TOKYO -- China is increasing its competitive edge in advanced technologies to combat global warming, a Nikkei survey shows, taking the global lead in patents related to the capture and sequestration of industrial carbon dioxide emissions.

China's lead in the area is three times as large as that of second-place U.S. China is also the global market leader in batteries for electric vehicles and solar panels, giving it growing dominance in the decarbonization supply chain.

TOKYO -- A weak yen has helped make Tokyo hotels more affordable for growing numbers of international visitors, and is giving operators an opening to raise their prices.

Tokyo room rates in the fiscal year ended in March averaged $177.30, around 30%-40% cheaper than New York or London, hospitality industry analytics company STR reports.

TOKYO -- Japanese agricultural lender Norinchukin Bank is considering raising 1.2 trillion yen ($7.7 billion) in capital, aiming to cover unrealized losses stemming from the declining value of overseas bond holdings.

Discussions have begun with Japan Agriculture Cooperatives, one of its main investor, and others, it became known on Saturday. It expects an over 500 billion yen net loss for fiscal year ending March 2025. A large recapitalization is necessary to maintain financial health.

TOKYO -- As Japanese regional businesses wage fierce battles for workers amid a deepening nationwide labor shortage, pay at companies employing 10 to 99 people rose much faster in rural prefectures like Miyazaki than in urban centers during the five years through 2023.

"People here used to accept low wages, but not anymore," said Shigeru Matsuyama, managing director at the Miyazaki Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "Local companies can no longer stay in business unless they raise pay."

TOKYO -- The depreciating yen is reviving Japan's appeal as a manufacturing hub for goods such as cosmetics, while the lower costs for exporters have bolstered the competitiveness of Japanese rice abroad.

South Korea's Cosmax, a contract manufacturer for cosmetics companies, plans to start building its first plant in Japan as soon as 2025. The facility will supply clients in Japan, while export destinations such as South Korea, China and Western markets also are being considered.

Vietnam commemorated the 70th anniversary of its victory over French forces in Dien Bien Phu, a town in the northwest of the country, on May 7, reflecting on its historic fight for independence and freedom. The scars of the decisive battle, which brought an end to French colonial rule, can still be seen.

The ceremony, honoring the sacrifice and unity of the Vietnamese people, also highlighted the ongoing issues of corruption and power struggles within the Vietnamese Communist Party.

TOKYO -- With less than six months before U.S. presidential election in November, opinion polls show former President Donald Trump pulling ahead of incumbent Joe Biden in many states that could swing the electoral college race.

Mindful of public sentiment, U.S. allies are fast preparing for Trump's potential return. The former president has already received visits from British Foreign Secretary David Cameron on April 8 and Polish President Andrzej Duda on April 17.

KHARKIV, Ukraine -- When Russian troops launched cross-border attacks in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region last week, Alyona Kostenko talked with her husband about what they should do. They believe Ukrainian forces are currently in control of the situation, and that Russia's troop strength is insufficient to advance to the regional capital where they live.

But Alyona, a mother of 4- and 11-year-old girls, and her husband agreed that if Lyptsi, which lies 20 kilometers north of the city

SHANGHAI -- Onedot, a Tokyo-based startup that runs a pet goods delivery service in China, has raised 2 billion yen ($12.8 million) from a group of investors that includes a fund backed by the founder of online fashion retailer Zozo.

Onedot's Petnote app delivers pet food and other goods to customers within 30 minutes to an hour. The Maezawa Fund, backed by Zozo's billionaire founder Yusaku Maezawa, is investing in the company. Personal care goods maker Unicharm is another

TAIPEI -- When Taiwan hosted a major international media awards ceremony for the first time earlier this month, President Tsai Ing-wen was the star of the show.

"Despite the new and growing challenges in the region, Taiwan will continue to stand up for democracy, freedom and human rights," she declared at the Human Rights Press Awards , less than two weeks before Monday's transfer of power to her vice president and successor, President-elect Lai Ching-te.