Sushi chain IPO will test investor appetite for risk

The good news for Sushiro is that there are signs of pent-up retail appetite for new issues — Japanese IPO numbers are up about 15 per cent since the start of 2017 compared with the same period last year, and analysts see that growth continuing. ( read original story ...)

This cafe in Tokyo won’t hire women who wear makeup

We totally dig the makeup-free movement, but after hearing about a Tokyo cafe that won’t hire women who wear makeup, we’re a little mystified. After all, while it’s lovely to be natural and work with what you’re given, makeup is also a lot of fun. ( read original story ...)

Tokyo stocks down as automakers, electronics firms hit

TOKYO: Tokyo stocks sank on a strong yen Monday morning, with automakers and electronics firms taking a hit, while Toshiba dropped on a report that its troubled US nuclear unit could start bankruptcy proceedings this week. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index ... ( read original story ...)

Japan's online banks go bricks-and-mortar to boost loan ops

Deposits at six leading online banks topped 11.4 trillion yen at the end of March 2016 -- a substantial figure, but a mere 1.42% of the total for all Japanese banks. The industry has reached a turning point: The Bank of Japan's negative-interest-rate ... ( read original story ...)

Japan moves gingerly toward accepting immigrants

The tensions in Europe have made many Japanese leery of large-scale immigration. "If we were to choose to address Japan's labor shortage by allowing more immigrants in without carefully thinking about it, we would face a situation similar to Europe," said ... ( read original story ...)

Japan vice minister officially visits Taiwan

TAIPEI -- A Japanese vice minister's visit to Taiwan may test Beijing's patience. Jiro Akama, parliamentary vice-minister of internal affairs and communications, said on Saturday that Taiwan is a wonderful partner for Japan. He was speaking at the opening ... ( read original story ...)

Timing, like finances, everything for Osaka’s new rail links

how much of the financial burden should fall to city taxpayers, and how much to JR and other railways that will benefit from the line is expected to be the subject of contentious debate. “The number of visitors to Osaka is increasing and businesses are ... ( read original story ...)

Japan Airlines Making Changes to Mileage Bank Award Program

This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page. Last night, Japan Airlines (JAL) sent an ... ( read original story ...)

Japan finance minister Aso: G20 shared need for free trade

TOKYO The Group of 20 major economies, including the United States, agreed on the importance of free trade at a finance leaders' gathering in Baden Baden, Germany, last week, Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said on Friday. "It's true some countries ... ( read original story ...)