A Japanese Fix for American Savings: 1.25 Percent Interest

But it's now topped by an offer that just came out from a just-launched, savings-only division of San Francisco-based MUFG Union Bank. The new entity, PurePoint Financial, offers a rate of 1.25 percent on a savings deposit of at least $10,000, and 1.4 ... ( read original story ...)

Japan's Race to 2% Inflation: ETFs in Focus

Japan’s core inflation has returned for the first time in more than a year owing to increased energy prices, giving signals that the country is on its path to reach its inflation target of 2%. Even though the unemployment rate dropped to 3%, its lowest ... ( read original story ...)

Japan's forestry industry thin on workers: survey

TOKYO -- Japan's forestry sector is vastly understaffed, leaving lumber resources planted decades ago in danger of going to waste, according to a survey by The Nikkei. Some 93% of the forest owners' cooperatives polled reported being short-staffed ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo stocks open marginally higher on weaker yen

Weakness in energy and financial shares pushed Wall Street lower on Thursday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.5 percent to close at 21,002.97 after breaking through 21,000 for the first time Wednesday. In Tokyo trading, Nintendo jumped 3.78 ... ( read original story ...)

Japanese Banks Plan to Make Payments Using Ripple Blockchain

The Japan Bank Consortium to Central Provide Domestic and Cross-Border Payment, which was launched in October 2016 by leading Japanese financial institutions, and the blockchain company SBI Ripple Asia have announced that its 47 member institutions plan to ... ( read original story ...)

Japan's core inflation rises for 1st time in over a year

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's core consumer prices rose for the first time in over a year in January due to a pickup in energy costs and private consumption, offering some hope for the central bank's efforts in accelerating inflation to its 2 percent target. ( read original story ...)

Japan bolstering emergency support system for foreigners

TOKYO -- The Japanese government is developing a new framework for helping foreigners who need emergency medical or other assistance. The move, spearheaded by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, comes at a time when record numbers of ... ( read original story ...)