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Tsuyoshi Inajima
For Tsuyoshi Inajima's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Nissan's Ariya electric crossover sport utility vehicle assembled by robots at the company's plant in Kaminokawa, Tochigi Prefecture
BUSINESS / Companies
Feb 19, 2024
Japan carmakers forge ahead with EV investments despite slowdown
Outside of Japan, signs of a scaling back are everywhere, with the exception of China.
Workers assemble vehicles at Toyota's Tsutsumi plant in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture.
BUSINESS / Companies
Jan 30, 2024
Toyota union eyes extra month's bonus in annual negotiations
Wage increases by Toyota and other carmakers will be seen as a bellwether for the rest of Japan's manufacturing sector and economy.
Japan’s passport gives visa-free entry to 192 global destinations, according to the latest Henley Passport Index. The country lost the top spot to Singapore earlier this year, after leading the list for five straight years.
BUSINESS
Dec 19, 2023
Japan’s travel industry urges people to get their mighty passports
Japan’s passport gives visa-free entry to 192 global destinations, according to the latest Henley Passport Index.
Toyota’s gigacast rear component. The company plans to employ the gigacasting technology in making electric vehicles.
BUSINESS / Companies
Oct 30, 2023
Tesla’s latest disruption in carmaking draws followers in Japan
Carmakers in Japan are starting to embrace gigacasting as they seek to make up for lost ground in the shift to EVs.
A Jera thermal power plant
BUSINESS / Companies
Oct 6, 2023
Japan climate group calls for ban on top power firm's emission claims
The group says the ads may mislead consumers as Jera fails to mention that the ammonia the utility plans to use would emit CO2 during production.
A Solterra Subaru RZ450e electric vehicle is displayed during a Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association event on the sidelines of the Group of Seven leaders summit in Hiroshima in May.
BUSINESS / Companies
Sep 15, 2023
Subaru president close to deciding where to build EV plant in U.S.
While the current base of Indiana is a top candidate, the company is weighing locations based on the procurement of batteries and incentives from states.
An All Nippon Airways employee escorts a group of Chinese tourists through Haneda Airport in Tokyo last month.
BUSINESS
Sep 7, 2023
Fukushima water release won’t deter Chinese tourists: ANA CEO
The number of inbound visitors from China was about 300,000 in July, he said, compared with 30,000 in January, says Koji Shibata.
The engine of a Toyota Motor's Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle
BUSINESS / Companies
Jul 25, 2023
Taxi firm’s hydrogen cell experience highlights fuel’s pitfalls
It’s not that there’s anything wrong specifically with the cars, good looking midsized sedans with Lexus-level luxury. Rather, it’s the high cost of hydrogen.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Jun 22, 2023
Markets warm to Toyota after EV and battery development plans ease fears
Nomura Securities and Mizuho Securities are among firms that have have raised their price targets for the Japanese auto giant since it revealed details of a new push into electrification.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Jun 14, 2023
Toyota shares surge most since 2020 after investors reappoint chairman
A resolution calling for greater disclosure on climate lobbying was put forward by a trio of European asset managers, but failed to find support among shareholders.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
May 26, 2023
Toyota may lead transition finance in Japan’s auto industry
The firm has said it is considering transition bonds or loans to finance loan and lease receivables for hybrid vehicle sales.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Apr 1, 2023
Toyota’s shift to electric future rests on Koji Sato’s shoulders
When announcing his leadership team in February, Sato said he intends to take a bolder and faster "EV first” approach, promising to overhaul battery production and manufacturing platforms.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Feb 22, 2023
Investors watch Japan’s spring wage talks for clues on BOJ moves
This year, the outcome of annual wage negotiations matters to bond investors, stock traders and anyone, really, with anything at stake in the country.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Jan 31, 2023
Nissan resolves Renault grievance through big payoff for partner
The partners are on the cusp of redefining the foundations of their alliance with a framework deal to equalize their cross-shareholdings.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jan 30, 2023
Toyota maintains title as world's No. 1 carmaker for third straight year
Group sales, which include those of its subsidiaries Daihatsu and Hino, were mostly flat at 10.5 million units for the year, the company said.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Jan 17, 2023
Toyota sees vehicle output recovery in 2023, with some risks
The newly issued target would be a significant jump from the planned 9.2 million vehicles that the carmaker forecasts for the fiscal year ending in March.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Dec 16, 2022
Coal’s surge won’t stop Idemitsu selling Australian mine stake
The firm is in talks with several entities interested in acquiring its 85% stake in the Ensham mine in Queensland, said President Shunichi Kito.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Dec 2, 2022
Energy-poor Japan could set up liquefied natural gas reserve
The government will propose a plan to secure a so-called strategic buffer LNG, with authorities supporting local companies to buy excess supply for energy security.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Sep 13, 2022
Japan’s top refiner is gearing up for the oil industry’s decline
Eneos Holdings has an outline for fusing operations but is still discussing which of its refineries to shutter when, the firm's president has said.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Sep 8, 2022
Toyota ranks last in top 10 carmakers for decarbonization efforts
Zero-emission vehicles made up just 0.18% of the firm's total sales last year versus General Motors Co. at 8.18%

Longform

A statue of "Dragon Ball" character Goku stands outside the offices of Bandai Namco in Tokyo. The figure is now as recognizable as such characters as Mickey Mouse and Spider-Man.
Akira Toriyama's gift to the world