Japan might push through TPP without Canada

Japan's top diplomat in Western Canada is urging B.C. government and business officials to reconsider the merits of the newly re-formed, 11-member Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP-11), despite Ottawa’s controversial decision to back out of a document ... ( read original story ...)

Japan unveils record defence budget against North Korea threat

Japan’s defence budget will swell to a record USD 46 billion for the next fiscal year, the government said today, as the nation shores up its missile shield against the threat posed by North Korea. The defence spending was part of a $860-billion national ... ( read original story ...)

Japan’s Nuclear Exports: Risky Business

While Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s electoral victory in October has generated plenty of debate regarding prospective constitutional change, another highly controversial issue — nuclear power — has largely escaped attention despite being ... ( read original story ...)

Bank of Japan keeps easy credit stance as inflation eludes

TOKYO — Japan's central bank opted Thursday to keep its ultra-lax monetary policy unchanged, saying rising private consumption, exports and business investment were signs that a moderate recovery has taken hold. In a policy statement, the BOJ said it is ... ( read original story ...)

Making Japanese small business thrive

MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA – Japan and the European Union have concluded a new and wide-ranging trade deal that has been four years in the making. Many Japanese companies no doubt hope that this agreement will give their business a boost, while politicians ... ( read original story ...)

Giant Earthquake In Japan Likely In Next 30 Years, Experts Say

A Japanese panel Tuesday warned of the high likelihood of a massive earthquake off the shore of its northernmost main island, Hokkaido, in the Chishima trench over the next 30 years. Officials warned that the next quake could be on the scale of the ... ( read original story ...)

Panel: Hokkaido at risk of huge earthquake over next 30 years

A government panel is warning of a “high possibility” that an earthquake the size of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake will strike the area south of Hokkaido within the next 30 years. The Headquarters for Earthquake Research Promotion, announcing ... ( read original story ...)

Japan exports, imports surge on strong demand in China, US

Japan's exports rose 16 percent in November from a year earlier driven by robust overseas demand for cars and manufacturing equipment that is helping to sustain the longest economic expansion in more than 15 years. Customs data released Monday showed the ... ( read original story ...)