TOKYO -- Japan approved only 20 out of a record 19,628 applicants for refugee status last year as authorities reject appeals they suspect come from job-seekers. Last year saw an increase of 8,727 people applying for refugee status from 2016 levels ... ( read original story ...)
10 years on, Osaka fiscal reform started by Toru Hashimoto remains unfinished
OSAKA – Since Toru Hashimoto was elected Osaka governor in January 2008 and subsequently launched a reform drive, the prefecture has turned its debt-heavy public finances around to achieve budget surpluses. Some experts, however, downplay the recovery as ... ( read original story ...)
Vote of confidence? This Japanese bank just signed for a huge new office in the City
A Japanese banking giant has given a vote of confidence to the capital by signing for a vast new office space at the redeveloped Broadgate scheme on Liverpool Street. The European arm of Sumitomo Mitsui will take 161,000 sq ft at 100 Liverpool Street, part ... ( read original story ...)
Tokyo Hostel Guide: The Best Hostels in Tokyo
There are 97 beds total with a variety of room configurations that will suit families, friends, couples, business travellers, and solo travellers. If you’re looking for cheap hostels in Tokyo, then the Retrometro Backpackers will likely appeal to you ... ( read original story ...)
Olympics: Tokyo 2020 Games budget to benefit from fresh reforms
PYEONGCHANG, South Korea (Reuters) - The Tokyo 2020 Olympics will benefit from a fresh batch of International Olympic Committee (IOC) reforms, despite having already slashed their initial budget by roughly $2.5 billion, the IOC said on Tuesday. The Games ... ( read original story ...)
Tokyo fish market move on track, governor says
After years of delays, the process of moving Tokyo's world-famous Tsukiji fish market is on track, the city's governor said Tuesday, pledging the site's spirit would not be lost. The grey utilitarian complex at Toyosu is a far cry from the gritty ... ( read original story ...)
BRIEF-Japan Property Management Center to acquire small amount short term insurance firm for 107 mln yen
* Says it will acquire 100 percent stake in Osaka-based firm, which is engaged in a small amount short term insurance business, for 107 million yen in total, effective April 2 ( read original story ...)
Brewery takeovers, legal cannabis may threaten B.C.’s booming craft beer industry
It's been in operation in Surrey, B.C., since 2003. What he's talking about is a desire from large international brewing companies like Anheuser-Busch InBev or Japan's Sapporo to acquire smaller breweries in order to regain the market share they've lost. ( read original story ...)
Asian shares lifted by Wall Street rally, Nikkei falls back
SEOUL, Korea, Republic Of — Asian shares tracked an overnight rally on Wall Street, though Japan's Nikkei 225 index ceded early gains as the yen rose against the U.S. dollar. WHERE THINGS STAND: Investors remain wary of turbulence. It took just nine days ... ( read original story ...)
Japanese bank Sumitomo ignores Brexit to sign a 20-year lease on a new London office
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe signs a 20-year lease for 160,000 square foot of space in central London. British Land: "A strong endorsement of London as a global city." LONDON — Japanese bank Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe has ... ( read original story ...)
Japan provides US $700 million to African Development Fund
acknowledged the landmark event and expressed the Bank’s gratitude and appreciation to the Government of Japan. Signing the Notes of Exchange, Adesina said, “Thanks to Japan and its Government for keeping a promise. One often hears about many ... ( read original story ...)
Japanese bank Sumitomo new signs 20-year lease on London office – despite Brexit
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe signs a 20-year lease for 160,000 square foot of space in central London. British Land: "A strong endorsement of London as a global city." LONDON — Japanese bank Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe has ... ( read original story ...)
Tokyo 2020 Games budget to benefit from fresh reforms
PYEONGCHANG, South Korea (Reuters) - The Tokyo 2020 Olympics will benefit from a fresh batch of International Olympic Committee (IOC) reforms, despite having already slashed their initial budget by roughly $2.5 billion (£1.8 billion), the IOC said on Tuesday. ( read original story ...)
Japan short track skater sent home from Games for failed test
PYEONGCHANG, South Korea (Reuters) - Japanese short track speed skater Kei Saito failed an out-of-competition doping test on the day of his arrival in Pyeongchang and has been expelled from the Winter Olympics, Japan team officials said on Tuesday. ( read original story ...)
Japanese speed skater Kei Saito reportedly has positive doping test at Olympics
The news agency said Japan’s Olympic Committee scheduled a Tuesday morning press conference to talk about the test results. It is Saito’s first Olympics. His sister, Hitomi, is also on Japan’s short-track speed skating team. Saito’s profile on the ... ( read original story ...)
Aso becomes Japan’s longest-serving finance minister since the war
Taro Aso on Monday became Japan’s longest-serving finance minister since the war, marking 1,875 days in office, a day more than Kiichi Miyazawa, the previous record-holder. Asked to comment Friday, Aso merely said that serving for a long time was not a goal. ( read original story ...)