TOKYO -- As Japan's labor force continues to shrink, companies are increasingly counting on foreigners to fill the gap, especially in such short-staffed businesses as construction and security. "We face a severe labor shortage on the ground, and we ... ( read original story ...)
Japanese PM kicks off six-nation European tour in Estonia
Abe also met with Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid over discussions on EU-Japan relations and bilateral trade, accompanied by a business delegation with several dozen representatives from Japanese companies. He travels to Estonia's Baltic neighbors ... ( read original story ...)
This Japanese pop group is singing about cryptocurrencies and getting paid in bitcoin
The cryptocurrency-themed Japanese pop (J-pop) group Virtual Currency Girls just performed live for the first time in Tokyo. Each member of the group represents a different cryptocurrency, and tickets to future shows will only be sold in exchange for ... ( read original story ...)
Marriott to open Tadao Ando-designed W hotel in Osaka in 2021
Marriott International has secured a deal to open and manage a 337-room luxury hotel in Japan’s second-largest city, Osaka. Designed by architect Tadao Ando, the 27-floor property will be operated by Marriott’s subsidiary W Hotels Worldwide. ( read original story ...)
Japan offers $23m in fresh aid for Rohingya refugees
YANGON -- The Japanese government will provide an additional $23 million to help repatriate Rohingya Muslims who have fled Myanmar, Foreign Minister Taro Kono said Friday in a meeting with Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Kono and Suu Kyi ... ( read original story ...)
Nikkei edges lower; Fast Retailing’s gains limit losses
TOKYO, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share average edged lower on Friday as weakness in exporters weighed on the index, but strong gains in index-heavy Fast Retailing on record quarterly profit limited the losses. The Nikkei ended 0.2 percent lower at ... ( read original story ...)
Japan Balks at Calls for New Apology to South Korea Over ‘Comfort Women’
With the issue flaring a month before the opening ceremony of the Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, on Feb. 9, the Japanese news media reported that Mr. Abe might boycott the event. Mr. Abe’s office said he was still deciding whether to go ... ( read original story ...)
Custom Cars Dazzle at Tokyo’s Ride-Pimping Extravaganza
It’s Japan’s biggest custom-car show. The Tokyo Auto Salon has hundreds of exhibitors—from automotive titans like Toyota and Mercedes to tire makers, tool makers and toy makers—who all want to show you how to tune up, dress up, or otherwise pimp ... ( read original story ...)
Japan to curb asylum seekers’ right to work from Monday even as it struggles with tight labor market
Japan will limit the right of asylum seekers to work starting on Monday, likely incresing their numbers in detention centers, where almost half a million already live. Japan has one of the world's toughest refugee systems, and only accepted ten refugees ... ( read original story ...)
Pick to head Japan business lobby ‘best suited’ to advance agenda
TOKYO -- The Japan Business Federation, the country's leading business lobby, named Hitachi Chairman Hiroaki Nakanishi as its new leader in an announcement Tuesday. Nakanishi will start his four-year term in May, outgoing Chairman Sadayuki Sakakibara told ... ( read original story ...)
FDI in 2017: Japan exceeds South Korea, China emerges
VietNamNet Bridge - Investments from Japan, South Korea and China were the most significant players in FDI (foreign direct investment) in 2017. Investors committed $35.88 billion worth of FDI in 2017 According to FIA, investors committed $35.88 billion ... ( read original story ...)
Japanese and Iranian delegations make business exploration visits to EDB
A delegation from the Nagano Employers’ Association in Nagano Prefecture, Japan visited the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) with the objective of increasing awareness on Sri Lankan key export products and services. The delegation was led by ... ( read original story ...)
Gearing up for 2020 Olympics, Japan breaks tourism record
Tokyo (AFP) - A record number of tourists visited Japan last year, the government said Friday, as the country gears up to welcome the world to the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020. Some 28.7 million foreign tourists entered Japan in 2017, meaning the country ... ( read original story ...)
Japan to provide $3 million to Myanmar for Rohingya return
"We are thankful to Japan for its willingness to support the needs both for short term and long term," Suu Kyi said at the joint news conference. Yamaguchi stressed that Japan will monitor how the repatriation will be carried out. "The money will be paid ... ( read original story ...)
Nikkei nearly flat, Fast Retailing’s gains offset weak exporters
TOKYO, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share average was nearly flat on Friday morning, with weakness in exporters countered by strong gains in index-heavy Fast Retailing after the clothing company posted record quarterly profit. The Nikkei edged 0.1 ... ( read original story ...)
‘Tokyo Ghoul: Dark War’ Available For Android In Selected Regions
The highly-anticipated "Tokyo Ghoul: Dark War" mobile game is now available for download on Android devices in Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. There is currently word regarding a US release date although there are speculations it will arrive in North ... ( read original story ...)