Business Jun 25, 2021

Investors clamoring for ESG debt help halve Tokyo funding costs

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government slashed funding costs thanks to rampant global demand for the first social bond offered by a local government in Japan.

National May 31, 2021

There may not be enough doctors in Japan to support the Olympics

Organizers had initially planned to have about 10,000 doctors, nurses and medical staff on standby for the games but have had to cut that number down to about 7,000.

Business May 19, 2021

Japan Airlines said to plan yen bond as its yield premiums fall

Japan Airlines Co. is planning a yen bond sale next month, people familiar with the matter said, in what would be its first debt sale since March last year as its yield premiums fall. The Tokyo-based carrier has hired banks for an offering of about ...

Olympics / Summer Olympics / Athletics May 12, 2021

U.S. track team cancels Olympics training in Japan over virus

The U.S. team notified the decision last month to authorities in Chiba Prefecture, saying the pandemic would put athletes’ safety at risk.

National / Social Issues Apr 29, 2021

Tokyo to push Olympic sponsors on gender parity following gaffes

A pledge to advance equality and inclusion is also expected to come next month from the games' organizing committee.

Summer Olympics Mar 12, 2021

JOC president Yasuhiro Yamashita no stranger to Olympic frustration

The former judo heavyweight, who missed out on the 1980 Moscow Olympics due to an international boycott, is optimistic that the postponed Tokyo Games will go on this summer.

National Mar 6, 2021

Online funerals and Zen apps keep Japan’s Buddhist temples afloat

As the pandemic forces institutions around the world to change the way they do things, new endeavors are some of the ways that Buddhist groups in Japan are trying to survive.

Business / Financial Markets Jan 28, 2021

Record sales of dollar bonds by Japanese prefectures gather steam

In the latest example, Kyushu's Saga Prefecture sold its first note in the U.S. currency on Tuesday, following last week’s issuance of such debt by neighboring Fukuoka Prefecture.

Business / Economy Jan 14, 2021

Buddhist monks are snapping up ESG bonds in Japan

Japanese religious organizations are also under pressure to earn more from investing.

National Jan 14, 2021

Shadow hangs over Olympics once more with Japan virus surge

Japan is one of several countries where the virus has made a comeback in winter months with Tokyo finding a record 2,447 cases on Jan. 7.