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<title>Konnichiwa Today &#45; : MONEY</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/rss/category/money</link>
<description>Konnichiwa Today &#45; : MONEY</description>
<dc:language>en</dc:language>
<dc:rights>Copyright 2025 Konnichiwa Today News &#45; All Rights Reserved.</dc:rights>

<item>
<title>Yen rises sharply to 155 level against U.S. dollar after intervention rumor</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/yen-rises-sharply-to-155-level-against-us-dollar-after-intervention-rumor</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/yen-rises-sharply-to-155-level-against-us-dollar-after-intervention-rumor</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The yen rose sharply on Friday, briefly reaching the mid-155 level from the lower 157 range, amid a cautious mood a day after an around 5 yen surge… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:24:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Yen, rises, sharply, 155, level, against, U.S., dollar, after, intervention, rumor</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The yen rose sharply on Friday, briefly reaching the mid-155 level from the lower 157 range, amid a cautious mood a day after an around 5 yen surge…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>War in Iran threatening Japan’s pudding production</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/war-in-iran-threatening-japans-pudding-production</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/war-in-iran-threatening-japans-pudding-production</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ There are few desserts as beloved in Japan as pudding, though we always have to go through the long-winded discussion that this “pudding” is actually purin. It’s a type… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>War, Iran, threatening, Japan’s, pudding, production</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[There are few desserts as beloved in Japan as pudding, though we always have to go through the long-winded discussion that this “pudding” is actually purin. It’s a type…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tax refunds and AI boom have offset some U.S. economic pain from Iran war and high gas prices, so far</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tax-refunds-and-ai-boom-have-offset-some-us-economic-pain-from-iran-war-and-high-gas-prices-so-far</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tax-refunds-and-ai-boom-have-offset-some-us-economic-pain-from-iran-war-and-high-gas-prices-so-far</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Americans are paying for the war in Iran with every visit to the gas station, but some of the damage to the U.S. economy is being offset —… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tax, refunds, and, boom, have, offset, some, U.S., economic, pain, from, Iran, war, and, high, gas, prices, far</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Americans are paying for the war in Iran with every visit to the gas station, but some of the damage to the U.S. economy is being offset —…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>High oil prices due to the Iran war weigh on everything from the gas pump to consumer goods</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/high-oil-prices-due-to-the-iran-war-weigh-on-everything-from-the-gas-pump-to-consumer-goods</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/high-oil-prices-due-to-the-iran-war-weigh-on-everything-from-the-gas-pump-to-consumer-goods</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pain at the pump. Higher postal prices. Flights canceled, costlier airplane ticket prices and baggage fees. Everyday items such as soap and toothpaste getting more expensive.
Consumers are… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>High, oil, prices, due, the, Iran, war, weigh, everything, from, the, gas, pump, consumer, goods</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Pain at the pump. Higher postal prices. Flights canceled, costlier airplane ticket prices and baggage fees. Everyday items such as soap and toothpaste getting more expensive.
Consumers are…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Carmaker Stellantis swings back into profit as sales climb</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/carmaker-stellantis-swings-back-into-profit-as-sales-climb</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/carmaker-stellantis-swings-back-into-profit-as-sales-climb</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Global automaker Stellantis -- owner of the Jeep and Fiat brands -- said Thursday it had swung back into profit in the first quarter on rising sales as… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Carmaker, Stellantis, swings, back, into, profit, sales, climb</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Global automaker Stellantis -- owner of the Jeep and Fiat brands -- said Thursday it had swung back into profit in the first quarter on rising sales as…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan conducted market intervention to stem yen&amp;apos;s fall against dollar: sources</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-conducted-market-intervention-to-stem-yens-fall-against-dollar-sources</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-conducted-market-intervention-to-stem-yens-fall-against-dollar-sources</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese authorities intervened in the currency market on Thursday to stem the yen&#039;s rapid fall to the upper 160 range against the U.S. dollar, government sources said, stepping… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:00:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, conducted, market, intervention, stem, yens, fall, against, dollar:, sources</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese authorities intervened in the currency market on Thursday to stem the yen's rapid fall to the upper 160 range against the U.S. dollar, government sources said, stepping…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan oil refiner Idemitsu to supply 4 million barrels of crude to Vietnam</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-oil-refiner-idemitsu-to-supply-4-million-barrels-of-crude-to-vietnam</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-oil-refiner-idemitsu-to-supply-4-million-barrels-of-crude-to-vietnam</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Oil refiner Idemitsu Kosan Co will supply about 4 million barrels of crude oil to Vietnam at the request of the Japanese government, sources familiar with the matter… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:44:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, oil, refiner, Idemitsu, supply, million, barrels, crude, Vietnam</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Oil refiner Idemitsu Kosan Co will supply about 4 million barrels of crude oil to Vietnam at the request of the Japanese government, sources familiar with the matter…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>JAL reports highest sales of ¥2.01 trillion in FY2025</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/jal-reports-highest-sales-of-201-trillion-in-fy2025</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/jal-reports-highest-sales-of-201-trillion-in-fy2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan Airlines Co. said Thursday its revenue rose 9.1 percent from the previous year to reach a record high since its relisting in 2012 of 2.01 trillion yen… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:44:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>JAL, reports, highest, sales, ¥2.01, trillion, FY2025</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan Airlines Co. said Thursday its revenue rose 9.1 percent from the previous year to reach a record high since its relisting in 2012 of 2.01 trillion yen…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Budget airlines cut flights as jet fuel prices soar</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/budget-airlines-cut-flights-as-jet-fuel-prices-soar</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/budget-airlines-cut-flights-as-jet-fuel-prices-soar</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Ryanair, Transavia, Volotea and other low-cost airlines are feeling the financial pain from high jet fuel prices as a result of the Middle East war and are cutting… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:04:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Budget, airlines, cut, flights, jet, fuel, prices, soar</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Ryanair, Transavia, Volotea and other low-cost airlines are feeling the financial pain from high jet fuel prices as a result of the Middle East war and are cutting…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Amazon reports increased 1Q profits and net sales fueled by cloud computing demand</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/amazon-reports-increased-1q-profits-and-net-sales-fueled-by-cloud-computing-demand</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/amazon-reports-increased-1q-profits-and-net-sales-fueled-by-cloud-computing-demand</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Amazon on Wednesday reported a strong increase in profits and net sales during its fiscal first quarter, helped by surging growth in its prominent cloud computing unit.
The… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Amazon, reports, increased, profits, and, net, sales, fueled, cloud, computing, demand</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Amazon on Wednesday reported a strong increase in profits and net sales during its fiscal first quarter, helped by surging growth in its prominent cloud computing unit.
The…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan cleaner goes viral with spa&#45;like service for plushies</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-cleaner-goes-viral-with-spa-like-service-for-plushies</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-cleaner-goes-viral-with-spa-like-service-for-plushies</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A worn-out Pikachu plushie, tired teddy bear or stained stuffed animal can all get a new lease on life at a Japanese laundry service making beloved toys squeaky… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, cleaner, goes, viral, with, spa-like, service, for, plushies</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A worn-out Pikachu plushie, tired teddy bear or stained stuffed animal can all get a new lease on life at a Japanese laundry service making beloved toys squeaky…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan jobless rate in FY2025 rises to 2.6% as more people enter job market</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-jobless-rate-in-fy2025-rises-to-26-as-more-people-enter-job-market</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-jobless-rate-in-fy2025-rises-to-26-as-more-people-enter-job-market</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s average unemployment rate in fiscal 2025 rose 0.1 percentage point from a year earlier to 2.6 percent, deteriorating for the first time in five years, as more… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, jobless, rate, FY2025, rises, 2.6, more, people, enter, job, market</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's average unemployment rate in fiscal 2025 rose 0.1 percentage point from a year earlier to 2.6 percent, deteriorating for the first time in five years, as more…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Denso withdraws takeover bid for Rohm after failing to win support</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/denso-withdraws-takeover-bid-for-rohm-after-failing-to-win-support</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/denso-withdraws-takeover-bid-for-rohm-after-failing-to-win-support</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Major Japanese auto parts maker Denso Corp said Tuesday its board has decided to withdraw its buyout proposal for Rohm Co, having failed to secure the semiconductor and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Denso, withdraws, takeover, bid, for, Rohm, after, failing, win, support</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Major Japanese auto parts maker Denso Corp said Tuesday its board has decided to withdraw its buyout proposal for Rohm Co, having failed to secure the semiconductor and…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Honda delays self&#45;driving tech rollout to 2028 after halting U.S. EV plan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/honda-delays-self-driving-tech-rollout-to-2028-after-halting-us-ev-plan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/honda-delays-self-driving-tech-rollout-to-2028-after-halting-us-ev-plan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Honda Motor Co plans to delay the introduction of its artificial intelligence-based self-driving technology to 2028 from its earlier goal of 2027, a company source said, after canceling… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Honda, delays, self-driving, tech, rollout, 2028, after, halting, U.S., plan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Honda Motor Co plans to delay the introduction of its artificial intelligence-based self-driving technology to 2028 from its earlier goal of 2027, a company source said, after canceling…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Starbucks reports stronger than expected quarterly sales as turnaround gains traction</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/starbucks-reports-stronger-than-expected-quarterly-sales-as-turnaround-gains-traction</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/starbucks-reports-stronger-than-expected-quarterly-sales-as-turnaround-gains-traction</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Starbucks said Tuesday that customers are responding to improved service in its stores, which saw better-than-expected sales in the company&#039;s fiscal second quarter.
The Seattle coffee giant said… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Starbucks, reports, stronger, than, expected, quarterly, sales, turnaround, gains, traction</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Starbucks said Tuesday that customers are responding to improved service in its stores, which saw better-than-expected sales in the company's fiscal second quarter.
