Japan immigration
Japan races to court foreign talent as it doubles skilled worker cap
Better support and pay key to attracting up to 820,000 workers in 5 years
Economy
Business trends
Job cuts at Japanese companies jump, hinting at strategy shift
Voluntary retirement offers through February top annual total in 2023
Trade
EU exempts Japanese sake from packaging recycling rules
Requirement covering sake bottles would amount to non-tariff barrier, Tokyo argued
Work
Japan's smaller companies gain leeway to raise pay on steady profits
With slower growth in labor costs, wage hikes poised to spread to more industries
Business deals
Nippon Steel executive to negotiate with union on U.S. Steel deal
Japan steelmaker aims to complete purchase before November presidential election
Economy
Japan corporate capital spending jumps 16.4% in Q4
Solid data could pave way for Bank of Japan exit from stimulus
Economy
More young Japanese choosing flexibility over full-time jobs
Rising trend raises questions about social security programs
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Food & Beverage
Wasabi exports grow as Japan cuisine gains fans overseas
Wasabi food makers tweak spiciness and products for foreign tastes
Trade
Sake, scallops and wagyu face hurdles in EU under packaging rules
Top Japanese food exports seen failing to meet proposals for recyclability
Bank of Japan
Odds rise that Japan will lift negative interest rates in March
BOJ Gov. Ueda says outcome of annual wage talks this month will be pivotal
Bank of Japan
BOJ chief Ueda stops short of declaring 2% price goal met
Japan's central bank governor says more scrutiny needed on wage outlook
Markets
Tokyo Electron, Kobe Steel court global investors as Japan stocks rally
Companies tap into soaring demand for Tokyo-listed shares
Inflation
BOJ board member says 2% inflation target is 'finally in sight'
Hajime Takata tells Shiga business leaders 'Japan is at an inflection point'
Economy
Japan factory output falls at fastest pace in nearly 4 years
Downturn in auto production drives economic concerns
Opinion
Taiwan's post-bubble recovery holds lessons for China
Active monetary and industrial policy played key roles in island's turnaround
Trade
Japan to require foreign e-tailers to have local person in charge
Trade ministry devises new e-commerce rules amid safety concerns
Opinion
New Nikkei 225 high should be an unmissable cue for Kishida
With growth slumping, Japanese prime minister needs to lay out reform plan
Trade
Nippon Steel taps Republican lobby firepower for U.S. Steel deal
Former congressional staffer retained to help advocate on Capitol Hill
Interview
Trump could impose universal tariff on Day 1: ex-U.S. trade official
Former USTR chief of staff expects push to end trade deficit with Japan
Economy
Number of births in Japan hits record low in 2023
Data underscores challenge of depopulation in East Asian nation
Inflation
Japan's core inflation falls to lowest level in 22 months
Core CPI, which excludes fresh food, slows to 2%, matching BOJ target
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Market Spotlight
Japan stocks give boost to BOJ's case for monetary tightening
Investors anticipate rate hike to 0-0.1% in April as Japanese yen hovers near 34-year low
Politics
Japan's ruling LDP registers weakest support since return to power
PM Kishida's approval rating slides to record low in wake of fundraising scandal
Fisheries
Turkish tuna farmers tripled exports to Japan over past decade
Industry expands operations into North Africa and seeks a larger fishing quota
Indo-Pacific
Trump comeback threatens to scuttle IPEF in its infancy
Economic framework's supply chain agreement goes into effect Saturday