TOKYO, Mar 04 (Nikkei) - Employees at Google's Japanese arm has unionized for the first time, as the wave of layoffs by big tech companies spreads beyond the U.S.
The Google Japan Union on Tuesday sent the company a request for collective bargaining. The union says dozens of employees have attended its briefings and more than 50 are expected to sign on. ...continue reading
Source: ANNnewsCH
U.S. President Donald Trump on March 3rd voiced concern over the depreciation of the yen, stating that the weakening yen and strengthening dollar had gone too far.
Prince Hisahito, the eldest son of Prince Akishino, held his first press conference on March 3rd at the Akasaka Higashi Residence in Tokyo’s Akasaka Estate to mark his coming of age at 18.
The historic buildings of Hashima Island, commonly known as Gunkanjima, are facing a risk of collapse due to ongoing deterioration, it was revealed on March 3rd. The island, part of the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution," a UNESCO World Heritage site that marks its 10th anniversary this summer, has seen its structures degrade significantly over time.
The annual Shunie ceremony, commonly known as Omizutori, has begun at Todai-ji Temple in Nara. Carrying large torches, attendants lit the way as monks, known as the Rengyoshu, slowly ascended the steps of Nigatsudo Hall.
A train derailed after colliding with a fallen rock near Hishima Station on the Echizen Railway in Fukui Prefecture on Sunday. No passengers or crew were injured, but service remains suspended on some sections of the line.
Honda and Nissan had been in discussions about a potential management integration, aiming to form a joint holding company that would oversee both automakers. However, the talks have collapsed, leaving many questioning what went wrong.
A new series of homes designed with families in mind is now available, featuring expansive storage spaces to accommodate modern lifestyles.
The city of Nagoya has announced plans to demolish the Asunal Kanayama shopping complex by February 2028 and construct a new multi-purpose facility in its place. The redevelopment project will also include renovations to nearby parks and the city’s civic hall, aiming to revitalize the entire Kanayama district.
The world’s largest Muji store has opened in Kashihara, Nara Prefecture, boasting a retail space of approximately 8,000 square meters and offering a diverse range of products spanning clothing, food, and home goods.
The planned opening of Starbucks’ first store in Gyoda, Saitama Prefecture, has sparked mixed reactions among residents. As of February 26th, the project has been put on hold.
Despite government assurances of ample rice supply, farmers are facing pressure to increase production as demand continues to soar.
As March approaches, while some regions in Japan struggle with heavy snowfall, foreign tourists continue to arrive in search of the country’s renowned winter sports experience.
In 2024, Japanese companies engaged in a record 4,700 mergers and acquisitions (M&A), marking a new high. Kyodo News economic editor Satoshi Matsuo explains the factors behind this surge. M&A has become a key strategy for Japanese businesses facing a wave of retirements and business closures. While some acquisitions aim to expand overseas, others focus on ensuring business continuity in Japan’s rapidly aging economy.