The Seattle coffee giant said…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>BOJ holds key rate steady amid worries about Iran war and energy prices</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-holds-key-rate-steady-amid-worries-about-iran-war-and-energy-prices</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-holds-key-rate-steady-amid-worries-about-iran-war-and-energy-prices</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Bank of Japan decided Tuesday to keep its benchmark rate unchanged at 0.75% amid growing worries about the war in Iran pushing prices of oil and other… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:44:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>BOJ, holds, key, rate, steady, amid, worries, about, Iran, war, and, energy, prices</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Bank of Japan decided Tuesday to keep its benchmark rate unchanged at 0.75% amid growing worries about the war in Iran pushing prices of oil and other…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Toyota reports record global sales for FY2025</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-reports-record-global-sales-for-fy2025</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-reports-record-global-sales-for-fy2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Toyota Motor Corp said Monday it sold a record 10.48 million cars globally, surpassing its previous high for the first time in two years, on robust demand for… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Toyota, reports, record, global, sales, for, FY2025</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Toyota Motor Corp said Monday it sold a record 10.48 million cars globally, surpassing its previous high for the first time in two years, on robust demand for…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Foreign carmakers seek edge with China partners</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/foreign-carmakers-seek-edge-with-china-partners</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/foreign-carmakers-seek-edge-with-china-partners</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In a sprawling office in Hefei, the eastern Chinese electric vehicle hub, hundreds of employees and several robotic arms sat refining software developed jointly by German behemoth Volkswagen… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:03:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Foreign, carmakers, seek, edge, with, China, partners</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[In a sprawling office in Hefei, the eastern Chinese electric vehicle hub, hundreds of employees and several robotic arms sat refining software developed jointly by German behemoth Volkswagen…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nikkei ends above 60,000 for 1st time on tech gains</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-ends-above-60000-for-1st-time-on-tech-gains</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-ends-above-60000-for-1st-time-on-tech-gains</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Nikkei stock index finished above the 60,000-point line for the first time on Monday, propelled by heavyweight technology shares and hopes for a breakthrough in the Middle… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:39:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nikkei, ends, above, 60, 000, for, 1st, time, tech, gains</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Nikkei stock index finished above the 60,000-point line for the first time on Monday, propelled by heavyweight technology shares and hopes for a breakthrough in the Middle…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan to invest ¥1 trillion into recycling metals, plastics by 2030</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-invest-1-trillion-into-recycling-metals-plastics-by-2030</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-invest-1-trillion-into-recycling-metals-plastics-by-2030</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan plans to invest around 1 trillion yen by 2030 to develop a circular economy for recycling resources such as metals and plastics, according to an action plan… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, invest, ¥1, trillion, into, recycling, metals, plastics, 2030</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan plans to invest around 1 trillion yen by 2030 to develop a circular economy for recycling resources such as metals and plastics, according to an action plan…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan inflation cools demand for vending machine drinks</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-inflation-cools-demand-for-vending-machine-drinks</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-inflation-cools-demand-for-vending-machine-drinks</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ From post offices and parks to stations and even the summit of Mount Fuji, Japan&#039;s vending machines are ubiquitous. But with the rapid pace of inflation cooling demand… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, inflation, cools, demand, for, vending, machine, drinks</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[From post offices and parks to stations and even the summit of Mount Fuji, Japan's vending machines are ubiquitous. But with the rapid pace of inflation cooling demand…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan duty&#45;free sales up in March; 1st rise in 5 months</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-duty-free-sales-up-in-march-1st-rise-in-5-months</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-duty-free-sales-up-in-march-1st-rise-in-5-months</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Duty-free sales at Japan&#039;s department stores in March rose 5.2 percent from a year earlier to 46.51 billion yen, marking the first increase in five months, despite a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, duty-free, sales, March, 1st, rise, months</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Duty-free sales at Japan's department stores in March rose 5.2 percent from a year earlier to 46.51 billion yen, marking the first increase in five months, despite a…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Women take the lead in whiskey as more female drinkers and distillers change the industry</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/women-take-the-lead-in-whiskey-as-more-female-drinkers-and-distillers-change-the-industry</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/women-take-the-lead-in-whiskey-as-more-female-drinkers-and-distillers-change-the-industry</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Meghan Ireland always loved chemistry, but as a college freshman studying chemical engineering, she didn’t know she could channel her passion for science into the art of making… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Women, take, the, lead, whiskey, more, female, drinkers, and, distillers, change, the, industry</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Meghan Ireland always loved chemistry, but as a college freshman studying chemical engineering, she didn’t know she could channel her passion for science into the art of making…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s crude steel output falls to 57&#45;year low in FY2025</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-crude-steel-output-falls-to-57-year-low-in-fy2025</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-crude-steel-output-falls-to-57-year-low-in-fy2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s crude steel production fell 3.2 percent to 80.33 million tons in fiscal 2025, its lowest level since fiscal 1968, as inflation dragged down domestic construction demand, an… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, crude, steel, output, falls, 57-year, low, FY2025</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's crude steel production fell 3.2 percent to 80.33 million tons in fiscal 2025, its lowest level since fiscal 1968, as inflation dragged down domestic construction demand, an…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Don Quijote operator opens food&#45;focused discount store near Nagoya</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/don-quijote-operator-opens-food-focused-discount-store-near-nagoya</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/don-quijote-operator-opens-food-focused-discount-store-near-nagoya</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The operator of discount retailer chain Don Quijote on Friday opened a food-focused store near Nagoya to help households struggling with the cost of living.
According to Pan… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Don, Quijote, operator, opens, food-focused, discount, store, near, Nagoya</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The operator of discount retailer chain Don Quijote on Friday opened a food-focused store near Nagoya to help households struggling with the cost of living.
According to Pan…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>At Beijing auto show, Chinese carmakers flaunt new technologies as global competition heats up</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/at-beijing-auto-show-chinese-carmakers-flaunt-new-technologies-as-global-competition-heats-up</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/at-beijing-auto-show-chinese-carmakers-flaunt-new-technologies-as-global-competition-heats-up</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ China’s top automakers are showcasing their latest models and technologies from intelligent driving to ultrafast charging in Beijing as they compete with global rivals in overseas markets.
Analysts… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Beijing, auto, show, Chinese, carmakers, flaunt, new, technologies, global, competition, heats</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[China’s top automakers are showcasing their latest models and technologies from intelligent driving to ultrafast charging in Beijing as they compete with global rivals in overseas markets.
Analysts…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Chinese carmakers aim to build up presence in Europe</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinese-carmakers-aim-to-build-up-presence-in-europe</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinese-carmakers-aim-to-build-up-presence-in-europe</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Chinese carmakers have quickly built up their presence in the lucrative European auto market, buoyed by technological advances their competitors are trying to copy, and analysts say their… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinese, carmakers, aim, build, presence, Europe</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Chinese carmakers have quickly built up their presence in the lucrative European auto market, buoyed by technological advances their competitors are trying to copy, and analysts say their…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Mexico to export 1 million barrels of oil to Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/mexico-to-export-1-million-barrels-of-oil-to-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/mexico-to-export-1-million-barrels-of-oil-to-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Mexico will export 1 million barrels of oil to Japan, its President Claudia Sheinbaum said Thursday, following a request from Tokyo amid uncertainty over energy supplies from the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:35:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mexico, export, million, barrels, oil, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Mexico will export 1 million barrels of oil to Japan, its President Claudia Sheinbaum said Thursday, following a request from Tokyo amid uncertainty over energy supplies from the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Burger King offers every fast food franchisee in Japan ¥40 mil to jump ship and join them</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/burger-king-offers-every-fast-food-franchisee-in-japan-40-mil-to-jump-ship-and-join-them</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/burger-king-offers-every-fast-food-franchisee-in-japan-40-mil-to-jump-ship-and-join-them</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Burger King has been on quite the tear in Japan recently. Their explosive post-pandemic expansion saw them grow from 77 locations to 352, with a target of 600… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Burger, King, offers, every, fast, food, franchisee, Japan, ¥40, mil, jump, ship, and, join, them</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Burger King has been on quite the tear in Japan recently. Their explosive post-pandemic expansion saw them grow from 77 locations to 352, with a target of 600…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Honda to exit South Korea auto market at year&#45;end due to sluggish sales</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/honda-to-exit-south-korea-auto-market-at-year-end-due-to-sluggish-sales</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/honda-to-exit-south-korea-auto-market-at-year-end-due-to-sluggish-sales</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Honda Motor Co said Thursday it will exit the South Korean auto market at the end of this year due to sluggish sales, more than two decades after… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Honda, exit, South, Korea, auto, market, year-end, due, sluggish, sales</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Honda Motor Co said Thursday it will exit the South Korean auto market at the end of this year due to sluggish sales, more than two decades after…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>ANA mulls domestic flight surcharges as fuel prices soar</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ana-mulls-domestic-flight-surcharges-as-fuel-prices-soar</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ana-mulls-domestic-flight-surcharges-as-fuel-prices-soar</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ All Nippon Airways Co is considering introducing domestic flight surcharges in fiscal 2027 due to soaring fuel prices amid the war in the Middle East, a source familiar… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:23:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>ANA, mulls, domestic, flight, surcharges, fuel, prices, soar</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[All Nippon Airways Co is considering introducing domestic flight surcharges in fiscal 2027 due to soaring fuel prices amid the war in the Middle East, a source familiar…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>McDonald&amp;apos;s Japan starts to rehire ex&#45;workers for flexible &amp;apos;spot&amp;apos; work hours</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/mcdonalds-japan-starts-to-rehire-ex-workers-for-flexible-spot-work-hours</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/mcdonalds-japan-starts-to-rehire-ex-workers-for-flexible-spot-work-hours</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ McDonald&#039;s Co (Japan) said Wednesday it has introduced a new system that allows former employees to return to work without the hassle of submitting resumes, in a move… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>McDonalds, Japan, starts, rehire, ex-workers, for, flexible, spot, work, hours</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[McDonald's Co (Japan) said Wednesday it has introduced a new system that allows former employees to return to work without the hassle of submitting resumes, in a move…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Lufthansa cuts 20,000 flights as war squeezes fuel prices and supplies</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/lufthansa-cuts-20000-flights-as-war-squeezes-fuel-prices-and-supplies</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/lufthansa-cuts-20000-flights-as-war-squeezes-fuel-prices-and-supplies</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The German company that owns Lufthansa Airlines and other European carriers said Tuesday that it would cut 20,000 short-haul flights through October as the Iran war drives up… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Lufthansa, cuts, 20, 000, flights, war, squeezes, fuel, prices, and, supplies</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The German company that owns Lufthansa Airlines and other European carriers said Tuesday that it would cut 20,000 short-haul flights through October as the Iran war drives up…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan records trade deficit for 5th straight year as Trump&amp;apos;s tariffs hit auto exports</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-records-trade-deficit-for-5th-straight-year-as-trumps-tariffs-hit-auto-exports</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-records-trade-deficit-for-5th-straight-year-as-trumps-tariffs-hit-auto-exports</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s trade deficit was 1.7 trillion yen ($10.7 billion) in the fiscal year that ended in March, the government said Wednesday, the fifth straight fiscal year of deficits.… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, records, trade, deficit, for, 5th, straight, year, Trumps, tariffs, hit, auto, exports</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's trade deficit was 1.7 trillion yen ($10.7 billion) in the fiscal year that ended in March, the government said Wednesday, the fifth straight fiscal year of deficits.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Hello Kitty&amp;apos;s parent company to make its own video games</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/hello-kittys-parent-company-to-make-its-own-video-games</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/hello-kittys-parent-company-to-make-its-own-video-games</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Seeking new fans for Hello Kitty, the company behind the enigmatic character on Tuesday launched a video games division aiming to release 10 original titles over the next… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Hello, Kittys, parent, company, make, its, own, video, games</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Seeking new fans for Hello Kitty, the company behind the enigmatic character on Tuesday launched a video games division aiming to release 10 original titles over the next…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>How France fell for reimagined 19th&#45;century workers&amp;apos; canteens</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/how-france-fell-for-reimagined-19th-century-workers-canteens</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/how-france-fell-for-reimagined-19th-century-workers-canteens</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ So-called bouillon restaurants are mushrooming all over France, reviving a traditional low-cost Gallic meal concept that can compete with fast-food on prices and easily beat it on quality.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>How, France, fell, for, reimagined, 19th-century, workers, canteens</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[So-called bouillon restaurants are mushrooming all over France, reviving a traditional low-cost Gallic meal concept that can compete with fast-food on prices and easily beat it on quality.