Japan consumers wait months for washing machines, air conditioners

May 30 (Nikkei) - Home appliances remain in short supply across Japan due to the global semiconductor crunch and supply chain disruptions tied to Beijing's zero-COVID policy, as companies that have resumed production at factories in China say it will take time to reach normal operations.

"Delivery delays began to emerge in May, and we have been telling customers that they will have to wait one to two months for delivery," said a sales staffer at an electronics retail shop in Tokyo.

Microwaves and rice cookers on store shelves carry signs saying that new orders are suspended due to a halt in shipments. Some appliances already owned may be difficult to repair because parts no longer are readily obtained.

Washing machines are particularly mired in short supply. One retailer website shows that 70% of the 40 drum-type machines listed are out of stock, with tags saying "items will be shipped as soon as they arrive." Some machines, including those from Hitachi and Sharp, are scheduled to ship in August or later.

About 30% of refrigerator models also are cold out of stock.

Air conditioners are feeling the heat as well. Supply was already unstable due to the chip shortage, but the approaching summer season has made the problem clear. ...continue reading

Source: ANNnewsCH

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)

Victim number increases to seven after torrential downpours in Ishikawa Pref.

Seven people are dead in the wake of torrential downpours in Japan's central Ishikawa Prefecture that have caused rivers to flood and mudslides across the Noto region. Some people living in temporary shelters following the New Year's Day earthquake are once again facing recovery efforts, this time from flooding. (NHK)

First Snow of Season Observed at Mount Rishiri

Signs of winter are already arriving. Mount Rishiri in Hokkaido recorded the first snowfall of the season on Sunday, making it the first observed in Japan this year.

Flying Car Shows Potential for Disaster Relief

A test flight for flying cars was conducted in Wakayama Prefecture on Saturday, reaching an altitude of 40 meters, demonstrating stability in windy conditions.

Ohtani Hits Milestone with 52-52 Record

Shohei Ohtani returned to Dodger Stadium in spectacular fashion, hitting a home run and stealing a base in his first game back, raising his season total to 52 home runs and 52 stolen bases.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Tokyo Metro to Go Public on October 23

The Tokyo Stock Exchange announced on Friday that it has approved the initial public offering (IPO) of Tokyo Metro on the TSE Prime Market. The planned listing date is October 23.

Daihatsu Recalls 1.71 Million Vehicles Due to Bolt Issues

Daihatsu Motor announced on Friday that it has filed a recall with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism for 1.71 million vehicles, including 15 models such as the Tanto, due to improper tightening of seat bolts.

New Condominium Prices in Tokyo Exceed 100 Million Yen for Fourth Straight Month

The average price of a newly built condominium in Tokyo’s 23 wards has exceeded 100 million yen for the fourth consecutive month.

Why Onna Village Leads Japan's Growth in Land Prices

The village of Onna in Okinawa has recorded the highest land price increase in Japan, with prices for some areas rising by 29%. The average nationwide land price has increased by 1.4% for the third consecutive year, but the sharpest growth is seen in residential areas like Onna Village.

Japan's Land Prices Surge for 4th Straight Year

Land prices across Japan have been rising for four consecutive years, with North Kanto emerging as a key area of interest due to its favorable living conditions.

Sharp Unveils First EV With Extended Living Room

Sharp, a major home appliance manufacturer, has unveiled its first electric vehicle (EV) as part of its move into the electric vehicle market, with a five-seater 'extended livingroom' EV Sharp van.

What’s the Price of Golden Black Jack?

Gold is gaining increasing attention as a stable asset. Among the most eye-catching items at a gold exhibition held in a Sapporo department store are statues of the genius surgeon Black Jack and his assistant Pinoko, both made of gold.

Honda’s First Startup Launches Navigation Device for the Visually Impaired

There are approximately 2 million visually impaired individuals in Japan and 300 million worldwide. Due to their impaired vision, going out often comes with the risk of accidents. In response to this issue, Honda's first startup Asirase, led by CEO Chino, developed a navigation device called 'Ashirase' to assist visually impaired individuals in walking safely.

< 2 3 4 5 >