EV charging stations in Japan get boost from top travel agency JTB

Nationwide network of 5,000 locations to provide data on post-pandemic tourism

TOKYO, Sep 29 (Nikkei) - As Japan guardedly emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, top Japanese travel agency JTB plans to build a nationwide network of 5,000 electric-vehicle charging points to try to ride a new trend in domestic tourism, Nikkei has learned.

JTB Communication Design, a group subsidiary, will team with Tokyo startup Terra Motors to install chargers near tourist destinations.

Japan is seeing an increase in day trippers as people look to release more than two years of pent-up travel demand.

JTB will seek insights from EV charging activity to plan new tours and other ways for travelers to spend time while their cars are powering up, which takes longer than filling a gasoline tank.

JTB Communication Design has installed more than 2,000 EV chargers at hotels, parking lots near tourist attractions and other locations since the 2010s. Some of these will be replaced with Terra Motors' ports. ...continue reading

Hyogo Governor Secures Re-Election

Former Hyogo Governor Motohiko Saito has secured re-election following the gubernatorial election triggered by his resignation.

Teachers in Japan Demand Better Pay and Conditions

Education groups in Japan representing 23 organizations issued an urgent statement criticizing a proposal from the Ministry of Finance to gradually raise the 'teaching adjustment allowance' to 10% as part of work reform measures. The proposal was deemed 'unrealistic,' sparking opposition from educators.

Ferrari Auctioned for Over 170 Million Yen, Sets New Record

A Ferrari seized from a tax delinquent was auctioned by the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau, fetching over 170 million yen, the highest bid ever recorded for such an auction.

Zao’s Snow Monsters Face Extinction

Zao’s iconic snow monsters, the frost-covered trees known as 'juhyo,' face an existential threat. These towering, snow-laden trees have long been a winter highlight in the region, famously resembling monstrous figures covered in snow. However, their survival is now under severe threat.

Japan Ranks 92nd in English Proficiency, Lowest in History

EF Education First, a global education organization, published this year’s English Proficiency Index on Wednesday, ranking nations worldwide. Japan’s ranking stood at 92nd among 116 countries and regions, continuing a 14-year trend of record lows.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Three Factors Behind Nissan’s Decline

Nissan has announced a major restructuring plan involving the elimination of 9,000 jobs worldwide, triggered by worsening business performance.

Resona Bank Opens New Cashless Branch

Resona Bank has launched a new branch concept that operates without counters handling cash.

Japan's GDP grows for second successive quarter

New government data show Japan's GDP grew for the second consecutive quarter in the three months through September. (NHK)

Uber Eats Starts Nighttime Robot Deliveries in Osaka

Uber Eats, a major online delivery service, announced on the 13th that it will begin robotic deliveries in select areas of Osaka starting on October 14th. This service, utilizing AI-driven autonomous robots, aims to address the ongoing delivery labor shortage.

Rakuten Posts First Operating Profit Since Mobile Launch

Rakuten Group reported an operating profit of 500 million yen for the quarter from July to September, marking a sharp turnaround from last year’s 54.4 billion yen loss and achieving its first quarterly profit in nearly four years.

Seven & i gets buyout proposal from new bidder

Seven & i Holdings says it has received a buyout proposal from a company linked to the founder of its Ito-Yokado supermarket chain. (NHK)

Convenience Stores to Start Selling Over-the-Counter Drugs

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has announced plans to allow the sale of over-the-counter drugs at convenience stores without on-site pharmacists.

Japan Publishing Giant Penalized for Cutting Freelancer Fees

Japan's Fair Trade Commission has issued a recommendation to publishing giant KADOKAWA and its subsidiary, citing violations of the Subcontract Act over 'unjust price cutting' practices involving compensation paid to freelance writers and photographers.

< 2 3 4 5 >