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Hitachi to sell home appliance business to electronics retailer Nojima</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/hitachi-to-sell-home-appliance-business-to-electronics-retailer-nojima</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/hitachi-to-sell-home-appliance-business-to-electronics-retailer-nojima</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Hitachi Ltd said Tuesday it will sell its home appliance business to Japanese electronics retailer Nojima Corp, as part of its restructuring efforts, aiming to combine the two… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Hitachi, sell, home, appliance, business, electronics, retailer, Nojima</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Hitachi Ltd said Tuesday it will sell its home appliance business to Japanese electronics retailer Nojima Corp, as part of its restructuring efforts, aiming to combine the two…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan convenience store sales rise 2.2% in March, up for 13th month</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-convenience-store-sales-rise-22-in-march-up-for-13th-month</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-convenience-store-sales-rise-22-in-march-up-for-13th-month</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Convenience store sales in Japan rose 2.2 percent from a year earlier in March for the 13th straight month of increase, buoyed by sales promotion measures and demand… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:07:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, convenience, store, sales, rise, 2.2, March, for, 13th, month</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Convenience store sales in Japan rose 2.2 percent from a year earlier in March for the 13th straight month of increase, buoyed by sales promotion measures and demand…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>California says Amazon pressured retailers to boost prices on their websites to not undercut it</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/california-says-amazon-pressured-retailers-to-boost-prices-on-their-websites-to-not-undercut-it</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/california-says-amazon-pressured-retailers-to-boost-prices-on-their-websites-to-not-undercut-it</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Amazon used its market leverage to get companies such as Walmart to increase prices on their websites so the e-commerce giant would not be undercut by its competitors,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>California, says, Amazon, pressured, retailers, boost, prices, their, websites, not, undercut</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Amazon used its market leverage to get companies such as Walmart to increase prices on their websites so the e-commerce giant would not be undercut by its competitors,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>More Japanese firms plan to cut new graduate hires for FY2027 as AI use grows</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/more-japanese-firms-plan-to-cut-new-graduate-hires-for-fy2027-as-ai-use-grows</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/more-japanese-firms-plan-to-cut-new-graduate-hires-for-fy2027-as-ai-use-grows</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ More major Japanese companies plan to reduce the number of new graduates they hire from fiscal 2027 despite the country&#039;s labor shortage as they turn to digital solutions… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>More, Japanese, firms, plan, cut, new, graduate, hires, for, FY2027, use, grows</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[More major Japanese companies plan to reduce the number of new graduates they hire from fiscal 2027 despite the country's labor shortage as they turn to digital solutions…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>New IC train card for foreign tourists to Japan to go on sale in May</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/new-ic-train-card-for-foreign-tourists-to-japan-to-go-on-sale-in-may</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/new-ic-train-card-for-foreign-tourists-to-japan-to-go-on-sale-in-may</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A new prepaid transport IC card for foreign tourists will go on sale in May to facilitate travel across Japan, Pasmo Co, an issuer of a widely used… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>New, train, card, for, foreign, tourists, Japan, sale, May</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A new prepaid transport IC card for foreign tourists will go on sale in May to facilitate travel across Japan, Pasmo Co, an issuer of a widely used…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Businesses can claim refunds for Trump tariffs ruled unconstitutional starting Monday</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/businesses-can-claim-refunds-for-trump-tariffs-ruled-unconstitutional-starting-monday</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/businesses-can-claim-refunds-for-trump-tariffs-ruled-unconstitutional-starting-monday</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A refund system for businesses that paid tariffs which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled President Donald Trump imposed without the constitutional authority to do so is scheduled to… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Businesses, can, claim, refunds, for, Trump, tariffs, ruled, unconstitutional, starting, Monday</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A refund system for businesses that paid tariffs which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled President Donald Trump imposed without the constitutional authority to do so is scheduled to…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Middle East war revs up electric car demand in Asia</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/middle-east-war-revs-up-electric-car-demand-in-asia</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/middle-east-war-revs-up-electric-car-demand-in-asia</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Electric vehicle sales have jumped in Southeast Asia as cost-conscious buyers have poured into dealerships looking to dodge the fuel price spikes driven by the Middle East war.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Middle, East, war, revs, electric, car, demand, Asia</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Electric vehicle sales have jumped in Southeast Asia as cost-conscious buyers have poured into dealerships looking to dodge the fuel price spikes driven by the Middle East war.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Honda to end gasoline vehicle output at China plant in demand shift to EVs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/honda-to-end-gasoline-vehicle-output-at-china-plant-in-demand-shift-to-evs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/honda-to-end-gasoline-vehicle-output-at-china-plant-in-demand-shift-to-evs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Honda Motor Co will discontinue gasoline vehicle production at one of its four plants in China and may do so at another plant as part of restructuring in… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Honda, end, gasoline, vehicle, output, China, plant, demand, shift, EVs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Honda Motor Co will discontinue gasoline vehicle production at one of its four plants in China and may do so at another plant as part of restructuring in…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China&amp;apos;s economy grows at 5% in first quarter, shrugging off initial impact of Iran war</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-economy-grows-at-5-in-first-quarter-shrugging-off-initial-impact-of-iran-war</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-economy-grows-at-5-in-first-quarter-shrugging-off-initial-impact-of-iran-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ China’s economy accelerated in the first quarter of this year, expanding 5% from a year earlier as it largely shrugged off impacts from the Iran war so far,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinas, economy, grows, first, quarter, shrugging, off, initial, impact, Iran, war</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[China’s economy accelerated in the first quarter of this year, expanding 5% from a year earlier as it largely shrugged off impacts from the Iran war so far,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Netflix shares dive as revenue barely beats expectations</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/netflix-shares-dive-as-revenue-barely-beats-expectations</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/netflix-shares-dive-as-revenue-barely-beats-expectations</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Netflix shares plummeted more than 8 percent on Thursday as the TV streaming titan reported quarterly revenue of $12.25 billion, which slightly topped expectations.
An earnings letter to… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Netflix, shares, dive, revenue, barely, beats, expectations</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Netflix shares plummeted more than 8 percent on Thursday as the TV streaming titan reported quarterly revenue of $12.25 billion, which slightly topped expectations.
An earnings letter to…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Gatorade, inventor of the sports drink, is getting a rebrand targeting non&#45;athletes</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/gatorade-inventor-of-the-sports-drink-is-getting-a-rebrand-targeting-non-athletes</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/gatorade-inventor-of-the-sports-drink-is-getting-a-rebrand-targeting-non-athletes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Sixty years after it invented sports drinks, Gatorade is making a surprising pivot: It’s no longer focusing primarily on athletes.
PepsiCo, Gatorade’s parent company, said Thursday that the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Gatorade, inventor, the, sports, drink, getting, rebrand, targeting, non-athletes</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Sixty years after it invented sports drinks, Gatorade is making a surprising pivot: It’s no longer focusing primarily on athletes.
PepsiCo, Gatorade’s parent company, said Thursday that the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>BBC to cut up to 2,000 jobs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/bbc-to-cut-up-to-2000-jobs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/bbc-to-cut-up-to-2000-jobs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The BBC said on Wednesday that the British broadcasting corporation is set to cut up to 2,000 jobs amid a challenging media landscape.
The BBC&#039;s interim director-general Rhodri… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>BBC, cut, 2, 000, jobs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The BBC said on Wednesday that the British broadcasting corporation is set to cut up to 2,000 jobs amid a challenging media landscape.
The BBC's interim director-general Rhodri…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Toilet maker Toto halts some orders due to naphtha shortage</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/toilet-maker-toto-halts-some-orders-due-to-naphtha-shortage</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/toilet-maker-toto-halts-some-orders-due-to-naphtha-shortage</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Leading Japanese toilet maker Toto Ltd says it has suspended new orders for some products including modular bathrooms, as escalating Middle East tensions have disrupted the supplies of… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Toilet, maker, Toto, halts, some, orders, due, naphtha, shortage</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Leading Japanese toilet maker Toto Ltd says it has suspended new orders for some products including modular bathrooms, as escalating Middle East tensions have disrupted the supplies of…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Swiss watchmakers say time will tell on effects of Middle East conflict</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/swiss-watchmakers-say-time-will-tell-on-effects-of-middle-east-conflict</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/swiss-watchmakers-say-time-will-tell-on-effects-of-middle-east-conflict</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Middle East war has plunged Swiss watchmakers into uncertainty, testing the resilience of an iconic national industry already shaken by several crises.
Behind the opulent booths at… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Swiss, watchmakers, say, time, will, tell, effects, Middle, East, conflict</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Middle East war has plunged Swiss watchmakers into uncertainty, testing the resilience of an iconic national industry already shaken by several crises.
Behind the opulent booths at…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>7&#45;Eleven expects to close hundreds of stores in North America this year</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/7-eleven-expects-to-close-hundreds-of-stores-in-north-america-this-year</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/7-eleven-expects-to-close-hundreds-of-stores-in-north-america-this-year</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Convenience chain 7-Eleven expects to close hundreds of its locations this year.
According to earnings filings published last week, 7-Eleven&#039;s North American operator plans to close 645 stores… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:39:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>7-Eleven, expects, close, hundreds, stores, North, America, this, year</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Convenience chain 7-Eleven expects to close hundreds of its locations this year.
According to earnings filings published last week, 7-Eleven's North American operator plans to close 645 stores…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>War intensifies uncertainty for makers of ultimate in bling, luxury watches</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/war-intensifies-uncertainty-for-makers-of-ultimate-in-bling-luxury-watches</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/war-intensifies-uncertainty-for-makers-of-ultimate-in-bling-luxury-watches</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The bling is back, but the Iran war has tarnished the outlook for the luxury watch industry — the ultimate in opulence.
Starting Tuesday, Geneva hosts the annual… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>War, intensifies, uncertainty, for, makers, ultimate, bling, luxury, watches</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The bling is back, but the Iran war has tarnished the outlook for the luxury watch industry — the ultimate in opulence.
Starting Tuesday, Geneva hosts the annual…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China’s exports grew 2.5% in March in sharp slowdown as Iran war raises uncertainty</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-exports-grew-25-in-march-in-sharp-slowdown-as-iran-war-raises-uncertainty</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-exports-grew-25-in-march-in-sharp-slowdown-as-iran-war-raises-uncertainty</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ China’s exports grew 2.5% in March from a year ago, significantly slowing from the previous two months as uncertainties rose from the Iran war and its impact on… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/c4/a4/362242d584815013303fe3e4ab16e43dd104/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>China’s, exports, grew, 2.5, March, sharp, slowdown, Iran, war, raises, uncertainty</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[China’s exports grew 2.5% in March from a year ago, significantly slowing from the previous two months as uncertainties rose from the Iran war and its impact on…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>The Walt Disney Co begins laying off 1,000 employees</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/the-walt-disney-co-begins-laying-off-1000-employees</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/the-walt-disney-co-begins-laying-off-1000-employees</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Walt Disney Co on Tuesday began layoffs expected to lead to 1,000 job cuts across the company.
Josh D&#039;Amaro, who in February succeeded Bob Iger as chief… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Walt, Disney, begins, laying, off, 1, 000, employees</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Walt Disney Co on Tuesday began layoffs expected to lead to 1,000 job cuts across the company.
Josh D'Amaro, who in February succeeded Bob Iger as chief…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Rolls&#45;Royce unveils ultra&#45;luxury limited series electric car</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/rolls-royce-unveils-ultra-luxury-limited-series-electric-car</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/rolls-royce-unveils-ultra-luxury-limited-series-electric-car</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Far from the downturn that has shaken many luxury houses in recent years, Britain&#039;s Rolls-Royce on Tuesday launched an ultra-luxury, limited-series electric car.
The imposing bonnet, crowned by… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Rolls-Royce, unveils, ultra-luxury, limited, series, electric, car</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Far from the downturn that has shaken many luxury houses in recent years, Britain's Rolls-Royce on Tuesday launched an ultra-luxury, limited-series electric car.
The imposing bonnet, crowned by…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Gov&amp;apos;t issues advisory to ANA over aircraft maintenance misconduct</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/govt-issues-advisory-to-ana-over-aircraft-maintenance-misconduct</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/govt-issues-advisory-to-ana-over-aircraft-maintenance-misconduct</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s transport ministry on Tuesday issued a business improvement advisory to All Nippon Airways Co following two cases of improper conduct in aircraft maintenance last year, including falsified… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:07:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Govt, issues, advisory, ANA, over, aircraft, maintenance, misconduct</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's transport ministry on Tuesday issued a business improvement advisory to All Nippon Airways Co following two cases of improper conduct in aircraft maintenance last year, including falsified…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nissan to add AI autonomous driving tech to 90% of future models</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nissan-to-add-ai-autonomous-driving-tech-to-90-of-future-models</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nissan-to-add-ai-autonomous-driving-tech-to-90-of-future-models</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Nissan Motor Co said Tuesday it plans to add an autonomous driving system employing artificial intelligence to 90 percent of its future models as it aims to revive… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:35:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nissan, add, autonomous, driving, tech, 90, future, models</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Nissan Motor Co said Tuesday it plans to add an autonomous driving system employing artificial intelligence to 90 percent of its future models as it aims to revive…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan Post to resume accepting all U.S.&#45;bound packages</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-post-to-resume-accepting-all-us-bound-packages</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-post-to-resume-accepting-all-us-bound-packages</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan Post Co said Monday it will resume accepting all packages addressed to the United States, after temporarily suspending some shipments following last year&#039;s U.S. decision to end… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/bd/ff/57530c4ba32f1fd271c34ece9770190b014c/istock-1438442021/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Post, resume, accepting, all, U.S.-bound, packages</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan Post Co said Monday it will resume accepting all packages addressed to the United States, after temporarily suspending some shipments following last year's U.S. decision to end…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>As AI use increases at work, many employees still choose not to use it: Gallup poll</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/as-ai-use-increases-at-work-many-employees-still-choose-not-to-use-it-gallup-poll</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/as-ai-use-increases-at-work-many-employees-still-choose-not-to-use-it-gallup-poll</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ More American workers are experimenting with artificial intelligence in their jobs, but skepticism is still widespread.
New Gallup polling finds that while more employees are using AI frequently… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>use, increases, work, many, employees, still, choose, not, use, it:, Gallup, poll</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[More American workers are experimenting with artificial intelligence in their jobs, but skepticism is still widespread.
