Economic news(2025/03/31)
Fuji TV press conference following the third-party committee's investigation report
2025-03-31 22:44:00
After receiving the investigation report from the third-party committee, Fuji TV President Kenji Shimizu held a press conference on the evening of the 31st and offered his sincere apologies, saying, "We sincerely apologize to the victim for the great pain we have caused her." He also indicated that he would take disciplinary action against those involved after verifying the facts of the harassment pointed out in the report. Following the report from the third-party committee, Fuji TV held a press conference at 7:25 pm and announced improvement measures based on the report.
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Fuji TV third-party committee: "Sexual violence an extension of work"
2025-03-31 22:26:00
Regarding the series of issues surrounding the trouble between Nakai Masahiro and a female announcer at Fuji TV, a third-party committee established by Fuji TV and its parent company released its investigation report on the 31st, stating that the incident was "determined to be sexual violence that occurred as an 'extension of work.'" The third-party committee held a press conference to explain the contents of the report. The company also held a press conference at 7pm to announce improvement measures based on the report.
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Fuji TV third-party committee: "Sexual violence an extension of work"
2025-03-31 22:08:00
Regarding the series of issues surrounding the trouble between Nakai Masahiro and a female announcer at Fuji TV, a third-party committee established by Fuji TV and its parent company released its investigation report on the 31st, stating that the incident was "determined to be sexual violence that occurred as an 'extension of work.'" The third-party committee held a press conference to explain the contents of the report. The company also held a press conference at 7pm to announce improvement measures based on the report.
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Outlook for electricity supply and demand this summer: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to ensure stable supply nationwide
2025-03-31 21:34:00
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has announced its outlook for this summer, which is that it will be able to secure the necessary level of stable electricity supply in all regions across the country.
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Fuji TV third-party committee recognizes harassment cases by executives including Sorimachi
2025-03-31 21:29:00
The third-party committee's report also acknowledged cases of harassment by executives, including BS Fuji news program anchor Osamu Sorimachi, who retired as a director of Fuji Television on March 27.
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Fuji TV press conference following the third-party committee's investigation report
2025-03-31 21:22:00
After receiving the investigation report from the third-party committee, Fuji TV President Kenji Shimizu held a press conference on the evening of the 31st and offered his sincere apologies, saying, "We sincerely apologize to the victim for causing her so much pain." He also indicated that he intends to take disciplinary action against those involved after verifying the facts of the harassment pointed out in the report. Following the report from the third-party committee, Fuji TV held a press conference at 7:25 pm and announced improvement measures based on the report. *In order to protect privacy, Fuji TV has requested that the Q&A session at the press conference be delayed by 10 minutes, and NHK will be broadcasting it 10 minutes late. If any statements are made that may violate privacy, the sound will be muted.
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Japan Atomic Power Company postpones additional investigation into application to restart Tsuruga Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2
2025-03-31 21:09:00
Japan Atomic Power Company has announced that it will postpone the formulation of plans for additional investigations that were scheduled for this fiscal year in preparation for an application to restart Unit 2 of the Tsuruga Nuclear Power Plant in Fukui Prefecture.
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Public-private fund INCJ ceases operations, supporting Japan Display and others
2025-03-31 21:05:00
On the 31st, INCJ, a public-private fund that has provided management support to semiconductor and liquid crystal manufacturers, effectively ended its activities after more than 15 years. The latest balance sheet is expected to be in the black, but some of the companies it supported continue to struggle, so the nature of industrial support by public-private funds is likely to be called into question in the future.
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[Now streaming] Fuji TV press conference following the third-party committee's investigation report
2025-03-31 21:04:00
After receiving the investigation report from the third-party committee, Fuji TV President Kenji Shimizu held a press conference on the evening of the 31st and offered his sincere apologies, saying, "We sincerely apologize to the victim for the great pain we have caused her." He also indicated that he would take disciplinary action against those involved after verifying the facts of the harassment pointed out in the report. Following the report from the third-party committee, Fuji TV held a press conference at 7:25 pm and announced improvement measures based on the report.
