Commentary / Japan Aug 17, 2017
For the sake of productivity, put a woman in charge
by Noah Smith
A shift from long hours to efficient, goal-oriented work is exactly the right medicine for white-collar Japan
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Commentary / Japan Dec 16, 2016
Now Carlos Ghosn save Mitsubishi Motors?
by William Pesek
The man dubbed as "le cost killer" faces a tough task in reviving the fortunes of the automotive has-been.
Business | FOCUS Aug 18, 2016
Governance improves at Japan Inc., but scandals show compliance remains a challenge
by Noriyuki Suzuki
It's not rare to see Japanese corporate executives bowing in apology for scandals resulting from weak governance and compliance, and then vowing to prevent a recurrence. A year after the introduction of a governance code urging companies to appoint multiple outside directors, many firms are ...
Business / Economy | FOCUS Jul 5, 2016
Japan Inc. suffers Brexit fallout as resurgent yen threatens profit outlook
by Chris Cooper
Japan Inc. is already counting the cost of Brexit. The yen's extended surge after the United Kingdom voted to exit the EU has turned the outlook for a gain in annual profit to the first decline in four years. Take Toyota Motor Corp., for instance. Since ...
National Apr 28, 2016
Japan's offshore investors on edge as Panama Papers revelations spark Hong Kong clampdown
by Reiji Yoshida
Earlier this month, major banks in the territory suddenly stopped accepting applications to open accounts, says one financial consultant.
Business Apr 25, 2016
BOJ seen quietly snapping up big stakes in Japan Inc. via ETFs
by Anna Kitanaka
They may not realize it yet, but Japan Inc.'s executives are increasingly working for a shareholder unlike any other: the nation's money-printing central bank. While the Bank of Japan's name is nowhere to be found in regulatory filings on major stock investors, the monetary authority's ...
Business Apr 21, 2016
Japan Inc. believes Trump presidency would hurt ties, tarnish U.S. as investment target: poll
by Tetsushi Kajimoto
Most Japanese firms think a Donald Trump presidency would harm the Japan-U.S. security alliance and make the United States a less attractive place to invest, a Reuters poll showed, in a further sign of international angst about his candidacy. The Republican front-runner, known for his ...
National Mar 16, 2016
Sanctions eased but Japan Inc. treads warily in return to Iran
by Ayako Mie
Optimism prevailed when United Nations sanctions against Iran were lifted in mid-January. Since the historic nuclear deal was reached last July between Iran and six global powers, companies, including those in Japan, had been vying for economic opportunities in a Middle Eastern market rich ...
Commentary / Japan Feb 9, 2016
Sharp embodies Japan's zombie problem
by William Pesek
The electronics giant reflects an insular and uncompetitive corporate culture that drags on growth.
Business / Economy Nov 17, 2015
Japan Inc.'s investment cuts cloud 'Abenomics' as firms, sensing slump, save for rainy day
Japan Inc. is looking like it’s not holding up its end of the "Abenomics" bargain. Since Prime Minister Shinzo Abe took office almost three years ago, he's been championing yen-weakening policies that pushed corporate earnings to record highs in the hopes that companies will boost ...
Business / Corporate Sep 23, 2015
Startups untapped resource for Japan Inc., says venture capitalist
by Kazuaki Nagata
Venture capitalist Anis Uzzaman has a special affinity for Japan, where he spent five years studying at a university on government scholarships. It's for that reason he is frustrated to see many Japanese firms struggling in global competition. "When I became a VC, I really ...
National / Politics Aug 28, 2015
Diet passes bill aimed at boosting women in the workplace
by Mizuho Aoki
The Diet passed a bill Friday aiming to promote the role of women in the workplace, along with greater female participation in the economy at a time when the country's population is expected to shrink further. The law will oblige companies with 301 or more ...