Business May 2, 2022

Japan consumer confidence edged up in April for first rise in six months

The government has kept its assessment of consumer confidence unchanged, as the improvement was relatively small, saying it appears weak.

National / Politics Mar 25, 2022

LDP's junior partner Komeito to propose economic relief package

Komeito chief Natsuo Yamaguchi also urged the Bank of Japan to maintain its massive stimulus program "for a bit longer" to ensure a solid recovery in the economy.

National Oct 30, 2020

Japan government set to stop buying Chinese drones

It must also navigate increasingly choppy waters between China and Japan's closest ally, the U.S., which is at odds with Beijing over a range of issues.

Business / Economy Oct 16, 2020

Japan needs another extra budget to help ailing economy, experts say

Ruling-party lawmakers have likewise called for another stimulus package funded by a third extra budget.

National / Science & Health Jul 9, 2020

With apps and remote medicine, Japan offers glimpse of doctor visits in post-virus era

As virus cases spiked in April, Japan temporarily eased restrictions on remote medical care, allowing doctors to conduct first-time visits online or by telephone.

Business / Economy Jun 8, 2020

Economy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura warns against deepening negative rates

The minister said Japan's priority should be on protecting jobs and businesses, not stimulating consumption and travel.

Business / Economy Apr 3, 2020

Coronavirus threatens revival of Japan's deflationary nemesis

Years after Japan made a cautious recovery from its long deflationary spell, the world's third-largest economy may be headed back into a cycle of falling prices as the coronavirus threatens a deep downturn and policymakers struggle for options. A return to deflation would be a ...

Rugby Oct 31, 2019

Japanese fans deal with 'rugby loss' after team's quarterfinal exit from World Cup

Japanese captivated by their Brave Blossoms' historic run to the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals are suffering a new form of bereavement — "rugby loss" — after their team fell to South Africa. Fans were still feeling bereft days after cheering the Blossoms in their 26-3 ...

Business Oct 1, 2019

Japan firms fight the frugal retail psyche with AI-driven pricing and other tricks

After years of soggy inflation and a long reign by Japan's tightfisted shoppers, businesses are adopting new methods to lift prices, from artificial intelligence to simple packaging tweaks. Despite many rounds of stimulus, policymakers have failed to jolt households out of the deflationary mindset that ...

Business | ANALYSIS May 8, 2019

Japan's labor shortage eats away at backbreaking work culture

When she worked in sales for a bank, Chihiro Narazaki was passed over for the best assignments in favor of older colleagues. Her input was discouraged and she often stayed late just to do routine paperwork. The 29-year-old knew where this was heading: Her father, ...