Nikkei scales 11-month peaks on OPEC deal, weaker yen

Higher oil prices power dollar above 114 yen, lifting shares * Oil exploration stocks outperform, with mining sector surging TOKYO Dec 1 A weaker yen helped power Japan's Nikkei share average to 11-month highs on Thursday, while many energy shares made ... ( read original story ...)

Bank Of Japan Opens Pandora's Box

The highly controversial yield curve targeting by the BoJ creates extreme financial distortions. The demand for USD funding surges amidst curtailed supply, making the provision of USD hedging for Asian savers, corporations and banks prohibitive. BoJ’s ... ( read original story ...)

Universal Studios parks to add Nintendo attractions

KYOTO – Nintendo-themed areas will be added to Universal theme parks in Osaka, Orlando, Florida, and Hollywood, California, over the next few years, Nintendo Co. and Universal Parks & Resorts announced. The new areas will have multiple attractions ... ( read original story ...)

Japan trade minister says deals with Russia to be 'win-win'

TOKYO Japan's trade minister on Wednesday dismissed concerns that boosting economic ties with Russia as part of a push for progress on a decades-old territorial row would mainly benefit Moscow, saying any business deals would be "win-win" for both. ( read original story ...)

Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic not returning to Prattville

PRATTVILLE-–The Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic will not be returning to Prattville this year. "The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, the LPGA and the entire River Region have had a very positive relationship in the past," said John Cannon, president of the RTJ ... ( read original story ...)

Murakami's new novel set for release in Japan in February

TOKYO -- Haruki Murakami's new novel is set for release in Japan in February, and that's about as much as his fans are being told. Publisher Shinchosha Publishing Co. made the announcement Wednesday. The book's title, theme and exact date of release remain ... ( read original story ...)

Japan Pom Pom – the cheerleading squad for the over 55s

When Fumie Takino was 63, she started Japan Pom Pom, a cheerleading troupe for the over-55s. She's now 84 and still dancing for the troupe, who put on regular performances at sporting and charity events. Alessia Cerantola went to a dance studio in Tokyo to ... ( read original story ...)

Japan ice skating rink freezes 5000 fish, sparks uproar

Tokyo: An amusement park in western Japan displayed about 5,000 dead fish in the ice at a skating rink. Space World has received a lot of criticism on social media after opening the rink on November 12, 2016 and was forced to close the skating rink. ( read original story ...)

Tokyo organizers promise cost-cutting for 2020 Olympics

TOKYO — Hoping to avoid last-minute financial pressures, Japanese officials said Wednesday they are determined to keep total costs of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games below 2 trillion yen ($18 billion) after a three-day debriefing from organizers of the Rio ... ( read original story ...)

Death by overwork: Pressure mounts on Japan to act

Millions of Japanese people are in danger of working themselves into ... The parents of Matsuri Takahashi, whose suicide was attributed to overwork, spoke at a news conference in October. "Ms. Takashi's death was caused by serious depression triggered ... ( read original story ...)