broker at Okasan Securities in Tokyo. Japan's banking sector remained under selling pressure on negative news in the sector from overseas. Italy on Friday approved a state-funded rescue of the world's oldest bank, Monte dei Paschi di Siena (BMPS), while ... ( read original story ...)
Nikkei falls in thin holiday trade as weak yen trend pauses
TOKYO, Dec 26 Japan's Nikkei share average edged down on Monday morning led by falls in banking and exporter stocks with risk appetite sapped by a pause in the yen's recent tendency to weaken. The Nikkei dropped 0.2 percent to 19,395.99 in midmorning trade ... ( read original story ...)
Japan ex-PM Yoshida's forgotten Pearl Harbor visit recounted
TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who will visit Pearl Harbor with President Barack Obama on Tuesday, wasn't even born when Japan's former leader Shigeru Yoshida went there just six years after the country's World War II surrender, by himself ... ( read original story ...)
Forget the turkey: When it comes to Christmas, 'we Japanese think of KFC chicken'
There are moms, dads, a kid or two and young couples, all waiting to pick up their Christmas meals. In Japan, the Christmas tradition isn't turkey — it's chicken. And to be specific, it's the Kentucky fried variety. It started back in the early '70s. ( read original story ...)
Train, casino, reactor woes to grab Kansai headlines in ’17
Despite concerns about the social ills of gambling, and despite a recent opinion poll by Kyodo News showing that 69 percent of the public opposed lifting the ban on casinos, Osaka is charging forward to host the nation’s first “integrated resort ... ( read original story ...)
Bahrain-Japan meetings held
Tokyo, Dec. 24 (BNA): In activation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Political Consultation on April 11, 2012, during the historical paid by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to Japan, the 4th Meeting for Political Consultations between ... ( read original story ...)
In Pearl Harbor Visit, a Symbol of Reconciliation in Japan
Some Japanese news media suggested that the Pearl Harbor trip could even lift Mr. Abe’s approval ratings and give him the confidence to call an election in January. The Japanese public is also aware of the importance of a symbolic visit to Pearl Harbor ... ( read original story ...)
Japan scraps ‘Monju’ fast-breeder nuclear reactor after pouring $12B into project over 22 years
TOKYO — Japan formally approved a plan Wednesday to scrap an experimental fast-breeder nuclear reactor that drained government finances for decades without living up to hopes it would be a saviour for the resource-poor country’s energy needs. ( read original story ...)
Britain and Japan sign nuclear energy cooperation agreement
Britain and Japan have signed an agreement that significantly expands cooperation in the nuclear energy sector and paves the way for Japanese companies to construct nuclear plants in the UK. It also covers cooperation in the areas of decommissioning and ... ( read original story ...)
'Smartphone toilet paper' at Tokyo airport
Welcome to Japan' News of the smartphone toilet paper spread rapidly among Facebook users. "Give your smartphone a wipe while you answer the call of nature," commented Roger Chen in Singapore. "What if you're tired and jetlagged and accidentally mix up the ... ( read original story ...)
A realistic view of Japan’s island dispute
and it’s Abe’s task to break the news gently to the Japanese people. During a heated discussion on the web news service DemocraTV, former Lower House lawmaker Hiroshi Kawauchi stated that the government “has never had a solution” to the Northern ... ( read original story ...)
Berkshire Hathaway to bet on earthquake insurance in Japan
TOKYO -- An insurance company under Berkshire Hathaway of the U.S. is considering making a foray into Japan, betting on the potential of the country's earthquake insurance market. Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance plans to operate as a reinsurer ... ( read original story ...)
Why Japan is hell-bent on saving the Trans-Pacific Partnership
When Japan recently rushed to become the first country to ratify the Trans-Pacific Partnership, it did so in part to pressure fence-sitters such as Canada to fall in line. “Even though the prospects of the deal coming into effect have become unclear ... ( read original story ...)
Japan seeks to win Thai air defense radar contract – sources
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan is seeking to win a contract to supply Thailand with an air defense radar system built by Mitsubishi Electric Corp, as it looks to counter growing Chinese influence in the Southeast Asian nation, according to four Japanese ... ( read original story ...)
Japan emperor celebrates birthday, thanks public over abdication wish
TOKYO - Japan's Emperor Akihito marked his 83rd birthday Friday, thanking the people for their concern and effort to accommodate his apparent abdication wish. "I am profoundly grateful that many people have lent an ear to my words and are giving sincere ... ( read original story ...)
Light earthquake: M4.4 quake has struck near Namie in Japan
A light earthquake with magnitude 4.4 (ml/mb) was detected on Wednesday, 57 kilometers (35 miles) from Namie in Japan. The 4.4-magnitude earthquake has occurred at 23:46:58 / 11:46 pm (local time epicenter). The earthquake was roughly at a depth of 35.9 km ... ( read original story ...)