BOJ keeps policy unchanged

Sep 18 (NHK) - Policymakers at the Bank of Japan have decided to keep their current monetary-easing policy unchanged.

They are also maintaining a program worth more than 1.2 trillion dollars to support companies hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

The central bank has decided to maintain the negative short-term interest rate and buy unlimited amounts of government bonds.

But the policymakers have revised their assessment of the economy. The former description of "extremely severe" is now "severe," with the situation starting to pick up.

The central bank has stressed it is ready to take additional monetary-easing without hesitation if an increase in the number of coronavirus cases deals a further blow to the economy.

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) Moves Toward Vietnam, Heavy Rain Forecast For Japan

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) is strengthening over the South China Sea and is expected to make landfall in Vietnam later this week, according to forecasts. Satellite images on October 20th show extensive cloud coverage over the central South China Sea. After passing over the Philippines, Fung-shen temporarily weakened but is projected to intensify again as it continues westward through Tuesday.

Real-Life Water Police: Protecting Tokyo’s Seas and Rivers

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Tourist Graffiti Threatens Kyoto’s Iconic Bamboo Forest

Kyoto’s world-famous Arashiyama district, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, is facing a growing problem of graffiti etched into the bamboo along its iconic “Bamboo Grove Path,” with more than 350 stalks now damaged — a practice that experts warn could eventually cause bamboo to weaken, fall, and even injure visitors.

Japanese Streaming Services Struggle Against Netflix

Japan’s streaming industry is under growing pressure as foreign giants tighten their grip on the domestic market, with Netflix’s latest move to secure exclusive broadcast rights in Japan for every game of the World Baseball Classic next March highlighting the widening gap.

Japan Tightens Rules on Foreign Business Visas

Investigators from the Immigration Services Agency conducted on-site inspections in Osaka on October 14th amid a surge in so-called 'paper companies' created by foreign nationals seeking residency.

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