National Jun 5, 2021
32 Japanese bureaucrats punished over wining-and-dining scandal
Of the 32 officials, nine have been subjected to disciplinary action, including five who were given pay cuts. Another 23 have been reprimanded.
Business / Economy May 31, 2021
Japan's regulators to raise bar on human rights after Uniqlo shipment halted
With Western governments imposing sanctions on China over allegations of forced labor, firms' responses are falling under increased scrutiny by investors.
Asia Pacific May 31, 2021
U.S. tiremaker Goodyear faces allegations of labor abuse in Malaysia
by Mei Mei Chu and A. Ananthalakshmi
The tire-maker made wrongful salary deductions, required excessive hours and denied workers full access to their passports, according to officials and former and current staffers.
National / Media | BIG IN JAPAN May 15, 2021
Can Japan say 'no' to China and 'yes' to political activism?
by Michael Hoffman
Japanese media reports a tense situation in the Taiwan Strait, with domestic brands dependent on Chinese money and a local populace that may not take action.
Business Apr 12, 2021
Japan's GPIF, forerunner on ESG investing, pulls back as trend catches on
by Shoko Oda, Emi Urabe and Chikafumi Hodo
Constrained by stricter legal restraints, the world's top pension fund has largely been quiet on impact investing since appointing a new chief investment officer in April 2020.
Business Apr 3, 2021
Millennials and global consumers push U.S. companies to get political
by Ross Kerber and Jessica Dinapoli
Georgia's decision last month to strengthen identification requirements for absentee ballots drew condemnation from many U.S. companies this week, including Microsoft Corp. and Citigroup.
Business Mar 31, 2021
Investors press companies on human rights in Xinjiang
by Ross Kerber and Victoria Waldersee
The moves highlight the challenges for brands trying to maintain their business ties amid rising tensions.
Business / Corporate Mar 30, 2021
Fear and reprisals: How Nissan crushed its Ghosn probe whistleblower
by Reed Stevenson and Brian Bremner
The firm's former top lawyer says he endured retaliation, demotions and surveillance of his family after questioning the integrity of the investigation.
Asia Pacific Mar 27, 2021
Chinese apps join celebs in backlash against Western fashion brands over Xinjiang
China's top ride-hailing app dropped Swedish fashion retailer H&M from its listings as Chinese celebrities stopped endorsing foreign labels in a growing uproar over Western accusations of forced labor in Xinjiang. H&M faced a public backlash in China when social media users in the country ...
Business Mar 25, 2021
H&M faces boycott in China over stance on treatment of Uyghurs
by Elizabeth Paton
A similar statement from Nike was also attracting criticism on Wednesday, a sign that Western clothing manufacturers could face growing hostility in China.
Business / Corporate Mar 18, 2021
Activist Toshiba shareholders score win with vote for independent probe
The landmark vote for an investigation into allegations of investors being pressured marks only the fourth time that a shareholder motion has won approval in Japan.