Business trends
Wage hikes gain momentum in Japan, from factories to pubs
Toyota doubles sign-on bonus as reopening economy worsens labor crunch
Japan
Semiconductors
Taiwan chip production on track for record in 2021, even bigger 2022
Taipei and TSMC urge Japanese investment in island's semiconductor supply chain
Automobiles
Nissan to make 50% of global car sales electric and hybrid by 2030
Automaker to invest 30% more for EVs and plant refurbishment over next decade
South Korea election
South Korea presidential hopeful shows bitter emotion toward Japan
Lee Jae-myung asks Tokyo to learn from Germany in how to treat neighbors
International relations
Vietnam PM vows to improve human rights to attract investors
Premier also asks Japanese companies for help to fight climate change
International relations
Sri Lanka awards port project to China after dropping Japan, India
Beijing steps up Belt and Road spending with support of friendly president
Cryptocurrencies
US startup Circle to build bigger stablecoin presence in Asia: CEO
Payments group to 'demonstrate' value of crypto reserve currency in Singapore
Life
Edo-period forestry company faces a 21st-century problem
How a centuries-old Japanese industry is adapting to climate change
Toshiba in turmoil
Key Toshiba shareholder objects to 3-way breakup
3D Investment says review committee 'relented' to dubious management concerns
Energy
Green hydrogen: Asahi Kasei eyes 2025 debut for huge production tech
Exclusive: Japanese group to sell one of the world's largest renewables-powered fuel generators
Business deals
Shinsei drops poison pill defense against SBI, accepts new leaders
Japanese bank attempted to thwart takeover by venture capital firm
International relations
Japan and Vietnam share concerns over China at summit
Both sides agree Tokyo will offer more ships, other defense gear to Hanoi
Climate Change
Asia needs to play bigger role in green transition: experts
Nikkei-FT webinar lays out region's strategy after controversial COP26 result
Announcements
Nikkei to change interest rate benchmark for Nikkei Volatility Index
Yen LIBOR to be replaced by Tokyo Term Risk Free Rate on Dec. 13
Finance
Japan to launch bank-deposit-backed digital currency in 2022
Top lenders, railway and NTT join trial run for blockchain-based e-money
Semiconductors
Japanese chip inspectors combat flood of fakes amid shortage
Semiconductor screening turned into new business line as counterfeits grow
Politics
Japan PM confirms oil reserve sales in reply to U.S. request
Auctions for less than 1% of nation's stockpile may be held by year-end
Tea Leaves
Japan's street vendors preserve a fading culture
In towns and cities throughout the country, itinerant merchants help energize urban life
Indo-Pacific
U.S. scores small wins during trade czar's Indo-Pacific tour
Tai makes bid for new order in visits to Japan, South Korea and India
Commodities
EV batteries: Cheaper way to recycle material developed in Japan
Sumitomo Metal's method promises more reliable supply of cobalt, lithium and copper