author

 
 

Meta

Rocky Swift
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Mar 24, 2023
Japan firms see global inflation risk as major headwind for fiscal 2023
Of nearly 500 major companies polled, 82% said a continuation of global inflation was a concern for their business in the coming period.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Feb 24, 2023
Nearly half of Japan's firms want BOJ to revise negative rate policy
In the next most common response, 28% said the central bank should revise its 2% inflation target.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Jan 19, 2023
Majority of Japan firms heed Kishida's call to raise wages this year
The prime minister has repeatedly urged companies to make strong efforts to lift employee pay, which has failed to keep up with the fastest inflation in 40 years.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jan 6, 2023
McDonald's Japan hikes prices for third time in 10 months
The company cited currency fluctuations as well as surging costs for materials, labor, transportation and energy as the reasons for the move.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Dec 19, 2022
Suntory Beverage's first female CEO wants to see more women as managers
Makiko Ono will be one of only a handful of women to lead a big Japanese company once she takes over the job early next year.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 18, 2022
Buying a bomb shelter in Japan's suburbs
Nao Engineering, which has been selling its Crisis-1 shelters since December 2021, has seen a surge in inquiries after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Dec 8, 2022
Most Japanese firms in poll don't support Kishida, citing leadership and prices
Dissatisfaction among major corporations mirrors public opinion polls showing dwindling support for Kishida amid scandals that have taken down three of his ministers.
BUSINESS / Companies
Nov 30, 2022
Japanese biotech firm uses tiny worms in test for pancreatic cancer
The creatures, a species of nematodes known scientifically as C. elegans, have olfactory senses much more powerful than dogs, the firm says, and they follow their nose toward cancer cells.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Nov 15, 2022
Japan's Olympus says moving from asset sales towards doing deals
After two decades in human resources roles, incoming Stefan Kaufmann will become one of the few foreign CEOs leading a major Japanese company.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Economy
Nov 10, 2022
Japanese companies hold firm on capital spending with focus on technology
A survey has backed up reports by the Japanese government and central bank last month that the capital expenditure outlook is turning up.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 30, 2022
Uyghur leader urges Japan to join call for U.N. debate on alleged abuses in China
Japan's motions and statements on the issue are an 'empty promise, not enough to stop the ongoing genocide,' Dolkun Isa told reporters.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies / FOCUS
Sep 5, 2022
Suntory eyes U.S. canned cocktail push as young Japanese shun booze
Expanding overseas is a matter of survival for Japanese drinks companies facing an aging market at home and a shift away from alcohol among younger people.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies / FOCUS
Sep 2, 2022
Uniqlo shines amid U.S. retail gloom after pandemic-triggered revamp
The flagship brand of Fast Retailing says it's poised to book its first annual profit in North America — after 17 years of trying.
BUSINESS
Aug 5, 2022
Work stoppages and no chatting at lunch: Japan Inc. grapples with COVID
Relief for Japan's companies and the wider economy could be in sight as health experts project this wave of infection to peak early this month.
BUSINESS / FOCUS
Jun 17, 2022
Takeda and Nintendo among Japanese firms quietly celebrating weak yen
For Takeda Pharmaceutical, Japan's biggest drugmaker, a weaker yen helps because 80% of its sales are overseas, said the firm's CFO.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Apr 14, 2022
Uniqlo owner expecting big drop in China profit due to COVID restrictions
Fast Retailing is a bellwether for how major global retailers are being impacted by pandemic-related shutdowns in China, one of the biggest growth markets for many Western brands.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Apr 8, 2022
How is Japan's government connected with Russia's biggest cigarette maker?
The company said it would suspend some operations but continue manufacturing unless 'unprecedented' challenges force it to stop.
BUSINESS / Companies
Mar 24, 2022
Toshiba faces unclear future after shareholders knock back two rival proposals
The result of the extraordinary general meeting appears to leave Toshiba with no immediate clear direction.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Mar 23, 2022
With sumo flag sponsorship deal, COVID vaccine-maker Moderna reveals Japan ambition
The U.S. firm is seeking to build on its newfound renown in COVID-19 vaccines and wrestle market share from compatriot Pfizer Inc.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 21, 2022
As COVID-19 infections surge in Japan, so does risk of pandemic fatigue
Studies of cell phone traffic, train usage and other mobility data suggest levels of compliance by the Japanese public on anti-COVID-19 measures have steadily decreased.

Longform

People in cities across Japan will pop into their local convenience store for any number of products they believe will help them with a night of drinking.
Hangover cures are everywhere in Japan — but do they work?