Business and Economy

Have South Korean Convenience Stores Eclipsed Japan’s Combini?

Korean convenience stores now outnumber Japanese ones per capita. But what’s behind their success, and what makes them different? We look at both - and discuss why combini are struggling while pyeoneuijeom are taking off.

With Japan’s New Money Out, Whither the 2000 Yen Bill?

There's a lot of excitement around Japan's new money. But what will happen to the increasingly rare 2000 yen bill?

Why Japan’s Combini are Increasingly Powered by Foreign Exchange Students

Labor-strapped convenience stores in Japan are increasingly turning to exchange students to work the shifts Japanese workers don't want. In some cases, students are practically running the store.

Will Toyota Implement a Four-Day Work Week?

As workers continue to struggle with work/life balance, Toyota may become the latest Japanese company to implement a flexible work schedule.

Separate Spousal Surnames: Japan Business Group Says Law Must Change

Japanese spouses can't legally have separate last names. The head of the Keidanren, Japan's most powerful business group, says that's impeding the success of women in Japanese business - and he's calling on the government to fix it.

Japan Might Be Fishless In 2050 As Catch Declines To Lowest

Japan is known for its seafood. But for how long? Experts warn that the island nation could find itself fishless in the next three decades.

One Japanese Company Entices Workers with $1.22 Bottomless Steak

How do you incentivize workers? One company in Japan thinks they've found the answer: subsidized steak at the corporate cafeteria. Metal parts Castem offers bottomless steak bowls for just 190 yen (USD $1.22).

90% of Japanese Pet Food Company’s New Employees Quit Within Weeks

In Japan, 30% of employees resign from their first jobs. But at Inaba Foods, they're setting new records for attrition. Why were conditions so bad there that 90% of new employees left within weeks?

Japan’s First-Ever Weight Loss Drug Is Approved. But Does It Need It?

Japan - already one of the world's thinnest nations - has its first-ever approved weight loss drug. Will users dig its nasty side effects?

Business and Economy

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