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Land prices in Hokkaido soared in 2024, driven by foreign demand for vacation homes and hotels, particularly in the Niseko resort area where prices have nearly tripled compared to other popular destinations. The influx of tourists has also created a housing shortage for workers, leading to the construction of dormitories for corporate clients.

The Bank of Japan decided to keep interest rates unchanged due to increasing uncertainties surrounding U.S. economic policies under the Trump administration. The central bank will continue to assess the situation and determine future policies based on the development of U.S. trade policies and their impact on the U.S. and Japanese economies.

Terumi Tanaka, co-chair of Nihon Hidankyo, a Nobel laureate organization representing atomic bomb survivors, criticized the Japanese government's decision to skip an anti-nuclear weapons meeting, calling it "pathetic and disappointing." He emphasized the importance of Japan sharing its experiences in supporting atomic bomb victims and argued against the "endurance doctrine" that forces citizens to endure destruction during...

Asian markets rose on Monday, following a strong rally in US stocks on Friday, as investors reacted positively to stronger-than-expected factory data from China and progress in the US Senate to prevent a government shutdown. However, concerns remain about the impact of President Trump's escalating trade war on the US economy.

Part-time workers in Japan saw record wage increases of 6.53% during this year's "shunto" negotiations, driven by a nationwide trend and the ongoing labor shortage. This marks the highest increase since 2012 and signifies progress towards addressing the wage gap between part-time and regular employees.