Japan’s business gift culture says it with orchids

In Japanese business celebrations, there’s one thing you’ll almost always see: orchids. Pots of the exotic flowers, which often sell for about ¥20,000 ($176), will be there in a newly appointed president’s office, at the entrance of a company that ... ( read original story ...)

Nikkei falls to more than 1-week low as stronger yen sours mood

TOKYO Feb 2 Japan's Nikkei share average fell on Thursday to its lowest in more than a week after a stronger yen soured sentiment. Toyota Motor Corp underperformed after posting weak monthly sales in the United States. Eyes were also on Japanese domestic ... ( read original story ...)

Japan’s PM to meet Toyota president before Trump summit

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he would meet the head of Toyota Motor Corp on Friday, as Tokyo compiles a plan to ward off U.S. criticism of Japanese trade policy before a summit with President Donald Trump next week. Trump, who has pledged to put ... ( read original story ...)

US defence chief Mattis heads to South Korea and Japan

While campaigning, Donald Trump accused South Korea and Japan of not paying enough for US military support. He also suggested they could be allowed to arm themselves with nuclear weapons. Both Japan and South Korea rejected this idea. The Pentagon said the ... ( read original story ...)

Nikkei 225 News and Analysis

The Nikkei 225 is the primary benchmark index for the Japanese stock market. The size of the Japanese economy (3rd largest in the world) and its importance makes the Nikkei one of the most widely watched and traded indices in the world. The 225 ... ( read original story ...)

US defence chief Mattis visiting South Korea and Japan

While campaigning, Donald Trump accused South Korea and Japan of not paying enough for US military support. He also suggested they could be allowed to arm themselves with nuclear weapons. Both Japan and South Korea rejected this idea. On the campaign trail ... ( read original story ...)

Rare Ice that Sparkles Like Diamonds Found in Japan

Japan is not just known for their cherry blossoms, but also unique crystal-clear ice blocks that wash up only on their shores. These ice blocks are so tantalizing as they sparkle like diamonds. Most people who have seen these structures refer to them as ... ( read original story ...)

Japan court rejects 'right to be forgotten' on Google

Japan's Supreme Court has rejected a man's demand that news search results of his arrest on sex charges be deleted from Google, ruling that to do so would violate freedom of expression. Japanese media said it was the first decision by the nation's top ... ( read original story ...)

Japan hits back at Trump charge that it is devaluing the yen

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, his main lieutenant in the cabinet and Japan’s top foreign exchange official on Wednesday all pushed back against President Donald Trump’s assertion that Japan is keeping its currency devalued. “Japan’s monetary policy is ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo medals to be made from recycled donated metal

TOKYO (Reuters) - The medals for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will be forged from recycled metal from old mobile phones and appliances donated by the general public to give them a sense of direct involvement in the Games, organisers said on Wednesday. The move ... ( read original story ...)