Society

Japan producer prices rise for 2nd straight month

May 17 (NHK) - Japan's producer prices have risen for a second straight month, echoing what's been happening worldwide as economies reopen from the pandemic and crude oil prices climb.

The Bank of Japan said in its preliminary report that the producer price index was up 3.6 percent last month from a year earlier. That is the biggest spike since September 2014.

Higher crude prices pushed up petroleum, coal and chemical products. That suggests there is optimism for an economic recovery as the coronavirus vaccine programs progress.

Rising automobile production also boosted the prices of iron, steel and non-ferrous metals.

Bank of Japan officials say external demand is driving up prices, but the outlook for oil and other products remain highly uncertain because of the surge of infections in India and elsewhere.

Over 300 New Geoglyphs Discovered by Yamagata University in Nazca

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University of Tokyo Raises Tuition Fees for First Time in 20 Years

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Death toll rises to 9 in Japan's Ishikawa following heavy rain

Emergency officials say the death toll from record rainfall in Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture has risen to nine. (NHK)

Russian military plane intrudes into Japanese airspace, Tokyo lodges protest

A Japanese government spokesperson says a Russian military airplane entered Japanese airspace three times on Monday. (NHK)

Kishida vows in meeting with Zelenskyy continued support for Ukraine

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has conveyed his country's intention to maintain support for Ukraine to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (NHK)

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