U.S. trade deal’s setback causes mixed reaction in Asia

TOKYO — The failure of a package of trade-related measures Friday in the House was a blow to President Obama, but it was also a blow to his ally, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, half a world away.

Why Japan Should, or Shouldn’t, Join the China-led AIIB: Q&A

When Japan’s finance minister meets his Chinese counterpart in Beijing on Saturday, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will loom large in the talks.

Japan's economy grows faster than expected

Japan's economy staged an encouraging comeback in the first quarter, expanding at its fastest pace in a year, data showed on Wednesday.

Japan’s Abe Sells Trade Deal to Congress With War Apology

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe urged the U.S. government to work closely with his country to finish an ambitious Asia-Pacific trade deal that he said would promote democracy and freedom in the region.

Japan business confidence wavers

Doubts about a rebound in Japan's economy are rippling through boardrooms across the country, a key central bank survey suggests, as efforts to revive growth falter.

Abe hopes BOJ keeps stimulus to meet inflation goal, upbeat on economy

(Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday he hopes the central bank continues with its bold monetary easing campaign to achieve its 2 percent inflation target.

Japan exports grow most in year, signaling steady recovery from recession

(Reuters) - Japan's exports grew the most in a year in December, helped by a weak yen and a pick-up in overseas demand led by the United States, an encouraging sign for the recession-hit economy even as doubts persist about the strength of global consumption.

South Korea holds winning hand as Japan gambling bill dies

TOKYO/SEOUL, Nov 24 (Reuters) - South Korea looks like the consolation prize as Japan's $15 billion casino dream fades, a setback for companies such as Las Vegas Sands Corp that envisioned a new gaming hub rivalling Las Vegas in 2020.

Japan exports grow strongly in Oct, cutting economic gloom

(Reuters) - Japanese exports grew in October at the fastest pace in eight months, an encouraging sign that global demand could help the country recover from recession and support the central bank's optimistic economic outlook.

Japanese recession figures prompt talk of snap election

Japan has unexpectedly sunk into recession in the third quarter, raising the prospect of a snap election as the country’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, attempts to secure a mandate to breathe life into the world’s third biggest economy.

Japan PM Abe's expected tax delay a new headache for BOJ chief Kuroda

(Reuters) - Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's expected decision to delay a tax hike compounds problems for Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda, who already faces an increasingly divided board and financial markets that are questioning his credibility.

Japan banker hopes for smalltown encore with 'curtain call' loans

(Reuters) - While rival banks sit on their deposits, frustrating government efforts to reflate Japan's stagnant economy, regional banker Takashi Tsuchiya will write you a loan to close your business or end your marriage.

Japan’s Exports Rise Most in Seven Months in Boost to Abe

Japan’s exports climbed the most in seven months in September, supporting a rebound in the economy as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe weighs another sales-tax increase.

Risks to 'Abenomics' growing, whether Japan PM raises tax or not

(Reuters) - If history is a guide, a string of disappointing economic reports in Japan would seem to argue against raising the country’s sales tax again.

Japan PM Abe vows to keep cautious watch on tax hike's impact

(Reuters) - Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday that he will carefully watch the impact of April's sales tax hike and rising fuel prices on the economy, as he must decide by year-end whether Japan can cope with a second tax increase next year.

Japan inflation slows, threatening economic policy agenda

(Reuters) - Japan's annual core consumer inflation eased in August in another sign that the Bank of Japan could eventually be forced to take additional easing steps to meet its 2 percent price goal sometime next fiscal year.

Japan trade deficit narrows in August

Japan's trade deficit narrowed in August as a fall in imports lowered the country's energy bill for the month.

Japan approves nuclear restart amid push to close old reactors

(Reuters) - Japan's nuclear regulator on Wednesday approved the restart of a nuclear power station, the first step to reopening an industry that has been idle since the Fukushima disaster, as the government pushes for the permanent closure of older reactors.

Japan Keeps Faith in Weaker Yen as Economy Struggles

Facing the prospect of the first growth-free fiscal year since the 2009 global recession, Japan’s policy makers are keeping faith that a weaker exchange rate will help the world’s third-largest economy.

Japan wage growth surges in July

Japanese wages unexpectedly logged their strongest increase since 1997, providing a boost to the government's battle against deflation.