Japan posted its first trade surplus in six years in 2016 as imports slumped on falling energy prices, the Finance Ministry said Wednesday. The surplus stood at ¥4.07 trillion ($35.76 billion). The value of imports tumbled 15.9 percent to ¥65.97 trillion ... ( read original story ...)
Japan government: fiscal targets slip further as tax revenue falls
TOKYO Japan's government said on Wednesday that the primary deficit will worsen in coming years, even according to its most optimistic forecasts, because of falling tax revenue and weak consumer spending. The forecasts, released by the Cabinet Office ... ( read original story ...)
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is still pitching Trump on TPP
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe makes a policy speech at the start of the ordinary session of parliament in Tokyo Thomson Reuters TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday he believed U.S. President Donald Trump understood the ... ( read original story ...)
Deputy of Intellectual Property Dept held for theft in Japan
The ministry had instructed the Thai Trade Centre in Osaka to work closely with the Thai embassy in ... and the Facebook page of Department of Intellectual Property received a flood of comments, particularly about a photograph of the department's officials ... ( read original story ...)
Japan's Line swings to full-year profit on higher ad revenue
Line, Japan's most popular instant messaging service which went public in the world's biggest tech IPO of 2016, posted a net profit of 7.56 billion yen ($66.49 million) for the year ended Dec. 31, compared to a loss of 7.58 billion yen in the previous year. ( read original story ...)
Japan gets first sumo champion in 19 years
Japan has named its first home-grown sumo grand champion in almost two decades, in a boost to the traditional wrestling sport. Kisenosato, 30, was promoted to the top-most yokozuna rank after his win in the first tournament of the year. He is the first ... ( read original story ...)
Bank-related funds may invest in ailing Toshiba’s flash memory unit
The funds include UDS Mezzanine Fund, established by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. and the state-owned Development Bank of Japan, and Blue Partners Fund, launched by Mizuho Bank and the DBJ. Toshiba said last month it may book an asset impairment loss of ... ( read original story ...)
BANK OF JAPAN : Japan's key bond yield rises after BOJ fails to buy
The yield on the benchmark 10-year Japanese government bond ended higher Wednesday on selling as the Bank of Japan failed to buy any mid-term bonds, triggering speculation that the central bank will taper its massive monetary easing. The yield on the No ... ( read original story ...)
Bank of Japan to Host Distributed Ledger Forum Next Month
Japan’s central bank is set to host an event focused on distributed ledger tech next month. The invite-only event, scheduled for 28th February, will be hosted at the Bank of Japan’s FinTech Center, founded last year as part of the institution’s push ... ( read original story ...)
ING powers the way into solar energy in Japan
This was one of the first Japanese solar projects arranged by ING Asia. The bank acted as mandated lead arranger, interest rate swap arranger, facility and security agent and account bank. “We can build on this experience and best practice to finance ... ( read original story ...)
Deutsche Bank USD/JPY Forecast To Rise To 120-125
In the latest research report from Deutsche Bank, the bank states in no uncertain terms that they expect a stronger US dollar vs Japanese yen through the end of 2017 and throughout 2018. In the report, seen by exchangerates.org.uk, the German bank set the ... ( read original story ...)
Bank of Japan’s third FinTech Forum to focus on blockchain technology
The Bank of Japan is going to host its third Fintech Forum on 28 February 2017, which will focus on blockchain or distributed ledger technology. Hosted by the BoJ’s Fintech Center, the invite-only event will feature fintech and blockchain experts as ... ( read original story ...)
Japan exports up for first time in 15 months, U.S. protectionism poses risks
The trade data should be welcome news for the Bank of Japan, which is seen maintaining an upbeat view on the world's third largest economy at a policy review next week on prospects of improving global growth. However, worries about protectionism under U.S ... ( read original story ...)
DIARY-Top Economic Events to Feb. 28
KOCHI, Japan - Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Hiroshi Nakaso to meet with business leaders. WELLINGTON - Reserve Bank of New Zealand monetary policy statement and official cash rate (OCR). CHICAGO - Chicago Fed President Charles Evans speaks on the economic ... ( read original story ...)
The best business class on Sydney-Tokyo flights
Receive 75,000 Qantas Points when you spend $2,500 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months plus no annual fee for the first year. T&Cs, fees and charges. Online offer only. Click here to apply now. Jetting from Sydney to Tokyo’s Haneda or Narita ... ( read original story ...)
Nikkei rises, catching tailwind from Wall Street; Takata bounces
TOKYO Jan 25 Japan's Nikkei share average rose on Wednesday, getting a lift from record finishes on Wall Street on hopes the new U.S. administration will push up growth through a spending boost. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite set record highs on ... ( read original story ...)