Economy | ANALYSIS
Households to take hit from tax hike
by Tomoko Otake
The consumption tax increase will hit every household in Japan hard, with many people’s financial future hanging on whether their wages rise enough to offset the hike's impact.
Business Aug 20, 2013
Solar plane pilots eye globe, pitch Japan stop
by Seana K. Magee
Two Swiss pilots wowed a New York audience recently as they described their first cross-country flight and 2015 vision of circling the globe — with a possible stopover in Japan — on nothing but energy from the sun. Fresh off their successful two-month, 5,650-km ...
Business Jun 20, 2013
When the sun doesn't shine, who should pay?
It’s a sight that would bring joy to anyone who has ever paid an electric bill: that little wheel on the meter outside your home literally spinning backward, signaling a reduction in your payment and the distribution of excess electricity to your neighbors. Yes, ...
Business Jun 6, 2013
EU imposes import duties on Chinese solar panels
The European Commission on Tuesday imposed anti-dumping duties on imports of Chinese solar panels, defying German-led opposition and dire warnings from Beijing the move could spark a trade war. “Today, the European Commission has decided unanimously to impose (punitive) tariffs” on Chinese solar panels, ...
Business Jun 5, 2013
EU to impose duties on Chinese solar panels
The European Commission on Tuesday imposed anti-dumping duties on imports of Chinese solar panels, defying German-led opposition and dire warnings from Beijing the move could spark a trade war. “Today, the European Commission has decided unanimously to impose (punitive) tariffs” on Chinese solar panels, ...
Business Jun 5, 2013
Japan soon to be largest solar market
Japan is set to overtake Germany as the world’s largest solar market by annual installations this year as government incentives to encourage clean energy in light of the Fukushima nuclear crisis attract investment. Developers may install 6.9 gigawatts to 9.4 gigawatts of solar in ...
How-tos | HOME TRUTHS Jun 4, 2013
Sometimes it pays to look on the bright side
by Philip Brasor and Masako Tsubuku
The flyers were provocative: New houses priced at more than ¥35 million, but the builder promised that the mortgage would amount to ¥0 a month. A free house is obviously too good to be true, but we decided to check out the merchandise to ...
Business Feb 19, 2013
Financial firms turn to solar power to generate earnings
Financial institutions are turning to solar power generation as a new earnings source amid an economic slump that is putting off borrowers. “We’re now in a position to promote the (photovoltaic generation) projects aggressively,” said a Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. official, referring to ...