Pacific trade deal or no, Japan eyes US gas riches

The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal could accelerate and expand energy US-Japan energy trade as Japan looks to fill a gap left by a nuclear power ban.

Japanese government to go ahead with sales tax rise

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said his government will raise the rate of sales tax to 8% from 1 April next year, from the current 5%.

Japan growth data revision adds to recovery hopes

Japan has revised up its growth numbers for the first three months of the year, adding to hopes of a recovery in the world's third-largest economy.

Japan PM Shinzo Abe previews 'third arrow' economic policy to boost growth

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday previewed the "third arrow" of a three-part economic policy aimed at boosting growth in the long-stagnant economy, promising to open the economy through free trade deals, make it easier for women to work and promote growth sectors with private and public support.

IMF cuts Japan growth forecast

TOKYO: The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday cut its forecast for Japan's growth this year and 2013, saying a slowdown in disaster reconstruction spending will weigh on the world's third-largest economy.