News

Starbucks is reaching out to older customers in Japan by offering hands-on barista experiences and hosting early morning radio exercise sessions in its store parking lots. These initiatives aim to create a welcoming environment for seniors and expand the company's customer base beyond its traditional young demographic.

The LDP's decision to field Mio Sugita in the Upper House election has sparked backlash due to her history of discriminatory remarks, with party members and the public expressing concerns about her candidacy. Despite calls for self-reflection and a fuller explanation, the final decision on her suitability rests with voters in the upcoming election.

Canadian company Couche-Tard remains determined to acquire Seven & i Holdings, despite the Japanese convenience store chain's rejection of its initial offer. Couche-Tard emphasizes its pursuit of a friendly transaction and promises to retain local management, while Seven & i focuses on boosting its own value and addressing antitrust concerns.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party faces pressure to allow married couples to have separate surnames, following a call for change by Tomoko Yoshino, president of Rengo (Japanese Trade Union Confederation), at the party's annual convention. Yoshino's attendance, the first by a Rengo leader in 20 years, highlights the issue's growing prominence and potential impact on the upcoming Upper House elections.

Part-time workers in Japan saw a record-high 6.53% wage increase during the "shunto" spring labor negotiations, driven by the ongoing labor shortage and efforts to address the wage gap. This marks the ninth consecutive year that part-time workers' wage increases have outpaced those of regular employees.