Alimentation Couche-Tard (ACT) and Japan's Seven & i said they have signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that will give the Canadian company access to the Japanese retailer's financial data as it seeks a $47 billion acquisition. ( read original story ...)
Eruption loading: New approaches to earthquake monitoring at Ontake volcano, Japan
For communities living in the shadow of a volcano, early warning systems are a lifeline—but mistrust in these warnings can have deadly consequences. To avoid false alarms, it is vital that scientists ... ( read original story ...)
Trump’s ‘Unprecedented’ Tariffs Lead Japan to Slash Its Growth Forecast
The Bank of Japan predicted growth of just 0.5 percent, cutting its previous forecast in half, and decided against another hike in interest rates. ( read original story ...)
Room with a view: At 2026 Asian Games, athletes to stay at ‘Floating Village’ on board luxury cruise liner
The floating Games Village will be based at the Kinjo Pier in Nagoya Port and will include a balcony with an ocean view, giving the athletes a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience, the organisers said. ( read original story ...)
Yokohama launches regional all-position steer tire
Yokohama Tire has released the 116R premium regional all-position steer tire, made in the USA at its Mississippi plant. The tire is available in three sizes, 11R22.5, 295/75R22.5 and 11R24.5, ... ( read original story ...)
This city should be your next adventure: Tokyo, Japan
Join National Geographic photographer Jonathan Irish on a journey through Tokyo, Japan, capturing the city's vibrant food scene, bustling open-air markets, and rich culture of craftsmanship. ( read original story ...)
Japan’s Nikkei rises ahead of BOJ decision; Advantest jumps
Nikkei inched up as investors awaited Bank of Japan's rate decision. Focus is on U.S. trade talks. Advantest surged, buoyed by U.S. tech gains. Bank of Japan is expected to hold rates steady.
Britain’s $45 afternoon tea set served with paper cups at Osaka Expo seen to be in bad taste
A post deploring the quality of the tea set – including “a tea bag stuck in a paper cup” – went viral on X. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com. ( read original story ...)
Exclusive: QatarEnergy in talks with Japan on long-term LNG supply deal
One of the world's biggest liquefied natural gas suppliers, QatarEnergy [RIC:RIC:QATPE.UL], is in talks with Japanese firms for a long-term deal to supply LNG from its North Field expansion project, five trading and industry sources told Reuters. ( read original story ...)
Snake on a train line: Reptile causes major delays in Japan
The 39-inch serpent tangled itself on an overhead power line, electrocuting itself and causing delays of over an-hour-and-a-half, the operator said. ( read original story ...)
Snake causes Japan bullet train service disruptions
(Kyodo) -- Services were temporarily disrupted Wednesday on the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train line connecting Tokyo and Osaka after a snake tangled in overhead wires and caused a power outage, the ... ( read original story ...)
From Tokyo to Turin to LA, Trump’s policies loom over May Day marches
French union leaders have condemned the “Trumpization” of world politics while in Italy, May Day protesters paraded a puppet of the American president through the streets of Turin. ( read original story ...)
Metaplanet Brings Tokyo Bitcoin Strategy to US Shores With $250M Plan
Metaplanet now holds 5,000 BTC, worth around $467 million, and has added 1,650 BTC in the past month. The firm plans to double its holdings ...
Trump’s Quest for Crypto Riches Is a Constitutional Scandal Waiting to Happen
The largest investors in Donald Trump’s crypto coin have been promised a private audience with the president. The arrangement could put Trump at odds with the Constitution and add fuel to calls for ...
Morgan Stanley Plans to Offer Crypto Trading to E*Trade Clients
Morgan Stanley is working on a plan to add cryptocurrency trading to its E*Trade platform, in what would be the most significant move by a major US bank to help everyday customers buy into the asset ...
Sam Altman’s Eye-Scanning Crypto Project Launches in the U.S.
Sam Altman’s project that aims to scan the irises of every single person on Earth in exchange for cryptocurrency has made its debut in the U.S., even as concerns around biometric data collection and ...