Electronics

SMRs, such as GE Hitachi's BWRX-300, can be built faster than conventional reactors. (Source photo by Takaki Kashiwabara)
Companies

GE Hitachi wins Canadian order for small nuclear reactor

Deal marks first for Hitachi since 2011 Fukushima disaster

4 December 2021
Samsung's quantum dot displays are designed to express vibrant color by passing blue light through a layer of tiny semiconductor crystals. (Photo courtesy of Samsung Electronics)
Electronics

Samsung challenges LG's OLED TV lead with shift to mass production

South Korean competition seen driving down prices as Chinese catch up

1 December 2021
A security officer rides an electric bicycle through the grounds of Osaka Castle. The prefecture had seen 338 cases of bicycle battery theft as of October.
Coronavirus

Japan's ebike craze spawns spate of battery theft

Growing demand and easy resale options drive cases to record highs

27 November 2021
Sony has stopped taking orders for some digital cameras because of a semiconductor shortage.
Electronics

Gripped by chip shortage, Sony halts some digital camera orders

Other camera makers also struggle as critical holiday shopping season nears

23 November 2021
Qingdao-based Hisense is a leading home appliance maker in China specializing in TVs, air conditioners and refrigerators. (Photo by Kaisuke Ohta) 
Caixin

China's Hisense may bid $1bn for Siemens intelligent traffic unit

Potential purchase is in line with company's interest in smart transport

18 November 2021
Balmuda's new smartphone features a curved, tapered design around a compact, 4.9-inch screen.  (Photo courtesy of Balmuda)
Electronics

Japanese toaster maker Balmuda leaps into smartphone market

CEO aims to stand apart from Apple and Samsung, with eye on apps and cars

17 November 2021
Murata Manufacturing, the world's largest supplier of capacitors, is planning to make strategic investments of up to $2 billion over the next three years. (Photo by Atsuhi Ooka) 
Electronics

Murata plans $2bn 'strategic investments' to tackle 5G rivals

iPhone supplier plans new Thai factory to diversify production away from China

15 November 2021
Irish Ohyama Chairman Kentaro Ohyama says he won't change the company's goal of raising its share of overseas sales to 50% despite the U.S.-China trade war and the COVID crisis in Southeast Asia. (Photo by Shihoko Nakaoka) 
Global Management Forum 2021

COVID sets back Iris Ohyama's push into Southeast Asia

Region requires close watching for now despite its growth potential, chairman says

10 November 2021
Toshiba plans to split itself into three companies to enhance shareholder value and profits.
Toshiba in turmoil

Toshiba to split into 3 companies by 2023

New entities to list separately to maximize shareholder returns and profit

9 November 2021
Kazuo Tadanobu, CEO of Panasonic's in-house energy company, holds the new 4680 battery cell next to the current 2170.
Interview

Panasonic moves toward mass production of Tesla's next-gen batteries

New battery chief won't rule out working with other EV players

4 November 2021
Apple's Shruti Haldea shows off the new MacBook Pro models that feature mini-LED backlights, which provide lower manufacturing costs and sharper contrasts.
Electronics

Apple pushes display tech in new direction with latest MacBook Pro

Mini-LEDs offer third way with sharp contrast, lower costs than OLED

3 November 2021
Gree air conditioners on sale in Shanghai. The Chinese company has agreed to pay a fine over faulty dehumidifiers sold in the U.S.
Caixin

China's Gree fined $91m over fire-prone appliances sold in U.S.

Appliance giant waited a year before recalling defective dehumidifiers

2 November 2021
Samsung shows what a robot-assisted home might look like at the 2021 CES show. (Photo of courtesy of Samsung Electronics)
Interview

Samsung Electronics chases AI 'wow factor' to woo millennials

Division CEO Kim envisions robots and appliances that anticipate consumer needs

29 October 2021
Sony is considering a solution to the global chip crunch -- joining with the world's largest contract semiconductor maker on a factory in Japan. (Source photos by Reuters)
Media & Entertainment

Sony confirms possible TSMC partnership on Japan chip factory

Japanese company also says it expects record $9.1bn full-year operating profit

28 October 2021
Japan motor maker Nidec says 2025 will be a "turning point" in which demand for electric car motors starts to rise. (Screenshot from Nidec's website) 
Electronics

Japan's Nidec focuses on EV motors as price battle heats up

Company aims to snag up to 45% of market with focus on China

26 October 2021
The late Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee, center, appearing at a 2010 event with his family.
Electronics

Samsung family prepares to pay $10bn inheritance tax on Lee Kun-hee wealth

Clan retains control of South Korea's biggest conglomerate one year after chairman's death

26 October 2021
Sony showed off its wares at the Japan Ceatec electronics trade show being held online this year. It is focusing its promotional efforts on imaging and sensors. (Source photos by Wataru Ito and Kyodo) 
Semiconductors

Sony shows off image sensor tech at Japan's Ceatec trade show

Japanese company aims to embed its technology in range of businesses

20 October 2021
Panasonic is one of a number of electronics companies, including compatriot Sony Group, pursuing a more asset-light strategy.
Electronics

Panasonic joins Sony on asset-light bandwagon

Blue Yonder deal set to boost intangible assets over physical this year

20 October 2021
Toshiba, Sharp, Huawei Japan and Takenaka give glimpses into their decarbonization efforts during an online tech expo. (Montage of screenshots from Ceatec's website)
Climate Change

Carbon neutrality at heart of Japan's Ceatec expo

Ahead of COP26, big brands showcase hydrogen, solar and other green solutions

19 October 2021
Sharp's TV sets for the American market will be made at a Mexican plant run by Taiwanese parent Foxconn. (Photo by Akira Kodaka)
Electronics

Sharp connects with Roku to re-enter TV market in U.S.

Osaka-based electronics maker stages return after 6-year break

19 October 2021
Toshiba President and CEO Satoshi Tsunakawa gives an online speech during the opening of Ceatec 2021 on Oct.15. (Screenshot from Ceatec website) 
Technology

Tech expo illustrates Japan's hunger for digital transformation

Sony, Panasonic and others to showcase latest products and services

15 October 2021
Employees work on the automobile assembly line at a factory of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp., owned by Germany-based Daimler, in Kawasaki, south of Tokyo. Companies are seeking ways to reduce factory energy use.
Climate Change

Daikin leads efforts to save electricity in factories and offices

Companies test software and magnets for game-changing ways to improve motors

14 October 2021
Sony's subscription service, which will utilize the IMX500 image sensor, can decrease the need to rely solely on cloud providers. (Source photo by AP and Sony)
Electronics

Sony readies subscription service for AI product developers

Aitrios promises reference designs and other tools to shorten development time

6 October 2021
Lenovo looks to develop cloud services and artificial intelligence applications.
Markets

Lenovo to raise $1.5bn on Shanghai STAR market

Company diversifies funding source through dual listing with Hong Kong

2 October 2021
Sakuyama also resigned from vice chairman of the Japan Business Federation, or Keidanren, the country’s largest business lobby. (File photo by Kosaku Mimura)
Electronics

Mitsubishi Electric chairman resigns over inspection scandals

Sakuyama to assume advisory role, but also leaves high-level post at Keidanren

1 October 2021