Rapidus reports 2-nanometer progress, moving Japan closer to semiconductor goals

Rapidus has prototyped an advanced chip, an early step in the government-backed startup’s attempt to leapfrog years of innovation with the help of billions of dollars in public funding. The company last week printed circuitry on wafers using 2-nanometer …

Japan SMEs adapt to Trump tariffs with niche expertise

TOKYO: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Japan are bracing for the impact of US tariffs while relying on their niche expertise to stay competitive. Mitsuwa Electric, a 92-year-old firm specialising in precision metal components, exemplifies this …

Asia report: Markets mixed as Japan inflation eases

Major indices in Japan, South Korea and New Zealand meanwhile declined, despite support from Wall Street’s overnight gains and strong US economic data. “US and European equity-index futures climbed, indicating that the remarkable global stock rally could …

Japan, South Korea nationals charged for exporting gun parts

A man from Japan and another from South Korea are facing federal criminal charges for allegedly setting up an illegal supply chain of assault rifle parts from the U.S. through Hawaii to customers in Japan. According to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. …

Japan provides reality check for Couche-Tard's grand retail dream

By Anton Bridge, Makiko Yamazaki and Ritsuko Shimizu TOKYO (Reuters) -Alimentation Couche-Tard's attempt to create a global convenience store behemoth was set back when it pulled its $46 billion bid for Seven & i, whose consumers in Japan have …

Japan: regional security faces “severe” challenges

Japan has released its 2025 Defense White Paper, warning of the most severe security environment in the postwar era as it confronts rising threats from China, North Korea, and Russia. The document outlines a sweeping strategy to strengthen the country’s …

Kremlin accuses Japan of escalation, vows response

Russia has sharply criticized Japan’s newly released annual Defense White Paper, accusing Tokyo of inflaming tensions in Asia and advancing a dangerous military agenda with its Western allies. In remarks published July 18, Russian Foreign Ministry …

Japan removes last restrictions on female soldiers

Japan’s Ministry of Defense has announced the complete removal of restrictions on female Self-Defense Force (JSDF) personnel, paving the way for their deployment to all units, including those operating in toxic chemical and radioactive environments. The …

‘Eagle on steroids’ arrives in Japan

Two F-15EX Eagle II aircraft from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, arrived at Kadena Air Base on July 12 for integration and familiarization training with local units and joint partners. This overseas deployment of the …

Japan rice prices double, raising pressure on PM