Japan's Manufacturing Orders See 11.3% Decrease in April, Private Sector Demand Drops

An employee of the Tokyo Stock Exchange is under investigation for allegedly sharing non-public company information with family members, raising suspicions of insider trading. The Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission has initiated a compulsory investigation into this matter.

The average price of new condominiums sold in Tokyo's 23 wards surpassed 100 million yen for the second consecutive year in the first half of this fiscal year, reaching an all-time high.

The Tokyo National Tax Agency has listed a Ferrari, seized from a tax delinquent, in a public auction, setting the minimum bid at a record high of over 70 million yen ($467,000).

Nearly 60% of listed companies reported that this year’s record-breaking heatwave had a positive impact on their business.

With the weakening yen and growing demand for semiconductors, Japan's manufacturing industry is experiencing a resurgence. New industrial clusters, such as those in Kyushu's 'Silicon Island,' are emerging. However, a shortage of suitable 'industrial land' - land with convenient transportation links and easy access to materials - is becoming increasingly evident.

A theme park in Tochigi Prefecture, Nasu Highland Park, has introduced a high-paying part-time job program called 'Platinum Part-Time Jobs,' offering an hourly wage of 2500 yen, nearly double the regular rate.

Nearly 90% of companies have no plans to implement a system allowing employees to receive part of their salary in digital currency.

Ajinomoto, the century-old food giant, continues to dominate the market, with annual sales exceeding one trillion yen. Known for its wide range of products, including frozen foods, seasonings, cosmetics, and medical-use amino acids, the company has recently made headlines for its flagship frozen gyoza, which has been a top seller in Japan for two decades.