Economic news(2025/04/01)
JR Kyushu and JR Hokkaido to raise rail fares starting today
2025-04-01 20:35:00
As the environment surrounding railways becomes increasingly tough, with soaring fuel prices and declining passenger numbers, JR Kyushu raised train fares from the 1st. This is the first time in 29 years, excluding the consumption tax rate hike. JR Hokkaido also raised fares by an average of 7.6% in response to rising prices, including fuel, and to secure personnel. This is the third time they have raised fares, excluding the consumption tax rate hike.
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Pon Juice prices to rise from June shipments due to rising import costs due to weak yen
2025-04-01 20:32:00
Ehime Beverages, a beverage manufacturer headquartered in Matsuyama City, has announced that it will raise prices on five items, including Pon Juice, by 16% to 23% from shipments in June of this year, due to the effects of the weak yen and rising logistics costs.
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A rat was found in a bag containing food delivery service "Demaekan"
2025-04-01 19:58:00
Food delivery company Demae-kan announced that there was an incident where a rat was found inside a bag containing food. They said they would strengthen their response by having delivery staff thoroughly check the items when receiving them.
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Safe deposit box scandal: Chairman of Japan Bankers Association "considering review of regulations with each bank"
2025-04-01 19:30:00
In response to a series of scandals involving safe deposit boxes at banks and other financial institutions, the Financial Services Agency has put together a policy proposal calling for stronger management. In response, Junichi Hanzawa, chairman of the Japanese Bankers Association, stated at a press conference on the 1st that the industry group will also work with individual banks to consider revising regulations regarding safe deposit boxes.
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Fiscal 2025 induction ceremonies held across the country; some companies raising starting salaries to attract talent
2025-04-01 19:20:00
On the first day of the new fiscal year, induction ceremonies were held all over the country. In each location, new members of the workforce were seen with a variety of thoughts in their hearts, such as hope and a sense of mission. Meanwhile, among companies, there are moves to raise starting salaries one after another in order to attract talent, and there are also moves to review transfer systems. We look at the current state of people who will be starting a new life in fiscal 2025, and the companies and organizations that welcome new employees.
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Cabbage and Chinese cabbage prices remain high, more than double the average, but will prices gradually settle down?
2025-04-01 18:57:00
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced the average prices of major vegetables sold at supermarkets last week, and the prices of cabbage and cabbage continue to be more than twice as high as the average year. However, the growth of spring harvest vegetables is going well, and prices are expected to gradually stabilize.
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Fuji TV commercials to resume, sponsors "carefully considering"
2025-04-01 18:56:00
On the 31st of last month, a third-party committee established by Fuji Television and its parent company determined that a former female announcer had been sexually assaulted by Nakai Masahiro in the course of her work, and severely criticized the company's culture of low awareness of human rights and the responsibility of its management. Fuji Television has made measures to prevent recurrence and has demonstrated its commitment to respecting human rights and compliance, but it remains unclear when sponsors will resume their commercials, which have been suspended. Here is a summary of each company's response.
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Fiscal 2025 induction ceremonies held across the country; some companies raising starting salaries to attract talent
2025-04-01 18:53:00
On the first day of the new fiscal year, induction ceremonies were held all over the country. In each location, new members of the workforce were seen with a variety of thoughts in their hearts, such as hope and a sense of mission. Meanwhile, among companies, there are moves to raise starting salaries one after another in order to attract talent, and there are also moves to review transfer systems. We look at the current state of people who will be starting a new life in fiscal 2025, and the companies and organizations that welcome new employees.
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Bank of Japan's Tankan economic outlook for large manufacturing companies worsens by +12 points for the first time in four quarters
2025-04-01 18:51:00
In the Tankan (Short-term Economic Survey of Enterprises) released by the Bank of Japan on the 1st, the index showing the economic outlook of large manufacturing companies was up 12 points, worsening for the first time in four quarters. Concerns over the tariff policies introduced by the Trump administration in the United States were expressed, with the index for "steel" being subject to additional tariff measures dropping significantly. Some Japanese manufacturers doing business in the United States have already been forced to raise sales prices due to rising parts procurement costs caused by the Trump administration's tariff policies.
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Yen falls as fears of US recession ease
2025-04-01 18:39:00
On April 1st in the Tokyo foreign exchange market, the yen fell as concerns about a US economic recession eased somewhat.
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Moritomo-related documents: More than 400 emails, etc. to be disclosed tomorrow, Ministry of Finance
2025-04-01 18:26:00
Regarding the disclosure of government documents related to Moritomo Gakuen, the Ministry of Finance is expected to decide on the 2nd to disclose over 400 documents, including emails between the Kinki Finance Bureau and the Ministry of Finance headquarters detailing the details of the land transaction with the school.
