A survey of industry participants indicates that rice prices are expected to decline over the next three months, reflecting a continued bearish outlook across the sector. (News On Japan)

As the Iran conflict shows signs of prolonged escalation, Japan’s heavy reliance on Middle Eastern oil is driving a sharp surge in naphtha prices—an essential raw material for plastics—forcing manufacturers to implement unprecedented price hikes of over 30% while raising concerns that widespread cost increases and potential shortages across food packaging, medical supplies, and daily goods could intensify from May onward if supply disruptions persist. (News On Japan)

Toyota Motor has begun selling two vehicle models manufactured at its U.S. plants in Japan, marking a shift toward so-called "reverse imports" as part of efforts to improve trade relations between Japan and the United States. (News On Japan)

Fresh tuna, glistening in vivid red, is served in unlimited portions, but resort hotels in Japan are beginning to feel the strain as escalating tensions involving Iran push up costs across the supply chain. (News On Japan)

As the new fiscal year began on April 1st, companies across Japan welcomed fresh employees with distinctive entrance ceremonies while some firms drew attention by offering sharply increased starting salaries. (News On Japan)

The Japanese government is stepping up efforts to expand overseas markets for fashion and cosmetics as part of its broader Cool Japan strategy, with discussions held on March 31st to review progress toward its goals. (News On Japan)

KDDI announced the results of an investigation into an accounting fraud involving its subsidiaries, revealing that 99.7% of revenue in its advertising agency business was generated through fictitious transactions. (News On Japan)

JR East is set to enter the QR code payment market under the name “teppay,” as competition intensifies following the withdrawal of services such as LINE Pay, raising questions over whether the railway operator can carve out a position while differentiating the service from its widely used Suica platform. (News On Japan)

Long-running tensions surrounding Iran are expected to push up household electricity bills, with Japanese power companies bracing for higher costs this summer as crude oil prices remain elevated, even as Japan has shifted its energy mix toward renewables, now accounting for more than 20% of total power generation following the Great East Japan Earthquake. (News On Japan)

Japan’s benchmark stock index plunged sharply at the start of the week, at one point dropping more than 2,800 points, as surging crude oil prices driven by tensions surrounding Iran rattled markets and raised fresh concerns over the stability of alternative energy supply routes. (News On Japan)

A month has passed since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, and while Japan holds oil reserves equivalent to roughly eight months of domestic consumption, concerns are growing that rising crude prices and supply disruptions could begin to affect everything from plastic bottles to medical IV tubes. (News On Japan)

In construction, the cost of even the smallest error is measured not only in money but also in time, reputation, and often the safety of people. (News On Japan)

Many project teams remember when work was primarily based on email chains, phone calls, and endless spreadsheets. However, digital transformation is rapidly changing the way businesses manage plans, tasks, and priorities. (News On Japan)

The Hokkaido Shinkansen marked its 10th anniversary on March 26, as a town in southern Hokkaido known for its deep ties to tunnel construction put forward a bold proposal to build a second undersea tunnel to help achieve faster travel between Sapporo and Tokyo. (News On Japan)

Japan’s oil supply is facing what experts describe as the largest crisis in its history, as global competition for energy intensifies following the attack on Iran, triggering widespread disruptions across logistics networks and medical services. (News On Japan)

Prime Minister Takaichi announced on March 27th that Japan will increase the operating rate of coal-fired power plants in preparation for a prolonged de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to reduce reliance on liquefied natural gas. (News On Japan)

Fuel prices have surged to levels that could begin to impact transportation infrastructure, as industry groups warn of worsening supply constraints and mounting financial pressure. (News On Japan)

The yen weakened sharply, briefly falling past 160 to the dollar, as concerns grew that instability in the Middle East would persist and weigh on global markets. (News On Japan)

Electricity and gas bills across Japan are set to rise in April, as government subsidies introduced to ease the impact of rising prices come to an end. (News On Japan)

Medical institutions across Japan are coming under increasing financial strain as rising prices for plastic and rubber—key materials in essential medical supplies—begin to weigh heavily on operations, prompting the government to release national oil reserves on March 26th in an effort to curb inflation and stabilize supply. (News On Japan)