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Economy

Japan’s scallop production feels heat of climate change

Hokkaido fishermen more concerned about warming waters than China's import ban Scallops are landed at a port in Hokkaido's Sarufutsu: Catches are under pressure from climate change. (Photos by Takumi Sasaki) ASAHIKAWA, Japan -- Japan's scallop industry has successfully reduced its reliance on the Chinese market since Beijing imposed an import ban on marine products from Japan nearly three years ago. But a new challenge has emerged: Climate change is hitting output.

July 11, 2026

Economy

Superpower US still too young to take path toward decline

Leadership in AI and renewed soft power could help Washington retain its edge over Beijing President Donald Trump delivers remarks during a celebration for the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, at Mount Rushmore in Keystone, South Dakota, on July 3. © Reuters TOKYO -- Has the U.S. peaked out as a global leader and embarked on a path toward decline, or will it keep its superpower status? The international community has to face this question as America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence.

July 11, 2026

Economy

Japan wants pension whale GPIF to dive deeper into alternative investments

Government strategy to call on fund to use more of its 5% allocation Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund began alternative investing in fiscal 2013 but remains well short of its 5% ceiling. (Photo by Shintaro Ino) TOKYO -- Japan's government will nudge the country's massive public pension fund to invest more in alternative assets as part of an effort to harness capital for economic growth, Nikkei has learned.

July 11, 2026

Economy

China steps up maritime push against Philippines, Japan, with eye on Taiwan

Beijing has denounced moves by Manila and Tokyo to bolster bilateral ties A Philippine Marine Corps vessel and a China Coast Guard vessel in the South China Sea on May 3. © Getty Images via Kyodo BEIJING -- China has been flexing its military might in the South China Sea toward the Philippines and Japan, two countries it appears to believe are potential roadblocks to achieving reunification with Taiwan.

July 11, 2026

Economy

China’s BYD taps Japan luxury car dealer to drive expansion

BYD Auto Japan President Atsuki Tofukuji, left, shakes hands with Yanase President Takanori Morita on July 10. (Photo by Risako Kojima) TOKYO -- Japanese dealer of luxury imported vehicles Yanase opens a showroom displaying electric vehicles by China's BYD on Saturday under its first-ever partnership with a Chinese automaker.

July 11, 2026

Economy

Japan to expand research grants, seeking 20,000 Ph.Ds a year

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi attends a Council for Science, Technology and Innovation meeting July 10. © Kyodo TOKYO -- Japan will award larger research fellowship grants as part of a government target set Friday to produce 20,000 Ph.D degree holders yearly by fiscal 2030.

July 11, 2026

Economy

Miniso banks on finding the next Labubu as it opens 100 US stores

Chinese discount lifestyle retailer plans on original intellectual property to fuel growth Miniso Chief Marketing Officer Robin Liu, left, and Tom Bartlebaugh, Miniso USA's chief executive officer, with YOYO character plush toys. (Photo by Pak Yiu) NEW YORK -- Chinese retailer Miniso is betting its next phase of overseas growth on a portfolio of proprietary intellectual property, backed by plans to open 100 stores in the U.S. this year.

July 11, 2026

Economy

China’s Nexchip has global ambitions as legacy chips thrive in AI’s shadow

Nexchip Chairman Tsai Kuo-Chih speaks at the company's listing ceremony in Hong Kong. (Photo by Kensaku Ihara) TOKYO/HONG KONG/SHANGHAI -- China's Nexchip debuted Friday on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange after growing into the world's eighth-largest semiconductor foundry on its strength in older-generation chips.

July 11, 2026

Economy

China anime festival shows Japan fandom undimmed by diplomatic chill

Despite content clampdown, Chinese fans flock to Bilibili World and snap up merch Students cosplaying as "Demon Slayer" characters take a selfie at a Sony Group booth at Bilibili World in Shanghai. (Photo by Shunsuke Tabeta) SHANGHAI -- The Bilibili World fan festival kicked off here Friday with no Japanese artist performances on the schedule, reflecting strained ties between China and Japan, but fans remained hungry for content from Japanese companies like Sony Group.

July 11, 2026

Economy

South Korea’s beauty tourism boom draws doctors away from hospital work

Chinese, Japanese visitors flock to Seoul region for cosmetic procedures Advertisements for cosmetic treatments line the streets of Seoul's Gangnam. (Photo by Yo Inoue) SEOUL -- Foreigners are coming to South Korea in record numbers for cosmetic procedures, adding to concerns over imbalances in the country's ability to provide medical care.

July 11, 2026

Economy

Japan’s Yoshinoya to bulk up ramen business with US acquisition

Kizuki International has 17 ramen restaurants in the U.S., concentrated largely around Seattle. (Kizuki International) TOKYO -- Yoshinoya Holdings will acquire American ramen chain operator Kizuki International for about $28.7 million as the Japanese company best known for its beef bowls looks overseas to expand its ramen business.

July 11, 2026

Economy

Mitsubishi Estate embarks on $9bn data center building spree in Japan

Real estate developer plans to use expertise gained in US at home Data centers, such as this one in France, are becoming critical infrastructure around the world. © Reuters TOKYO -- Mitsubishi Estate plans to invest about 1.5 trillion yen ($9.3 billion) to construct large-scale data centers in Japan, seeking to win a share of the growing demand for the facilities driven by the spread of artificial intelligence.

July 11, 2026