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Lapidus "Prototype of advanced semiconductor expected to be completed around July this year"
2025-04-01 18:25:00
Rapidus, which is aiming to mass-produce cutting-edge semiconductors with the full support of the government, has announced that it will start operating its factory in Hokkaido from April as originally planned, and expects to complete a prototype around July of this year.
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Commemorative ceremony held to mark merger of Chiba's "Shin-Keisei Line" to become Keisei "Matsudo Line"
2025-04-01 18:08:00
The Shin-Keisei Line, which connects the cities of Narashino and Matsudo in Chiba Prefecture, was absorbed into its parent company, Keisei Electric Railway, on the 1st and became the Keisei Matsudo Line, and a commemorative ceremony was held.
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Domestic new car sales last year increased for the third consecutive year as new models were launched one after another
2025-04-01 17:54:00
The number of new cars sold in Japan in the last fiscal year was over 4.57 million, an increase for the third consecutive year. Although some manufacturers were affected by production suspensions due to the government's fraudulent certification issue, overall sales increased due to the successive launch of new models.
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Details of US "reciprocal tariffs" "President to announce on the 2nd" Treasury Secretary
2025-04-01 17:44:00
U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated he plans to reveal details of "reciprocal tariffs" that would raise tariffs to the same level as trade partners on the evening of April 1 or 2.
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Fuji TV President: "It is important to instill respect for human rights"
2025-04-01 17:18:00
On March 31, a third-party committee established by Fuji Television and its parent company determined that a former female announcer had been sexually assaulted by Nakai Masahiro in the course of her work, and severely criticized the management's responsibility and the corporate culture behind the incident. Fuji Television President Kenji Shimizu expressed his recognition that in order to turn the company around, it is important to establish an attitude of respecting human rights and compliance through the preventive measures announced on the 31st.
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Stock prices rise slightly, but the increase shrinks due to concerns over U.S. tariff policy
2025-04-01 16:08:00
On April 1st, the Tokyo stock market saw the Nikkei average rise slightly as concerns over US tariff policy narrowed the gains.
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Bank of Japan's Tankan economic outlook for large manufacturing companies worsens by +12 points for the first time in four quarters
2025-04-01 15:24:00
In the Tankan (Short-term Economic Survey of Enterprises) released by the Bank of Japan on the 1st, the index showing the economic outlook of large manufacturing companies was up 12 points, worsening for the first time in four quarters. Concerns over the tariff policy put forward by the Trump administration in the United States were expressed, and the index for "iron and steel," which was subject to additional tariff measures, deteriorated significantly.
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Commemorative ceremony held to mark merger of Chiba's "Shin-Keisei Line" to become Keisei "Matsudo Line"
2025-04-01 15:19:00
The Shin-Keisei Line, which connects the cities of Narashino and Matsudo in Chiba Prefecture, was absorbed into its parent company, Keisei Electric Railway, on the 1st and became the Keisei Matsudo Line, and a commemorative ceremony was held.
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Tokyo Gas announces acquisition of shale gas interests in the U.S. for a total of 78 billion yen
2025-04-01 14:45:00
Tokyo Gas has announced that it will spend a total of 78 billion yen to acquire new natural gas interests in the United States. It also plans to consider importing LNG (liquefied natural gas) to Japan in the future.
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2025 Induction Ceremonies held around the country, with various thoughts in mind
2025-04-01 14:29:00
On the first day of the new fiscal year, induction ceremonies were held all over the country. In each location, new members of the workforce could be seen with a variety of thoughts in their hearts, such as hope and a sense of mission.
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Fuji TV: Woman comments after third-party investigation report [Full text published]
2025-04-01 13:49:00
In an investigation report released on March 31 by a third-party committee set up by Fuji Television and its parent company, a female announcer who was found to have been "sexually assaulted as an extension of her job" by Nakai Masahiro made a statement on the 1st saying, "What is lost can never be regained. I sincerely hope that this kind of thing will disappear not only from the media industry, but from society as a whole."
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Four Nippon Television affiliates merge to form certified broadcasting holding company
2025-04-01 13:35:00
A certified broadcasting holding company was established on April 1st, through the merger of four Nippon Television Network Corporation affiliates. With the nation's population declining and media diversification progressing, the merger aims to improve operational efficiency and promote joint program production.
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Details of US "reciprocal tariffs" "President to announce on the 2nd" Treasury Secretary
2025-04-01 12:55:00
U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated he plans to reveal details of "reciprocal tariffs" that would raise tariffs to the same level as trade partners on the evening of April 1 or 2.
