South Korea has reported 386 new cases of the coronavirus in a resurgence that could force authorities to reimpose stronger social distancing restrictions after easing them in October to spur a ... ( read original story ...)
BlackRock’s Rieder says bitcoin can replace gold ‘to a large extent’ and crypto is ‘here to stay’
"Do I think it's a durable mechanism that ... I think will take the place of gold to a large extent? Yeah, I do," BlackRock's Rick Rieder told CNBC. ( read original story ...)
Pop star Masahiko Kondo’s affair falls foul of Japan’s strict morals
In his 40-year career Masahiko Kondo has enjoyed many of the pleasures of a chart-topping pop star. He has acted, raced cars and, before he got married, he was linked to several famous female stars ... ( read original story ...)
Japanese health salon operator Medirom Healthcare Technology files for a $20 million US IPO
M edirom Healthcare Technologies, which operates holistic healthcare salons and a healthtech platform in Japan, filed on Friday with the SEC to raise up to $20 million in an initial public offering. ( read original story ...)
Super Bowl goes cashless; Japanese firms work on digital currency
Icici Bank offers point of sale credit; and other information you need to start your day, from PaymentsSource and around the web. ( read original story ...)
Tokyo best city in the world to live in, study says
New York-based financial publication Global Finance publishes an annual list of the world’s best cities to live in. For 2020, Asia has had a strong showing, with three cities in the top 10 and the top ... ( read original story ...)
Japan finance minister praises G20 efforts to help world economy
Japan would cooperate with the Group of 20 major economies in responding to the need to quickly contain the coronavirus pandemic and support a strong recovery for the world economy, Finance Minister ... ( read original story ...)
Where Visa Sees Crypto Going With Bitcoin Near All-Time High
As bitcoin soars in value amid the pandemic, Visa sees cryptocurrencies playing a greater role in its future as a network moving both data and money. ( read original story ...)
Japan health experts urge pause in domestic travel campaign as COVID-19 cases surge
Japanese health experts said the government should consider pausing its domestic travel campaign in some regions amid a record surge in COVID-19 cases and as the nation heads into a holiday weekend. ( read original story ...)
China FM to visit Japan to discuss virus, regional concerns
Japan's foreign minister announced Friday that his Chinese counterpart will visit Tokyo next week to discuss ways to revive their pandemic-hit economies as well as regional ... ( read original story ...)
Japan aims to expand CPTPP trade pact as UK, China eye membership
Japan aims to expand a major regional free trade pact called the CPTPP, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on Friday, potentially catering for China's and Britain's interest in joining the deal. ( read original story ...)
Japan’s Banking Giant MUFG Plans to Launch Blockchain Payment Network in 2021
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), one of the largest banking institutions in Japan, is set to launch its high-speed blockchain payment network with the U.S.-based tech firm Akamai in 2021. MUFG ... ( read original story ...)
Japan launches first ship of new frigate class
The frigate will also be equipped with anti-mine and anti-submarine sonars, and have a hangar for operating license-produced Seahawk helicopters. ( read original story ...)
UPDATE 1-Sumitomo Mitsui to buy majority stake in property manager Kenedix – Nikkei
Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co will buy a majority stake in Japanese property investor Kenedix Inc through a pubic tender offer in a deal worth about 100 billion yen ($960 million), the Nikkei ... ( read original story ...)
Sumitomo Mitsui to buy majority stake in property manager Kenedix – Nikkei
Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co SUMFL.UL will buy a majority stake in Japanese property investor Kenedix Inc 4321.T through a pubic tender offer in a deal worth about 100 billion yen ($960 ... ( read original story ...)
UPDATE 2-Sumitomo Mitsui leasing unit to buy property manager Kenedix for $1.3 bln
Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co has agreed to buy a majority stake in Japanese property investor Kenedix Inc for 132 billion yen ($1.3 billion) to expand its property business, the companies ... ( read original story ...)