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Concern about the yen strengthening might limit the Bank of Japan's room for maneuver.
BUSINESS / Economy
Sep 2, 2024

Yen calling the shots as BOJ mulls rate increase

Analysts are concerned that the BOJ is at risk of going too far with its rate hikes and that the currency is close to being too strong.
The U.S. has been pressuring Japan to impose additional restrictions on the ability of firms to sell advanced chipmaking tools to China, as part of a long-running campaign to curtail China’s semiconductor progress.
BUSINESS / Economy
Sep 2, 2024

China warns Japan of retaliation over potential new chip curbs

One major concern is that Beijing could cut off Japan’s access to critical minerals that are essential for automotive production.
Despite current limitations, the progression toward practical humanoid robots is anticipated, driven by advancements in technology and artificial intelligence.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Sep 1, 2024

The future of robots is coming on two legs

Unlike traditional robots, which have already transformed industries with their transport capabilities, bipedal robots are still in the early stages of deployment.
The Panama-flagged oil tanker Blue Lagoon I transits the Bosphorus in Istanbul on June 14.
WORLD
Sep 3, 2024

U.S. military says Houthis attacked two crude oil tankers in Red Sea

The Houthis first launched aerial drone and missile strikes on the waterway in November, in solidarity with Palestinians under assault in Israel's war on Gaza.
Chairperson of the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) Ryu Hee-Lim presides over an urgent meeting on digital sex crimes on Aug. 28.
ASIA PACIFIC / Crime & Legal
Sep 3, 2024

Seoul probes Telegram on alleged negligence of deepfake crimes

The South Korean government has asked Telegram and other social media companies to delete deepfake images from their platforms after an increase in such content.
Nippon Steel headquarters in Tokyo. Nippon Steel said last month that it would make an additional investment of about $1.3 billion in U.S. Steel following the takeover.
BUSINESS / Companies
Sep 3, 2024

Nippon Steel defends its U.S. Steel bid after Harris' opposition

Nippon Steel released a statement Tuesday arguing that the Japanese firm's planned acquisition of U.S. Steel would benefit the United States.
The Maritime Self-Defense Force's US-2 amphibious plane
JAPAN
Sep 4, 2024

Japan to continue production of MSDF US-2 amphibious plane

The Defense Ministry has sought ¥21.9 billion ($150 million) for the acquisition of one US-2 aircraft in its fiscal 2025 budget request.
Uber is working with Royal Limousine and Times Mobility to conduct a trial to allow ordinary drivers to offer ride-hailing services even if they do not own vehicles.
JAPAN
Sep 4, 2024

Uber Japan tests use of car-sharing vehicles for ride-hailing services

The aim of the trial, which will run through Nov. 30, is to make it easier for drivers to get into the business.
Alimentation Couche-Tard’s bid to acquire Japan’s Seven & I Holdings has sparked discussions about Japan’s approach to foreign investment and whether rejecting or accepting the bid reflects an openness to international business.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Sep 4, 2024

7-Eleven deserves more than shareholder supremacy

While Japan should consider investor interests, it should not forsake the broader social and community benefits that its businesses provide.
One survey revealed that 68% of recruiters admit to appearance-based hiring and 96% say interviews are influenced by visual impressions, which is why many employment experts advise job hunters to invest significantly in their appearance.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Sep 4, 2024

Why do I need a photo on my resume to apply for a job in Japan?

It is time to build a recruitment system in Japan that rewards people’s talents, irrespective of their looks
A young woman visiting a rural backwater from Tokyo (An Ogawa) finds an unlikely playmate in Tatsunari Ota’s “There Is a Stone.”
CULTURE / Film
Sep 5, 2024

‘There Is a Stone’ finds beauty in the inconsequential

While very little happens, Tatsunari Ota’s slow-moving debut feature offers stirring moments of simplicity.
Demand for electric vehicles in Japan has long been sluggish, and the government this year changed how EV subsidies are calculated, reducing them for BYD and several of its rivals, raising concerns about protectionism.
BUSINESS / Companies / FOCUS
Sep 5, 2024

BYD's global expansion push runs into a stiff test in Japan

Demand for electric vehicles in Japan has long been sluggish, and the government this year changed how EV subsidies are calculated.
A street in Tokyo's Nakano Ward where one of a series of incidents of "one-touch" molestation occurred
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Sep 5, 2024

Tokyo police urge caution against ‘one-touch’ molesters

A series of cases has occurred in Nakano Ward in which the perpetrator cycles from behind, gropes the victim while continuing to ride, and flees the scene.
A trial removal of radioactive debris from tsunami-hit reactors will start next week at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
JAPAN
Sep 5, 2024

Japan to resume trial removal of Fukushima debris

Removing the debris has long been dubbed the most daunting challenge in decommissioning the plant.
Nippon Steel's proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel is opposed by politicians across the political spectrum, including both Republican and Democratic presidential candidates — Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
BUSINESS / Companies
Sep 5, 2024

Japan miffed but reaction muted after shocking twist to U.S. Steel deal

U.S. President Joe Biden is set to reject Nippon Steel's acquisition of the American steelmaker, according to multiple unconfirmed reports released in recent days.
Inside a gallery influenced by famed architect Kengo Kuma, Nakamura Ningyo's Hakata dolls represent a little-seen side of Japanese crafts.
LIFE / Style & Design
Sep 7, 2024

From Godzilla to martyrs, Hakata doll-making knows no bounds

Since its establishment in Fukuoka in 1917, Nakamura Ningyo has been a cornerstone of the Hakata doll tradition.
A new deal may mark a big step in China’s yearslong ambition to create an "aircraft carrier-sized" brokerage to take on Wall Street banks.
BUSINESS / Markets
Sep 6, 2024

