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Maki Shiraki
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Nov 23, 2018
Nissan's Hiroto Saikawa, a hard-nosed leader, takes center stage after Ghosn's ouster
In sacking his long-time mentor, Carlos Ghosn, as chairman of Nissan Motor Co., CEO Hiroto Saikawa has only bolstered his reputation for being a tough leader unafraid to antagonize people in the interests of business.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Aug 15, 2017
Japanese researchers use wood to make cellulose nanofiber auto parts stronger and lighter than metal
The global push among carmakers to make ever lighter vehicles is leading some auto suppliers in Japan to turn to what seems like an unlikely substitute for steel — wood.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
May 17, 2015
Takata, automakers stuck in uneasy relationship as recalls mount
Air bag manufacturer Takata Corp. and Japan's carmakers are locked in the commercial equivalent of a bad marriage, not entirely happy in each other's company but unable to break apart.
BUSINESS / Companies
Mar 22, 2015
Toyota set to approve $1 billion Corolla plant in Mexico within weeks
Toyota Motor Corp. is finalizing plans for its first car plant in Mexico, which could be approved by its board as early as next month, according to three people with knowledge of the matter.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Aug 25, 2014
Regulators' sweep threatens auto parts business model
When a Japanese carmaker issued a tender for shock absorbers a few years ago for a model it planned to sell in Indonesia, two suppliers came back with bids that were "so obviously coordinated," said an executive at the automaker.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jul 27, 2011
K-pop stars luring Japan to buy Korean products
Yuko Ishii, a 53-year-old factory worker in central Japan, used to feel reluctant about buying products made in South Korea. That changed after she became a fan of pop stars such as boy band TVXQ.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Apr 26, 2011
Solar-panel producers stand to benefit from nuke fears
Akiko Hirai says the Hamaoka power station 3 km from her home evokes such dread of the crippled Fukushima plant that she would spend ¥500,000 installing solar panels if it helped make Japan nuclear-free.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Apr 22, 2011
Silver lining in sight for makers of solar panels
Akiko Hirai says the Hamaoka power station 3 km from her home evokes such dread of the crippled Fukushima plant that she would spend ¥500,000 installing solar panels if it helped make Japan nuclear-free.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jun 3, 2010
Porn stars in 3-D lure buyers to new TVs
Porn star Mika Kayama is at the frontier of a push to develop videos and content in Japan that Sony Corp. and Panasonic Corp. need to lure customers for their new 3-D televisions.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Nov 21, 2009
Sony head sees big things for 3-D
Sony Corp. Chairman Howard Stringer forecast 3-D movies, pictures and games will be the electronics maker's next $10 billion business, challenging investors and analysts who say the technology isn't ready to become mainstream.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Oct 16, 2009
Rich turn to solar power for latest status symbols
Forget the 58-inch flat-panel TV, the new domestic status symbol for Japan's rich is a cooker.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Feb 24, 2009
Women forsake frills but spare no expense for skin
When Miwako Taniuchi's income slumped 30 percent last year, out went the expensive dinners and new Gucci and Louis Vuitton handbags. One purchase that didn't get axed: a skin cream worth its weight in gold.

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Construction takes place on the Takanawa Gateway Convention Center in Tokyo, slated to open in 2025.
A boom for business tourism in Japan?