Business / Tech Jul 3, 2020

Japan figuring out how to deliver goods untouched by people amid pandemic

Labor shortage and virus fears push robotics and logistics companies to explore ways to integrate technology into consumer deliveries.

Business Jun 19, 2020

Fearing germs on steering wheels, Japanese shun car-sharing

With people being asked to stay at home, car rental services took a hit across the country.

Business Jun 2, 2020

Karaoke masks and silent roller coasters coming to Japan in coronavirus era

Singing your heart out at karaoke boxes may never feel the same in Japan in the coronavirus era. To encourage customers to return following the lifting of the state of emergency, the Japan Karaoke Box Association has drafted a set of guidelines detailing recommendations on ...

Business / Corporate | FOCUS May 25, 2020

Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi ties more crucial than ever as pandemic rocks carmakers

Revising their strategies this week, the firms will at least have the opportunity to show progress in moving beyond last year’s management paralysis.

Business / Corporate May 24, 2020

Growing need for digital signatures gives Japanese firm a massive boost

The coronavirus pandemic is yanking corporate Japan into the 21st century and raising the shares of Bengo4.com Inc.

Business / Corporate May 13, 2020

Virus forcing rethink of Japanese way of business at Toyota, CEO says

Changes in working style due to the pandemic may spur changes as companies are forced to re-examine long-entrenched business practices.

Business / Corporate May 11, 2020

In virus-hit Japan, cabs deliver ¥32,000 steaks and boxes occupy plane seats

Transportation companies get creative in expanding delivery options to generate revenue as virus negatively impacts bottom lines.

Business / Tech Aug 1, 2019

Japan parts makers literally reinventing the wheel to keep up with shift to autonomous cars

The car industry is reinventing the wheel to prepare for autonomous vehicles. Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd., whose roots stretch back to when Henry Ford was building his Model T, is developing a "smart tire" that can monitor its own air pressure and temperature, and eventually ...

Business / Corporate Oct 26, 2018

Meet the Japanese tech guru who is betting big on the future of drones

The only person in kimono at a recent government meeting on flying cars was Kotaro Chiba, a former online-game executive turned financier of a very specific kind. For Chiba, 44, who wears kimono on special occasions to show his pride in Japanese culture, is gathering ...

Business / Corporate Sep 27, 2018

Plowing millions into Uber, Toyota prepares for a future with fewer privately owned cars

Toyota Motor Corp., Asia's biggest carmaker, is preparing for a potential future where people don't buy cars. That's behind the hefty investments the company has made in ride-hailing providers, most prominently the $1 billion it poured into Southeast Asian leader Grab. Toyota sees the partnership ...