Strong yen poses risks for Japan as U.S.-China trade war continues
Japan Inc. is caught in the crossfire of the trade war between the United States and China, as a resurgent yen threatens to sap profits and complicate the economic outlook. Worsening trade friction between the world's two largest economies has reduced investor appetite for risk ...
Survey finds major Japanese companies pessimistic about economy
Nearly 70 percent of Japan's major companies view the economy as having leveled off and 10 percent believe it has already started to contract, affected partly by the prolonged U.S.-China trade dispute. Responding to questions in a Kyodo News survey, most companies — including Toyota ...
Thousands take part in trial as Tokyo eyes easing traffic jams, commuting crowds during 2020 Games
The private-public initiative combines telecommuting, extra trains and staggered work hours to see if Tokyo’s notorious congestion can be reduced for the Olympics.
Japanese business leaders count on reform progress after ruling coalition's victory
Business leaders welcomed the ruling coalition's victory in Sunday's Upper House election, voicing hope that the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will facilitate progress in improving social security programs and restoring fiscal health. "In this fall's extraordinary Diet session, to sweep away worries about ...
South Korea to unveil plans to ease reliance on Japanese industries
“The government is working on comprehensive plans to reduce the country’s dependence on Japan’s materials, components and equipment industries and will announce them soon,” South Korea’s finance minister said.
Sharp considers handing out bonuses to employees four times a year
Sharp Corp. will consider giving its employees bonuses four times a year to reflect quarterly business performance as a way to prompt them to change their mindset, President and Chairman Tai Jeng-wu told reporters Tuesday. After proposing the new system to its labor union, the ...
Laid-off expat bankers struggle to find new jobs in high-cost Hong Kong
For years, Hong Kong was a hotspot with plum jobs for overseas bankers as global firms hired aggressively. But many recently laid-off bankers in the city are finding that cost-cutting and a demand for Mandarin speakers have diminished the opportunities for expats in Asia's ...
Few Japanese firms plan to hire foreign workers under new immigration law, poll suggests
The survey suggests the government may struggle to get the workers it needs to ease the country’s labor woes.
LDP to set up caucus on making use of paternity leave mandatory throughout Japan
Like-minded members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party plan to form a caucus to make the taking of paternity leave mandatory in Japan, informed sources said Saturday. The caucus, to be chaired by former education minister Hirokazu Matsuno, is set to hold its first meeting ...
Nearly 40% of companies see low retention rate for midcareer hires: survey
Close to 40 percent of employers feel they have low retention rates for regular employees hired in the middle of their careers, according to a survey. The survey was conducted online by recruitment agency En-Japan Inc. between late January and late February on companies that ...
Hundreds of firms may be demoted in Tokyo Stock Exchange shake-up
As part of an effort to streamline markets and attract more investors, the Tokyo Stock Exchange may demote about a third of its largest listed companies and cut down the bourses it operates to three from four, according to media reports. A TSE advisory panel ...
Japanese firms prepare for large-scale volunteering during 2020 Games
Major companies are encouraging employees to volunteer for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, after the Tokyo Organising Committee started their search for 80,000 on Wednesday. A number of firms plan to send volunteers from among their own workforce, although some industries are concerned about ...