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HIS cuts president's salary and disciplines four executives for fraudulent receipt of employment adjustment subsidies
2025-03-31 20:50:00
H.I.S., a travel agency that has been hit by a series of allegations of fraudulent receipt of employment adjustment subsidies within its group, has announced that it will take disciplinary action against four executives, including reducing the compensation of President Motofumi Yata, in order to clarify management responsibility.
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[Breaking News] Fuji TV Third Party Committee Says "Sexual Violence as an Extension of Work"
2025-03-31 20:28:00
Regarding the series of issues surrounding the trouble between Nakai Masahiro and a female announcer at Fuji TV, a third-party committee established by Fuji TV and its parent company released its investigation report on the 31st, stating that the incident was "determined to be sexual violence that occurred as an 'extension of work.'" The third-party committee held a press conference to explain the contents of the report. The company also held a press conference at 7pm to announce improvement measures based on the report.
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[Now streaming] Fuji TV press conference following the third-party committee's investigation report
2025-03-31 20:10:00
Fuji TV President Kenji Shimizu, who received the investigation report from the third-party committee, held a press conference tonight and offered his sincere apologies, saying, "We sincerely apologize to the victim for the great pain we have caused her." He also indicated that he intends to take disciplinary action against those involved after verifying the facts of the harassment pointed out in the report. Following the report from the third-party committee, Fuji TV held a press conference at 7:25 pm and announced improvement measures based on the report.
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[Breaking News] Fuji TV Third Party Committee Says "Sexual Violence as an Extension of Work"
2025-03-31 20:05:00
Regarding the series of issues surrounding the trouble between Nakai Masahiro and a female announcer at Fuji TV, a third-party committee established by Fuji TV and its parent company released its investigation report on the 31st, stating that the incident was "determined to be sexual violence that occurred as an 'extension of work.'" The third-party committee will hold a press conference at 5pm to explain the contents of the report. The company will also hold a press conference at 7pm to announce improvement measures based on the report.
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Stock prices fall by more than 1,500 yen as fears grow over the US economic slowdown
2025-03-31 19:14:00
On the 31st, the start of the week, the Tokyo Stock Exchange saw an across-the-board decline as concerns grew over a slowdown in the US and global economies due to the Trump administration's tariff policies, with the Nikkei Stock Average dropping by more than 1,500 yen. This was the biggest drop in stock prices this year.
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Fuji TV to hold press conference following investigation report from third-party committee
2025-03-31 19:09:00
Regarding the series of issues surrounding the trouble between Nakai Masahiro and a female announcer at Fuji TV, a third-party committee established by Fuji TV and its parent company released its investigation report on the 31st, stating that the incident was "determined to be sexual violence that occurred as an 'extension of work.'" Following the report from the third-party committee, Fuji TV will hold a press conference at 7:25 pm to announce improvement measures based on the report. *NHK will broadcast both the third-party committee's press conference and Fuji TV's press conference.
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"Spring price hikes" - over 4,000 food items, mortgage interest rates also rise
2025-03-31 18:50:00
A private research company has found that the number of food items that will be subject to price increases in April will exceed 4,000 for the first time in a year and a half. This year, prices have been increasing at a faster pace than last year due to rising labor and logistics costs, and a surge in price hikes is expected at least through the summer.
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[Press conference] Fuji TV third-party committee: "Sexual violence as an extension of work"
2025-03-31 18:29:00
Regarding the series of issues surrounding the trouble between Nakai Masahiro and a female announcer at Fuji TV, a third-party committee established by Fuji TV and its parent company released its investigation report on the 31st, stating that the incident was "determined to be sexual violence that occurred as an extension of work." The third-party committee will hold a press conference at 5:00 p.m. to explain the contents of the report. The company will also hold a press conference at 7:00 p.m. to announce improvement measures based on the report. *NHK will broadcast the press conference of the third-party committee and the press conference of Fuji TV separately. Fuji TV has requested that the Q&A session at the press conference be delayed by 10 minutes to protect privacy, and NHK will broadcast it 10 minutes late. If there are any remarks that may violate privacy, the sound will be muted.
