Japan Moves Closer to Deployment of U.S. Missile Defense Shield

Japan moved closer to the introduction of a U.S. anti-ballistic missile shield, with Defense Minister Tomomi Inada saying Friday such systems would strengthen Japan’s defense capabilities. “We are investigating future systems for intercepting missiles ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo gets November snow for first time in 54 years

Tokyo woke up Thursday to its first November snowfall in more than half a century, leaving commuters to grapple with train disruptions and slick streets. Snow began falling before dawn with the mercury approaching zero as a cold weather system moved south ... ( read original story ...)

Japan, South Korea to Share Military Intelligence

Nov.23 -- Japan and South Korea have buried some of their traditional bitterness as they take on the security challenge from North Korea, but a new pact to share military intelligence is already worrying China. Bloomberg's Andy Sharp reports on "Bloomberg ... ( read original story ...)

Japan Has the Gloomiest Millennials

Nov.23 -- Japan has an unwanted title. Its millennials are the gloomiest in the world. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's so far unsuccessful attempts to revive the economy have left young people expecting a future of struggle. Bloomberg's Sophie Kamaruddin ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo sees first November snow in 54 years

Tokyo experienced its first November snowfall in 54 years on Thursday. Residents of the Japanese capital were taken by surprise, as the temperatures around this time of the year usually range from 10C to 17C. The snow was caused by an unusual cold front ... ( read original story ...)

Snow falls in November in Tokyo for first time in 54 years

A man stands near the gate in the snow at Kanda Myojin shrine in Tokyo, Thursday.Tokyo residents have woken up to the first November snowfall in more than 50 years. (AP Photo) The Japanese capital of Tokyo on Thursday was hit by its first November snow in ... ( read original story ...)

BANK OF JAPAN : Banknote issue, bill clearings

11/17 G30 STUDY HIGHLIGHTS RISKS TO FINANC: Rise of Shadow Banking Activities Merit C.. 01:33a LLOYDS BANKING: British taxpayers face 27 billion pound loss from bank bailout 11/23 DJ BANK OF AMERICA: Sting from Merrill's International Shift Lingers ... ( read original story ...)

Japan’s Bank Earnings Hindered by Negative Rates, Stronger Yen

TOKYO—Profits at Japan’s top banks were hurt by negative interest rates and a stronger yen in the fiscal first half, highlighting challenges in the banking industry. Japan’s biggest lender, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. or MUFG, reported net ... ( read original story ...)

RPT-Japanese private equity emerging from its torpor

GOOD YEAR TO RAISE FUNDS As Japan's central bank implemented a policy of negative interest rates at the beginning of the year, exacerbating the difficulty of finding investment yield in an era of low returns, more investors started to look at private ... ( read original story ...)

Central bank plays trump card early to shock markets straight

TOKYO -- The Bank of Japan last week offered to buy bonds at a fixed yield to curb rising interest rates, playing what was seen as an ultimate trump card far earlier than many expected. The BOJ announced its first-ever fixed-rate purchase operation on the ... ( read original story ...)