Demographics to stress Japan regional banks: BoJ official

Japan’s declining population could eventually pose a risk to its regional banks and financial system, Bank of Japan deputy governor Hiroshi Nakaso said in the last of three key speeches that may serve as his swan song after nearly four decades at the ... ( read original story ...)

Physical Money Is Here To Stay – For Now, Says Bank Of Japan

Digital currencies are growing in popularity but, in terms of replacing physical money, that isn’t going to happen anytime soon. That’s according to Hiromi Yamaoka, head of the Bank of Japan’s payment and settlement systems department, who made those ... ( read original story ...)

The economic lessons Japan can teach the West

We need a new experiment, one that allows the possibility of failures. "In order to take the Japanese society forward younger people, or those who experienced foreign business or the intellectual world, [should be able to] voice more freely to senior people." ( read original story ...)

Japan ETFs in Focus as Retail Sales Fall

Japan’s retail sales fell short of expectations in October, after a weak GDP reading in the third quarter. Retail sales declined 0.2% year-over-year in October compared with expectations of 0.2% increase, per the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo marks 1,000 days to go until 2020 Paralympics

TOKYO (AP) -- Tokyo marked 1,000 days to go until the 2020 Paralympics on Wednesday with a ceremony at the world's tallest tower. The 634-meter (2,080-feet) Tokyo Sky Tree was lit up in red, blue and green - the three colors of the Paralympic symbol. ''We ... ( read original story ...)

9 Best Business Hotels In Osaka, Japan

Osaka is known all over the world as the home of Universal Studios, Japan - among other things - but it is also home to bustling businesses, which makes it a familiar place for many business travelers. If you’re traveling to Osaka for the first time, you ... ( read original story ...)

Nikkei rises, led by banks, financials

TOKYO, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share average rose on Wednesday as banks and financial shares tracked their U.S. counterparts higher, shrugging off another North Korean missile launch. The Nikkei was up 0.4 percent at 22,576.86 points at the end ... ( read original story ...)