Japan has developed a unique credit environment shaped by its cultural values, aging population, and long-standing financial traditions. (News On Japan)

The benchmark land prices, a key reference point for real estate transactions, were released on September 16th. While many tourist areas across the country saw increases, Osaka is experiencing a particularly notable trend. (News On Japan)

A tour of the large-scale redevelopment site around Shibuya Station in Tokyo was held on September 15th, Respect for the Aged Day, organized by Tokyu, JR East, and Tokyo Metro. About 20 participants, including elementary and junior high school students from Shibuya Ward, visited the construction site, which includes the planned East Exit 4th Floor Skyway set to open in 2030. (News On Japan)

MRO Japan, which handles aircraft maintenance at Naha Airport, marked its 10th anniversary on September 12th with a commemorative ceremony. (News On Japan)

More than half of new employees now say they prefer a seniority-based pay system, reflecting a growing desire for stability among younger generations. Surveys show a sharp increase in those favoring traditional frameworks such as lifetime employment and seniority-based promotion, signaling a shift in mindset among workers once considered open to frequent job changes. (News On Japan)

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced it will provide up to 536 billion yen in subsidies to support mass production of next-generation semiconductor memory by Micron Technology, a major U.S. chipmaker, at its plant in Hiroshima. (News On Japan)

CyberAgent, Japan’s largest internet advertising agency, reported year-on-year declines in both revenue and profit in its third-quarter results for the fiscal year ending September 2025, announced in August. A revenue drop is unusual for the advertising business and underscores a turning point for the company. (News On Japan)

Foreign workers in Japan reached a record of about 2.3 million last year, reflecting chronic domestic labor shortages that have made overseas hires indispensable. At the same time, illegal employment has climbed, with experts pointing to brokers who target technical intern trainees amid reports of workplace harassment and low pay. (News On Japan)

MUFG Bank will open its first new branch in roughly two decades, positioning the outlet for individual customers and emphasizing easy access to asset-management consultations. (News On Japan)

Hitachi has begun full-scale operations at a new railcar factory in Maryland in the United States after investing $100 million (approximately 15 billion yen), positioning the site as a core hub to build trains that run across the country, notably in Baltimore, Washington and Pennsylvania. (News On Japan)

McDonald’s Japan said on September 9th that for the Happy Meal sets to be released on September 12th, sales on the first day will be limited to in-store counters and drive-thru only. (News On Japan)

Kirin has introduced a new piece of tableware designed to make low-salt meals taste stronger, addressing growing health concerns about excessive salt consumption in Japan. (News On Japan)

Sapporo announced plans to open a new large-scale MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facility in fiscal 2033, positioning the city to attract international conferences and exhibitions. (News On Japan)

The resignation of Prime Minister Ishiba has triggered continued gains in Japanese stocks, with the Nikkei surpassed 44,000 for the first time in history on Tuesday morning before closing at 43,459. (News On Japan)

Japan’s Ministry of Finance has taken the unusual step of cutting issuance of ultra-long-term government bonds after demand from major buyers weakened, highlighting concerns among investors about Japan’s fiscal outlook. (News On Japan)

Takara Tomy announced on September 8th that it is voluntarily recalling about 40,000 units of the "Grand Mall Tomica Building (Tomica 55th Anniversary Special Edition)," which was released in July. The decision follows two reported cases in which children injured their fingers after they became caught in the rotating parts of the central "spiral elevator." (News On Japan)

Mitsubishi Electric will introduce a voluntary retirement program targeting employees aged 53 and older, as well as those rehired after retirement, despite posting record profits in fiscal 2025. (News On Japan)

The Cabinet Office announced on September 8th that Japan’s GDP for the April-June quarter was revised upward, reflecting stronger consumer spending. Real GDP, which excludes the impact of inflation, rose 0.5% from the previous quarter, equivalent to an annualized increase of 2.2%. (News On Japan)

Itochu Corporation announced on September 5th that it will issue Japan's first corporate bond known as the 'Orange Bond,' with proceeds earmarked exclusively for initiatives promoting women's empowerment and related activities. (News On Japan)

A collaboration between companies inside and outside Okinawa has resulted in the creation of a unique and charming schoolbag unlike any seen before.The bags come in six vivid pastel colors inspired by Blue Seal’s popular flavors such as ube and salted chinsuko, and feature embroidered ice cream motifs and charms. (News On Japan)