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.

Business Oct 7, 2019

Yokohama Chinatown joins e-payment rebate push to entice more tourists

Restaurants and shops in Yokohama Chinatown hope government relief measures for businesses introduced with the Oct. 1 consumption tax hike will help bring in new customers. They are pinning their hopes on a rebate program for cashless purchases aimed at mitigating the impact of the ...

National | FOCUS Sep 22, 2019

Japan faces urgent need to develop autonomous transport due to graying society and driver shortage

Due to its graying society and shortage of drivers, Japan quickly needs to get an autonomous transportation system put into place.

Rugby Oct 20, 2018

Kumamoto grateful for opportunity to host Rugby World Cup matches

Hideomi Ryu played a central role in getting his native city of Kumamoto elected to host games for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, even when naysayers thought it was no more than a pipe dream in a community dominated by baseball. The 75-year-old chairman of ...