Japanese workers often are enrolled in company-run pension plans in addition to the national pension scheme. (Photo by Yutaka Miyaguchi)
Finance

Japan wants companies to disclose pension fund performance

Transparency push is part of PM Kishida's effort to shake up asset management

3 October 2023
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa says she would "continue to convey the prime minister's determination" on talks with North Korea's Kim Jong Un. (Photo by Uichiro Kasai)
Interview

Japan still wants summit with North Korea: foreign minister

Top diplomat seeks to lay groundwork for talks on abductions between Kishida, Kim Jong Un

3 October 2023
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, addresses the U.N. Security Council alongside Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Sept. 20.
Opinion

Japan can do more for Ukraine even without a change of policy

Anti-drone systems would support defense of power and grain infrastructure

3 October 2023
A nickel refinery in Indonesia. The U.S. and China are competing to boost ties with mineral-rich developing nations.
Materials

U.S. seeks EV-battery mineral deals beyond China: diplomat

Undersecretary notes interest from Indonesia, Philippines in bilateral deals

3 October 2023
Even cities and tourist hot spots in Japan are experiencing a shortage of taxi drivers. (Photo by Toshiki Sasazu)
Transportation

Ride-hailing in Japan could see conditional approval: digital minister

Government to discuss when and where services can supplement taxis, Kono says

30 September 2023
Japanese and German air forces last year conducted joint training in airspace around Japan for the first time. (Photo courtesy of Japan's Air Self-Defense Force)
Defense

Japan, Germany to start negotiations on defense cross-servicing deal

Talks mark latest step toward deeper security cooperation

30 September 2023
The government's new security software will be used in conjunction with existing software from Microsoft and other companies. (Photo by Akira Kodaka)
Defense

Japan to bolster cyber defense with homegrown software

New system for government computers will collect and analyze attack information

30 September 2023
U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in August: The challenges and opportunities of this century require a strong alliance between the two countries.
Opinion

With shared values, Japan and U.S. can lead way on challenges

Strong alliance can advance cause of free trade and open markets

29 September 2023
Joe Lonsdale is a tech entrepreneur and investor. (Photo courtesy of 8VC)
Aerospace & Defense Industries

U.S. venture capital firm 8VC targets Japan's defense industry

Managing partner Lonsdale says Tokyo needs 'strong defense to deter China'

28 September 2023
New Ishigaki Airport, on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa prefecture, is among the facilities slated to be expanded for possible military use under a plan the government is weighing for next year.
Defense

Japan names 33 airports, ports to be upgraded for defense use

China, Taiwan emergency is focus of contingency planning

28 September 2023
Seafood at the Hamanoeki Fish Market and Food Court in Soma, Fukushima prefecture, Japan, on Aug. 31.
Trade

Japanese seafood exports to China slumped 76% in August after ban

Beijing barred imports after release of treated Fukushima water; Tokyo says it is safe

28 September 2023
People in Hong Kong protesting against Japan's release of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. 
International relations

Japanese expats in China near 20-year low as tensions simmer

Decline triggered by Senkaku protests accelerated by pandemic

28 September 2023
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov addresses the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Sept. 23. Russia's aggression against Ukraine is exposing problems with how the global body operates.
The Nikkei View

U.N. reform urgently needed to better promote peace

Security Council dysfunction threatens global security

27 September 2023
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Sept. 26 directed his cabinet to put together a package of economic stimulus measures. (Photo by Uichiro Kasai)
Politics

Kishida's 'tax cut' talk sparks guessing game over snap election

Lawmakers grow suspicious Japanese PM will make the move before year-end

27 September 2023
Wind turbines in Kazakhstan's Almaty region. Japan and five central Asian countries have inaugurated a new ministerial-level dialogue on decarbonization.
Climate Change

Japan launches new decarbonization dialogue with Central Asia

Tokyo aims to blunt Russian and Chinese influence in key region

27 September 2023
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has done a solid job forging closer ties with Washington but all bets are off as both U.S. parties scramble to look tougher on trade with Asia.
Opinion

U.S. election season is wrong time for yuan, yen to slide

As American politicians look for economic scapegoats, Kishida should seek cover

27 September 2023
People fleeing Ukraine are seen arriving at Tokyo International Airport in April 2022. (Photo by Yo Inoue)
Japan immigration

Japan to launch new residency status for those fleeing war in December

People who qualify will be able to live and work as long-term residents

27 September 2023
South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Byung-won, center, Japanese Senior Deputy Foreign Minister Takehiro Funakoshi, left, and Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong pose for a photo in Seoul on Sept. 26 before meeting to discuss three-way cooperation and explore resuming a long-stalled summit of their leaders. 
International relations

China, Japan, South Korea agree to hold trilateral summit

Leaders meeting could provide opportunity to address trade, security concerns

26 September 2023
U.S. Army soldiers and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members conduct anti-tank training during Orient Shield joint exercises. (Photo from U.S. Army's X feed)
Defense

U.S. Army bolsters ties with Japan as focus shifts to China

Allies advance intel sharing ahead of Tokyo's acquisition of long-range missiles

26 September 2023
A Type 10 tank of Japan's Self-Defense Forces on training grounds in Shizuoka prefecture. (Pool photo)
Defense

Japan seeks faster deployment of latest defense tech

New approach meant to shorten decadelong lead times

26 September 2023
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Sept. 25 set out the main points of the government's planned stimulus package. (Photo by Uichiro Kasai)
Politics

Japan's Kishida unveils tax breaks to foster domestic chip production

Government to weigh extension of subsidies to ease inflation pain

26 September 2023
Royal Air Force Typhoons are parked at in Linconshire, U.K. The U.K., Italy and Japan are jointly developing next-generation fighter jets for delivery in 2035.
Defense

U.K. 'exploring' Saudi entry to fighter jet project with Italy and Japan

British GCAP point man urges deal this year to launch 3-way government body

24 September 2023
New internships targeting older workers in Japan will be paid, lowering barriers for those looking to start working in the tech industry quickly. (Photo obtained by Nikkei)
Work

Japan plans internships to help older workers start in tech

Government will work with companies to train programmers, software engineers

24 September 2023
Construction of TSMC's Kumamoto plant in Kyushu is almost complete. Japan is considering tax breaks to promote production of important goods in the country. (Photo by Toshiki Sasazu)
Politics

Japan eyes long-term tax breaks for chips, batteries, biotech

Measures aim to spur investment at home in fields crucial to economic security

24 September 2023
Canadian ambassador to Japan Ian McKay sits for an interview Sept. 15 in Tokyo. (Photo by Anna Nishino)
Interview

Canada to support Japan's EV battery supply chain: diplomat

Ambassador McKay says government will facilitate access to critical minerals

23 September 2023