

Japan backlash over ‘mums should care for toddlers’ remark

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government came under fire Tuesday after a senior MP suggested only women should raise children under three and another urged newly-weds to have at least three kids. Abe’s government has made “womenomics ... ( read original story ...)

Japan navy spots suspected China ship next to NKorea tanker

TOKYO — Japan's Foreign Ministry says a Japanese navy surveillance aircraft has spotted a suspected Chinese-flagged ship apparently transferring fuel to a North Korean tanker on the open seas. Tuesday's ministry statement said the two vessels were ... ( read original story ...)

Japan to ease language criteria for unskilled foreign workers

TOKYO -- The Japanese government plans to ease restrictions on unskilled foreign nationals seeking to work in Japan, Nikkei learned Tuesday, as the country grapples with a serious labor shortage, especially in the construction industry. The new policy ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo bringing in step-free buses ahead of Olympics

Buses with fewer steps leading to their rear seats will start operating in Tokyo later this year as the capital gears up for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Tokyo already had 1,464 buses with a step-free entrance as of April last year, but ... ( read original story ...)

Yokohama to get aerial gondolas ahead of 2020 Olympics

Private-sector companies with the backing of the Yokohama Municipal Government plan to build seaside aerial gondolas in the port city, aiming to attract tourists coming from abroad for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Senyo Kogyo Co., the Osaka-based amusement ... ( read original story ...)