Business Feb 22, 2021
Pandemic gives extra momentum to cashless drive in Japan
by Kazuaki Nagata
Even local governments — typically the last in line to introduce any kind of technology — are starting to jump onto the digital payment trend.
National / Media | BIG IN JAPAN Feb 13, 2021
Japan juggles power struggles, hotel woes and what to do with repurposed ATM spaces
by Mark Schreiber
The unusually cold winter this year is putting a strain on power utilities nationwide.
National | Regional Voices: Tohoku Jan 29, 2021
Fukushima businesses struggling to stay afloat despite government help
Financial issues will not end soon, given that only a portion of the residents who evacuated from disaster-stricken areas have returned or are expected to.
Business Jan 22, 2021
China’s disputed virus theory has shoppers shunning foreign food
The consumer distrust is being fueled at least partly by statements from the government, which has taken increasingly drastic steps to curb the risk of the virus spreading via food imports.
Business Jan 15, 2021
Four major Japanese department stores suffer sales drops of 30%-40%
The sales declines are due chiefly to temporary store closures last spring and a significant decrease in the number of foreign travelers to Japan amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
National / Crime & Legal | Regional Voices: Hiroshima Nov 27, 2020
Shoplifting becomes unforeseen side effect of ban on free plastic bags
More and more customers are now taking advantage of their own personal, reusable bags to conceal unpaid items, making theft harder to spot.
Business Nov 6, 2020
Yamato Transport parcel delivery figures hit record high in October
The 20.7% year-on-year increase in the delivery figures was the largest since 2000, according to the company.
Business / Corporate Oct 31, 2020
How Japan’s subscription economy could redefine the way consumers and firms interact
by Alex K.T. Martin
Japan has lagged behind other nations in terms of subscription-based activities, but the model is finally catching on as consumers explore new ways of doing business.
National Oct 31, 2020
Japanese department stores to move up lucky bag sales amid pandemic
Major Japanese department store operators are poised to move up to year-end the launches of fukubukuro (lucky bags) for 2021 in order to prevent crowds from being formed as a measure against the coronavirus. The coronavirus crisis is set to change one of the typical ...
Business Sep 24, 2020
Japan department store sales down 22% in August amid virus spread
Confectionery products saw a 27.0 percent drop, partly because many people did not visit their family members or relatives during the holiday season.
Business Sep 12, 2020
Death knell sounds for Japanese department stores
by Ritsuko Ando and Leika Kihara
The shops, which have struggled to modernize and adapt to new shopping styles, have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
National Aug 30, 2020
Rising shoplifting after Japan's plastic bag tax prompts rethink of personal bag rules
A nonprofit group says shoplifting is on the rise following the start of mandatory charges for plastic bags in July.