For all Japanese businesses, safeguarding the health and safety of employees should be an absolute top priority. (News On Japan)

The Japan Truck Show 2024 is currently underway at Pacifico Yokohama, showcasing the latest technologies in a climate of logistical concerns, including a shortage of drivers. (News On Japan)

The Dream Jumbo Lottery, with a top prize and adjacent prizes totaling 500 million yen, began sales on May 8th. (News On Japan)

Toyota Motor Corporation will expand its re-employment policy for seniors up to the age of 70, starting in August. (News On Japan)

Nintendo revealed on May 7 that it plans to announce a new gaming console, the successor to the Nintendo Switch, within this fiscal year. (News On Japan)

The cherished supermarket, Ito-Yokado, has closed its doors in Fukushima, bringing its 39-year history to a close. (News On Japan)

According to Teikoku Databank, there were ten steakhouse bankruptcies in the 2023 fiscal year, five times the previous year's count, marking a record high. (News On Japan)

Daihatsu Motor has resumed production at its headquarters plant, which had been suspended due to irregularities in certification testing. With this, all of Daihatsu's domestic plants are now operational. (News On Japan)

The price of seaweed, commonly used in rice balls, has been rising, impacting the availability of onigiri in convenience stores. (News On Japan)

A Japanese sake brewery behind the Japanese sake brand "BON," plans to release vintage sake aged for over 10 years around autumn 2024. By aging their sake and labelling it as vintage, the company aims to enhance its rarity and add value. (News On Japan)

In a survey conducted by a major life insurance company to coincide with Children's Day on May 5th, it was revealed that over half of the respondents felt uneasy about saving for their children’s education. (News On Japan)

Sony Pictures Entertainment, under the Sony Group, in partnership with an American investment firm, has proposed a joint acquisition of the U.S. media giant Paramount Global for approximately 4 trillion yen ($26 billion), as reported by multiple American media sources. (News On Japan)

Nippon Steel has announced a postponement of its acquisition timeline for major American steel manufacturer U.S. Steel, from the end of September to the end of December. (News On Japan)

As harsh summer heat is expected nationwide, applications for insurance against the risk of heatstroke have surged, reaching approximately 4,000 in just one week since sales began. (News On Japan)

A new cruise ship terminal has been completed at Tempozan in Osaka, and it was unveiled to the press on May 2nd. (News On Japan)

A consortium led by Mitsui Fudosan, selected to redevelop the former Tsukiji Market site, revealed at a press conference held in Tokyo on May 1st, plans to invest 900 billion yen in creating a multi-purpose stadium capable of accommodating 50,000 people. (News On Japan)

The Nikkei average stock price fell on May 1st due to concerns that the start of US rate cuts might be delayed. In the morning, the decline exceeded 300 yen at one point. (News On Japan)

As demand for sake rebounds both domestically and internationally, a major shortage of sake bottles has prompted a leading food wholesaler to begin selling the beverage in cans instead of bottles. (News On Japan)

A large-scale commercial facility, boasting about 50 stores from shopping to lodging and operating entirely cashless, has opened in Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture. (News On Japan)

May 1st marks the celebration of the international labor movement known as May Day. In Osaka, a rally was held where attendees called for the extension of recent substantial wage increases to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well. (News On Japan)