Bank of Japan Ends Negative Interest Rates

TOKYO, Mar 19 (News On Japan) - The Bank of Japan has decided to end the negative interest rate policy introduced in 2016. This marks a significant shift in the massive easing measures, resulting in the first interest rate hike since 2007.

The Bank of Japan stated that the negative interest rate policy and other extensive monetary easing measures implemented since 2016 have "served their purpose" and will be discontinued.

Interest rates will be raised for the first time in 17 years, with short-term interest rates expected to move around 0 to 0.1%.

While the bank will continue to purchase government bonds to respond to any sharp rise in long-term interest rates, it will end the purchase of other assets that have supported stock prices.

Following the decision, the currency market saw a slight depreciation of the yen, and stock prices experienced volatile movements.

The market is currently stabilizing ahead of Governor Ueda's press conference.

Source: ANN

New Flexible Solar Panels to Power Shinkansen Stations

JR Central has unveiled ultra-thin solar panels that can be installed on noise barriers along the Tokaido Shinkansen, aiming for deployment by 2050. Measuring just about one millimeter thick, the perovskite solar panels are lightweight and flexible, allowing them to be fitted onto the curved surfaces of noise barriers.

Will Japan’s Gas Costs Fall?

Following the Japan-U.S. summit during the Trump administration, discussions about liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports gained momentum. The agreement to expand LNG purchases from the U.S. was seen as a key development, but significant challenges remain. Will this lead to lower gas prices in Japan? And what are the five countries that pose obstacles to fulfilling this commitment?

Japan's Visa Easing for Chinese Tourists Sparks Political Debate

Japan’s recent decision to ease visa requirements for Chinese tourists has sparked mixed reactions, with some expecting an influx of visitors and others arguing that the impact will be limited.

Thousands Clash in Aichi’s Naked Festival

Aichi’s famed Konomiya Hadaka Festival took place on February 10th at Konomiya Shrine in Inazawa City, where men clad in only fundoshi loincloths clashed in a frenzied struggle. The traditional event, which has continued for over 1,200 years, centers around the ‘Shin Otoko’ or ‘Sacred Man,’ chosen by lottery, whom participants believe will cleanse them of misfortune if they manage to touch him.

Japan to Release Emergency Rice Reserves Amid Rising Prices

Rice prices in Japan continue to rise, despite the government’s plan to release emergency reserves in an effort to stabilize the market. A bowl of tendon, topped with freshly fried tempura, is incomplete without steaming hot rice, but the cost of this staple has been steadily increasing.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Rice Prices Still Soaring as Japan Struggles With Supply Issues

The so-called 'Reiwa Rice Crisis' that emerged last summer continues to impact Japan. The government initially predicted that rice prices would stabilize once the new harvest entered the market, but as of February 11th, prices remain high. In some supermarkets, the price of a 5kg bag of rice has surged by 700 to 800 yen.

The Importance of Knowledge Management in Today's Business Environment

In an age where information is as valuable as currency, effective management of knowledge assets can be the key to a company's competitive edge.

Failed Nissan-Honda Merger Leaves Unanswered Questions

The stalled merger talks between Honda and Nissan, as well as Nippon Steel’s acquisition bid for US Steel, are in the spotlight. The negotiations for a management integration between Honda and Nissan were scrapped in just about a month after they were revealed, largely due to the size differences between the two automakers.

Japan to Release Emergency Rice Reserves Amid Rising Prices

'Nissan' or 'Nippon Steel'? Trump Mistakenly Mixes Up Names Three Times

Confusion arose during a joint press conference following the U.S.-Japan summit on February 7th when former President Donald Trump mistakenly referred to Nippon Steel as "Nissan" three times while discussing the company's planned acquisition of U.S. Steel. His remarks led to brief speculation about whether struggling automaker Nissan was investing in the American steel giant.