PALO ALTO, California -- Netflix reported 16% year-on-year revenue growth in the first quarter, with the Asia-Pacific region marking the biggest jump, the U.S. streaming service said Thursday.

TOKYO -- Japan will launch a pilot program for detecting cyberattacks at small and midsize businesses along with a framework for security certification, aiming to minimize business disruptions stemming from inadequate protections.

TOKYO -- Prices of LCD panels are climbing ahead of the FIFA World Cup that kicks off in June, with TV manufacturers rushing to buy the equipment in anticipation of a surge in demand for televisions.

TOKYO -- Shin-Etsu Chemical's polyvinyl chloride business is holding up to supply shocks better than some rivals are, thanks to the Japanese company's robust U.S.-based supply chain, even as other manufacturers raise prices or cut output because of the Iran war.

NAGOYA -- Central Japan Railway, the operator of Tokyo-Osaka shinkansen bullet trains, said Thursday it has named its new inspection trains Dr. S, which will transport passengers while checking rails and signals.

TOKYO -- The economic turmoil caused by the war in the Middle East is pushing Japan to consider ramping up defense of Pacific Ocean sea lanes, to prevent future disruptions to vital fuel and food imports from countries such as Australia.

NAGANO, Japan -- A Japanese manufacturer of industrial machines will establish a joint venture with a dealer in India this month to make and sell vacuum pumps in the country.

TOKYO -- The Japanese government said Thursday it will release 50 million medical gloves into the market from the state stockpile in response to concerns about shortages of a key medical supply resulting from the Iran war.

ZHENGZHOU, China -- China's real estate sector is still reeling from an abundance of unfinished apartment buildings that cannot be handed over to buyers, with a government drive to complete projects resulting in half-finished properties and missing amenities.