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Cashless payments reach 42.8% ahead of national target, METI says
2025-03-31 18:19:00
According to a report by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the total amount of cashless payments in Japan last year reached 141 trillion yen, accounting for 42.8% of total consumption. The main reason for this is the increase in small and medium-sized restaurants introducing QR code payments, which have relatively low fees.
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Average price of rice at supermarkets remains at 4,197 yen for 5 kg, more than double last year's price
2025-03-31 18:16:00
The average price of rice at supermarkets nationwide was 4,197 yen (including tax) per 5 kg for the week ending March 23. Prices remain high, more than double the price at the same time last year.
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The yen temporarily rose to the 148 yen range as yen buying increased due to the decline in US long-term interest rates
2025-03-31 18:09:00
On the 31st in the Tokyo foreign exchange market, concerns about an economic slowdown led to a decline in US long-term interest rates, which led to selling of dollars and buying of yen, and the yen temporarily rose to the 148 yen range per dollar.
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Regulation of app stores and other IT giants to target Apple, Google, etc.
2025-03-31 17:57:00
Apple, Google, and other companies will be subject to a new law that regulates large IT companies in areas such as smartphone app stores. Designated companies will be prohibited from interfering with the provision of app stores by other companies.
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[Press conference] Fuji TV third-party committee: "Sexual violence as an extension of work"
2025-03-31 17:45:00
Regarding the series of issues surrounding the trouble between Nakai Masahiro and a female announcer at Fuji TV, a third-party committee established by Fuji TV and its parent company released its investigation report on the 31st, stating that the incident was "determined to be sexual violence that occurred as an extension of work." The third-party committee will hold a press conference at 5:00 p.m. to explain the contents of the report. The company will also hold a press conference at 7:00 p.m. to announce improvement measures based on the report. *NHK will broadcast the press conference of the third-party committee and the press conference of Fuji TV separately. Fuji TV has requested that the Q&A session at the press conference be delayed by 10 minutes to protect privacy, and NHK will broadcast it 10 minutes late. If there are any remarks that may violate privacy, the sound will be muted.
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Stock prices fall by more than 1,500 yen as fears grow over the US economic slowdown
2025-03-31 17:18:00
On the 31st, the start of the week, the Tokyo Stock Exchange saw an across-the-board decline as concerns grew over a slowdown in the US and global economies due to the Trump administration's tariff policies, with the Nikkei Stock Average dropping by more than 1,500 yen. This was the biggest drop in stock prices this year.
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[Press conference] Fuji TV third-party committee: "Sexual violence as an extension of work"
2025-03-31 17:14:00
Regarding the series of issues surrounding the trouble between Nakai Masahiro and a female announcer at Fuji TV, a third-party committee established by Fuji TV and its parent company released its investigative report on the 31st, stating that the incident was "determined to be sexual violence that occurred as an extension of work." The third-party committee will hold a press conference at 5pm to explain the contents of the report, and the company will also hold a press conference at 7pm to announce improvement measures based on the report. *NHK will broadcast both the third-party committee's press conference and Fuji TV's press conference.
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[Breaking News] Fuji TV Third Party Committee Says "Sexual Violence as an Extension of Work"
2025-03-31 16:13:00
The third-party committee established by Fuji Television and its parent company to investigate the series of issues surrounding Nakai Masahiro's troubles with women has just released its investigation report. In the report, it was determined that the recent incidents were "recognized as sexual violence that occurred in the course of business." The third-party committee will hold a press conference at 5pm to explain the contents of the report, and the company will also hold a press conference at 7pm to announce improvement measures based on the report. *NHK will be live streaming both the third-party committee's press conference and Fuji Television's press conference.
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Rice: Will stockpiles be increased at each stage, including production, wholesale and retail? Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
2025-03-31 15:56:00
As rice prices continue to soar, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced that it had investigated whether rice was being hoarded at each stage, including production, wholesale and retail, and found that stocks appear to be building up at each stage. It said this was likely the result of businesses worrying about the future.
