Bank of Japan Sticks With Holding Pattern

TOKYO—The Bank of Japan left its aggressive easing policy unchanged Friday and offered no new clues on when and how it might join other major central banks in winding down its measures as Haruhiko Kuroda heads toward a second five-year term as governor. ( read original story ...)

Japanese Market Sharply Higher Ahead Of BOJ Decision

In addition, a weaker yen lifted exporters' shares. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan will wrap up its monetary policy meeting announce its decision on interest rates later in the day. The central bank is widely expected to keep its benchmark lending rate ... ( read original story ...)

Japan real wages slump, overshadow rebound in household spending

A spate of data issued on Friday cast doubt on the Bank of Japan’s optimistic projection that a strengthening recovery will prompt firms to hike wages and boost consumption, helping accelerate inflation to its elusive 2 percent target. The weakness in ... ( read original story ...)

Wynn Resorts settles lawsuit for $2.4B with Tokyo company

Wynn Resorts has agreed to pay $2.4 billion in a settlement with a Tokyo casino game maker and its U.S. unit over ... Her attorney has denied that she instigated the news story. Steve Wynn resigned as chairman and CEO of the company Feb. 6. ( read original story ...)

Japanese banks to use Ripple for blockchain for payments

CNBC reports that the Japan Bank Consortium, comprised of 61 member banks, is set to release MoneyTap, a Ripple-powered smartphone app that will allow customers to settle transactions in real time. The country's current system for cash transfers is limited. ( read original story ...)

Japanese banks to roll out blockchain-based instant payments

Ripple powered mobile app to provide on-demand domestic payments in Japan — Ripple — “MoneyTap allows the bank consortium customers to make instant domestic payments and only requires a bank account, phone number, or QR code… The Japan bank ... ( read original story ...)

Bank Of Japan Rate Decision Due On Friday

BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - The Bank of Japan will wrap up its monetary policy meeting on Friday and then announce its decision on interest rates, highlighting a modest day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. The central bank is widely expected to keep its ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo shares rebound as trade war fears ease

Tokyo stocks ended higher on Thursday ... In trade in individual stocks, copier maker Ricoh ended up 0.99 percent at 1,118 yen after the Nikkei business daily reported that it would cut some 4,000 jobs, or four percent of its group workforce, mostly ... ( read original story ...)

Osaka too strong for Sharapova in California

(Reuters) - Former world number one Maria Sharapova lost her second consecutive first round match with a 6-4 6-4 defeat to Japan’s Naomi Osaka at the BNP Paribas Open in California on Wednesday. Sharapova, who returned to tennis last April following a 15 ... ( read original story ...)