Japan Q3 GDP shrinks as high inflation, weakening yen bite

The Hands Shibuya store, a longtime landmark in one of Tokyo's busiest shopping districts, will close on November 15 after 48 years in business, marking the end of nearly half a century of retail history as the store holds a final clearance sale offering discounts of up to 80% on cosmetics and other products.

A Japanese startup founded at Osaka University is preparing to begin clinical trials of a brain-computer interface in 2027, aiming to enable patients with severe physical disabilities to communicate and operate electronic devices using only their thoughts, with commercialization targeted for around 2030.

Japan's recent stock market recovery has prompted warnings against excessive optimism, with investors urged to remain disciplined and avoid chasing short-term gains before there is clearer evidence that the market has established a sustainable upward trend.

Japan's Nikkei 225 Stock Average closed 322.99 points higher, or 0.53%, at 61,142.35 at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, November 13, recovering from the previous day's decline but surrendering most of its early gains as investors weighed renewed pressure on the yen, rising government bond yields, corporate earnings and uncertainty surrounding the global technology industry.

The resignation of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang on November 12 following allegations involving a woman suspected of links to Chinese intelligence has raised concerns in Japan over the potential impact on semiconductor investment, financial markets and the yen, as uncertainty surrounding the American AI chipmaker threatens to disrupt the global technology industry.

Kobe is undergoing a sweeping transformation, with major redevelopment projects around Sannomiya Station, the planned closure and renovation of the Mosaic shopping complex at Harborland, and the international expansion of Kobe Airport raising hopes that the port city can attract more overseas visitors while improving everyday life for residents.

Paid acquisition has become harder for small retailers. Apple’s App Tracking Transparency, introduced with iOS 14.5 in April 2021, cut the data that social ad platforms used for targeting, and many small shops saw their cost per sale rise in the following months.

Japan's Nikkei 225 Stock Average fell about 429 points, or 0.7%, to close near 60,819 on Thursday, November 12, ending a three-day winning streak as reports concerning Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang triggered heavy selling in semiconductor-related shares, while the broader TOPIX index edged 0.2% higher to around 3,937.