Business

Japan OKs plan to push clean energy, nuclear to cut carbon

Editorial Bureau October 22, 2021

TOKYO — Japan adopted a new energy policy on Friday that promotes nuclear and renewables as sources of clean energy to achieve the country’s pledge of reaching carbon neutrality in 2050. The new basic energy plan, adopted by the Cabinet just in time for the climate summit in early November,

Asia

First female head of Japan labor lobby vows to empower women

Editorial Bureau October 22, 2021

TOKYO — The first female president of Japan’s powerful labor union federation said Friday she will work to correct the gender gap in wages and working conditions to help empower women. “Progress is extremely slow,” said Tomoko Yoshino, who was elected this month as head of the 7 million-member Japanese Trade Union Confederation, known as […]

Asia

Japan’s Kishida sends offering to controversial Tokyo shrine

Editorial Bureau October 17, 2021

TOKYO — Japan’s new Prime Minister Fumio Kishida donated ritual offerings Sunday to a Tokyo shrine viewed by Chinese and Koreans as a symbol of Japanese wartime aggression, though he did not make a visit in person. Kishida donated “masakaki” religious ornaments to mark Yasukuni Shrine’s autumn festival. It was the first such observance by […]

Business

Nippon Steel sues Japan business partner Toyota over patent

Editorial Bureau October 15, 2021

Tokyo-based Nippon Steel filed the lawsuit Thursday in Tokyo District Court, demanding compensation for damages totaling 20 billion yen ($177 million). Also named in the lawsuit is Baoshan Iron & Steel Co., or Baosteel, a Chinese steelmaker that produces and supplies the steel that allegedly violates the patent. Toyota said it learned of the lawsuit […]

Asia

Japan pub-chain leader urges new PM to help eateries hit by COVID-19

Editorial Bureau September 23, 2021

TOKYO – Miki Watanabe, the chief executive of Japanese pub chain Watami, has urgent advice for the next prime minister: provide fair compensation for restaurants impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions on eateries. Watanabe, himself a former politician who spent six years in parliament, has a relationship with outgoing Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga from his time […]

Tech

Japan regulator steps in to fix Mizuho’s computer flaws

Editorial Bureau September 22, 2021

TOKYO (Japan) -Japan’s banking regulator will take a role in oversight of computer systems at the retail banking arm of Mizuho Financial Group after glitches that shook the country’s third-largest lender despite $3.6 billion in upgrades. The Financial Services Agency’s unusual move reflects the deep regulatory concern over deep-rooted technical problems

Articles

Sky is the limit – Sky Brown

Editorial Bureau September 17, 2021

Brown became the youngest participant from the Great Britain, who made every citizen’s head high with pride by winning the bronze medal Being a British-Japanese skateboarder, 13-year-old Sky Brown could have represented either one of the two countries at the Tokyo Olympics, but when Team Great Britain put forth a proposal to join and just […]

Tech World

Japan PM contender Kono wants renewable energy, 5G to be focus of stimulus package

Editorial Bureau September 16, 2021

TOKYO – Japan’s vaccine minister Taro Kono, a contender to replace Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, said on Thursday any new economic stimulus measures should prioritise spending on renewable energy and expansion of 5G networks nationwide. In a group interview, Kono also said it was hard to change monetary policy abruptly now given the strain the […]

Asia

After the ‘bazooka’, Bank of Japan dismantles the work of its radical chief

Editorial Bureau September 13, 2021

TOKYO – After years of shock-and-awe stimulus, the Bank of Japan is quietly rolling back radical policies introduced by its bold chief Haruhiko Kuroda and pioneering controversial new measures that blur the lines between central banking and politics. The unwinding of Japan’s complex policy is driven by Deputy Governor Masayoshi Amamiya, insiders say, a career

Asia

Japan’s popular vaccine minister Kono ready to enter race for next leader

Editorial Bureau September 10, 2021

TOKYO (JAPAN) -Japan’s popular coronavirus vaccination minister, Taro Kono, is set to announce his candidacy on Friday to lead the ruling party and, by extension, become the next prime minister. Kono becomes the third candidate to throw his hat in the ring for the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which opened up last […]