China creates its largest brokerage to take on Wall Street

The deal would mark a big step in China’s yearslong ambition to create an "aircraft carrier-sized” brokerage.
Nippon Steel has responded to the U.S. government concerns by saying it will invest billions of dollars to maintain and boost U.S. Steel facilities that otherwise would have been idled, "indisputably" allowing it to "maintain and potentially increase domestic steelmaking capacity in the United States."
BUSINESS / Companies
Sep 6, 2024

U.S. fears Nippon Steel's bid for U.S. Steel could hit vital steel supply

The U.S. government is concerned that U.S. Steel would be less likely to seek tariffs on foreign steel importers if it is under the ownership of the Japanese steelmaker.
Sergei Kiriyenko, who is the first deputy head in Russian President Vladimir Putin’s administration, oversaw a yearslong Kremlin operation to meddle in U.S. elections and use disinformation to promote pro-Russian narratives online, according to a 277-page affidavit that U.S. officials unsealed Wednesday.
WORLD / Politics / FOCUS
Sep 7, 2024

The evolution of Putin’s aide accused of gaming the U.S. election

The head of a Russian propaganda campaign that allegedly aimed to influence the upcoming U.S. elections began as a liberal politician.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addresses a meeting on the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, at the Prime Minister's Office on Friday.
JAPAN
Sep 7, 2024

Japan to enhance evacuation system for Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant

The move is aimed at gaining the understanding of Niigata Prefecture residents for a restart of the plant before Prime Minister Fumio Kishida steps down this autumn.
DJI has said that it has no ties to the Chinese military, saying "the unfounded accusations against our agricultural drone technology are putting U.S. farmers at risk by potentially depriving them of the tremendous benefits that DJI spray drones offer."
WORLD / Politics
Sep 7, 2024

Lawmakers want U.S. to address risks posed by Chinese agriculture drones

The lawmakers asked for a briefing by Sept. 30, citing the large number of drones produced by Chinese drone manufacturer DJI as a security concern.
U.S. agencies and Congress are increasing scrutiny of China's influence and technology transfers at American universities, fearing Beijing exploits open research to bypass export controls and national security laws.
WORLD / Politics
Sep 8, 2024

Georgia Tech to end China partnerships following concerns over military ties

In May, U.S. lawmakers wrote a letter to Georgia Tech asking for details on its research with China's Tianjin University on cutting-edge semiconductor technologies.
Customers try peaches from Fukushima Prefecture at Harrods in London on Saturday.
JAPAN
Sep 8, 2024

Harrods starts selling Fukushima peaches

The sale is part of a campaign by Tokyo Electric Power Company to promote food from Fukushima, an effort to help the prefecture recover from the March 2011 earthquake.
A video recording of Apollo Quiboloy is streamed inside his megachurch compound in Davao City, Philippines on Aug. 31. Weeks of tense standoff in the Philippines have ended in the capture of a pastor accused of leading an international ring of sex abuse and trafficking of young women and girls.
WORLD / Politics
Sep 9, 2024

Philippines arrests Duterte’s pastor as feud with Marcos deepens

Apollo Quiboloy, the 74-year-old founder of an evangelical church who is wanted by the FBI, was arrested in Davao City after weeks of police operation.
A steel plant in Shanghai operated by Baoshan Iron & Steel. Nippon Steel said in July it will dissolve its joint venture with the Chinese firm.
BUSINESS / Companies
Sep 9, 2024

Japanese firms sour on China after long years of brushing off risks

Almost half of Japanese firms in China polled in a recent survey said they won’t spend more or will cut investment this year.
Sengu Capital, based in Hong Kong, will start a new hedge fund focused on Japanese firms improving management quality.
BUSINESS / Companies
Sep 9, 2024

New hedge fund gains backing for bets on Japan market revival

Investors have been trying to put more money to work in Japan, as the country emerges from more than a decade of deflation.
Panasonic’s 4680 cylindrical lithium-ion cell
BUSINESS / Companies
Sep 9, 2024

Panasonic ready to start making next-gen EV cells at Japan plant

The site will become the main facility for production of Panasonic’s 4680 cylindrical lithium-ion cell with output beginning as soon as a final evaluation is completed.
The Tokyo leg of Magical Mirai 2024, a gathering centered on a concert starring the aqua-haired Hatsune Miku and other avatars created by Sapporo-based company Crypton Future Media, kicked off on Aug. 30.
CULTURE / Music
Sep 9, 2024

Magical Mirai 2024 shows that the future is bright for Hatsune Miku

Thousands of visitors helped kick off the Tokyo leg of the gathering, which offers an immersive dive into every part of the aqua-haired anime avatar's world.
Redevelopment of the Meiji Jingu Gaien district has trees in the area marked according to their status — trees marked in red were to be cut down in the original plan while those in blue were to be transplanted. In the updated plan, trees marked in red will no longer be felled, and those in blue will remain where they are.
JAPAN / Society
Sep 9, 2024

Updated Meiji Jingu Gaien redevelopment plan to keep more trees

Fewer trees will be felled and more new ones planted, while construction will also take place further away from the park's iconic ginkgo trees.
A monitor in Tokyo shows the Nikkei stock average tumbling on Monday morning.
BUSINESS / Markets
Sep 9, 2024

Tech leads Nikkei decline but yen's retreat caps losses

The drop follows a sell-off in U.S. equities on Friday, after monthly U.S. payroll figures confirmed that the jobs market was losing momentum.

Longform

Figure skater Akiko Suzuki was once told her ideal weight should be 47 kilograms, a number she now admits she “naively believed.” This led to her have a relationship with food that resulted in her suffering from anorexia.
The silent battle Japanese athletes fight with weight