TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan on Tuesday said it had detected what appeared to be a Chinese-flagged vessel, 350 km (218 miles) off Shanghai, conducting illegal transfers to a North Korean ship. "Following a comprehensive assessment, the government of Japan ... ( read original story ...)
Japan to ease language criteria for unskilled foreign workers
TOKYO -- The Japanese government plans to ease restrictions on unskilled foreign nationals seeking to work in Japan, Nikkei learned Tuesday, as the country grapples with a serious labor shortage, especially in the construction industry. The new policy ... ( read original story ...)
Trump giving Japan’s Abe a hard time on trade despite close ties
TOKYO (Reuters) - Tariffs on steel, threats of car import levies and intense pressure for a two-way economic deal: despite warm personal ties, U.S. President Donald Trump is giving Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe a decidedly tough time on trade. ( read original story ...)
Tokyo bringing in step-free buses ahead of Olympics
Buses with fewer steps leading to their rear seats will start operating in Tokyo later this year as the capital gears up for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Tokyo already had 1,464 buses with a step-free entrance as of April last year, but ... ( read original story ...)
Yokohama to get aerial gondolas ahead of 2020 Olympics
Private-sector companies with the backing of the Yokohama Municipal Government plan to build seaside aerial gondolas in the port city, aiming to attract tourists coming from abroad for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Senyo Kogyo Co., the Osaka-based amusement ... ( read original story ...)
Japan’s divestment campaign pits Buddhist priest against banks
Now he’s at the forefront of a budding movement in Japan to withdraw money from banks that provide finance for environmentally harmful energy projects. “I was taught about the idea of how changing your bank account can contribute to bettering the ... ( read original story ...)
Japan’s ‘pleasure’ industry poised for Olympics, World Cup boost
With their bigger rooms and cheaper rates, 'love hotels' are becoming an increasingly popular option for travellers in Japan. One business sector looking to benefit from the arrival of thousands of athletes is the local condom industry. It has become ... ( read original story ...)
Tokyo shares struggle to maintain gains; falling oil prices drag on energy names
TOKYO, May 28 (Reuters) - Japanese shares ended little changed on Monday as a further slide in oil prices pulled down energy-related stocks, offsetting initial gains stemming from renewed hopes for a U.S.-North Korea summit next month. The benchmark Nikkei ... ( read original story ...)
Review: Park Hyatt Tokyo
The Park Hyatt Tokyo is a great value property for Hyatt’s top tier elites. I used a confirmed suite upgrade and got nice value from breakfast which can be taken in the restaurant or via room service (or both). I enjoyed the complimentary happy hour for ... ( read original story ...)
Cheers! Coca-Cola launches first boozy drink in Japan
Coca-Cola launched its first ever alcoholic drink on Monday in Japan -- a fizzy, lemon-flavoured concoction laced with spirits that seeks to capitalize on the growing popularity of "chuhai" alcopops enjoyed especially by young women. Although the U.S. firm ... ( read original story ...)
Japan’s casino market can top Singapore, says Las Vegas executive
Murren, who spearheads the casino empire, spoke to the Nikkei Asian Review in Tokyo on the same day as the bill's latest advance. MGM is one of several companies seeking a gaming license in Japan. "Companies and municipalities that have been silent up ... ( read original story ...)
Osaka shows best and worst in Paris first-round win
PARIS: Japan's Naomi Osaka displayed the best and worst sides of her game in a 6-2 7-5 first-round win against American Sofia Kenin at the French Open on Monday. The 21st seed seemed en route to a nice morning stroll on court 3 in Paris but lost her focus ... ( read original story ...)
Coca-Cola launches its first alcoholic drink in Japan
These are external links and will open in a new window Coca-Cola has launched its first alcoholic drink, a lemon flavoured alcopop, in Japan in a bid to tap new markets and consumers. In a global first for the US drinks giant, three fizzy lemon drinks went ... ( read original story ...)
Tokyo stocks open higher as North Korea fears ease
Tokyo stocks opened higher on Monday as geopolitical worries ebbed after US and North Korean officials met Sunday to resume preparations for a summit between the leaders of the two countries. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index edged up 0.15 percent or 33.77 ... ( read original story ...)
Moxy Hotels Invites Osaka to Play on With Signing of Second Property
Marriott International today announced the signing of Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda, the second addition to the playful Moxy Hotels brand in Osaka. The property is expected to open in Autumn 2020. Owned by Sekisui House, a leading housing company and Far East ... ( read original story ...)
Blockcloud Unveiled in Tokyo: World-Class Scientific Research Joins Blockchain Arena
TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Blockcloud, a service-centric blockchain network system for the “Internet of Things” (IoT), was unveiled yesterday at the Genesis CAT Meet-up in Tokyo, Japan. Blockchain has taken the world by storm. With more than 3,500 ... ( read original story ...)