News

Toyota Motor Corp. is postponing the construction of a lithium-ion battery factory in Fukuoka Prefecture due to sluggish demand for electric vehicles in the global market and higher construction costs. The company is also considering pushing back the release date of its first next-generation EV model to ensure the quality of new technologies.

Japanese Prime Ministers have a long-standing tradition of handing out gift vouchers to newly elected members of the Liberal Democratic Party, with the practice dating back at least a decade. This tradition has been confirmed by several LDP politicians who have received vouchers worth around 100,000 yen ($670) from Prime Ministers Abe, Ishiba, and Kishida.

Despite President Trump's push for the Alaskan natural gas project and his efforts to secure support from Japan and South Korea, Japanese energy firms remain hesitant to invest due to concerns about the project's high cost and feasibility. The Alaskan representatives' visit to Japan aims to address these concerns and attract potential investors, but the project's future remains uncertain as Japanese companies remain cautious.

Nissan's new CEO, Ivan Espinosa, aims to revitalize the struggling automaker by accelerating decision-making, fostering a more collaborative culture, and introducing a diverse lineup of new models within shorter development times. He faces the challenge of restoring profitability and rebuilding trust after years of financial losses and the Carlos Ghosn scandal.

Japan is scrambling to find ways to get the United States to exempt its automakers from a 25% tariff due to take effect on April 3rd. The government is exploring various options, including relaxing non-tariff barriers and industrial standards, to reduce the US trade deficit and convince the Trump administration to change its mind.