Business and Economy

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Kanagawa Prefecture Considers Four-Day Workweek for All Government Staff

The prefecture is the latest in a string of local governments and private companies in Japan experimenting with flexible schedules.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Is Japan Poor? Combini’s New “Rice and Sauce” Dish Sparks Social Media Debate

Is Lawson Store 100's new dish a sign of Japan's dire economic straits? Or is it just responding to consumer demand?

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Double-Edged Harmony: What “Hōrensō” Reveals About Japanese Work Culture

Japan’s famous "hōrensō" work mantra promises harmony and trust. Its roots reveal a system that also silences and protects power.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Japan Shopping Giant Mercari Eyes the Global Market With New App

Japan's most popular online marketplace is only available in a handful of other countries. That's all about to change.

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.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

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.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

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…

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

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…