News On Japan

Daihatsu Kyoto Factory Resumes Production for First Time Since Scandal

KYOTO, Feb 12 (News On Japan) - Daihatsu Industry has recommenced production of specific vehicle models at its Kyoto factory, marking the first resumption of operations since halting all domestic factory activities due to a misconduct scandal.

Employees began arriving at the Kyoto factory around 7 a.m. on February 12th to restart operations.

The production that has been resumed includes Toyota's "Probox" and Mazda's "Familia Van," which had their shipping suspension orders lifted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism on the 19th of last month.

This restart of production at a Daihatsu factory is the first since all domestic factories ceased operations in December of the previous year, following the revelation of fraudulent practices in certification tests.

Keita Ide, Director-General of the Corporate Headquarters, emphasized the company's commitment to regaining public trust: "We aim to thoroughly implement measures to prevent recurrence and regain the trust of everyone as soon as possible, with all employees united in this effort."

Daihatsu plans to further resume production of ten vehicle models, including the "Mira e:S," at its Oita factory on the 26th, as part of its efforts to fully recover from the fallout of last year's compliance issues and restore confidence in its manufacturing processes.

Source: ANN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

The worsening string of bear incidents across Akita Prefecture has prompted the deployment of the Ground Self-Defense Force to assist in countermeasures. On November 5th, fifteen members of the 21st Infantry Regiment based at the Akita garrison were sent to Kazuno City, where they began support activities such as transporting box traps for capturing bears.

The economic policy bannered by Prime Minister Takaichi as “Sanaenomics” is beginning to take shape, with expectations centering on lower gasoline prices and the restart of electricity and gas subsidies even as critics say the program’s substance remains unclear and insufficiently developed.

As of 3 p.m. on November 5th, a tropical depression over the sea near the Caroline Islands was slowly moving northward, with the Japan Meteorological Agency forecasting that it would develop into a typhoon within the next 24 hours. Once it forms, it will be designated as Typhoon No. 26.

Emergency contraceptive pills, used to prevent unintended pregnancies, are set to become available over the counter in Japan as early as by the end of this fiscal year, marking a major shift after nearly a decade of debate.

The number of U.S. military personnel arrested for criminal offenses in Okinawa has reached 77 so far this year, already surpassing the record total for all of 2024 as of the end of September.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Business NEWS

Nissan Motor announced on November 6th that it will sell its Yokohama headquarters building for 97 billion yen as part of a broader restructuring plan, while continuing to occupy the property under a lease agreement.

Real wages in Japan fell 1.4% in September from a year earlier, marking the ninth consecutive month of decline, as rising prices continued to outpace wage increases, according to data released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Japan’s space industry is gaining new momentum under Prime Minister Takaichi’s vision of building a “strong economy,” with the sector identified as a key target for strategic investment alongside AI and energy security.

Nintendo has raised its forecast for the upcoming fiscal year ending in March 2026, projecting revenue to exceed 2 trillion yen for the first time.

Farmers across western Japan are facing mounting losses from the growing population of nutria, large semi-aquatic rodents originally brought from South America. Once imported for their fur, the animals have become a major agricultural pest, chewing through crops and spreading rapidly into urban areas.

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed at a poultry farm in Eniwa City, Hokkaido, prompting authorities to begin culling operations on Sunday afternoon.

Condominium prices show little sign of cooling as even secondhand units in central Tokyo are routinely listed above 100 million yen, with a recent survey indicating the average price of new condominiums launched in the 23 wards in the first half of this fiscal year reached about 133.09 million yen and resale units have exceeded 100 million yen for five consecutive months, underscoring a market in which construction and labor costs have jumped, demand has spilled over into used stock, and buyers are being urged to scrutinize properties more carefully.

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.