Politics
Kishida vows to spur Japan workers' incomes above inflation
PM calls boosting economy 'greatest mission,' says LDP 'must change' after scandal
Markets
Japan firms' share buybacks expanded to a record $65bn in 2023
Swollen surplus funds were actively used to boost returns to shareholders
Haruhiko Kuroda
The Global Financial Crisis: Haruhiko Kuroda (22)
Kuroda heads to Europe, U.S. to gain support for ADB's 200% capital increase
Startups
VCs' funding capacity for Japan startups soars to record $9.7bn
Year-end total of 'dry powder' cash reserves has risen by seven times in decade
Haruhiko Kuroda
Strategy 2020 at the ADB: Haruhiko Kuroda (21)
Kuroda makes major changes to the bank's long-term strategy
Technology
Japan to allow 5G access for drones, paving way for high-res video
Sharper images seen aiding disaster relief and infrastructure inspections
Politics
Japan PM Kishida's approval rating remains near record low: Nikkei
LDP faction leaders should be punished over fundraising scandal, 71% of respondents say
Your Week in Asia
Evergrande back in court, Marcos in Vietnam, Myanmar takeover anniversary
Your weekly lineup of Asia's biggest business and political events
Datawatch
Nonregular workers struggle to go full-time in labor-scarce Japan
Only 7.4% of fixed-term employees landed secure jobs in 2022
Trade
China's industry minister seeks Japan cooperation in chips, autos
Japanese business leaders call for flexible cross-border data controls
Japan immigration
Japan's foreign workers surpass 2m for first time, led by Vietnamese
Indonesians are fastest-growing nationality as skilled-labor program expands
Haruhiko Kuroda
Leading the Asian Development Bank: Haruhiko Kuroda (20)
Kuroda becomes the bank's president and promotes regional economic integration
Natural disasters
Fukushima nuclear fuel debris removal postponed for a third time
Technological hurdles could cause decommissioning costs to balloon further
Interview
Latin America ready to help solve global crises, IDB chief says
Inter-American Bank's Ilan Goldfajn seeks Japan tie-ups as region rises on world stage
Property
Tokyo apartment prices hit record at nearly $800,000 in 2023
Average cost of new condos soars, with strong demand for swanky properties
Haruhiko Kuroda
The Koizumi premiership: Haruhiko Kuroda (19)
After decades at the Finance Ministry, Kuroda becomes an adviser to the prime minister
Economy
Japan wage talks start amid hopes for return to 'virtuous cycle'
Big companies vow major hikes, but small businesses are hesitant
Haruhiko Kuroda
The beginning of deflation: Haruhiko Kuroda (18)
Kuroda believed BOJ's lifting of zero interest policy in 2000 was a mistake
.jpg?width=300&fit=cover&gravity=faces&dpr=2&quality=medium&source=nar-cms&format=auto&height=168)
Economy
Japanese exports hit record in 2023 on weak yen
China-bound shipments rose for first time in 13 months in December
Markets
Toyota's market cap sets new Japan record, topping bubble-era NTT
Automaker soars as strong earnings draw overseas investors in droves
Bank of Japan
BOJ chief vows to limit disruption after raising policy shift hopes
Ueda notes increasing likelihood of reaching stable 2% inflation
Natural disasters
Japan to reopen quake-hit Noto Airport to commercial aircraft
Kishida to deliver package to support local governments and businesses
Haruhiko Kuroda
The Chiang Mai Initiative: Haruhiko Kuroda (17)
Kuroda begins working at top international post in Japan's Finance Ministry
Trade
Nippon Steel sends delegation to Washington to gauge U.S. Steel deal
Steel is very important to national security, says White House adviser Brainard
Economy
Japan's pay needs to grow 3.6% to outpace inflation, think tanks say
Passing on cost increases by smaller businesses seen as crucial