The gloom is lifting a bit from the Japanese economy, as sharp growth from China and other Asian neighbours is lifting exports and spurring more capital spending by the nation’s manufacturers, t…
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Love boosts Japanese chocolate industry twice a year
The Japanese celebrate Valentine’s Day in a rather unique fashion. Only women give away chocolate to the men they care about on the day itself. It is not unusual for women to buy a total of 20 t…
Report: Asia Pacific economic outlook – January 2010
Which Asia Pacific economy is picking up steam? Which is still lagging behind? The January 2010 issue of Deloitte Research’s Asia Pacific economic outlook gives a near-term forecasts for Austral…
Japan’s chocolatiers search for the sweet spot
With days to go until Valentine’s Day (and its younger Japanese cousin, White Day), the barrage of new chocolate products and chocolate marketing has begun. Japan’s 285,000-ton-a year habi…
Japan retailers welcome Year of the Tiger
Reasonably priced fukubukuro, or "lucky bags", have gained popularity at Japanese department stores as consumers have looked for ways to tighten their belts amid the recession.
Lucky bags ar…
Toyota union to drop wage-scale hike demand
The Toyota Motor Workers’ Union has decided not to demand a pay-scale hike during this spring’s labour-management wage talks, union sources have said.
The union, which comprises 63,000 wor…
Bluefin ban could put Japan in bind
Seafood-loving Japan — having faced years of international pressure to stop whaling — finds itself with a potentially bigger fight over a highly prized type of tuna that conservation group…
Tokyo outlet mall targets rich Chinese tourists
A new outlet mall has opened in the Odaiba area of Tokyo. In a surprising, yet ingenious move, the shopping mall Venus Fort in Odaiba has turned its entire third floor into an outlet for 49 shops.
The…
Why outsourcing may be better for your business in the long run
Expanding store and franchise operations into new markets, or even expanding into known markets, can present a number of challenges for the Brand Owner.
Almost without exception, these challenges and…
Japan Airlines shares plunge 45 percent
Japan Airlines shares drop to a new low amid bankruptcy fears – despite an improved offer from American Airlines.…