Business / Economy Jan 22, 2021

Japan's December CPI down 1.0% in steepest fall in over 10 years

The drop is largely due to lower energy prices and the government's travel subsidy campaign, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

National Jan 8, 2021

Japanese obstetrician fights for 'confidential births' amid apathy

Takeshi Hasuda wants his Jikei Hospital in Kumamoto to lessen the number of dangerous home births by offering women an anonymous service.

Business / Economy | FOCUS Dec 24, 2020

Japan prepares for digital currency, in line with China and others

But the Bank of Japan is likely to take some years to decide whether to officially issue its digital currency, as are other major central banks.

Business | FOCUS Nov 13, 2020

Japan's reliance on fossil fuels diminishes EV advantages

Models in Japan were found to emit more carbon dioxide than gasoline engine vehicles until their driving distance reaches 111,511 kilometers.

National Sep 20, 2020

Japanese campsites draw crowds as people look to escape pandemic

Sales of outdoor leisure goods went up following the government's declaration of a state of emergency in April, an official of a camping product manufacturer said.

Business | FOCUS Apr 29, 2020

Japan's farm and hotel sectors cooperate as pandemic halts entry of foreign labor

Under entry controls, 220 workers from China, Indonesia and Myanmar bound for one of the Japan's major cabbage production areas have been unable to enter the country.

National Feb 28, 2020

Mask-makers distance themselves from Abe's production guarantee prompted by COVID-19

The government and manufacturers of face masks are facing a growing challenge to keep up with demand amid the coronavirus outbreak, fueling concern that shortages of such items will continue for some time and leading to frantic searches by many people for stores that ...

National / Social Issues Jan 19, 2020

Separated at birth, Hansen's disease victims detail fallout from defunct segregation policies

Rosita Harum said it was "the most precious moment" of her life when she was reunited with her father, a former leprosy patient, after they were separated for 61 years by a Malaysian policy that quarantined people with the disease. Born to ethnic Chinese parents, ...

Business / Corporate Nov 24, 2019

India's slowdown emerges as new headache for Japan automakers

While the U.S.-China trade dispute, uncertainties about the global auto market and rising costs for developing cleaner cars are common concerns for automakers, the slowdown in India's market has emerged as a new headache. The slowing Indian economy has taken a heavy toll on Suzuki ...

Business / Tech | FOCUS Oct 27, 2019

Japanese electronics firms eye expansion into self-driving and EV technologies

Electronics companies are trying to take advantage of their experience and knowledge to manufacture motors, inverters and sensors that will become indispensable to assemble autonomous and electric cars.