Business Sep 7, 2020
Much of the money borrowed by local governments looks to be going to build the same kind of projects as in past years, which struggle to generate sufficient revenue.
National / Crime & Legal Aug 26, 2020
Asbestos-exposed construction workers seek damages from government and firms
The lawsuit demands ¥38.5 million per worker and blames the government for failing to implement protective measures even though it knew the dangers of asbestos.
Business | FOCUS Aug 6, 2020
Japan trying to improve conditions for construction workers as labor pool shrinks
The way construction workers are treated and paid often does not reflect their skills and experience.
Business May 7, 2020
U.S. launches national security probe of mobile crane imports
Domestic producer Manitowoc Co. cited data from the U.S. International Trade Commission showing that imports of the cranes increased 152 percent between 2014 and 2019.
Business / Corporate Apr 17, 2020
Japanese contractors Kajima, Obayashi and Taisei to halt construction nationwide due to pandemic
Major contractors Kajima Corp., Obayashi Corp. and Taisei Corp.said Friday they plan to halt construction nationwide through early May in response to the expanded state of emergency called over the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcements came a day after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expanded the state ...
Business / Corporate Feb 18, 2020
Major general contractor Taisei Corp. on Tuesday showed the media a bridge built using a 3D printer. The prestressed concrete bridge, which has undergone an intensity test, marks a first in Japan, according to the company. Taisei plans to accelerate research and development with the aim ...
Business / Economy Nov 6, 2019
Labor shortages in Japan's construction sector provide unexpected economic boost
by Daniel Leussink and Izumi Nakagawa
As Japan's construction firms are squeezed by the tightest labor market since the 1970s and a rapidly aging population, they are pouring investment into technology — and providing unexpected support to an economy reeling from the bitter U.S.-China trade war. The industry sees artificial intelligence ...
National Oct 29, 2019
Japan ramps up spending for typhoon relief but workers are scarce
by Tetsushi Kajimoto
Following a series of storms, including the worst typhoon in decades, the government is ramping up spending on rescue, repair and cleanup. But there's a catch: There are more shovels than hands. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration has agreed to use ¥700 million for immediate ...
Business Aug 28, 2019
U.S. startups focusing on care products and services for the elderly are tapping into the graying Japanese market, where more than 35 million people are over the age of 65. Seismic, a California-based apparel company, hopes to expand in Japan with its Powered Clothing, a ...
Business Aug 20, 2019
Nearly 3.5 million freelancers working in Japan amid rise in flexible employment styles
Up to 3.41 million people, accounting for about 5 percent of Japan's total labor force, are estimated to be working as freelancers, according to a recent survey conducted by the government. Analysts expect the number of freelancers to grow amid the government's push for more ...
National Aug 9, 2019
Heatstroke suspected in death of worker at Tokyo Olympics construction site
A worker at a Tokyo Olympics construction site was found unconscious Thursday and was later confirmed dead at a hospital, the Tokyo Organizing Committee said, with police saying heatstroke may have been the cause. Soaring temperatures have killed at least 57 people across the country ...