News On Japan

Three Japanese Megabanks Raise Deposit Interest Rates Fivefold

TOKYO, Aug 01 (News On Japan) - Japan's three major banks announced on Wednesday that they will increase the interest rate on ordinary deposits from the current 0.02% to 0.1%, a fivefold increase. Resona Bank is also planning to announce a similar increase soon.

MUFG Bank revealed that it will raise the "short-term prime rate," which serves as the benchmark for variable-rate home loans, starting in September.

This hike marks the first increase in 17 and a half years.

Other major banks are also considering similar hikes, which are likely to impact the interest burdens on both households and businesses.

There are also voices of anticipation from companies hoping that the Bank of Japan's rate hikes will correct the yen's depreciation.

Tottori Mitsuko, President of Japan Airlines, said, "The increase in fuel costs and the impact on outbound travel demand due to the weak yen are significant. It would be very welcome if the rate hikes lead to a stronger yen."

Source: ANN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

The issue of diplomatic vehicles avoiding parking fines in Japan due to diplomatic immunity continues, with Russia reaching a record-high number of violations, accounting for 63% of the total.

The BBC has announced its 2024 edition of '100 Women,' celebrating individuals who have made a significant impact on society, selecting Japanese talent Naomi Watanabe (37) as one of the honorees.

Authorities in Osaka's Nishinari Ward carried out a contentious forced eviction at the Airin General Center, a facility once central to the city’s day-laborer community, sparking protests from residents and supporters who condemned the move as a violation of human rights and dignity, while officials cited safety concerns and legal rulings as justification for the operation.

The JR Group announced on December 2nd that it will end the sale of "round-trip tickets" by around March 2026. Additionally, "consecutive trip tickets" will also be discontinued during the same period.

A vehicle carrying Prime Minister Ishiba collided with a leading escort car. No injuries were reported.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Business NEWS

Starting in December, SBI Shinsei Bank has raised the interest rate for ordinary savings accounts to 0.3%—about three times the standard rate—for all depositors aged 28 and under.

Japanese stocks have entered the so-called "year-end rally" phase, a period known for upward trends in stock prices. Last week, the Nikkei Stock Average showed resilient performance despite the yen appreciating gradually against the dollar, temporarily dipping below 38,000 yen but ending with stable movements.

Japan’s airline industry is experiencing a significant boost from record inbound tourism, but rising costs and geopolitical challenges are tempering the financial gains.

Kirin Brewery has announced that it will increase prices on over 200 products, including beer and chuhai, starting in April next year. All three major beer companies will implement price hikes at the same time.

The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has launched an on-site investigation into Amazon Japan, alleging that the company forced sellers to lower prices. The investigation will also examine potential involvement by Amazon's U.S. headquarters.

PwC, a leading audit firm, and Takara Printing have announced a collaboration to provide English disclosure support services, including the translation of securities reports. This initiative comes as the Tokyo Stock Exchange plans to mandate companies listed on the Prime Market to disclose financial information in English starting April 2025, aiming to attract overseas investors.

In today’s competitive business environment, time is the one resource you can’t afford to waste.

Mercari, a leading online marketplace, has announced new measures and compensation policies in response to increasing issues among users, such as the fraudulent replacement of returned items.