Abe to push security reform, may compromise economic change

TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will this week push ahead with plans to loosen the rules governing the military, although analysts warn that this may squander the political capital needed to pursue tough economic reforms.

Japan ruling party executive says more BOJ easing not needed for now

TOKYO (Reuters) - The Bank of Japan does not need to ease monetary policy further for the time being since a delay in hitting its inflation target is mostly due to slumping oil prices, the policy chief of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party said on Friday.

Japan's ruling party wants 20 percent nuclear power in energy mix: media

(Reuters) - Japan's ruling party wants a revived nuclear power sector to eventually make up a fifth of electricity generation, local media said, a controversial move for a public opposed to nuclear power in the wake of the Fukushima disaster.

The world should be wary: Japan’s economic woes are contagious

Japan’s surprise descent into recession is going to have big repercussions. It means the abandonment of a planned increase in sales tax. It will lead to the country’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, calling a snap election.

Kuroda Sets No Limits in BOJ Campaign to Spur Inflation

Bank of Japan chief Haruhiko Kuroda highlighted his determination to stoke inflation in the world’s third-biggest economy, saying there’s no limit to measures he could take to reach its price target.

Japan's export growth fails to narrow trade deficit

Japan's trade deficit edged higher in September despite exports rising at their fastest pace in seven months.

Japan business mood turns positive: government survey

(Reuters) - Confidence at big Japanese manufacturers turned positive in July-September and they expect business conditions to improve further in the following quarter, a government survey showed, suggesting a gradual economic recovery from the slump after April's sales tax hike.

Japan Inc. Seeks to Recover Influence in Brazil

In the 1950s, Japan helped Brazil establish industries such as steelmaking and initiated key purchases of Brazilian iron ore.

Japan approves string of reforms to revive economy

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has formally announced an outline of his long-awaited growth strategy, a slew of reforms meant to revitalize the economy and restore its waning competitiveness.

Japan's GPIF should quickly enact portfolio changes: draft

(Reuters) - Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF), the world's biggest pension system, should quickly enact changes to its investment portfolio management strategy, a draft of the government's growth strategy showed on Monday.

BOJ's Sato warns euro area of Japan-style deflation risk

Japan, June 5 (Reuters) - The euro area may face a prolonged period of disinflation that risks harming long-term price expectations, a Bank of Japan policymaker said, warning that the region should not take lightly the potential danger of slipping into a Japan-style deflationary period.

Japan Shows Resilience to Tax-Rise on Record Confidence Gain

Confidence in Japan’s economic outlook among taxi drivers and restaurant staff and other workers soared by a record in April, indicating the blow from last month’s sales-tax increase may be short-lived.

Japan PM Abe says achieved 'historic' success with Obama

"It was a historic statement for Japan and the United States," Abe told reporters shortly after Obama finished the first state visit to Japan by a U.S. president in 18 years.

Japan speeds up stimulus as tax hike looms

Japan said Friday it is moving to speed up the impact of a $50 billion stimulus package aimed at countering any slowdown from a looming sales tax hike.

Japan Real Wages Fall to Global Recession Low in Abe Risk

Japan’s base wages adjusted for inflation last year matched a 16-year low in 2009 when the world was gripped by recession, posing a risk to consumer spending as the nation girds for a higher consumption tax.

Japan inflation rises at fastest pace in over five years

Japan's consumer prices have risen at their fastest pace in more than five years, marking more progress in the country's battle against deflation.

China Warns Officials on Terror Attacks as Xi Shows Frugality

Chinese officials and police have been told to step up safety precautions in “key regions” and be on alert for terrorist attacks during the New Year and Spring Festival holidays amid ethnic tensions in Xinjiang.

Bank of Japan maintains stimulus, more upbeat on capex

TOKYO: The Bank of Japan maintained its massive monetary stimulus on Friday and upgraded its view on capital expenditure, encouraged by growing signs that the benefits of its aggressive policy action to escape deflation are broadening.

Abe Seen Facing Stock Rout in Case of Suspending Japan Tax Rise

Japanese shares could plunge 10 percent or more if Prime Minister Shinzo Abe fails to carry through on a plan to raise a sales tax in April. 

Abe Recovery Pits Graduate Jobs Against Senior Savings

In the heart of Tokyo on a March afternoon, Akitsugu Yamamoto, clean-cut and clad in a dark business suit, is looking for a job at an employment agency whose name translates as New Grad Hello Work.