Society

Toyota to cut production by 20,000 cars in Japan next month

Dec 21 (freemalaysiatoday.com) - Toyota Motor will suspend operations on seven production lines at five factories in Japan next month due to a chip shortage, the automaker said today.

The suspension will reduce Toyota’s output by about 20,000 vehicles amid procurement delays for semiconductors and other parts. The Japanese automaker said it will maintain its global production plan of 9 million vehicles for the fiscal year ending March 2022.

Toyota’s January production plan, announced in mid-December, which called for 800,000 cars to be made globally, will also be carried out.

The production line for sport utility vehicles such as the RAV4 and Harrier at Toyota’s Takaoka plant will be shut down for a total of seven days, including suspension of two days of holiday production.

Two lines at Toyota Auto Body’s Yoshiwara Factory, one line each at the Inabe and Fujimatsu plants, and two lines at Toyota Industries’ Nagakusa plant are also scheduled to suspend two days of holiday production.

Former Japan Ambassador to be Secretary of State?

Speculation about Trump's new administration, set to take office in January, has already begun. Among the potential appointees is Senator Bill Hagerty, a former U.S. ambassador to Japan, who is being considered for Secretary of State.

Monkey Alert at Tokyo Disney Resort

A monkey has been spotted within the premises of Tokyo Disney Resort after it had moved south along the coast from Urayasu City, where it was seen on November 4th.

Whale Shark Found Dead in Local River

A whale shark that mysteriously appeared in a river has been identified as one previously kept at an aquarium in Osaka Prefecture.

Keio Railway Introduces 'Credit Card Touch-and-Go' at All Stations

Keio Railway launched a pilot program on Wednesday for touch payment ride services using credit cards and similar methods across all its stations.

Japanese-Style Town Emerges in Thailand

A new trend has emerged in Thailand, known for its friendly ties with Japan, where Japanese-style townscapes are being faithfully recreated.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Over 400 Women Allegedly Victimized by Tokyo Spa Owner

A relaxation spa owner in Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward has been arrested on suspicion of committing indecent acts against female clients, with authorities estimating over 400 potential victims.

Investigation into the Roots of Suzuki

In Japan, the 'Suzuki' surname ranks as the country's second most common, following 'Sato.' The origins of this widespread name can be traced back to Kumano faith and its spread across the nation, with roots at the Fujishiro Shrine in Wakayama Prefecture's Kainan City.

Traditional Sake Brewing Nears UNESCO Heritage Status

Japan’s traditional sake brewing has taken a step closer to being recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. UNESCO's Evaluation Body, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has recommended that Japan’s “traditional sake brewing” practices, including sake, shochu, and awamori production, be registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, according to Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs.