Economy — 1,970 insights
BOJ and Fed face critical test as market pressure rises on rates
Economy

BOJ and Fed face critical test as market pressure rises on rates

Bank of Japan Gov. Kazuo Ueda and Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh are caught between inflation and political pressure. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Shintaro Ino, AP and Akira Kodaka) Future policy path in focus as inflation fears reignite and bonds sell off globally TOKYO -- Central banks in the U.S. and Japan will face a critical test this week as investors ramp up pressure on policymakers to stay ahead of inflation and convince markets they can keep pace with shifting expectations.

September 14, 2026
Applied Materials using AI to speed chip materials discovery, Japan chief says
Economy

Applied Materials using AI to speed chip materials discovery, Japan chief says

Applied Materials is one of the world's top suppliers of chipmaking equipment. © Reuters TOKYO -- The semiconductor industry needs to embrace new materials to keep advancing as current chip miniaturization technology approaches its limits, and Applied Materials is using artificial intelligence in hopes of contributing to breakthroughs, the American company's top Japan executive told Nikkei in an interview.

September 14, 2026
India’s data center boom creates new engine for renewable energy
Economy

India’s data center boom creates new engine for renewable energy

Large power needs increase bankability for battery-backed solar and wind projects The rapid expansion of data centers in India -- which are expected to consume about 3% of the country's total electricity by 2030 -- is changing the way renewable developers think about new projects. (Source photos by Reuters) BENGALURU -- India's push to become a major hub for artificial intelligence is creating a massive opportunity for the country's renewable energy industry, as data center companies need enormous amounts of electricity and are willing to sign long-term contracts for it.

September 14, 2026
Historic southern Philippines assembly election tests stability, self-rule
Economy

Historic southern Philippines assembly election tests stability, self-rule

Creation of Bangsamoro parliament a major step to end decades-long separatist conflict Campaign posters for the Sept. 14 election to the legislature in the Southern Philippines' Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on display along a road in Cotabato, Mindanao, Philippines. © Kyodo MANILA -- More than 2 million voters in the southern Philippines head to the polls on Monday to elect a regional parliament in one of the final stages of a protracted peace process to end a decades-long separatist conflict in one of the poorest parts of the country.

September 14, 2026
Australian luxury bootmaker RM Williams’ next step is Japan
Economy

Australian luxury bootmaker RM Williams’ next step is Japan

Brand aims to build on European growth with Asian sales push Annual revenue has doubled at RM Williams since the bootmaker was bought back into Australian ownership in 2020. (Photo by Rurika Imahashi) ADELAIDE, Australia - Australian luxury brand RM Williams, whose boots made for cattlemen are now worn by Hollywood stars and major politicians, is planning to ride into Japan on the back of the country's admiration for artisan work.

September 14, 2026
Asian air-con makers prepare for hotter Germany after bumper summer
Economy

Asian air-con makers prepare for hotter Germany after bumper summer

LG, Midea and Daikin see future in dual-use heat pumps with cooling function People cool off in the Isar River during a heat wave in Munich at the end of July. © Reuters HAMBURG, Germany -- After the hottest summer on record in Western Europe, air conditioner manufacturers like LG, Daikin Industries and Midea are preparing for the future by expanding and changing their product lines for countries unused to scorching summers.

September 13, 2026
BOJ meeting, Semicon India, Hong Kong’s first five-year plan
Economy

BOJ meeting, Semicon India, Hong Kong’s first five-year plan

Your weekly lineup of Asia's biggest business and political events Financial markets in Japan and beyond will be eyeing the outcome of a key meeting at the nation's central bank this week. (Photo by Nanami Sato)

September 13, 2026
Japan lags behind major countries in creating safe bike lanes
Economy

Japan lags behind major countries in creating safe bike lanes

The Japanese government has approved a target to increase the spaces for bicycle traffic in the fiscal year ending March 2031 by 20% from fiscal 2024 numbers. Nation's 'blue ticket' system fining bicyclists for traffic violations renews awareness of road risks TOKYO -- Japan needs many more dedicated bike lanes for the safety of bicyclists, Nikkei's data analysis shows. For example, the total length of such lanes in Tokyo's 23 wards is less than 10% of the bike network in Paris.

September 13, 2026
China’s ‘red tourism’ boom draws families to Communist Party landmarks
Economy

China’s ‘red tourism’ boom draws families to Communist Party landmarks

Xi's patriotism push promotes trips to historical places tied to Mao, other leaders A statue at the Zaoyuan Revolutionary Site in Yan'an, featuring Mao Zedong in the center. (Photo by Yukio Tajima) BEIJING -- China is enjoying a boom in "red tourism," as large numbers of families combine sightseeing at Communist Party historical sites with children's summer studies amid a push by President Xi Jinping to bolster patriotism.

September 13, 2026
Liechtenstein, friendly to Japan’s imperial family, gives women path to rule
Economy

Liechtenstein, friendly to Japan’s imperial family, gives women path to rule

Hereditary prince says succession system's overhaul aims at stability as much as gender equality Liechtenstein's Hereditary Prince Alois, who serves as regent on behalf of Prince Hans-Adam II, speaks to Nikkei on Aug. 25 at Vaduz Castle. (Photo by Pierre Virot) VADUZ, Liechtenstein -- Liechtenstein has opened the way for a woman to become head of state by reforming a succession system that had for more than 400 years limited succession to male descendants. Despite a population of just over 40,000, the principality is one of the few European monarchies in which the sovereign retains significant constitutional powers.

September 13, 2026
Modi and Xi agree to look beyond ‘differences’ at New Delhi talks
Economy

Modi and Xi agree to look beyond ‘differences’ at New Delhi talks

Leaders also discuss trade and supply chains on sidelines of BRICS summit Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam, the venue of the BRICS summit in New Delhi, on Sept. 12. (India's Ministry of External Affairs/Handout via Reuters) © Reuters NEW DELHI/TOKYO -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met Saturday on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi, where the leaders emphasized that "differences should not become disputes" and the need to address concerns relating to trade and supply chain issues.

September 13, 2026
Footloose in Kandy: Lingering in Sri Lanka’s sacred city
Economy

Footloose in Kandy: Lingering in Sri Lanka’s sacred city

Kandy, Sri Lanka’s last royal capital, lies amid the island’s central highlands. The historic city is finding new appeal through modern dining, specialty coffee and design-led retreats. (All photos by Zinara Rathnayake except where indicated) Dining, design and wellness bring fresh energy to the former royal capital KANDY, Sri Lanka -- Set in the central highlands, 121 kilometers east of Colombo, Kandy was home to Sri Lanka's last kings before the island fell under British colonial rule in 1815. Today, the nation's second-largest city -- and the spiritual heart of its predominantly Buddhist population -- is adding a contemporary dimension to its historic character, with design-led wellness retreats and modern dining.

September 13, 2026