New Gallup polling finds that while more employees are using AI frequently…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>LVMH sales feel impact from war</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/lvmh-sales-feel-impact-from-war</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/lvmh-sales-feel-impact-from-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Sales at the world&#039;s leading luxury group, LVMH, fell six percent in the first quarter of the year as the war in the Middle East depressed business in… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>LVMH, sales, feel, impact, from, war</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Sales at the world's leading luxury group, LVMH, fell six percent in the first quarter of the year as the war in the Middle East depressed business in…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pokémon store character meet&#45;and&#45;greet events to resume in May</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/pokemon-store-character-meet-and-greet-events-to-resume-in-may</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/pokemon-store-character-meet-and-greet-events-to-resume-in-may</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pokémon baby apparel and toy brand Monpoké is getting ready to open a popup store in the Tobu Department Store’s Ikebukuro branch in downtown Tokyo. The Tobu branch is located in the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pokémon, store, character, meet-and-greet, events, resume, May</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Pokémon baby apparel and toy brand Monpoké is getting ready to open a popup store in the Tobu Department Store’s Ikebukuro branch in downtown Tokyo. The Tobu branch is located in the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan gov&amp;apos;t eyes easing lending rules for foreign banks to spur growth</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-govt-eyes-easing-lending-rules-for-foreign-banks-to-spur-growth</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-govt-eyes-easing-lending-rules-for-foreign-banks-to-spur-growth</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese government is considering easing restrictions on lending by foreign banks to facilitate the use of overseas capital for investment in growth areas and mergers and acquisitions,… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, govt, eyes, easing, lending, rules, for, foreign, banks, spur, growth</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese government is considering easing restrictions on lending by foreign banks to facilitate the use of overseas capital for investment in growth areas and mergers and acquisitions,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China&amp;apos;s car exports surge as expectations grow for EV pivot on Iran war energy shock</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-car-exports-surge-as-expectations-grow-for-ev-pivot-on-iran-war-energy-shock</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-car-exports-surge-as-expectations-grow-for-ev-pivot-on-iran-war-energy-shock</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ China’s exports of passenger cars accelerated in March, an industry association said Friday, as Chinese automakers stepped up their push to grow overseas markets.
Passenger car exports jumped… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/db/1a/49b884864cf3f5d918b82f56583212f6e835/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinas, car, exports, surge, expectations, grow, for, pivot, Iran, war, energy, shock</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[China’s exports of passenger cars accelerated in March, an industry association said Friday, as Chinese automakers stepped up their push to grow overseas markets.
Passenger car exports jumped…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Mitsui O.S.K. awaits safety clarity, government guidance to move vessels from Gulf, CEO says</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/mitsui-osk-awaits-safety-clarity-government-guidance-to-move-vessels-from-gulf-ceo-says</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/mitsui-osk-awaits-safety-clarity-government-guidance-to-move-vessels-from-gulf-ceo-says</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) wants to start moving its vessels stranded near the Strait of ‌Hormuz as soon as possible but must first ensure safe passage and receive… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:03:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mitsui, O.S.K., awaits, safety, clarity, government, guidance, move, vessels, from, Gulf, CEO, says</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) wants to start moving its vessels stranded near the Strait of ‌Hormuz as soon as possible but must first ensure safe passage and receive…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Seven &amp;amp; i Holdings to delay listing of U.S. unit to FY2027</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/seven-i-holdings-to-delay-listing-of-us-unit-to-fy2027</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/seven-i-holdings-to-delay-listing-of-us-unit-to-fy2027</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Seven &amp; i Holdings Co said Thursday it will postpone the listing of its U.S. 7-Eleven convenience store business unit from its planned schedule in 2026 to fiscal… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Seven, Holdings, delay, listing, U.S., unit, FY2027</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Seven & i Holdings Co said Thursday it will postpone the listing of its U.S. 7-Eleven convenience store business unit from its planned schedule in 2026 to fiscal…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Uniqlo operator posts record 1st half profit on strong global sales</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/uniqlo-operator-posts-record-1st-half-profit-on-strong-global-sales</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/uniqlo-operator-posts-record-1st-half-profit-on-strong-global-sales</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Fast Retailing Co, operator of the Uniqlo clothing chain, said Thursday it posted a record net profit of 279.29 billion yen for its first half through February, up… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Uniqlo, operator, posts, record, 1st, half, profit, strong, global, sales</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Fast Retailing Co, operator of the Uniqlo clothing chain, said Thursday it posted a record net profit of 279.29 billion yen for its first half through February, up…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. economy grew a sluggish 0.5% in fourth quarter, government says, downgrading previous estimate</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-economy-grew-a-sluggish-05-in-fourth-quarter-government-says-downgrading-previous-estimate</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-economy-grew-a-sluggish-05-in-fourth-quarter-government-says-downgrading-previous-estimate</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The American economy, slowed by last fall&#039;s 43-day government shutdown, grew at a sluggish 0.5% annual pace from October through December, the Commerce Department reported Thursday in downgrade… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., economy, grew, sluggish, 0.5, fourth, quarter, government, says, downgrading, previous, estimate</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The American economy, slowed by last fall's 43-day government shutdown, grew at a sluggish 0.5% annual pace from October through December, the Commerce Department reported Thursday in downgrade…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Jet fuel supplies to take &amp;apos;months&amp;apos; to recover from war disruption: IATA</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/jet-fuel-supplies-to-take-months-to-recover-from-war-disruption-iata</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/jet-fuel-supplies-to-take-months-to-recover-from-war-disruption-iata</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ It will take months for jet fuel supplies and prices to normalize even with the Strait of Hormuz open, the head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA)… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Jet, fuel, supplies, take, months, recover, from, war, disruption:, IATA</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[It will take months for jet fuel supplies and prices to normalize even with the Strait of Hormuz open, the head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA)…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan bankruptcies top 10,000 in FY2025 due to price hikes, labor shortages</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-bankruptcies-top-10000-in-fy2025-due-to-price-hikes-labor-shortages</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-bankruptcies-top-10000-in-fy2025-due-to-price-hikes-labor-shortages</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The number of corporate bankruptcies in Japan topped 10,000 in fiscal 2025 for the second straight year, as high prices and labor shortages weighed on small and medium-sized… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, bankruptcies, top, 10, 000, FY2025, due, price, hikes, labor, shortages</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The number of corporate bankruptcies in Japan topped 10,000 in fiscal 2025 for the second straight year, as high prices and labor shortages weighed on small and medium-sized…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian shares jump, oil prices decline after Iran ceasefire agreement reached</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-jump-oil-prices-decline-after-iran-ceasefire-agreement-reached</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-jump-oil-prices-decline-after-iran-ceasefire-agreement-reached</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares surged in Wednesday trading, as oil prices plunged after the U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire that includes the reopening of the Strait of… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:19:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, jump, oil, prices, decline, after, Iran, ceasefire, agreement, reached</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares surged in Wednesday trading, as oil prices plunged after the U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire that includes the reopening of the Strait of…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Soft drink vending machines in Japan fall below 2 million for 1st time</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/soft-drink-vending-machines-in-japan-fall-below-2-million-for-1st-time</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/soft-drink-vending-machines-in-japan-fall-below-2-million-for-1st-time</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The number of soft drink vending machines installed in Japan in 2025 fell to 1.95 million, preliminary year-end figures show, dropping below 2 million for the first time… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Soft, drink, vending, machines, Japan, fall, below, million, for, 1st, time</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The number of soft drink vending machines installed in Japan in 2025 fell to 1.95 million, preliminary year-end figures show, dropping below 2 million for the first time…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian shares mostly higher ahead of Trump&amp;apos;s deadline for Iran to reopen oil route</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-mostly-higher-ahead-of-trumps-deadline-for-iran-to-reopen-oil-route</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-mostly-higher-ahead-of-trumps-deadline-for-iran-to-reopen-oil-route</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares mostly rose in cautious trading Tuesday, as oil prices continued to surge ahead of a deadline that U.S. President Donald Trump set for Iran to reopen the Strait… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/2e/96/dc6ad525b871c010303ecf816a454657a796/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:55:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, mostly, higher, ahead, Trumps, deadline, for, Iran, reopen, oil, route</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares mostly rose in cautious trading Tuesday, as oil prices continued to surge ahead of a deadline that U.S. President Donald Trump set for Iran to reopen the Strait…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>AirAsia X to raise fares, cut capacity over Middle East war</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/airasia-x-to-raise-fares-cut-capacity-over-middle-east-war</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/airasia-x-to-raise-fares-cut-capacity-over-middle-east-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Southeast Asia&#039;s largest low‑cost carrier AirAsia X said Monday it was raising ticket prices and cutting routes to cushion the impact of the war on Iran, but stressed… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>AirAsia, raise, fares, cut, capacity, over, Middle, East, war</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Southeast Asia's largest low‑cost carrier AirAsia X said Monday it was raising ticket prices and cutting routes to cushion the impact of the war on Iran, but stressed…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>OPEC+ hikes oil production quotas</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/opec-hikes-oil-production-quotas</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/opec-hikes-oil-production-quotas</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The OPEC+ oil cartel agreed on Sunday to again increase oil production quotas, while warning that repairing energy facilities, such as those damaged in the Middle East war,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>OPEC, hikes, oil, production, quotas</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The OPEC+ oil cartel agreed on Sunday to again increase oil production quotas, while warning that repairing energy facilities, such as those damaged in the Middle East war,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>European ministers call for profit caps on energy companies as Iran war drives price surge</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/european-ministers-call-for-profit-caps-on-energy-companies-as-iran-war-drives-price-surge</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/european-ministers-call-for-profit-caps-on-energy-companies-as-iran-war-drives-price-surge</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The finance ministers of Spain and four other European countries are urging the European Union to impose a bloc-wide windfall tax on energy companies, concerned that surging oil… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>European, ministers, call, for, profit, caps, energy, companies, Iran, war, drives, price, surge</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The finance ministers of Spain and four other European countries are urging the European Union to impose a bloc-wide windfall tax on energy companies, concerned that surging oil…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Mitsubishi Materials, U.S. firm agree to team up on rare earth recycling</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/mitsubishi-materials-us-firm-agree-to-team-up-on-rare-earth-recycling</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/mitsubishi-materials-us-firm-agree-to-team-up-on-rare-earth-recycling</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Mitsubishi Materials Corp says it will invest in ReElement Technologies Corp of the United States and collaborate in the business of recycling of rare earths and other rare… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mitsubishi, Materials, U.S., firm, agree, team, rare, earth, recycling</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Mitsubishi Materials Corp says it will invest in ReElement Technologies Corp of the United States and collaborate in the business of recycling of rare earths and other rare…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Amazon to slap a 3.5% surcharge on third&#45;party sellers as Iran war drives up fuel prices</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/amazon-to-slap-a-35-surcharge-on-third-party-sellers-as-iran-war-drives-up-fuel-prices</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/amazon-to-slap-a-35-surcharge-on-third-party-sellers-as-iran-war-drives-up-fuel-prices</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Amazon is slapping a 3.5% fuel and logistics surcharge on third-party sellers using its platform starting later this month amid a spike in fuel prices since the war… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Amazon, slap, 3.5, surcharge, third-party, sellers, Iran, war, drives, fuel, prices</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Amazon is slapping a 3.5% fuel and logistics surcharge on third-party sellers using its platform starting later this month amid a spike in fuel prices since the war…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan planning to send business delegation to Russia as early as May</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-planning-to-send-business-delegation-to-russia-as-early-as-may</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-planning-to-send-business-delegation-to-russia-as-early-as-may</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan is planning to dispatch an economic delegation to Russia as early as May in anticipation of Japanese firms fully resuming operations in the country once the Ukraine… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, planning, send, business, delegation, Russia, early, May</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan is planning to dispatch an economic delegation to Russia as early as May in anticipation of Japanese firms fully resuming operations in the country once the Ukraine…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Airbus bets on copter capability for tomorrow&amp;apos;s war drones</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/airbus-bets-on-copter-capability-for-tomorrows-war-drones</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/airbus-bets-on-copter-capability-for-tomorrows-war-drones</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In the heart of southeastern France, aerospace giant Airbus is drawing on its helicopter expertise to develop drones -- a core element of modern warfare -- and enable… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Airbus, bets, copter, capability, for, tomorrows, war, drones</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[In the heart of southeastern France, aerospace giant Airbus is drawing on its helicopter expertise to develop drones -- a core element of modern warfare -- and enable…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tesla sales rise after brutal year of Musk boycotts but still fall short of expectations</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tesla-sales-rise-after-brutal-year-of-musk-boycotts-but-still-fall-short-of-expectations</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tesla-sales-rise-after-brutal-year-of-musk-boycotts-but-still-fall-short-of-expectations</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Sales of Tesla vehicles rose in the past three months after a brutal year of boycotts over Elon Musk&#039;s politics but still fell short of expectations.
