Japan should stop kidding itself that it might be able to predict earthquakes and instead concentrate on improving disaster preparedness, according to a former University of Tokyo professor of seismology. “Japan must admit it can’t predict quakes” is ... ( read original story ...)
Europe and Japan’s vicious cycle of negative interest rates to end – but when?
"It is still several years, I believe, before the European Central Bank or the Bank of Japan starts tightening monetary policy," he said. "We may see a sort of increase in interest rates, even in Europe and Japan, from negative rates to back to zero rates. ( read original story ...)
Japan’s military begins major drill with U.S. carriers watching North Korea
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's navy and air force began a three-day military exercise with two U.S. aircraft carriers in the Sea of Japan on Thursday adding pressure on North Korea to halt an accelerating ballistic missile program. Japan's Maritime Self Defence ... ( read original story ...)
Japan launches rocket in first phase of new GPS
A rocket was launched from Tanegashima Space Centre early on Thursday morning as part of Japan's efforts to construct its own global positioning system. The H-IIA 34 rocket was carrying a quasi-zenith satellite system named "Michibiki," meaning guidance. ( read original story ...)
Japan’s manufacturing growth picks up to three-month high on improving orders: PMI
But the survey also suggested the companies continued to have trouble passing on higher input costs to buyers of their goods, squeezing profit margins and disappointing news for the Bank of Japan as inflation remains stalled well below its elusive 2 ... ( read original story ...)
Japan launches rocket for its own GPS
Japan is building its own GPS in the hope of reducing location errors for drivers, drone operators and other users. A rocket launched on Thursday from southern Japan is carrying a satellite that will form part of a Japanese GPS. An initial satellite was ... ( read original story ...)
Tokyo 42 Released
Tokyo 42 is now available on Steam, offering an open-world isometric shooter that lives up to their description by looking "hyper-stylish." If you want to see if you agree, you can check out this launch trailer. Here's the pitch: Tokyo 42 is a hyper ... ( read original story ...)
Tokyo stocks up on Japan business spending boost
The benchmark Nikkei 225 index jumped 1.07 percent, or 209.46 points, to 19,860.03, while the Topix index of all first-section shares gained 1.13 percent, or 17.77 points, to 1,586.14. Tokyo stocks snapped a four-day losing streak Thursday after a survey ... ( read original story ...)
Sapporo first major city in Japan to issue certificates recognizing same-sex couples
SAPPORO – Sapporo on Thursday became the first major city in Japan to issue certificates recognizing same-sex partnerships. The city also certifies partnerships between heterosexual couples with gender-identity disorder. Other cities don’t do this ... ( read original story ...)
Japanese city recognises same-sex partnerships
The municipal authorities of Sapporo, the fifth major city in Japan with a population of around 2.5 million, are expected to issue partnership certificates to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) couples from Thursday, Efe news reported. ( read original story ...)
Yokohama mayor apologizes to schoolboy bullied for being nuclear evacuee
YOKOKAMA – Yokohama Mayor Fumiko Hayashi apologized to a 13-year-old boy for the municipal government’s failure to act swiftly when he was bullied in elementary school for being a nuclear evacuee from Fukushima Prefecture. The mayor said Wednesday that ... ( read original story ...)
Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 Off-Road Tire Review
Yokohama took note and is betting big on these off-roaders with the all-new Geolandar M/T G003 mud terrain tire for light trucks. Although mud terrain tires are extreme, Yokohama claims demand for this type of tire has increased and should continue to ... ( read original story ...)
Starhill Global Reit sells Japan property for $5.1m
It only formed 0.1% of the company's portfolio by asset value. According to OCBC investment research, Starhill Global REIT (SGREIT) recently divested its entire beneficial interests in the Harajuku Secondo Property for a cash consideration of JPY410.2m ($5 ... ( read original story ...)
Nikkei rises on upbeat Japan capex data, dollar’s rise vs yen
TOKYO, June 1 Japan's Nikkei share average started the month with gains on Thursday, buoyed by upbeat news of Japanese companies' growing capital expenditure as well as the dollar's ascent from overnight lows against the yen. The Nikkei was up 1 percent at ... ( read original story ...)
Japan firms’ Q1 capex rises as recovery gathers momentum
Ministry of Finance (MOF) data issued on Thursday showed companies raised ... It follows a preliminary estimate that Japan's economy grew an annualised 2.2 percent on the back of rising global demand. A recent run of indicators points to continued economic ... ( read original story ...)
Japan launches rocket with satellite to build its own GPS
... will form part of a Japanese global positioning system. (Takuto Kaneko/Kyodo News via AP) The more accurate information could be used for both driving and drone deliveries. Japanese media report it also may enhance the country's defense capabilities. ( read original story ...)