The EU-Japan Centre is pleased to start a new weekly service by publishing brief press reviews from most important Japanese newspapers such as: Japan Times, Mainichi shinbun, Asahi Shinbun, Nikkei, or NHK.

A couple of minutes reading to be informed about what is happening in Japan's policy, economy, EU-Japan relations, and innovation.

Business News:

The Japan Times: Japan's wholesale prices soar 9.7% in September on higher import costs (13/10)

Bank of Japan data shows that in September wholesale prices rose 9.7% from a year earlier. High import prices for energy and raw materials resulting from the current weak yen are the cause of the prize surge in the Japanese wholesale market.

The Japan Times: Japan's machinery orders post biggest fall in six months in blow to corporate spending (12/10)

Japan’s machinery orders dropped sharply in August. It’s the biggest fall in six months, due to a decline of 21,4% in nonmanufacturers’ orders.

The Japan Times: Japan logs August's smallest-ever current account surplus (11/10)

According to Finance Ministry data, Japan’s current account surplus shrank to its smallest amount on record, with growing prices of energy imports surpassing price rises in exports. In August, the current account surplus plunged 96.1% from a year earlier to 58.9 billion yen.

The Japan Times: Japan’s households spend less as higher inflation bites (7/10)

Japanese households spend less because of the rising costs of living.

The Japan Times: Yen weakness likely to mute impact of Japan's reopening for airlines (11/10)

Despite the lifting of the strict border control measures, expected to lead to a surge in inbound tourism, analysts say Japan’s airline sector may not be set for a quick recovery to pre-pandemic levels. That’s because due to the weaker yen and high airfares, demand in outbound trips will be suppressed.

NHK: Japan's tourism industry counts on new domestic travel discount campaign (11/10)

Japan's tourism industry is counting on the new domestic travel discount campaign, which started on October 11^th, to boost businesses. Some hotels have already noticed a difference.

NHK: Japanese tourist industry faces serious labor shortage (9/10)

The Japanese tourist industry is facing a serious labor shortage. Japan will ease border control on Tuesday, October 11^th, but people in the tourist industry have difficulty hiring staff because of the serious downturn during the pandemic.

NHK: Japan's first business court opens in Tokyo (12/10)

A court specialized in business-related cases, the first of its kind in Japan, opened in Tokyo. Its goal is to handle increasingly complex conflicts between companies.