Mitsui E&S expects profit momentum to exceed its full-year guidance, driven by strong engine demand and a successful shift of its crane business toward the U.S. market.
BUSINESS / Companies
Oct 17, 2025
Mitsui E&S bullish about full-year profits on engines and U.S. crane demand
The ship equipment maker expects profit momentum to surpass its guidance, Chief Financial Officer Taketsune Matsumura said.
Lawson is looking to upgrade 100 stores nationwide to turn them into key community hubs in the event of a disaster.
BUSINESS / Companies
Oct 17, 2025
Lawson looks to create network of 'disaster relief convenience stores'
It hopes to upgrade 100 stores nationwide so that they are able to serve as key community hubs in the event of a calamity.
Japan has made several exceptions to its arms export rules in recent years as part of a broader retreat from the pacifist stance it adopted after its defeat in World War II.
BUSINESS / Companies
Oct 17, 2025
Kawasaki Heavy in talks to develop engines for Germany's Taurus missiles
The involvement of a Japanese partner could complicate matters due to Tokyo's ban on transfers of weapons to countries in conflict.
Rakuten Group issued a local bond with this year's highest coupon of 4.691%, highlighting the impact of rising interest rates on corporate borrowing costs in Japan.
BUSINESS / Companies
Oct 17, 2025
Japan gets highest-yielding yen bond this year with Rakuten deal
Japanese bond yields have climbed over concerns the next administration may pursue a more expansionary fiscal policy.
Nintendo is asking its manufacturing partners to ramp up output of its Switch 2 console, counting on demand to persist over the coming holidays and into the new year.
BUSINESS / Companies
Oct 17, 2025
Nintendo aims to make 25 million Switch 2 units by end of March
Nintendo’s future hinges on the $450 Switch 2 being a success, and the company more than doubled marketing spending around its June launch to ensure it gets off to a fast start.
Sora 2, a short-form video app made by OpenAI, enables users to create realistic AI videos with text prompts, but critics say that there are insufficient guardrails — from a lack of copyright consideration to families of public figures upset by the reanimation of their loved ones.
BUSINESS / Companies
Oct 16, 2025
Japan’s government asks OpenAI to seek permission amid Sora 2 copyright concerns
Sora 2 enables users to create realistic AI videos with text prompts, but critics say that there are insufficient guardrails.
United Airlines planes are seen on the tarmac at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on May 7.
BUSINESS / Companies
Oct 16, 2025
United sees resilient demand as premium travel drives profit
The carrier’s push to lure and retain picky passengers and investments in its fleet have provided a buffer against economic turmoil.

Longform

Rock group The Yellow Monkey played K-Arena Yokohama in June as part of a nationwide tour. Concerts are increasingly popular in the age of social media as users value in-person experiences.
Inside Japan’s arena boom: Sports, sound and city-building