News On Japan

Honda and Nissan Delay Integration Until Mid-Feb

TOKYO, Jan 31 (News On Japan) - Honda and Nissan's negotiations over a potential business integration have hit a roadblock, with concerns that Nissan’s restructuring measures are inadequate.

The two automakers began discussions last month, initially aiming to determine a direction by the end of this month. However, both companies stated that they are still in the midst of various discussions and have decided to postpone their decision until mid-February.

Honda President Toshihiro Mibe (Last Month):

"To be frank, as I mentioned earlier, there is a possibility that this may not come to fruition."

A key condition for the integration is Nissan’s implementation of restructuring measures due to its ongoing financial struggles. However, sources indicate that Honda views Nissan’s restructuring plans, particularly in North America, as insufficient.

A Honda representative said:

"Honestly, it all depends on Nissan. The real question is whether Nissan executives can make concrete restructuring decisions with a sense of urgency."

A Nissan representative countered:

"Our restructuring plan is something we will execute on our own. The real decision lies with Honda."

Some sources warn that if an announcement is not made by the two companies' earnings release on February 13, the deal may collapse. The talks on this "historic business integration" have now reached a critical stage.

Source: TBS

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless they install a designated smoking room. Establishments violating the rule face fines of up to 50,000 yen, while customers may be fined up to 30,000 yen.

The Imperial Household Agency launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st to introduce the activities of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

Japan's new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the country holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees.

The Japanese government has released an updated damage forecast for a potential Nankai Trough megaquake, estimating that up to 298,000 people could die in the worst-case scenario. This projection reflects a slight reduction from the previous estimate of 332,000 deaths made 13 years ago.

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on March 30th that cherry blossoms (Somei-Yoshino) in central Tokyo have reached full bloom, one day earlier than the historical average and five days earlier than last year.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Business NEWS

The Japanese government approved a cabinet ordinance on April 1st to introduce a new pre-screening system for foreign companies investing in Japan. The revised regulation will take effect on May 19th.

The Bank of Japan's March Tankan survey, a key quarterly economic report, showed that business sentiment among large manufacturers has deteriorated for the first time in four quarters.

Tokyo has made it mandatory to install solar panels on newly built houses starting April 1st, as part of its broader effort to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

The new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the Kansai region holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees.

Sukiya, one of Japan's leading beef bowl restaurant chains, announced it will temporarily close nearly all of its stores after an insect was found in a food item served at one of its outlets.

Fuji Television announced a sweeping overhaul of its management structure on March 27th, including the retirement of longtime executive Hisashi Hieda, who served on the board for 41 years.

The Trump administration announced on March 26th that it will impose an additional 25% tariff on imported automobiles and key auto parts. According to the proclamation signed by President Trump, the tariffs are set to take effect on April 3rd and will apply to all imported vehicles, including those from Japan.

Rapidus, a company aiming to domestically produce next-generation semiconductors, plans to begin operating its prototype line for advanced chips in April. The company is accelerating development of 2-nanometer-class semiconductors, expected to be used in artificial intelligence (AI) applications.