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Total number of domestic overnight guests reaches 48.33 million, a new record for February
2025-03-31 15:25:00
According to the Japan Tourism Agency, a preliminary estimate shows that a total of 48.33 million people stayed in hotels, inns, and other accommodations across Japan in February, 1% higher than the same month last year and the highest number ever recorded for the month of February.
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Fuji TV third-party committee to report findings
2025-03-31 15:07:00
A third-party committee set up by Fuji TV and its parent company to examine how the series of problems surrounding Nakai Masahiro's troubles with women were handled will report the results of their investigation to the board of directors of both companies on the 31st. The third-party committee will hold a press conference at 5pm to explain the contents of the report, and the company will also hold a press conference at 7pm to announce improvement measures based on the report. *NHK will broadcast live both the third-party committee's press conference and Fuji TV's press conference.
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March: Average wholesale egg price in Tokyo area exceeds 300 yen for two consecutive months
2025-03-31 14:29:00
In March, the average wholesale price of eggs traded in the Tokyo area exceeded 300 yen per kilogram for medium-sized eggs for the second consecutive month, due to the continuing impact of avian influenza. This is the second highest price ever recorded for the month of March.
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China to issue special government bonds worth over 10 trillion yen to recapitalize four state-owned banks
2025-03-31 14:28:00
The Chinese government has announced that it will issue special government bonds worth over 10 trillion yen to replenish the capital of four major state-owned banks. As the real estate slump continues, the government is also aiming to prepare for the expansion of bad loans and increase banks' lending capacity, thereby supporting the slowing economy.
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METI to provide additional support of up to 802.5 billion yen to Rapidus, which aims to mass-produce cutting-edge semiconductors
2025-03-31 13:28:00
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has announced that it will provide up to 800 billion yen in new support to Rapidus, which aims to mass-produce cutting-edge semiconductors. Rapidus plans to begin prototyping in April, and the government's support, including that already decided, will reach a maximum of 1.7 trillion yen.
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China's manufacturing business confidence index for March exceeds the milestone of 50 for the second consecutive month
2025-03-31 12:51:00
China's manufacturing business confidence index for March rose above the 50 mark, a key indicator of economic assessment, for the second consecutive month, due to increases in corporate production and new orders.
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Stock prices temporarily fall by more than 1,500 yen as fears grow over the US economic slowdown
2025-03-31 12:32:00
On the 31st, the start of the week, the Tokyo stock market fell across the board as concerns grew that the US economy would slow down due to additional tariffs on automobiles announced by the Trump administration, with the Nikkei average falling by more than 1,500 yen at one point.
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Stock prices temporarily fall by more than 1,500 yen as fears grow over the US economic slowdown
2025-03-31 12:06:00
On the 31st, the start of the week, the Tokyo stock market fell across the board as concerns grew that the US economy would slow down due to additional tariffs on automobiles announced by the Trump administration, with the Nikkei average falling by more than 1,500 yen at one point.
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Fuji TV's third-party committee to report findings today
2025-03-31 12:01:00
The third-party committee established by Fuji Television and its parent company to investigate the handling of the series of problems surrounding Nakai Masahiro's troubles with women will report the results of their investigation to the board of directors of both companies on the afternoon of the 31st. The focus will be on what points will be raised about the company's response to the troubles and governance issues.
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Sukiya suspends all stores for four days after foreign object found in food, takes measures to clean
2025-03-31 11:50:00
Major beef bowl chain Sukiya has suspended operations at all stores, with the exception of a few, for four days from 9 a.m. on March 31, following a series of incidents of foreign objects being found in products served to customers. The chain is taking measures to clean and improve hygiene in its stores, and is working to identify the cause of the contamination.
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Food prices rise for over 4,000 items in April - could this be a price hike for the summer?