The company… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tesla, sales, rise, after, brutal, year, Musk, boycotts, but, still, fall, short, expectations</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Sales of Tesla vehicles rose in the past three months after a brutal year of boycotts over Elon Musk's politics but still fell short of expectations.
The company…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Toyota starts selling two U.S.&#45;made models in Tokyo</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-starts-selling-two-us-made-models-in-tokyo</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-starts-selling-two-us-made-models-in-tokyo</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Toyota Motor Corp said Thursday it started selling two of its U.S.-manufactured models in Tokyo, using a simplified import procedure introduced as part of a tariff deal with… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Toyota, starts, selling, two, U.S.-made, models, Tokyo</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Toyota Motor Corp said Thursday it started selling two of its U.S.-manufactured models in Tokyo, using a simplified import procedure introduced as part of a tariff deal with…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Greenpeace accuses oil companies of reaping Mideast &amp;apos;war profits&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/greenpeace-accuses-oil-companies-of-reaping-mideast-war-profits</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/greenpeace-accuses-oil-companies-of-reaping-mideast-war-profits</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A study commissioned by Greenpeace said on Wednesday that oil companies have been making more than 80 million euros a day in &quot;war profits&quot; in the European Union… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Greenpeace, accuses, oil, companies, reaping, Mideast, war, profits</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A study commissioned by Greenpeace said on Wednesday that oil companies have been making more than 80 million euros a day in "war profits" in the European Union…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Business sentiments in Japan improving despite Iran worries</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/business-sentiments-in-japan-improving-despite-iran-worries</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/business-sentiments-in-japan-improving-despite-iran-worries</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Business sentiment among major Japanese manufacturers rose to 17 in March from 16, according to the Bank of Japan’s quarterly survey released Wednesday.
The improvement in the key… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Business, sentiments, Japan, improving, despite, Iran, worries</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Business sentiment among major Japanese manufacturers rose to 17 in March from 16, according to the Bank of Japan’s quarterly survey released Wednesday.
The improvement in the key…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. automakers report mixed sales as car market awaits Iran war impact</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-automakers-report-mixed-sales-as-car-market-awaits-iran-war-impact</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-automakers-report-mixed-sales-as-car-market-awaits-iran-war-impact</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Carmakers reported mixed first-quarter U.S. sales Wednesday pointing to a hit from winter storms, as the Middle East war clouds the industry&#039;s outlook compared with unusually favorable dynamics… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., automakers, report, mixed, sales, car, market, awaits, Iran, war, impact</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Carmakers reported mixed first-quarter U.S. sales Wednesday pointing to a hit from winter storms, as the Middle East war clouds the industry's outlook compared with unusually favorable dynamics…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Oil rises and Asian stocks fall after Trump says U.S. will hit Iran hard and &amp;apos;finish the job&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/oil-rises-and-asian-stocks-fall-after-trump-says-us-will-hit-iran-hard-and-finish-the-job</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/oil-rises-and-asian-stocks-fall-after-trump-says-us-will-hit-iran-hard-and-finish-the-job</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Oil rose more than 6% and Asian stocks fell after U.S. President Donald Trump said in his first national address since the Iran war began that the U.S. will continue to hit… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/a0/4f/cbb28b068903cf9614f8df230ed3c654a3bf/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Oil, rises, and, Asian, stocks, fall, after, Trump, says, U.S., will, hit, Iran, hard, and, finish, the, job</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Oil rose more than 6% and Asian stocks fell after U.S. President Donald Trump said in his first national address since the Iran war began that the U.S. will continue to hit…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Prices for 2,798 food items to increase in April</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/prices-for-2798-food-items-to-increase-in-april</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/prices-for-2798-food-items-to-increase-in-april</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ More than 2,700 food items are expected to see price increases in April amid the worsening situation in the Middle East.
According to Teikoku Databank, 2,798 food items… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:39:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Prices, for, 2, 798, food, items, increase, April</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[More than 2,700 food items are expected to see price increases in April amid the worsening situation in the Middle East.
According to Teikoku Databank, 2,798 food items…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>ANA, JAL to raise fuel surcharges from June</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ana-jal-to-raise-fuel-surcharges-from-june</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ana-jal-to-raise-fuel-surcharges-from-june</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ ANA Holdings Inc and Japan Airlines Co are expected to raise fuel surcharges significantly on international flights from June, as aviation fuel prices surge amid the Middle East… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:39:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>ANA, JAL, raise, fuel, surcharges, from, June</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[ANA Holdings Inc and Japan Airlines Co are expected to raise fuel surcharges significantly on international flights from June, as aviation fuel prices surge amid the Middle East…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pricier fuel hits Tokyo cherry blossom river cruises ​</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/pricier-fuel-hits-tokyo-cherry-blossom-river-cruises</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/pricier-fuel-hits-tokyo-cherry-blossom-river-cruises</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A few dozen tourists hopped onto a small cruise boat ‌in Tokyo to admire the cherry blossoms lining the Meguro River -- a seasonal attraction that could soon… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pricier, fuel, hits, Tokyo, cherry, blossom, river, cruises ​</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A few dozen tourists hopped onto a small cruise boat ‌in Tokyo to admire the cherry blossoms lining the Meguro River -- a seasonal attraction that could soon…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Oil&#45;thirsty Asian nations seek Russian crude as Iran war strains supplies</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/oil-thirsty-asian-nations-seek-russian-crude-as-iran-war-strains-supplies</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/oil-thirsty-asian-nations-seek-russian-crude-as-iran-war-strains-supplies</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian nations are increasingly competing for Russian crude oil as an energy crisis mounts amid the month-old war by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, which has choked… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Oil-thirsty, Asian, nations, seek, Russian, crude, Iran, war, strains, supplies</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian nations are increasingly competing for Russian crude oil as an energy crisis mounts amid the month-old war by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, which has choked…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s February jobless rate falls to 2.6%; 1st improvement in 7 months</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-february-jobless-rate-falls-to-26-1st-improvement-in-7-months</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-february-jobless-rate-falls-to-26-1st-improvement-in-7-months</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s unemployment rate in February fell to 2.6 percent from 2.7 percent the previous month, improving for the first time in seven months, partly reflecting people who had… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, February, jobless, rate, falls, 2.6, 1st, improvement, months</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's unemployment rate in February fell to 2.6 percent from 2.7 percent the previous month, improving for the first time in seven months, partly reflecting people who had…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China factory activity rebounds in March as Iran war looms over growth</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/china-factory-activity-rebounds-in-march-as-iran-war-looms-over-growth</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/china-factory-activity-rebounds-in-march-as-iran-war-looms-over-growth</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ China’s factory activity expanded in March, ending two months of contraction, the government said Tuesday, but analysts say prolonged impacts of the Iran war could weigh on growth.… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>China, factory, activity, rebounds, March, Iran, war, looms, over, growth</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[China’s factory activity expanded in March, ending two months of contraction, the government said Tuesday, but analysts say prolonged impacts of the Iran war could weigh on growth.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Job openings fall to 6.9 million in February, another hint of sluggish hiring in America</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/job-openings-fall-to-69-million-in-february-another-hint-of-sluggish-hiring-in-america</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/job-openings-fall-to-69-million-in-february-another-hint-of-sluggish-hiring-in-america</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ U.S. job openings fell last month to 6.9 million and hiring was weak, more signs of sluggishness in the American labor market.
The Labor Department reported Tuesday that… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/79/ae/2d0f584bb170ac41c10564d78244c2c75b59/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:07:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Job, openings, fall, 6.9, million, February, another, hint, sluggish, hiring, America</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[U.S. job openings fell last month to 6.9 million and hiring was weak, more signs of sluggishness in the American labor market.
The Labor Department reported Tuesday that…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Ship insurers juggle war risks for perilous Gulf route</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ship-insurers-juggle-war-risks-for-perilous-gulf-route</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ship-insurers-juggle-war-risks-for-perilous-gulf-route</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Iranian forces&#039; threat to ships in the crucial Strait of Hormuz has driven up payments for the insurance that underpins the world freight industry.
Here are facts and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ship, insurers, juggle, war, risks, for, perilous, Gulf, route</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Iranian forces' threat to ships in the crucial Strait of Hormuz has driven up payments for the insurance that underpins the world freight industry.
Here are facts and…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>WTO suffers fresh blow after trade reform push hits wall in Cameroon</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/wto-suffers-fresh-blow-after-trade-reform-push-hits-wall-in-cameroon</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/wto-suffers-fresh-blow-after-trade-reform-push-hits-wall-in-cameroon</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ World Trade Organization talks broke up on Monday with no agreement on reform plans or even on extending a moratorium on e-commerce duties, piling more pressure on the… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/24/ad/fa483d432c91fdb78078a074c736a4fb56f1/tag-reuters/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>WTO, suffers, fresh, blow, after, trade, reform, push, hits, wall, Cameroon</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[World Trade Organization talks broke up on Monday with no agreement on reform plans or even on extending a moratorium on e-commerce duties, piling more pressure on the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Worries about global economic pain deepen as the war in Iran drags on</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/worries-about-global-economic-pain-deepen-as-the-war-in-iran-drags-on</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/worries-about-global-economic-pain-deepen-as-the-war-in-iran-drags-on</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran have driven up prices, darkened the outlook for the world economy, sent global stock markets reeling and forced developing countries to ration… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/17/02/3cc73a719c2757679a20f37520359120e837/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Worries, about, global, economic, pain, deepen, the, war, Iran, drags</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran have driven up prices, darkened the outlook for the world economy, sent global stock markets reeling and forced developing countries to ration…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Parmesan exports doing grate... but sales melt in Italy</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/parmesan-exports-doing-grate-but-sales-melt-in-italy</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/parmesan-exports-doing-grate-but-sales-melt-in-italy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ For the first time more than half of Parmesan cheese was exported, as Italy&#039;s population declines and consumers watch their spending, producers said.
Exports of the flavourful hard… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/38/e4/ca0583accc6f6bc9d16ead0e7d63961db5b1/276cf769b68d5e2fb97db70ecf22f70750f7104b/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Parmesan, exports, doing, grate..., but, sales, melt, Italy</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[For the first time more than half of Parmesan cheese was exported, as Italy's population declines and consumers watch their spending, producers said.
Exports of the flavourful hard…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Kagome launches orange&#45;flavored juice without oranges</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/kagome-launches-orange-flavored-juice-without-oranges</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/kagome-launches-orange-flavored-juice-without-oranges</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In the face of rising import costs due partly to the poor crop of oranges globally, Japanese food and beverage maker Kagome Co has launched an orange-flavored juice… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/c6/25/7d9c364102b006cf8a1cc7201ee0f51013b1/screenshot-2026-03-28-at-10-37-15/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Kagome, launches, orange-flavored, juice, without, oranges</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[In the face of rising import costs due partly to the poor crop of oranges globally, Japanese food and beverage maker Kagome Co has launched an orange-flavored juice…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China&amp;apos;s BYD sees first profit drop since 2021, even as Tesla&#45;rival takes global EV crown</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-byd-sees-first-profit-drop-since-2021-even-as-tesla-rival-takes-global-ev-crown</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-byd-sees-first-profit-drop-since-2021-even-as-tesla-rival-takes-global-ev-crown</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Chinese automaker BYD said its annual sales rose to a record $116 billion, outpacing Tesla’s, but its profit fell for the first time since 2021 under pressure from… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinas, BYD, sees, first, profit, drop, since, 2021, even, Tesla-rival, takes, global, crown</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Chinese automaker BYD said its annual sales rose to a record $116 billion, outpacing Tesla’s, but its profit fell for the first time since 2021 under pressure from…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Another PlayStation price hike means gaming console will cost 30% more than it did last year</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/another-playstation-price-hike-means-gaming-console-will-cost-30-more-than-it-did-last-year</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/another-playstation-price-hike-means-gaming-console-will-cost-30-more-than-it-did-last-year</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The price of a PlayStation is going up by another $100, the second time in less than a year that Sony has upped the price tag on its… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/70/a5/b756655e7b22274afef9ea3546333c665980/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Another, PlayStation, price, hike, means, gaming, console, will, cost, 30, more, than, did, last, year</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The price of a PlayStation is going up by another $100, the second time in less than a year that Sony has upped the price tag on its…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>M&amp;apos;bishi Electric, Toshiba, Rohm sign accord on chip business merger talks</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/mbishi-electric-toshiba-rohm-sign-accord-on-chip-business-merger-talks</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/mbishi-electric-toshiba-rohm-sign-accord-on-chip-business-merger-talks</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Mitsubishi Electric Corp, Toshiba Corp and Rohm Co said Friday they have agreed under a memorandum of understanding to begin talks on merging their power semiconductor businesses.
In… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mbishi, Electric, Toshiba, Rohm, sign, accord, chip, business, merger, talks</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Mitsubishi Electric Corp, Toshiba Corp and Rohm Co said Friday they have agreed under a memorandum of understanding to begin talks on merging their power semiconductor businesses.
In…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Seibu department store in Tokyo&amp;apos;s Shibuya to close in late September after 58 years</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/seibu-department-store-in-tokyos-shibuya-to-close-in-late-september-after-58-years</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/seibu-department-store-in-tokyos-shibuya-to-close-in-late-september-after-58-years</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Department store operator Sogo &amp; Seibu Co will close its Seibu store in Tokyo&#039;s Shibuya district at the end of September after it failed to reach a lease… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:03:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Seibu, department, store, Tokyos, Shibuya, close, late, September, after, years</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Department store operator Sogo & Seibu Co will close its Seibu store in Tokyo's Shibuya district at the end of September after it failed to reach a lease…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Southeast Asia revisits nuclear power plans for AI data centers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/southeast-asia-revisits-nuclear-power-plans-for-ai-data-centers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/southeast-asia-revisits-nuclear-power-plans-for-ai-data-centers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Nuclear power is getting a second look in Southeast Asia as countries prepare to meet surging energy demand as they vie for artificial intelligence-focused data centers.
Several Southeast… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/d7/e9/c2568055412459582c5f5b5f2ec98c98f2fc/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Southeast, Asia, revisits, nuclear, power, plans, for, data, centers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Nuclear power is getting a second look in Southeast Asia as countries prepare to meet surging energy demand as they vie for artificial intelligence-focused data centers.
Several Southeast…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. filings for jobless aid tick up last week to 210,000</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-filings-for-jobless-aid-tick-up-last-week-to-210000</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-filings-for-jobless-aid-tick-up-last-week-to-210000</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The number of Americans applying for jobless aid inched up last week as employers continue to retain workers despite a labor market that has weakened considerably in the… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/ba/74/a64eae4b47e78c2d23a0287b7f6d71d215bc/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., filings, for, jobless, aid, tick, last, week, 210, 000</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The number of Americans applying for jobless aid inched up last week as employers continue to retain workers despite a labor market that has weakened considerably in the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Gasoline price falls to 177.70 yen from record high due to subsidy</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/gasoline-price-falls-to-17770-yen-from-record-high-due-to-subsidy</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/gasoline-price-falls-to-17770-yen-from-record-high-due-to-subsidy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The average retail price of gasoline in Japan fell to 177.70 yen per liter from a record-high 190.80 yen last week, thanks to a resumption of subsidies to… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/49/ed/7217b72ac3fe00607cd8ff4b8a918e16c440/istock-2265896710/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Gasoline, price, falls, 177.70, yen, from, record, high, due, subsidy</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The average retail price of gasoline in Japan fell to 177.70 yen per liter from a record-high 190.80 yen last week, thanks to a resumption of subsidies to…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Aviation, tourism, agriculture... the economic sectors hit by the war</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/aviation-tourism-agriculture-the-economic-sectors-hit-by-the-war</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/aviation-tourism-agriculture-the-economic-sectors-hit-by-the-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The war in the Middle East is impacting numerous economic sectors and not only in the region, both by direct disruptions and rising fuel prices.
Aviation 
Airlines bore… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Aviation, tourism, agriculture..., the, economic, sectors, hit, the, war</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The war in the Middle East is impacting numerous economic sectors and not only in the region, both by direct disruptions and rising fuel prices.
Aviation 
Airlines bore…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Sony&#45;Honda JV scraps EV development plans, as Honda reviews strategy</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/sony-honda-jv-scraps-ev-development-plans-as-honda-reviews-strategy</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/sony-honda-jv-scraps-ev-development-plans-as-honda-reviews-strategy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The joint venture formed by Sony Group Corp and Honda Motor Co said Wednesday that it has scrapped plans to develop and sell two electric vehicle models, as… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Sony-Honda, scraps, development, plans, Honda, reviews, strategy</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The joint venture formed by Sony Group Corp and Honda Motor Co said Wednesday that it has scrapped plans to develop and sell two electric vehicle models, as…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Oil falls more than 5%, Asian shares gain over Trump&amp;apos;s talk of negotiations with Iran</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/oil-falls-more-than-5-asian-shares-gain-over-trumps-talk-of-negotiations-with-iran</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/oil-falls-more-than-5-asian-shares-gain-over-trumps-talk-of-negotiations-with-iran</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Oil prices fell more than 4% and Asian shares gained on Wednesday over possibilities of a de-escalation of the Iran war and negotiations between the United States and Iran.
Tokyo’s Nikkei… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:35:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Oil, falls, more, than, 5, Asian, shares, gain, over, Trumps, talk, negotiations, with, Iran</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Oil prices fell more than 4% and Asian shares gained on Wednesday over possibilities of a de-escalation of the Iran war and negotiations between the United States and Iran.
Tokyo’s Nikkei…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>China positions itself as a stable economic force amid global uncertainty at Beijing forum</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/china-positions-itself-as-a-stable-economic-force-amid-global-uncertainty-at-beijing-forum</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/china-positions-itself-as-a-stable-economic-force-amid-global-uncertainty-at-beijing-forum</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Global corporate executives attending China&#039;s flagship annual business conference this week were reassured by leaders of the world&#039;s second-largest economy that it remains a predictable anchor at a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>China, positions, itself, stable, economic, force, amid, global, uncertainty, Beijing, forum</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Global corporate executives attending China's flagship annual business conference this week were reassured by leaders of the world's second-largest economy that it remains a predictable anchor at a…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Epic Games lays off more than 1,000 amid slowing Fortnite engagement</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/epic-games-lays-off-more-than-1000-amid-slowing-fortnite-engagement</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/epic-games-lays-off-more-than-1000-amid-slowing-fortnite-engagement</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Fortnite publisher Epic Games said Tuesday it is laying off 1,000 employees to save money as it grapples with industry-wide and company-specific challenges. 
The Cary, North Carolina-based video… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Epic, Games, lays, off, more, than, 1, 000, amid, slowing, Fortnite, engagement</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Fortnite publisher Epic Games said Tuesday it is laying off 1,000 employees to save money as it grapples with industry-wide and company-specific challenges. 
The Cary, North Carolina-based video…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan to start releasing state oil reserves Thursday: Takaichi</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-start-releasing-state-oil-reserves-thursday-takaichi</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-start-releasing-state-oil-reserves-thursday-takaichi</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan will start releasing oil from state reserves on Thursday, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tuesday, as concerns over supply mount and oil prices soar amid the ongoing… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:31:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, start, releasing, state, oil, reserves, Thursday:, Takaichi</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan will start releasing oil from state reserves on Thursday, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tuesday, as concerns over supply mount and oil prices soar amid the ongoing…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan convenience store sales rise in Feb for 12th straight month</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-convenience-store-sales-rise-in-feb-for-12th-straight-month</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-convenience-store-sales-rise-in-feb-for-12th-straight-month</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Convenience store sales in Japan rose 1.6 percent from a year earlier in February for the 12th straight month of increase, as higher spending per customer offset fewer… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, convenience, store, sales, rise, Feb, for, 12th, straight, month</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Convenience store sales in Japan rose 1.6 percent from a year earlier in February for the 12th straight month of increase, as higher spending per customer offset fewer…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Global economy under &amp;apos;major threat&amp;apos; from Strait of Hormuz crisis: IEA chief</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/global-economy-under-major-threat-from-strait-of-hormuz-crisis-iea-chief</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/global-economy-under-major-threat-from-strait-of-hormuz-crisis-iea-chief</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The global economy is under &quot;major threat&quot; from the energy crisis caused by the Middle East war and &quot;no country will be immune&quot; to its effects, International Energy… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Global, economy, under, major, threat, from, Strait, Hormuz, crisis:, IEA, chief</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The global economy is under "major threat" from the energy crisis caused by the Middle East war and "no country will be immune" to its effects, International Energy…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japanese oil company Idemitsu to invest $500 mil in British LNG firm</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-oil-company-idemitsu-to-invest-500-mil-in-british-lng-firm</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-oil-company-idemitsu-to-invest-500-mil-in-british-lng-firm</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Major Japanese oil company Idemitsu Kosan Co says it will invest $500 million in MidOcean Energy, a liquefied natural gas firm headquartered in Britain and managed by U.S.-based… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, oil, company, Idemitsu, invest, 500, mil, British, LNG, firm</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Major Japanese oil company Idemitsu Kosan Co says it will invest $500 million in MidOcean Energy, a liquefied natural gas firm headquartered in Britain and managed by U.S.-based…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>‘Microshifting’ puts a new spin on 9&#45;to&#45;5 schedules</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/microshifting-puts-a-new-spin-on-9-to-5-schedules</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/microshifting-puts-a-new-spin-on-9-to-5-schedules</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Before the house is humming and her teenagers ask her to whip up breakfast or chauffeur them to school, Jen Meegan reads her company emails and revisits ideas… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>‘Microshifting’, puts, new, spin, 9-to-5, schedules</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Before the house is humming and her teenagers ask her to whip up breakfast or chauffeur them to school, Jen Meegan reads her company emails and revisits ideas…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan, S Korea petrochemical industry slows output on Iran war</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-s-korea-petrochemical-industry-slows-output-on-iran-war</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-s-korea-petrochemical-industry-slows-output-on-iran-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Middle East war is forcing petrochemical giants in two key Asian economies to cut production as the conflict rattles supplies of a crucial oil-derived component used to… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 15:03:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Korea, petrochemical, industry, slows, output, Iran, war</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Middle East war is forcing petrochemical giants in two key Asian economies to cut production as the conflict rattles supplies of a crucial oil-derived component used to…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan refiners ask gov&amp;apos;t to allow foreign tankers to help with oil release</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-refiners-ask-govt-to-allow-foreign-tankers-to-help-with-oil-release</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-refiners-ask-govt-to-allow-foreign-tankers-to-help-with-oil-release</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s oil refiners have asked the government to allow foreign-flagged tankers to help transport crude oil during a planned release from state-held reserves, amid the worsening situation in… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, refiners, ask, govt, allow, foreign, tankers, help, with, oil, release</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's oil refiners have asked the government to allow foreign-flagged tankers to help transport crude oil during a planned release from state-held reserves, amid the worsening situation in…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Trump&amp;apos;s tariffs were supposed to help manufacturers. But instead, they&amp;apos;re hurting</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/trumps-tariffs-were-supposed-to-help-manufacturers-but-instead-theyre-hurting</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/trumps-tariffs-were-supposed-to-help-manufacturers-but-instead-theyre-hurting</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Jay Allen is a fan of President Donald Trump, and voted for him on the belief that the Republican would cut taxes and trim regulations, helping his manufacturing… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Trumps, tariffs, were, supposed, help, manufacturers., But, instead, theyre, hurting</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Jay Allen is a fan of President Donald Trump, and voted for him on the belief that the Republican would cut taxes and trim regulations, helping his manufacturing…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan restarts gasoline subsidies to curb rising prices</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-restarts-gasoline-subsidies-to-curb-rising-prices</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-restarts-gasoline-subsidies-to-curb-rising-prices</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s government resumed gasoline subsidies on Thursday to curb pump prices, setting support at 30.20 yen per liter of regular gasoline through Wednesday and aiming to bring the… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, restarts, gasoline, subsidies, curb, rising, prices</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's government resumed gasoline subsidies on Thursday to curb pump prices, setting support at 30.20 yen per liter of regular gasoline through Wednesday and aiming to bring the…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tesla faces wider probe of self&#45;driving feature as it prepares to sell cars without steering wheels</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tesla-faces-wider-probe-of-self-driving-feature-as-it-prepares-to-sell-cars-without-steering-wheels</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tesla-faces-wider-probe-of-self-driving-feature-as-it-prepares-to-sell-cars-without-steering-wheels</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Federal auto regulators have escalated a probe of Tesla after several of its cars crashed while using its self-driving feature, just as CEO Elon Musk prepares to roll… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:07:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tesla, faces, wider, probe, self-driving, feature, prepares, sell, cars, without, steering, wheels</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Federal auto regulators have escalated a probe of Tesla after several of its cars crashed while using its self-driving feature, just as CEO Elon Musk prepares to roll…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>BOJ keeps interest rate unchanged</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-keeps-interest-rate-unchanged</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-keeps-interest-rate-unchanged</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Bank of Japan on Thursday kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged again at around 0.75 percent, leaving the possibility open for another hike as it warned of… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:43:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>BOJ, keeps, interest, rate, unchanged</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Bank of Japan on Thursday kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged again at around 0.75 percent, leaving the possibility open for another hike as it warned of…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian shares skid as oil tops $111 a barrel and Wall Street slumps</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-skid-as-oil-tops-111-a-barrel-and-wall-street-slumps</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-skid-as-oil-tops-111-a-barrel-and-wall-street-slumps</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Shares retreated Thursday in Asia after stocks on Wall Street slumped as oil prices spiked at more than $113 a barrel.