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Stock price rises Movement to buy back stocks that have fallen in price
2025-04-01 12:25:00
On April 1st on the Tokyo stock market, the Nikkei average rose as investors bought back stocks that had recently fallen in price.
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US Steel acquisition plan: "Nippon Steel executives to meet with US Secretary of Commerce" US report
2025-04-01 12:05:00
American media reported that Nippon Steel Corporation executives are scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of Commerce John Rutnick on the 1st regarding the company's plan to acquire U.S. Steel. The focus will likely be on whether there will be progress in the negotiations to realize the plan.
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Bank of Japan's Tankan economic outlook for large manufacturing companies worsens by +12 points for the first time in four quarters
2025-04-01 11:38:00
In the Tankan (Short-term Economic Survey of Enterprises) released by the Bank of Japan on the 1st, the index showing the economic outlook of large manufacturing companies was up 12 points, worsening for the first time in four quarters. Concerns over the tariff policy put forward by the Trump administration in the United States were expressed, and the index for "iron and steel," which was subject to additional tariff measures, deteriorated significantly.
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Trump to reveal details of "reciprocal tariffs" on the night of the 1st or the 2nd
2025-04-01 11:34:00
U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated he plans to reveal details of "reciprocal tariffs" that would raise tariffs to the same level as trade partners on the evening of April 1 or 2.
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SoftBank Group to invest up to 5.98 trillion yen in OpenAI
2025-04-01 10:25:00
SoftBank Group has announced that it will invest up to $40 billion, or more than 5.98 trillion yen, in OpenAI, a US company developing generative AI. Of this amount, $10 billion will be raised from outside sources, and the company will strengthen its AI-related business.
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SoftBank Group to invest up to 5.98 trillion yen in OpenAI
2025-04-01 09:26:00
SoftBank Group has announced that it will invest up to $40 billion, or more than 5.98 trillion yen, in OpenAI, a US company that develops generative AI. Of this amount, SoftBank will raise $10 billion from outside sources. SoftBank Group is focusing on AI-related businesses, and this year it announced an investment plan in January to work with OpenAI to develop AI-related infrastructure in the US, and in February it announced the establishment of a joint venture in Japan to develop and sell generative AI for businesses.
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Bank of Japan Tankan: +12 points, 2 points lower than the previous survey, worsening for the first time in four quarters
2025-04-01 08:59:00
The Bank of Japan's Tankan (Short-term Economic Outlook Survey) released on the 1st showed that the index showing the economic outlook of large manufacturing companies was plus 12 points. This was two points lower than the previous survey, and the first deterioration in four quarters.
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Fuji TV to investigate facts and take strict disciplinary action against those involved after receiving report from third-party committee
2025-04-01 06:43:00
On the 31st, a third-party committee set up by Fuji Television determined that the incident between Nakai Masahiro and a female announcer was "an extension of work-related sexual violence," and concluded that the board members bear heavy responsibility. Fuji Television plans to verify the facts and take strict disciplinary action against those involved.
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China's Huawei's revenue surges to near record high as U.S. restrictions continue
2025-04-01 06:02:00
Chinese telecommunications equipment giant Huawei announced its financial results for last year, showing that sales were approaching an all-time high thanks to strong performance in the smartphone business and other areas, resulting in a significant increase in revenue despite continued strict regulations by the U.S. government.
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The New York Dow fell by more than $400 at one point, then recovered
2025-04-01 05:59:00
On the 31st, the New York stock market saw sell orders issued amid concerns over the Trump administration's tariff policy, causing the Dow Jones Industrial Average to fall by more than $400 at one point, but then buying back of fallen stocks gradually became more prevalent. The closing price was $42,001.76, up $417.86 from the previous week's close. A market insider said, "Towards the end of the day, buying orders were placed due to the feeling that the price was reasonable, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average's range came to nearly $1,000. However, there is a strong sense of uncertainty regarding the scope of countries and items that will be subject to the 'reciprocal tariffs' that the Trump administration plans to impose, and investors remain reluctant to take risks."
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Nissan and Renault could cut each other's shareholding ratio to 10%
2025-04-01 05:06:00
Nissan Motor Co. and its partner Renault SA have agreed to reduce each other's shareholding ratio from the current 15% to 10%. The company also has the option to sell the shares, saying the move is to secure funds for future investments.
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Industry group calls for "Japanese whiskey" standards to be "clarified by law"
2025-04-01 05:04:00
As domestic whiskey becomes increasingly popular worldwide, the Japan Spirits and Breweries Association, an industry group, has announced its intention to lobby the government to clearly define by law the standards that can be used to sell a product as "Japanese whiskey."
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