Business trends
Nissan breaks annual sales record in China
Automaker still holds mainland crown among Japanese peers
Japan-Update
Japan-Update
Lotte Japan merging 3 units ahead of proposed IPO
Core sweets and ice cream producer will absorb sales companies
Japan-Update
Sharp to churn out OLED screens for its smartphones
Manufacturer would be first to do so in Japan, but trail Samsung by wide margin
International relations
South Korea to honor 2015 'comfort women' accord with Japan
But Seoul will urge Tokyo to do more on the long-running issue
Japan-Update
Japan's Seino joins parcel delivery peers seeking higher rates
Price hikes to hit smaller businesses relying on trucking service
Politics
Japan plans tighter scrutiny of fintech strategies
Tokyo looks to address potential problems while supporting innovation
Business trends
Japan succession crisis could rip links out of auto supply chain
Nearly 1.3m businesses are in danger of folding -- including parts makers
Japan-Update
Honda group's Yachiyo boosting production in China
Parts supplier responds to brisk demand from parent
Business trends
Japanese toiletries makers zero in on Asian exports
Inbound tourism helps Kao, Lion and Sunstar as visitors become new fans
Equities
Gap remains wide between NTT's global ambition and market perception
Three decades from listing, share price still lacks steam
Japan-Update
Nissin moving fast to win China's instant noodle battle
Japanese major food producer lists local unit in swift push for expansion
Equities
Earnings hopes power Hitachi Construction Machinery's bull run
China demand, cost controls could help company beat forecasts
Business trends
Japanese celebs put the 'star' in IT startups
Ample venture funding prompts big names to break the showbiz mold
Japan-Update
Time to think outside the camera box, Canon chief argues
Fujio Mitarai wants new businesses to generate nearly one-third of sales
Politics
Nearly half of Japan's defense priorities underfunded
Fighter jet modernization and transport planes among the programs behind schedule
Business trends
Minivehicles steer Japan's new-car sales 5.3% higher in 2017
More than 5 million cars sold for first time in 2 years
Japan-Update
Bank stocks, margin trading lift Nikkei in new year
Trading environment for retail investors resembles Abenomics' early days
Japan-Update
Toyota's newest self-driving tech sports keener vision
Enhanced system detects low, small objects in all directions
Business deals
Westinghouse finds buyer, opening road to recovery
Canadian fund's $4.6bn deal likely aids Toshiba as well
International relations
Shinzo Abe seeks improved Sino-Japanese ties in 2018
Prime minister also looks ahead to TPP 11 signing in a New Year's speech
