Record-Breaking Heatwave Drives Sales

TOKYO, Oct 21 (News On Japan) - Nearly 60% of listed companies reported that this year’s record-breaking heatwave had a positive impact on their business.

According to Teikoku Databank, 102 listed companies in Japan disclosed detailed information on the impact of the extreme heat this year.

Of these, 63 companies, or about 60%, noted that the heatwave led to an increase in sales or the development of new products, positively affecting their performance and business activities.

By industry, retail made up the largest share, with about 40% (25 companies) benefiting from the heat.

Sales were particularly strong for apparel, including T-shirts and summer clothing, as well as miscellaneous goods stores selling heat-relief items like portable handheld fans.

On the other hand, 39 companies experienced negative effects, with retail once again making up the largest share at around half (18 companies).

Outdoor leisure facilities and restaurants reported sluggish customer numbers due to the intense heat.

Source: ANN

Pro Golf Tournament Canceled After Bear Sighting

A professional women’s golf tournament scheduled to begin on July 17th in Miyagi Prefecture was canceled after a bear was spotted on the course, as bear-related incidents continue to mount in northern Japan.

Host Club Owner First in Japan Arrested Over Debt Collection

A host club operator in Nagoya has been arrested for allegedly threatening a female customer at her home in an attempt to collect about 1 million yen in unpaid club bills. This marks the first such arrest in Japan following the enforcement of revised regulations on the adult entertainment industry.

Nissan to Shut Down Oppama Plant in 2027

Nissan Motor announced on the evening of July 15th that it will end vehicle production at its key Oppama Plant in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, by the end of fiscal 2027. Company President Ivan Espinosa held a press conference at 5 p.m. to explain the decision.

Late-Night Crowd of Train Photographers Causes Chaos

About 300 railway enthusiasts gathered near JR Ōmiya Station in Saitama City around 3 a.m. on July 13th, creating chaos that escalated to the point of police intervention.

Clothes Removed by Deepfake AI in 30 Seconds

Sexual deepfakes, created using generative AI, are rapidly emerging as a new form of digital abuse, with cases increasing across Japan. Without their knowledge, individuals—especially minors—are finding their photos misused to produce sexually explicit images or videos, often in under a minute.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Long-Term Interest Rate Hits 1.595 Percent, Highest Since Lehman Shock

A key gauge of long-term interest rates temporarily rose to 1.595 percent, marking the highest level in nearly 17 years since the aftermath of the Lehman Brothers collapse.

Japan’s Largest Farming Corporation Unveils Strategy to Compete in Asia

A major farming corporation based in eastern Japan, Butai Farm, known for using robotics to grow lettuce and supplying pre-cut vegetables to 7-Eleven stores, has announced a new strategy to promote agriculture that can compete in Asian markets.

Business Leaders in Japan Call for Pay Raises to Tackle Inflation

A recent survey by the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai) has revealed that business leaders view wage hikes as the most effective policy response to rising prices, ahead of the July House of Councillors election. The findings reflect growing concern among corporate executives about the impact of inflation outpacing wage growth, and highlight a preference for structural solutions over short-term subsidies.

Mid Year Review: Best Flexi Funds of 2025 So Far

We are already halfway through 2025. Are you still figuring out how to invest smartly and balance the risk-reward equation in your portfolio?

Suzuki Unveils First EV Developed in Japan and Built in India

Suzuki has announced plans to release its first-ever electric vehicle, the e-Vitara, in Japan within the current fiscal year. The model will also be introduced in Europe and India.

Hermes Birkin Breaks Record as Japanese Collector Pays 1.47 Billion Yen

A first-generation Hermes Birkin bag has been sold at a Paris auction for approximately 1.47 billion yen, marking the highest price ever paid for a handbag. The winning bidder was a Japanese collector, and the sale was held by Sotheby’s.

Rakuten Sues Government over Ban on Furusato Tax Points

Rakuten Group has filed a lawsuit against the Japanese government, claiming that the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' decision to effectively ban reward points from the furusato nozei (hometown tax donation program) starting in October is unlawful.

Nissan Delays Production of Two EV Models in the U.S.

Nissan Motor, which has been grappling with sluggish business performance, is set to delay the production of two electric vehicle models it had planned to launch in the United States. The affected models are sport utility vehicles originally scheduled to be produced at the company’s Mississippi plant starting in 2028. The company did not disclose a new timeline for the start of production.

< 2 3 4 5 >