SAPPORO -- When containers loaded with Nitori furniture arrive in Japan from Chinese factories, they often travel back empty.
Japan's stewardship framework for investors needs urgent reform
Nicholas Benes is chief executive of the Board Director Training Institute of Japan.
China slams 'Summit for Democracy' in talks with other excluded nations
BEIJING -- China is working to strengthen relations with countries not invited to the Summit for Democracy that the U.S. will host next month, apparently concerned that the virtual meeting will lead to Taiwan's recognition by the international community.
Sri Lankan stocks soar even as economic alarm bells ring
COLOMBO -- Two weeks ago, Sri Lanka's share index hit 11,000 for the first time, capping a busy trading day at the Colombo Stock Exchange. But outside on the capital's streets, thousands marched in protest against the country's spiraling cost of living amid shortages of gas, sugar, milk powder and other essentials.
China-Africa forum, U.S.-South Korea defense talks, Cloud Village IPO
Welcome to Your Week in Asia.
This week begins with Chinese President Xi Jinping's online speech to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, as tensions grow over Beijing's investments on the continent. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrives in Asia to meet South Korean counterpart Suh Wook.
On the corporate side, Want Want and Up Fintech Holdings will announce earning results on Tuesday. Cloud Village, the main streaming rival to China's Tencent Music Entertainment Group, is due to launch
India, Israel aim to boost ties through defense tech and trade
NEW DELHI/CAIRO -- India and Israel are pushing to strengthen ties by deepening cooperation in the fields of defense and information technology, as well as resuming long-stalled negotiations over a free trade agreement.
Deja vu? Why it feels like the '70s again
TOKYO -- Kenneth Rogoff, a professor of economics at Harvard University and a former chief economist at the International Monetary Fund, listed many similarities between the 1970s and today in a syndicated opinion piece titled "Back to the Seventies?" in late August.
Kishida tells troops: Capacity to strike enemy bases is option
CAMP ASAKA, Japan -- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday vowed to strengthen his nation's defense capabilities, citing threats stemming from North Korea and China.
Japan launches reusable rocket project, chasing Musk's SpaceX
TOKYO -- Japan's national space agency will work with nearly 30 Japanese companies and institutions to develop reusable rockets with the goal of reducing launch costs to less than a fourth of current levels, Nikkei has learned.
Suzuki plans Japanese launch of electric minicar in $10,000 range
TOKYO -- Suzuki Motor is eyeing a domestic rollout of an electric minicar by 2025 in a price range starting at 1 million yen ($8,700) after government subsidies, around half what rivals are shooting for.