U.S. stocks also sagged due to a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:11:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, skid, oil, tops, 111, barrel, and, Wall, Street, slumps</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Shares retreated Thursday in Asia after stocks on Wall Street slumped as oil prices spiked at more than $113 a barrel.
U.S. stocks also sagged due to a…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Major Japanese firms offer large pay hikes in spring negotiations</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/major-japanese-firms-offer-large-pay-hikes-in-spring-negotiations</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/major-japanese-firms-offer-large-pay-hikes-in-spring-negotiations</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Many major Japanese companies, including Toyota Motor Corp, on Wednesday fully met their labor unions&#039; demands for wage hikes in annual negotiations, despite the expected increase in costs… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:03:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Major, Japanese, firms, offer, large, pay, hikes, spring, negotiations</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Many major Japanese companies, including Toyota Motor Corp, on Wednesday fully met their labor unions' demands for wage hikes in annual negotiations, despite the expected increase in costs…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nippon Steel receives ¥900 bil loan for U.S. Steel buyout</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nippon-steel-receives-900-bil-loan-for-us-steel-buyout</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nippon-steel-receives-900-bil-loan-for-us-steel-buyout</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Nippon Steel Corp on Wednesday said it has received a loan totaling around 900 billion yen ($5.67 billion) from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation and major commercial… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nippon, Steel, receives, ¥900, bil, loan, for, U.S., Steel, buyout</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Nippon Steel Corp on Wednesday said it has received a loan totaling around 900 billion yen ($5.67 billion) from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation and major commercial…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan records ¥57.3 bil trade surplus in February</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-records-573-bil-trade-surplus-in-february</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-records-573-bil-trade-surplus-in-february</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan recorded a trade surplus of 57.3 billion yen ($360 million) in February, according to government data released Wednesday, reversing from a deficit a month earlier.
Exports grew… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, records, ¥57.3, bil, trade, surplus, February</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan recorded a trade surplus of 57.3 billion yen ($360 million) in February, according to government data released Wednesday, reversing from a deficit a month earlier.
Exports grew…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. wholesale prices rise by a surprisingly hot 3.4% in February</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-wholesale-prices-rise-by-a-surprisingly-hot-34-in-february</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-wholesale-prices-rise-by-a-surprisingly-hot-34-in-february</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ U.S. wholesale prices came in hotter than expected in February, driven partly by a sharp increase in food costs. 
The Labor Department reported Wednesday that its producer price… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., wholesale, prices, rise, surprisingly, hot, 3.4, February</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[U.S. wholesale prices came in hotter than expected in February, driven partly by a sharp increase in food costs. 
The Labor Department reported Wednesday that its producer price…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Gasoline price in Japan hits record&#45;high 190.80 yen per liter</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/gasoline-price-in-japan-hits-record-high-19080-yen-per-liter</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/gasoline-price-in-japan-hits-record-high-19080-yen-per-liter</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The average retail gasoline price in Japan has hit a record-high 190.80 yen per liter, reflecting higher crude oil prices amid the Iran war, industry ministry data showed… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:47:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Gasoline, price, Japan, hits, record-high, 190.80, yen, per, liter</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The average retail gasoline price in Japan has hit a record-high 190.80 yen per liter, reflecting higher crude oil prices amid the Iran war, industry ministry data showed…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan gasoline price hits record&#45;high 190.80 yen per liter</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-gasoline-price-hits-record-high-19080-yen-per-liter</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-gasoline-price-hits-record-high-19080-yen-per-liter</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The average retail gasoline price in Japan has hit a record-high 190.80 yen per liter, reflecting higher crude oil prices amid the Iran war, industry ministry data showed… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/49/00/5af3173b506e161927c7df7ac52dbb6bce40/istock-1478887410-2/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:39:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, gasoline, price, hits, record-high, 190.80, yen, per, liter</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The average retail gasoline price in Japan has hit a record-high 190.80 yen per liter, reflecting higher crude oil prices amid the Iran war, industry ministry data showed…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan land prices up for 5th straight year amid modest economic recovery</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-land-prices-up-for-5th-straight-year-amid-modest-economic-recovery</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-land-prices-up-for-5th-straight-year-amid-modest-economic-recovery</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The average price of land in Japan climbed for the fifth consecutive year amid a modest economic recovery, government data showed Tuesday.
The nationwide average of land prices… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:07:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, land, prices, for, 5th, straight, year, amid, modest, economic, recovery</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The average price of land in Japan climbed for the fifth consecutive year amid a modest economic recovery, government data showed Tuesday.
The nationwide average of land prices…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asia pivots to coal as Middle East conflict chokes LNG supply</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asia-pivots-to-coal-as-middle-east-conflict-chokes-lng-supply</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asia-pivots-to-coal-as-middle-east-conflict-chokes-lng-supply</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian utilities are boosting coal-fired power generation to cut costs and safeguard energy supply, industry officials say, as the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran chokes liquefied ‌natural gas (LNG)… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asia, pivots, coal, Middle, East, conflict, chokes, LNG, supply</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian utilities are boosting coal-fired power generation to cut costs and safeguard energy supply, industry officials say, as the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran chokes liquefied ‌natural gas (LNG)…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan snack maker halts potato chip production due to Middle East tensions</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-snack-maker-halts-potato-chip-production-due-to-middle-east-tensions</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-snack-maker-halts-potato-chip-production-due-to-middle-east-tensions</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese snack maker Yamayoshi Seika Co said Tuesday it has halted production of its main potato chip products due to difficulty in procuring heavy oil used for heating… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, snack, maker, halts, potato, chip, production, due, Middle, East, tensions</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese snack maker Yamayoshi Seika Co said Tuesday it has halted production of its main potato chip products due to difficulty in procuring heavy oil used for heating…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan to strengthen screening of foreign investments</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-strengthen-screening-of-foreign-investments</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-strengthen-screening-of-foreign-investments</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese government decided Tuesday to strengthen screening of foreign investments in the country by setting up a cross-ministerial, U.S.-style panel to prevent leakage of critical technologies and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, strengthen, screening, foreign, investments</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese government decided Tuesday to strengthen screening of foreign investments in the country by setting up a cross-ministerial, U.S.-style panel to prevent leakage of critical technologies and…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian shares mixed, U.S. futures slip as Brent hovers at over $100 a barrel</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-mixed-us-futures-slip-as-brent-hovers-at-over-100-a-barrel</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-mixed-us-futures-slip-as-brent-hovers-at-over-100-a-barrel</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Shares wavered in Asia on Tuesday after a drop in oil prices helped send the U.S. stock market to its best day since the war in Iran began.
The reprieve… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:35:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, mixed, U.S., futures, slip, Brent, hovers, over, 100, barrel</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Shares wavered in Asia on Tuesday after a drop in oil prices helped send the U.S. stock market to its best day since the war in Iran began.
The reprieve…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>When gas prices go up, changing the way you drive can stretch your fuel just a bit farther</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/when-gas-prices-go-up-changing-the-way-you-drive-can-stretch-your-fuel-just-a-bit-farther</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/when-gas-prices-go-up-changing-the-way-you-drive-can-stretch-your-fuel-just-a-bit-farther</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ When gas prices spike, filling up gets more painful. But consumers can do something to stretch their fuel just a little farther: Change the way they drive.
“It’s… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>When, gas, prices, up, changing, the, way, you, drive, can, stretch, your, fuel, just, bit, farther</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[When gas prices spike, filling up gets more painful. But consumers can do something to stretch their fuel just a little farther: Change the way they drive.
“It’s…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan begins releasing oil reserves</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-begins-releasing-oil-reserves</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-begins-releasing-oil-reserves</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan began to release oil from its reserves Monday to alleviate supply concerns that have grown amid the U.S.-Israel war with Iran and stabilize the distribution of petroleum… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:39:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, begins, releasing, oil, reserves</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan began to release oil from its reserves Monday to alleviate supply concerns that have grown amid the U.S.-Israel war with Iran and stabilize the distribution of petroleum…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>European wind power giant to build Japan assembly plant by FY2029</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/european-wind-power-giant-to-build-japan-assembly-plant-by-fy2029</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/european-wind-power-giant-to-build-japan-assembly-plant-by-fy2029</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A European wind power giant will build a plant in Japan by fiscal 2029 to assemble turbine components, as the country seeks to expand its use of renewable… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>European, wind, power, giant, build, Japan, assembly, plant, FY2029</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A European wind power giant will build a plant in Japan by fiscal 2029 to assemble turbine components, as the country seeks to expand its use of renewable…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan eyes building LNG carriers for first time since 2019</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-eyes-building-lng-carriers-for-first-time-since-2019</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-eyes-building-lng-carriers-for-first-time-since-2019</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s public and private sectors are considering working together to revive domestic construction of liquefied natural gas carriers for the first time since 2019, a seven-year hiatus, a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, eyes, building, LNG, carriers, for, first, time, since, 2019</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's public and private sectors are considering working together to revive domestic construction of liquefied natural gas carriers for the first time since 2019, a seven-year hiatus, a…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan trading house Sojitz plans to widen imports of Australian rare earths</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-trading-house-sojitz-plans-to-widen-imports-of-australian-rare-earths</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-trading-house-sojitz-plans-to-widen-imports-of-australian-rare-earths</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese trading house Sojitz Corp said it will expand imports of rare earth elements from Australia to diversify supply sources of the strategically critical materials essential to high-tech… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, trading, house, Sojitz, plans, widen, imports, Australian, rare, earths</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese trading house Sojitz Corp said it will expand imports of rare earth elements from Australia to diversify supply sources of the strategically critical materials essential to high-tech…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>As war spikes gas prices, drivers wonder how long it will last – and if they should go electric</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/as-war-spikes-gas-prices-drivers-wonder-how-long-it-will-last-and-if-they-should-go-electric</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/as-war-spikes-gas-prices-drivers-wonder-how-long-it-will-last-and-if-they-should-go-electric</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ When Kevin Ketels bought an electric 2026 Chevrolet Blazer last year, he wasn&#039;t thinking about the cost of gas. He just thought EVs were better and “wanted to… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>war, spikes, gas, prices, drivers, wonder, how, long, will, last, –, and, they, should, electric</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[When Kevin Ketels bought an electric 2026 Chevrolet Blazer last year, he wasn't thinking about the cost of gas. He just thought EVs were better and “wanted to…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. job openings rise to a better&#45;than&#45;expected 7 million despite sluggish labor market</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-job-openings-rise-to-a-better-than-expected-7-million-despite-sluggish-labor-market</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-job-openings-rise-to-a-better-than-expected-7-million-despite-sluggish-labor-market</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ U.S. job openings rose to nearly 7 million in January, better than expected at a time when the American labor market has looked sluggish.
