Business and Economy

Japanese Online Marketplace Bans Fetal Ultrasounds To Stop Alleged Scams

A viral social media post raised fears that scammers would use the pics to blackmail men for either money or marriage.

Village Vanguard: Why Japan’s Iconic Subculture Stores Are Struggling

Village Vanguard is a bookstore and then some. But its recent financial troubles indicate it might have stretched itself too thin.

Cold Stone Creamery May Disappear From Japan. Is It Because of The Singing?

Japan will soon only have a single Cold Stone anywhere in the country. Some are blaming the staff's habit of breaking out into song.

Japanese Consumers Groan As Rice Prices Just Keep Climbing

Some experts say a third release from the country's reserves might not have any effect and that prices will remain high until autumn.

Sakamichi Brewing: Crafting Japanese Beer Culture in Tachikawa

At long last, the craft beer scene is booming in Tokyo. We sat down with the craft entrepreneurs at Sakamichi Brewing to learn more about the local scene.

Japan’s Costco Resale Shops Struggle to Distinguish Themselves

There are only 36 Costcos in Japan - but there are nearly three times as many stores whose whole business is reselling the company's products.

Will Chinese Cabbage Save Japanese Tonkatsu From Rising Prices?

High cabbage prices in Japan show no sign of abating. That's led supermarkets to get desperate. And by "desperate," we mean relying on China.

“Employee-San”: Why Japan’s Managers Are Shifting to Honorifics for Their Staff

Gone are the days of "chan" and "kun" in Japanese business. Recent research finds bosses are striking a more respectful tone.

Is 7-11 Becoming Japan’s Worst Combini?

7-11 Japan say a new discount campaign is winning back customers. But many say the chain's offerings are still a raw deal.

Business and Economy

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