2025-03-31 11:46:00
A private research company has found that the number of food items that will be subject to price increases in April will exceed 4,000 for the first time in a year and a half. This year, prices have been increasing at a faster pace than last year due to rising labor and logistics costs, and a surge in price hikes is expected at least through the summer.
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March: Average wholesale egg price in Tokyo area exceeds 300 yen for two consecutive months
2025-03-31 11:25:00
In March, the average wholesale price of eggs traded in the Tokyo area exceeded 300 yen per kilogram for medium-sized eggs for the second consecutive month, due to the continuing impact of avian influenza. This is the second highest price ever recorded for the month of March.
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February industrial production index increased 2.5% from the previous month, the first increase in four months
2025-03-31 11:06:00
The February index of industrial production, which indicates corporate production activity, rose for the first time in four months, due in part to increased production of semiconductor manufacturing equipment for export.
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Fuji TV's third-party committee to report findings today
2025-03-31 10:46:00
The third-party committee set up by Fuji Television and its parent company, which has been investigating the series of issues surrounding Nakai Masahiro's troubles with women, will report the results of its investigation to the company on the 31st. The focus will be on how the committee will judge whether the company's response and governance were appropriate.
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Stock prices temporarily fall by more than 1,500 yen as concerns grow over additional U.S. auto tariffs
2025-03-31 09:55:00
On the 31st, the start of the week, the Tokyo stock market fell across the board as concerns grew over a slowdown in the US economy due to the Trump administration's additional tariffs on automobiles, and the Nikkei average temporarily fell by more than 1,500 yen.
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Stock prices temporarily fall by more than 1,300 yen as fears grow over a slowing U.S. economy
2025-03-31 09:16:00
On the Tokyo Stock Exchange on the 31st, the start of the week, concerns over a slowdown in the US economy grew, and sell orders spread immediately after trading began, causing the Nikkei average to temporarily fall by more than 1,300 yen. Investors are concerned that if the reciprocal tariffs and additional tariffs on imported cars announced by US President Trump are implemented, inflation in the US will rise and consumer spending will cool, and sell orders spread across a wide range of stocks, including export-related stocks, immediately after trading began on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
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February industrial production index increased 2.5% from the previous month, the first increase in four months
2025-03-31 09:02:00
The February index of industrial production, which indicates corporate production activity, was 102.4, up 2.5% from the previous month, with 2020 as the base year. This was the first increase in four months, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry maintained its assessment of corporate production activity as "advancing and retreating."
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Major card companies to use AI to combat credit card fraud
2025-03-31 07:52:00
In response to the growing damage caused by fraudulent credit card use, major card companies and others have jointly launched a new countermeasure. They will use AI to identify the characteristics of fake sites that steal card information and take measures to shut them down.
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Bain Capital Japan Representative: "Focus on investing in the IT sector, aiming to go public in three years"
2025-03-31 06:42:00
The Japanese representative of American investment fund Bain Capital, which has decided to acquire a company that consolidates non-convenience store businesses, including Ito-Yokado, from Seven & i Holdings, gave an interview in which he revealed his intention to focus investments on the IT sector to improve store operations, with the aim of listing the company on the stock market in three years, in 2028.
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Fuji TV's third-party committee to report findings today
2025-03-31 06:23:00
The third-party committee set up by Fuji Television and its parent company, which has been investigating the series of issues surrounding Nakai Masahiro's troubles with women, will report the results of its investigation to the company on the 31st. The focus will be on how the committee will judge whether the company's response and governance were appropriate.
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Beef bowl chain "Sukiya" to suspend operations at all stores for four days from the 31st
2025-03-31 06:14:00
Following a series of incidents of foreign objects being found in food served to customers, major beef bowl chain Sukiya will suspend operations at all stores, with the exception of a few, for four days from the morning of the 31st. In addition to carrying out cleaning and hygiene measures, the chain will also work to identify the cause of the contamination.
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Government begins considering efficient development of data center power and infrastructure
2025-03-31 05:54:00
Demand for data centers is increasing due to the spread of generative AI, and the government has begun considering ways to efficiently develop data centers, including electricity and communications infrastructure.
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