Interview Yuriko Koike aims to lure talent as firms rethink bases amid geopolitical risks Tokyo’s governor, Yuriko Koike, says the Japanese capital’s reliability is a key asset when it comes to luring international startups. (Photo by Yuki Kohara) TOKYO — Tokyo’s reputation for trust and reliability is becoming a key advantage in attracting global startups, as companies […]

Technology Engineers drawn by autonomy as smaller firms battle conglomerates for scarce talent The AI boom is boosting demand for talent in Vietnam, forcing some companies to get creative in their hunt for employees. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Yuji Nitta and Suzu Takahashi) MAI NGUYEN AND YUJI NITTA HANOI — Smaller Vietnamese companies are fighting […]

Retail From skateboarding to pet-friendly stores, experiences cater to domestic shoppers Mitsui Fudosan Group offers permanent skate park at one of its Japanese outlet malls. (Mitsui Fudosan) TOKYO — Outlet malls are thriving in Japan by drawing more domestic shoppers to make up for a drop in Chinese tourists and uncertain prospects for inbound travel this […]

According to the Hong Kong exchange, 409 listing applications from companies are currently “under processing”. Trading Asia AI/tech leads “billions” in capital raised, with total outpacing Nasdaq and NYSE combined LORRETTA CHEN May 4, 2026 06:00 JST

Property Nikkei survey shows hottest spots for relocations in Japan’s capital Areas around Tokyo Station are driving rent growth in Japan’s capital. (Photo by Rie Ishii) TOKYO — A gauge of the cost of Tokyo office space has climbed to the highest level in 31 years, driven by companies relocating to better digs to help […]

Currencies China’s answer to SWIFT network sees rapid growth in transactions The yuan and the ruble have emerged as leading currencies for trade among U.S.-sanctioned Iran, Russia and China. © Reuters BEIJING — Use of the yuan to pay for crude oil and other goods and services has soared, with Iran and Russia turning to […]

Technology Tokyo racks up latest deal as it hunts for tech talent, new markets A quantum computer developed by Japan’s Toshiba. (Photo by Ryo Matsuura) TOKYO — Officials from Japan and India are set to sign an agreement Monday meant to spur development of quantum computing technology by increasing interactions between researchers and companies from […]

Energy Next-generation power cells are part of Japanese group’s bet on AI infrastructure SoftBank and South Korean-startup Cosmos Lab plan to make the batteries on the former site of Sharp’s LCD plant near Osaka. (Source photos by Nikkei) TOKYO — Japan’s SoftBank Group will seek to make batteries that do not require expensive lithium and cobalt […]

Iran was Tehran forced to rely on decommissioned tankers for storage, analysts say Satellite image of waters off Kharg Island, Iran, taken on April 18 by ESA’s Sentinel‑2 satellite (Image via Copernicus Browser, processed by Nikkei) KENJI ASADA and YUJI OHIRA NEW YORK/HOUSTON, Texas — Iranian crude oil has lost access to markets in Asia […]

Welcome to Your Week in Asia. Vietnamese President To Lam, who is also the leader of the Communist Party, is stepping up diplomatic activities. After welcoming Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on May 2, To Lam this week makes a state visit to India where he is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In […]