Mitsubishi Corporation has announced the acquisition of US shale gas company Aethon Energy for $7.5 billion, marking the largest Japanese investment in the American shale sector. This strategic move creates an integrated gas value chain from upstream production to LNG exports, positioning Japan for the AI-driven energy demand surge while enhancing national energy security.
Japan's mini supermarket chain 'My Basket' is rapidly expanding with over 1,290 stores and plans for 200+ new locations annually. This retail revolution is driven by Japan's aging population, rising single-person households, and changing urban lifestyles. Discover why compact neighborhood stores are replacing large supermarkets.
Following a ransomware attack in September 2025, Asahi Beer's October-December sales fell nearly 20% year-on-year. This article examines the challenges facing Japanese corporate cybersecurity through the case of Japan's largest beer manufacturer, which suffered significant damage during the crucial year-end sales season.
Japanese tech and trading giants NTT Data, Sumitomo Corporation, and JA Mitsui Leasing establish Intra-Asia Marine Networks to build and operate the I-AM Cable connecting Japan with Southeast Asia. The $1 billion project features 320Tbps capacity and aims to strengthen Japan's position as Asia-Pacific data hub by 2029.
A new mineral called Takanawaite discovered in Mt. Takanawa, Ehime Prefecture contains rare earth elements. However, commercial development faces three major barriers: mining volume, stable supply, and radioactive waste processing. This article explores Japan's path to becoming a "resource power" alongside the Minamitorishima seabed development project.
China threatens rare earth export bans following PM Takaichi's Taiwan comments. After 15 years since the 2010 Senkaku crisis, Japan's preparedness through supply chain diversification is now the model for the US, Europe, and Australia accelerating their "de-risking" from China.
Japan's labor shortage bankruptcies reached a record 427 cases in 2025. A critical shift has emerged: employee turnover is now causing more business failures than recruitment difficulties. With 77% of affected companies having fewer than 10 employees, small businesses unable to match wage increases are being pushed out. This article explores the structural challenges in Japan's labor market and how the "quit-driven" bankruptcy phenomenon is reshaping the business landscape.
While Japan achieved its 42% cashless payment target, some stores are bucking the trend by returning to cash-only operations. Learn why businesses are abandoning digital payments to avoid annual fees of 20 million yen and pass savings to customers. A unique phenomenon in developed nations.
Osaka Expo 2025 closed in October with 29.02 million visitors and a ¥3.6 trillion economic impact. In December the association revised its operating surplus up to ¥32-37 billion, beating Aichi Expo. Here is what made the expo profitable, and what the figures leave out.
CATL has launched the world's first mass-produced sodium-ion battery. Discover the key advantages: near-zero fire risk during transport with 0V discharge capability, 90% performance retention at -40°C, and over 10,000 charge cycles. We explore the current challenges and future potential of this revolutionary technology.
Author Ken Honda cites a ghostwriter charging 50,000 yen, about $350, per letter. Actual Japanese market rates run 1,000 to 5,500 yen, an order of magnitude lower. So what does it say that the price can be argued for at all in the AI era?
