News On Japan

Sony to End Production of Optical Discs

TOKYO, Jul 07 (News On Japan) - Sony Group has announced its plan to gradually reduce and eventually end the production of Blu-ray discs and other optical discs.

According to Sony Group, the production halt will affect Blu-ray discs used for home recording and the "XDCAM" optical discs used for broadcasting equipment.

The decision comes as a result of declining demand due to the proliferation of video streaming services and the increasing availability of large-capacity storage media.

The company plans to phase out Blu-ray disc production gradually and will decide the exact timing of the cessation in consultation with retailers.

Additionally, Sony's subsidiary in Miyagi Prefecture, which oversees development and production, is seeking voluntary retirement from approximately 250 employees.

Panasonic Connect also ended its production of Blu-ray discs for home use in February 2023.

Source: ANN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

The Nagoya High Court's Kanazawa branch has granted a retrial in a case from 38 years ago, where a man convicted of murdering a junior high school student in Fukui City has maintained his innocence.

Aomori's Tsutanuma Pond has recently become a hotspot for tourists seeking to witness a rare natural phenomenon: the reflection of fiery red autumn foliage on the pond's surface during sunrise.

This year, Japan has seen an unusually large harvest of mushrooms as autumn sets in. However, with this bountiful season comes a dangerous reality -- poisonous mushrooms are also flourishing, leading to several food poisoning incidents across the country.

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).

Two people fell from a mikoshi during an autumn festival in Okayama Prefecture's Asakuchi City on Sunday, leaving a teen male in a critical condition.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Business NEWS

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.