Japan’s cosmetics exports hit fifth straight annual record

TOKYO -- Japan's cosmetics exports jumped 39% to 371.5 billion yen ($3.48 billion) in 2017, marking a fifth straight record year, as inbound tourism creates new devotees who continue to use the products long after returning home. The Nikkei compiled the ... ( read original story ...)

Japan’s moms stay in work in record numbers

TOKYO -- More Japanese women are staying in work after childbirth as government policy to keep young mothers in the workforce begins to pay off. A tight labor market due to the shrinking population and the ongoing economic recovery are also factors ... ( read original story ...)

Japan’s tourism-linked shares thrive amid rise in visits

TOKYO -- Investors are piling into Japanese companies that serve international visitors ... Shiseido's shares have surged 19%, and Don Quijote's more than 6%, since Feb. 6, when the Nikkei Stock Average tumbled 1,071 points. The index itself has rallied ... ( read original story ...)

Third man arrested over death of beheaded Sapporo woman

SAPPORO – A third man was arrested Monday in connection with the death of a 19-year-old Sapporo woman two days after her severed head was found in a mountainous area in Hokkaido. Kazuo Shibata, 47, was arrested on suspicion of abandoning the body of Yuri ... ( read original story ...)

What Tokyo wants to show with Summer Games

Tokyo used its famous 1964 Olympics to show off a miraculous recovery from defeat in World War II. Japan was back after just 19 years with high-speed trains, geeky gadgets, and dazzling efficiency. Tokyo's back again with the 2020 Summer Olympics, this ... ( read original story ...)