Commentary / Japan Mar 25, 2020
Now is the time for Japan to make a digital shift
by Heizo Takenaka
The coronavirus pandemic has made it clear that Japan lags far behind other countries in putting new digital technologies to actual use.
Business Mar 25, 2020
NTT Docomo Inc. launched fifth-generation large-capacity ultrahigh-speed mobile phone services Wednesday, becoming the first in Japan to do so. Rivals KDDI Corp. and Softbank Corp. are set to follow suit on Thursday and Friday, respectively. Rakuten Inc. plans to enter the 5G market in June. With ...
Business / Corporate Mar 24, 2020
Toyota and NTT sign capital tie-up over 'smart city' project
The auto and telecommunications giants said they will mutually invest around ¥200 billion ($1.8 billion) by purchasing each other’s treasury stocks.
Asia Pacific Mar 24, 2020
People in China need a green light from Alipay app to move around
To get permission to leave China's coronavirus epicenter and return to his job in Hong Kong, a Chinese banker needed two things: a letter from his company and a green health code from an Alibaba app. The man, who gave his name only as Clarence ...
Business / Corporate Mar 23, 2020
SoftBank soars after unveiling ¥4.5 trillion plan to slash debt
SoftBank Group Corp. has unveiled a plan to raise as much as ¥4.5 trillion to replenish its coffers and slash debt over the coming year, moving to address investors' concerns about its exposure to money-losing businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. Its shares surged. The investment ...
Business / Tech Mar 23, 2020
KDDI to kick off 5G services Thursday with unlimited data offering
KDDI Corp. said Monday it will launch ultrafast 5G wireless services later this week, offering a monthly plan with unlimited data for ¥8,650 ($77) to entice customers who want to enjoy video and gaming on the go. From Thursday, if customers combine a number of ...
Business / Corporate Mar 22, 2020
Coronavirus disrupts supply chains for Japanese housing and gaming industries
The coronavirus outbreak is disrupting supply chains for the housing and gaming industries in Japan, causing companies to scramble to find alternative suppliers. Snags in parts procurement from China have led to shortages and delivery delays, and some firms have postponed their product releases. Panasonic Corp. ...
Business / Tech Mar 18, 2020
Docomo to launch Japan 5G services March 25, pipping SoftBank to post
NTT Docomo Inc. said Wednesday it will launch smartphone services based on superfast 5G technology on March 25, two days ahead of its rival SoftBank Corp. NTT Docomo said it plans to offer the 5G service allowing data transmission of up to 100 gigabytes at ...
World Mar 18, 2020
From online classes to video meetings, could COVID-19 spur low-carbon habits?
by Laurie Goering
As the new coronavirus swept across the Seattle area, one of the hardest-hit areas in the United States, the University of Washington earlier this month shuttered its classrooms in a bid to contain the spread of the disease. But lecturer Ian Schnee's philosophy class for ...
Business / Tech Mar 12, 2020
Augmented reality startup Magic Leap to explore a sale
by Ed Hammond and Sarah Frier
Magic Leap Inc., the startup that raised more than $2 billion to build an augmented reality device, is exploring options including a sale, according to people familiar with the matter. The Plantation, Florida-based company is working with an adviser to consider strategic options that could ...
Business / Corporate Mar 9, 2020
Apple's Tim Cook expands U.S. remote working offer to many global employees
Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook is offering employees at most of its global offices the ability to work from home, calling the coronavirus outbreak an "unprecedented event" and a "challenging moment." Cook told employees at several global offices to "please feel free to work remotely ...
Business / Tech Mar 5, 2020
SoftBank to be first in Japan to launch 5G services, on March 27
Rivals NTT Docomo Inc. and KDDI Corp. are expected to reveal their own plans soon.