Japan's Fujitsu opens pet office for more cuddly experience

Sep 25 (New Straits Times) - Japan's armies of "salarymen" were famous for spending endless hours at the office. Now, one tech giant is trying to make the experience more cuddly by allowing in pets.

Fujitsu Ltd, which makes everything from air conditioners to super computers, opened an experimental "dog office" in July at one of its buildings in Kawasaki, near Tokyo.

Teleworking in Japan increased from 10 to 28 per cent between December 2019 and May 2020, though still lower than many major economies, based on Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development data.

But after more than two years of the pandemic and as infections subside, there are signs the pendulum is swinging back towards in-office work.

In particular, teleworking among people in their 20s and 30s has fallen rapidly, according to surveys from the Japan Productivity Centre.

Fujitsu's dog office, separated from standard working areas and operating on a trial basis until the end of the year, has workstations for three employees and space for up to six dogs at a time.

It also features stain-proof carpets and a range of pet supplies. ...continue reading

Takaichi and Xi Hold 10-Second Handshake

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi and Chinese President Xi Jinping stood side by side before the cameras on October 31st at 5 p.m. for a moment that drew intense attention. “Hello, please this way,” said Xi as the two leaders exchanged a handshake lasting roughly 10 seconds in front of their national flags. Takaichi’s expression was stiff at first but softened slightly into a faint smile, while Xi’s face remained largely unchanged.

Record 12 Killed in Bear Attacks Across Japan

Bear attacks are reaching unprecedented levels across Japan, with a record 12 fatalities so far this year as sightings continue daily from mountain towns to city centers, disrupting schools and local institutions.

Japan to Introduce Free High School Education Next Year

The Liberal Democratic Party, Nippon Ishin no Kai, and Komeito have reached an agreement on the framework for Japan’s new free high school tuition program, which will begin in fiscal 2026. Under the plan, tuition support for private full-time high schools will be capped at 457,000 yen, while correspondence courses will have an upper limit of 337,000 yen.

Sense of Crisis in World Heritage Shirakawa Village: ‘Never a Year with So Many Bears Before’

Bear sightings have surged across Japan, and in Gifu Prefecture’s Shirakawa Village—home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go—local authorities held a nighttime drill on October 28th to prepare for possible emergencies.

Japan Mobility Show Opens, Toyota Unveils Century Coupe

The Japan Mobility Show opened on October 29th, marking the start of Japan’s premier automotive exhibition, where foreign manufacturers are stepping up their entry into the country’s growing electric vehicle (EV) market.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Nikkei Closes at Record High, Surpassing 52,000 Yen for the First Time

The Nikkei Stock Average closed at a record high of 52,411 yen on October 31st, up 1,085 yen from the previous day, marking the first time in history it has ended above the 52,000-yen level. This is the third consecutive day the index has reached a new all-time closing high.

Chinese Paper Companies Surge in Osaka Ahead of Visa Tightening

In a quiet neighborhood of Osaka stands a four-story building with around 40 rooms. Yet more than 100 companies are registered there, despite the absence of any visible workers.

UK Buyers Captivated by Yame Tea

Two tea buyers from London arrived in Fukuoka on October 28th to explore the unique appeal of Yame tea, one of Japan’s most celebrated green teas. The visit, organized by Fukuoka Prefecture as part of efforts to expand agricultural exports, aimed to introduce the rich aroma and depth of Yame tea to the United Kingdom, a nation long associated with black tea culture.

Japan Mobility Show Opens, Toyota Unveils Century Coupe

Nikkei Closes Above 50,000 for the First Time Ever

The Nikkei Stock Average closed at 50,512 yen on October 27th, surpassing the 50,000 mark for the first time in history and setting a new all-time high. The benchmark index rose 1,212 yen from the previous trading day, driven by strong gains across sectors.