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September 12th, 2024

Japan Inc.'s treasure trove

Companies wake up to prospect of cashing in on 25 trillion yen in real estate assets

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The Big Story

Japan Inc.'s 25 trillion yen opportunity: Cashing in on real estate

Railway operator Seibu sets example by putting big Tokyo complex up for sale

Under pressure from investors, big landowners like hoteliers, railway operators and manufacturers are selling off real estate that is no longer central to their business.
A sharp drop in food-tech investments could hinder the development of alternative protein products.
Datawatch

Lab-grown food faltering on solving world hunger

Higher prices and taste issues lead to reduced investments in agritech startups

A view of Funan-Techo Canal, a 180-km venture set to connect the Mekong River in Cambodia's Kandal province to the Gulf of Thailand.
Opinion

The Gulf of Thailand may be the next U.S.-China flashpoint

Beijing's backing of Cambodian infrastructure could alter regional balance of power

Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, chant slogans in Karachi as they celebrate after the Supreme Court ruled the party was eligible for over 20 extra reserved seats in parliament.
Opinion

Pakistan must enforce constitution to avoid Bangladesh's fate

Nation needs to end hybrid system that leaves room for power struggles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks at a press conference in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, on Sept. 2.
The Nikkei View

Ukraine's cross-border attack could spur Russian withdrawal

Greater aid from democratic camp needed to force Moscow to negotiate

Emergency personnel carry the body of a person killed in a fire at a lithium battery factory owned by South Korean battery maker Aricell, in Hwaseong, Jun. 24. The disaster was the latest in a long-running string of fatal business-related accidents in the country.
Business Spotlight

South Korea Inc. faces reckoning as company CEO awaits trial over factory fire

After battery plant disaster kills 23, campaigners seek justice, safety in workplace

A Zentiva medical production plant in Prague. (Courtesy of Zentiva Group)
Pharmaceuticals

Europe reliant on Chinese drugs after local products priced out

EU wants to wrest control back from Chinese producers but no clear path ahead

JDI and Sharp will no longer supply displays for new Apple smartphones after the fourth-generation iPhone SE comes out in 2025. (Photos obtained by Nikkei)
Supply Chain

Japan display makers pay dearly for failing to foresee iPhone's LCD exit

With switchover to OLED, Japanese companies shut out of Apple supply chain

Chowking's halo-halo includes familiar ingredients for Filipinos such as flan, tapioca pearls and ice cream made from ube purple yam. (Photo by Yuki Fujita)
Food & Beverage

Icy Philippine dessert halo-halo gets fancier to woo fans

From fruits to edible gold, myriad mix-ins make a treat for eyes and taste buds

Signs are growing that the government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi may be easing up on its controls on inbound Chinese investment.
Asia Insight

India edges warily toward accepting more Chinese investment

Despite security concerns, FDI seen as key to Modi's manufacturing drive

A pedestrian crossing in Hong Kong in June. Japanese business sentiment in the city has been in negative territory for more than two years. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Hong Kong security law

Hong Kong economic, security pressures sour Japanese business sentiment

Survey shows deepening concern over personnel exodus and information restrictions

Ko Wen-je, leader of the crisis-torn Taiwan People's Party, speaks to Nikkei Asia in an exclusive interview on Sept. 4, after he was released from custody in a graft probe. (Ko Wen-je's office)
Interview

Taiwan's Ko Wen-je accuses government of witch hunt ahead of fresh arrest

TPP chief detained again in corruption probe, hours after exclusive interview

People walk past street food stalls in Jakarta. The proportion of Indonesians classified as middle class has fallen in the past few years as a result of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Central Statistics Agency. (Photo by Ken Kobyaashi)
Economy

Indonesia's economy suffers from 'long COVID' as middle class shrinks

Key growth driver has yet to recover from pandemic, statistics agency says

Works are displayed at Frieze Seoul 2023: More than 70,000 visitors are expected at this year's edition, which will feature 110 galleries spanning 32 countries. (Courtesy of Frieze Seoul)
Arts

Frieze Seoul returns as South Korea deepens its art hub drive

Latest in a series of international art fairs showcases local and global artists

A man prepares a drink at a tea kadai. Found across India, these stalls attract people not just for their tea and snacks, but also for their role as informal community hubs. (All photos by Meenakshi J)   
Tea Leaves

How life and politics converge in India's tea shops

As gathering places, traditional 'kadai' are focal points for information, gossip and butter cookies