a Bank of Japan quarterly survey shows. The Tankan index fell from plus 26 in December to plus 24 in March, slightly less than the estimated level of plus 25 forecast by analysts surveyed by Kyodo News agency. The index for large non-manufacturers was also ... ( read original story ...)
Japan March Final Manufacturing PMI Cools Slightly, Overall Economy Still Solid
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese manufacturing activity expanded at a slightly slower pace in March, revised data from a survey showed on Monday, as growth in new orders and output moderated slightly though the economy overall remained in solid shape. ( read original story ...)
Japanese whalers return from Antarctica with huge catch
Three Japanese whaling vessels have returned to port from a controversial trip to Antarctica after catching 333 whales. Tokyo claims the slaughter is for scientific purposes. Three ships from a Japanese whale-hunting fleet returned to their home port of ... ( read original story ...)
New rules on managing public documents take effect amid Moritomo scandal but critics demand more safeguards
But the Finance Ministry’s document-tampering scandal involving the massively discounted sale of a state land in Osaka to nationalist school operator Moritomo Gakuen has put pressure on the government to take additional measures. The government’s ... ( read original story ...)
Japan’s short-handed firms turn to refugees for labor fix
The public support rate for the Cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe climbed 3.7 points to 42.4 percent in a weekend opinion poll despite a document-tampering scandal at the Finance Ministry tha... Osaka municipal subway system goes private with launch of ... ( read original story ...)
Osaka municipal subway system goes private with launch of Osaka Metro
Osaka’s municipal subway system was privatized Sunday with the launch of Osaka Metro Co., marking the first privatization of a public subway in Japan. Hideaki Kawai, 63, a former executive of electronics giant Panasonic Corp., will be the first president ... ( read original story ...)
Japan may be forced to do bilateral trade deal with U.S.: ex-diplomat
Japan will have little choice but to enter into a bilateral trade deal with the United States similar to one President Donald Trump clinched with South Korea, a former top currency diplomat from Japan said. Naoyuki Shinohara, who was also deputy managing ... ( read original story ...)
Out of this world: Inside Japan’s space colony centre
Tucked away in high-tech laboratories at the Tokyo University of Science, a team of 30 researchers directed by Chiaki Mukai are studying new ways to keep humans alive on a potential moon or Mars colony. "It's in our nature to explore. The Earth is too ... ( read original story ...)
Japan Display to raise $518 million as search for partners drags on
TOKYO (Reuters) - Embattled liquid crystal display (LCD) maker Japan Display Inc said it would raise $518 million through a new share issue and an asset sale, in a stop-gap measure to shore up its finances as it struggles to find partners for a ... ( read original story ...)
Lillehammer 2030?
At least five serious bids are likely to be on the table: Calgary, Canada; Stockholm, Sweden; Sapporo, Japan; Sion, Switzerland; and Milan-Turin, Italy. Interest might also come from Austria and Turkey. The Italian Olympic Committee announced on Thursday ... ( read original story ...)
Lillehammer backs out of 2026 Winter Olympics
At least five serious bids are likely to be on the table: Calgary, Canada; Stockholm, Sweden; Sapporo, Japan; Sion, Switzerland; and Milan-Turin, Italy. Interest might also come from Austria and Turkey. The Italian Olympic Committee announced on Thursday ... ( read original story ...)
Bank of Japan Sees Stronger Yen as Threat to Policy Course
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) says the recent strengthening of the yen, along with the still underperforming inflation, are effectively preventing major changes in monetary policy due to the heightened risks of the economy sliding back into disinflation. ( read original story ...)
Tokyo court rejects Shire claim against Roche haemophilia drug
Chugai, which is 60 percent Roche-owned and which developed Hemlibra, said it expected no change to its financial prospects due to the ruling. "Tokyo District Court rendered a decision in favour of Chugai's claim," Chugai said on its website. "(Shire's ... ( read original story ...)
IOC president says Kim committed to Tokyo, Beijing Olympics
(Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP ... said he received a commitment from the county's National Olympic Committee to participate in Tokyo in 2020 and Beijing in 2022, along with competing in the respective youth Olympic Games. ( read original story ...)
Rice cooker firm to launch traditional Japanese restaurant in Osaka
OSAKA – Zojirushi Corp. will launch a washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) restaurant in Osaka in mid-October featuring rice cooked in its latest and best-grade rice cooker. Zojirushi will consider whether to open more restaurants after examining sales ... ( read original story ...)
Tokyo’s textbook rules spark protest from South Korea
Seoul condemns requirement for schools to teach that disputed islands belong to Japan SEOUL • South Korea has summoned Tokyo's ambassador to protest against new educational guidelines requiring high school students to be taught that disputed islands ... ( read original story ...)