Sendai-based upstart taking on big Osaka appliance makers

OSAKA – Iris Ohyama, based in Sendai, is taking on Osaka Prefecture’s more established home appliance makers, including Panasonic and Sharp, in the battle for consumers’ hearts and wallets. Iris joined the home appliance market in 2009 and its ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo futures extend decline on weak Shanghai futures

TOKYO, May 25 (Reuters) - Benchmark TOCOM rubber futures extended ... For the top stories in the rubber market and other news, click or MARKET NEWS * Oil prices retreated slightly Wednesday as investors reacted to a smaller-than-expected U.S. gasoline ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo zoo visitors flock to view mum-to-be panda

Tokyo (AFP) - Japanese well-wishers flocked to a Tokyo zoo Wednesday to get their last glimpse of a possibly pregnant panda before she goes into confinement. Eleven-year-old Shin Shin, who mated with male Ri Ri February, appeared imperiously unruffled by ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo stocks close higher as weak yen lifts exporters

TOKYO, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks closed higher Wednesday as the yen's retreat against the U.S. dollar gave exporters a boost, which had a positive bearing on the broader market ahead of investors tuning in to the U.S. Federal Reserve's May policy ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo International Art Fair to kick off in Shibuya’s Hikarie

If Tokyo-based artist Satoshi Maruhashi has his way ... On sale will be works by artists from around the world such as Damien Hirst — the news-making Brit whose creations have included a shark embalmed in formaldehyde and a bisected cow — and Shona ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo cops nab man in ¥1 million swindle of elderly woman

Takashi Hori has been accused of swindling an elderly woman in Shinjuku Ward out of more than 1 million yen (TBS News) TOKYO (TR) – When the hunter becomes the hunted. A 21-year-old man suspected in the swindling of more than 1 million yen from an ... ( read original story ...)

Yokohama Introduces New Geolandar M/T G003 Tire

If you want a quiet ride, you give up off-road traction and capability. For its latest generation of Geolandar Mud-Terrain tire, Yokohama set the bar high, and based on our first impressions, exceeded the company’s goals, as well as our expectations with ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo firm staff are ‘feline’ great

Tokyo: Workaholic Japan is known for long office hours and stressed out employees, but one company claims to have a cure: Cats. A total of nine fluffy felines eat, sleep and walk freely in the small office of IT firm Ferray in Tokyo. Hidenobu Fukuda, who ... ( read original story ...)

Sony boss promises profitability but quiet on specifics

TOKYO -- Sony’s leader promised a comeback for the Japanese electronics and entertainment company having its best profitability in two decades. “We are a company that moves people,” said Chief Executive Kazuo Hirai, as he outlined the strategy for ... ( read original story ...)

Korea, Japan ratify Nagoya Protocol

Adopted in 2010 in Nagoya, Japan, it entered into force on 12 October 2014. Dr. Cristiana Pașca Palmer, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), said: “This is great news for the Republic of Korea and for the Nagoya Protocol. ( read original story ...)