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Economy

Anthropic courts competitors to ease data center crunch

Fast-growing startup signs deal with Elon Musk's SpaceX to lease US facility Anthropic's Claude agents have soared in popularity, putting pressure on the company's compute capacity. (Nikkei Montage/Source photos by Reuters and AP) TOKYO -- Anthropic is struggling to find the computing infrastructure it needs to expand use of its high-performance AI models, resorting to signing deals with competitors to lease their data centers.

May 8, 2026

Economy

Remaking Hanoi: Vietnam bets on colossal capital renewal to drive growth

Vacant houses are demolished in Hanoi's central downtown area, May 6. The city's ambitious "100-Year Master Plan" aims to transform the capital into a multi-centered metropolitan region, part of Vietnam's goal of achieving developed-nation status by 2045. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi) $2.5tn 'Master Plan' to address population boom comes with demolitions, relocations HANOI -- After more than five decades with the giant Red River as a constant, quiet neighbor, Hanoi resident Bui Minh Phuong is bracing for her life to be upended.

May 8, 2026

Economy

2 LNG tankers cross Hormuz on way to Japan, China, but shortage persists

Prolonged blockade squeezes global supply, sends Asian spot prices 60% higher An LNG tanker docks at Futtsu, Japan, in February. A tanker that recently passed through the Strait of Hormuz is due to land at the port city. (Photo by Rie Ishii) TOKYO --Two liquefied natural gas tankers have passed through the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks and are heading to Japan and China, signaling a possible easing of the blockade, but the small volume also underscores the U.S.-Iran conflict's dire toll on the global supply.

May 8, 2026

Economy

DNA cassettes and diamonds: How to capture the global torrent of data

Researchers seek higher-density, longer-lasting storage solutions A DNA cassette tape developed by Chinese researchers could theoretically store 3 billion songs. (Southern University of Science and Technology) TOKYO -- As artificial intelligence and social media leave the world awash in far too much data to store on current media such as hard drives, scientists are coming up with unconventional methods to preserve information.

May 8, 2026

Economy

‘Huawei Inside’ and everywhere at China’s auto show

From parts to software, tech group has become more than just a supplier Huawei stores sell vehicles along with smartphones. (Photo by Tomoki Mera) TOKYO -- One name came up again and again at the recent Auto China 2026 show in Beijing. Without building a car on its own, Huawei Technologies has become one of the most influential players in the world's largest auto market.

May 8, 2026

Economy

Gourmet mushroom startup finds fertile ground in Bangkok

Earthling Mushroom Farm grows premium fungi in a lab-like city warehouse Founded by American brothers Alex and Sam Turner, Bangkok’s Earthling Mushroom Farm grows gourmet fungi for some of the city's top chefs. (Courtesy of Earthling Mushroom Farm) BANGKOK -- "Mushrooms sit at this really interesting intersection of food, agriculture and science," says Alex Turner, co-founder of Bangkok's Earthling Mushroom Farm. This concept is on full display inside a warehouse in the city's densely populated On Nut district, where the company has built what it says is one of the world's first urban growing operations for gourmet fungi -- and certainly the newest to operate as a tourist attraction.

May 8, 2026

Economy

Sony Group bets on AI to fuel gaming evolution, CEO says

Joint venture with TSMC aims to cement Sony's leading position in sensors Sony Group President and CEO Hiroki Totoki at the strategy briefing May 8. (Screenshot of Sony Group's online briefing) TOKYO -- Artificial intelligence can drive the continuing evolution needed in gaming content, said Sony Group President and CEO Hiroki Totoki, adding the technology can help reinvigorate the industry.

May 8, 2026

Economy

India’s market premium cracks as oil shock meets weak growth

Lack of AI-related themes deter global investment capital from Indian stocks A recent survey shows that India is the most underweighted region for investors. (Photo by Ken Kobayahshi) BENGALURU -- Foreign investors were already pulling back from Indian equities before the U.S. war in Iran, deterred by high valuations and few artificial intelligence plays. The Hormuz conflict is now adding pressure as higher oil prices squeeze margins and worsen macro risks.

May 8, 2026

Economy

ASEAN must stay ‘agile’ to address global headwinds, Marcos urges bloc

Energy crisis at top of leaders' summit agenda in the Philippines ASEAN leaders pose during the opening ceremony of their summit in Cebu, the Philippines, on May 8. © Reuters CEBU, Philippines -- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged Southeast Asian nations on Friday to remain "agile" in the face of global uncertainties, as regional economies face the prospect of soaring inflation and slowing growth because of the Middle East crisis.

May 8, 2026

Economy

China’s Huayou to buy Africa-focused Australian miner in lithium rush

$210m deal secures access to EV battery ingredient in Ghana, Ivory Coast China's Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt previously acquired this lithium mine in Zimbabwe. Now it is moving to secure interests in Ghana and Ivory Coast. © Getty Images TOKYO -- Chinese mineral miner Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt has agreed to fully purchase an Australian peer with lithium assets in Africa, expanding its portfolio on the continent.

May 8, 2026

Economy

Southeast Asian banks check Iran war strain on corporate lending

Singapore's OCBC raises allowances to buffer potential losses Singaporean banks are actively scrutinizing their loan books amid the Middle East uncertainty. © Reuters SINGAPORE -- Southeast Asian banks bracing for further impact from the Iran war are also anxious about softening loan activity and rising credit risks for borrowers grappling with the conflict's economic fallout.

May 8, 2026

Economy

South Korean conservative leader casts US ties as key to national strength

Jang Dong-hyeok says economic concerns to shape June elections more than Yoon fallout Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of South Korea's opposition conservative People Power Party, speaks at a news conference in Seoul on May 8. (Photo by Ahn Seong-bok) SEOUL -- The leader of South Korea's conservative opposition has reiterated his party's strong fealty to the U.S. ahead of pivotal local elections next month.

May 8, 2026