The 6.95 million job… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., job, openings, rise, better-than-expected, million, despite, sluggish, labor, market</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[U.S. job openings rose to nearly 7 million in January, better than expected at a time when the American labor market has looked sluggish.
The 6.95 million job…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan digital payment firm PayPay makes U.S. stock market debut</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-digital-payment-firm-paypay-makes-us-stock-market-debut</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-digital-payment-firm-paypay-makes-us-stock-market-debut</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ PayPay Corp, the Japanese provider of a popular digital payment app, made a major stock market debut on the U.S. Nasdaq exchange on Thursday, a move aimed at… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:42:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, digital, payment, firm, PayPay, makes, U.S., stock, market, debut</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[PayPay Corp, the Japanese provider of a popular digital payment app, made a major stock market debut on the U.S. Nasdaq exchange on Thursday, a move aimed at…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Electric vehicle rethink to cost Honda almost $16 billion</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/electric-vehicle-rethink-to-cost-honda-almost-16-billion</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/electric-vehicle-rethink-to-cost-honda-almost-16-billion</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s Honda said Thursday it expected to book nearly $16 billion in expenses and losses related to a major reorientation of its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, blaming U.S.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Electric, vehicle, rethink, cost, Honda, almost, 16, billion</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's Honda said Thursday it expected to book nearly $16 billion in expenses and losses related to a major reorientation of its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, blaming U.S.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan warns companies considering Ukraine support on potential leaks by Huawei</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-warns-companies-considering-ukraine-support-on-potential-leaks-by-huawei</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-warns-companies-considering-ukraine-support-on-potential-leaks-by-huawei</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese government has warned domestic companies willing to assist in Ukraine&#039;s reconstruction about the potential for technology and sensitive information to be leaked through 5G high-speed networks… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, warns, companies, considering, Ukraine, support, potential, leaks, Huawei</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese government has warned domestic companies willing to assist in Ukraine's reconstruction about the potential for technology and sensitive information to be leaked through 5G high-speed networks…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asia shares are mostly lower and oil hovers near $100 a barrel over Iran war worries</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asia-shares-are-mostly-lower-and-oil-hovers-near-100-a-barrel-over-iran-war-worries</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asia-shares-are-mostly-lower-and-oil-hovers-near-100-a-barrel-over-iran-war-worries</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asia shares were mostly lower Friday, tracking Wall Street losses, while oil prices hovered near $100 per barrel as anxiety remained over the Iran war and its impact on supplies… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asia, shares, are, mostly, lower, and, oil, hovers, near, 100, barrel, over, Iran, war, worries</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asia shares were mostly lower Friday, tracking Wall Street losses, while oil prices hovered near $100 per barrel as anxiety remained over the Iran war and its impact on supplies…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks drop on lingering oil supply concerns amid Middle East war</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-drop-on-lingering-oil-supply-concerns-amid-middle-east-war</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-drop-on-lingering-oil-supply-concerns-amid-middle-east-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Tokyo stocks fell Thursday, hurt by surging oil futures as the International Energy Agency&#039;s decision to conduct its largest stockpile release failed to ease market jitters over supply… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:36:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, drop, lingering, oil, supply, concerns, amid, Middle, East, war</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Tokyo stocks fell Thursday, hurt by surging oil futures as the International Energy Agency's decision to conduct its largest stockpile release failed to ease market jitters over supply…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>IEA pledges record release of emergency oil reserves in bid to calm surging prices</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/iea-pledges-record-release-of-emergency-oil-reserves-in-bid-to-calm-surging-prices</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/iea-pledges-record-release-of-emergency-oil-reserves-in-bid-to-calm-surging-prices</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A group representing many of the world&#039;s wealthiest countries agreed Wednesday to release the largest volume of emergency oil reserves in its history, in a bid to counter… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:04:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>IEA, pledges, record, release, emergency, oil, reserves, bid, calm, surging, prices</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A group representing many of the world's wealthiest countries agreed Wednesday to release the largest volume of emergency oil reserves in its history, in a bid to counter…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Airlines in Asia hike fares as Mideast war raises fuel costs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/airlines-in-asia-hike-fares-as-mideast-war-raises-fuel-costs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/airlines-in-asia-hike-fares-as-mideast-war-raises-fuel-costs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Airlines in the Asia-Pacific region, including Qantas, Air India and Cathay Pacific, have hiked fares -- or will soon -- to factor in surging jet fuel prices spurred… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Airlines, Asia, hike, fares, Mideast, war, raises, fuel, costs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Airlines in the Asia-Pacific region, including Qantas, Air India and Cathay Pacific, have hiked fares -- or will soon -- to factor in surging jet fuel prices spurred…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>What China&amp;apos;s latest economic plans say about its tech ambitions and rivalry with U.S.</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/what-chinas-latest-economic-plans-say-about-its-tech-ambitions-and-rivalry-with-us</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/what-chinas-latest-economic-plans-say-about-its-tech-ambitions-and-rivalry-with-us</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Two major economic plans unveiled at the annual meeting of China&#039;s legislature outline top priorities that have different ramifications for the global economy.
In the government plan for… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/78/48/245684f8f801ffc629217de9b5b2e6642700/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>What, Chinas, latest, economic, plans, say, about, its, tech, ambitions, and, rivalry, with, U.S.</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Two major economic plans unveiled at the annual meeting of China's legislature outline top priorities that have different ramifications for the global economy.
In the government plan for…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Gasoline price in Japan rises above 160 yen; may top 180 yen next week</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/gasoline-price-in-japan-rises-above-160-yen-may-top-180-yen-next-week</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/gasoline-price-in-japan-rises-above-160-yen-may-top-180-yen-next-week</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The average retail gasoline price in Japan rose to 161.80 yen per liter as of Monday, reflecting higher crude oil prices amid the Iran war, industry ministry data… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:04:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Gasoline, price, Japan, rises, above, 160, yen, may, top, 180, yen, next, week</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The average retail gasoline price in Japan rose to 161.80 yen per liter as of Monday, reflecting higher crude oil prices amid the Iran war, industry ministry data…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>JR East to raise fares by an average of 7.1% from Friday</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/jr-east-to-raise-fares-by-an-average-of-71-from-friday</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/jr-east-to-raise-fares-by-an-average-of-71-from-friday</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ East Japan Railway Co (JR East) will raise fares by an average 7.1% across its entire service area from Friday.
This marks the first time JR East has… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:40:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>East, raise, fares, average, 7.1, from, Friday</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[East Japan Railway Co (JR East) will raise fares by an average 7.1% across its entire service area from Friday.
This marks the first time JR East has…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>&amp;apos;Stealth hit&amp;apos; Pokemon game sends Nintendo shares soaring</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/stealth-hit-pokemon-game-sends-nintendo-shares-soaring-50152</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/stealth-hit-pokemon-game-sends-nintendo-shares-soaring-50152</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Fan buzz around life-simulation game &quot;Pokemon Pokopia&quot; sent Nintendo shares soaring on Wednesday, with some hailing the new title as a welcome antidote to global conflicts.
Japan&#039;s Nintendo… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:40:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Stealth, hit, Pokemon, game, sends, Nintendo, shares, soaring</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Fan buzz around life-simulation game "Pokemon Pokopia" sent Nintendo shares soaring on Wednesday, with some hailing the new title as a welcome antidote to global conflicts.
Japan's Nintendo…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian shares advance as markets await signals on when war with Iran may end</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-advance-as-markets-await-signals-on-when-war-with-iran-may-end</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-advance-as-markets-await-signals-on-when-war-with-iran-may-end</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares were mostly higher Wednesday with several benchmarks giving up much of their early gains as investors awaited signals on when the war with Iran may end.
U.S. futures… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:08:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, advance, markets, await, signals, when, war, with, Iran, may, end</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares were mostly higher Wednesday with several benchmarks giving up much of their early gains as investors awaited signals on when the war with Iran may end.
U.S. futures…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China&amp;apos;s exports surge in Jan&#45;Feb despite waning trade with U.S.</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-exports-surge-in-jan-feb-despite-waning-trade-with-us</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-exports-surge-in-jan-feb-despite-waning-trade-with-us</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ China&#039;s exports jumped nearly 22% in the first two months of the year from a year earlier, powered by a surge in shipments of computer chips, autos and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinas, exports, surge, Jan-Feb, despite, waning, trade, with, U.S.</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[China's exports jumped nearly 22% in the first two months of the year from a year earlier, powered by a surge in shipments of computer chips, autos and…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Musk, already world&amp;apos;s richest person, eyes $1 trillion fortune</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/musk-already-worlds-richest-person-eyes-1-trillion-fortune</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/musk-already-worlds-richest-person-eyes-1-trillion-fortune</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Elon Musk&#039;s estimated $839 billion net worth has made him the wealthiest individual ever recorded, Forbes said Tuesday, as billionaires worldwide saw their combined fortunes surge in the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Musk, already, worlds, richest, person, eyes, trillion, fortune</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Elon Musk's estimated $839 billion net worth has made him the wealthiest individual ever recorded, Forbes said Tuesday, as billionaires worldwide saw their combined fortunes surge in the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Lego posts record profit despite geopolitical turmoil</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/lego-posts-record-profit-despite-geopolitical-turmoil</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/lego-posts-record-profit-despite-geopolitical-turmoil</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Denmark&#039;s Lego, the world’s number one toy maker, on Tuesday posted record sales and profits for its 2025 financial year, marking a &quot;fantastic&quot; year, despite global tensions, Lego&#039;s… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Lego, posts, record, profit, despite, geopolitical, turmoil</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Denmark's Lego, the world’s number one toy maker, on Tuesday posted record sales and profits for its 2025 financial year, marking a "fantastic" year, despite global tensions, Lego's…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian shares surge, echoing rally on Wall Street as oil prices sink back to about $90</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-surge-echoing-rally-on-wall-street-as-oil-prices-sink-back-to-about-90</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-surge-echoing-rally-on-wall-street-as-oil-prices-sink-back-to-about-90</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares rebounded Tuesday from their sharp declines a day before as global investors wagered that the war with Iran may not last too long.
But the gains fell far… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:44:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, surge, echoing, rally, Wall, Street, oil, prices, sink, back, about, 90</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares rebounded Tuesday from their sharp declines a day before as global investors wagered that the war with Iran may not last too long.
But the gains fell far…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan February bankruptcies hit 13&#45;year high on labor shortages, inflation</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-february-bankruptcies-hit-13-year-high-on-labor-shortages-inflation</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-february-bankruptcies-hit-13-year-high-on-labor-shortages-inflation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The number of corporate bankruptcies in Japan climbed 11.3 percent in February from a year earlier to 851, the highest level for the month in 13 years, pressured… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:04:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, February, bankruptcies, hit, 13-year, high, labor, shortages, inflation</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The number of corporate bankruptcies in Japan climbed 11.3 percent in February from a year earlier to 851, the highest level for the month in 13 years, pressured…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>From 1776 to 2026: Adam Smith&amp;apos;s lessons for the global economy</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/from-1776-to-2026-adam-smiths-lessons-for-the-global-economy</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/from-1776-to-2026-adam-smiths-lessons-for-the-global-economy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Tax the rich. Trash the tariffs. End monopolies.
Such are the rallying calls of many of today&#039;s most heated economic debates. They could also come straight from the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:04:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>From, 1776, 2026:, Adam, Smiths, lessons, for, the, global, economy</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Tax the rich. Trash the tariffs. End monopolies.
Such are the rallying calls of many of today's most heated economic debates. They could also come straight from the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Oil prices jump 7% on Iran war; settle at highest since 2022</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/oil-prices-jump-7-on-iran-war-settle-at-highest-since-2022</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/oil-prices-jump-7-on-iran-war-settle-at-highest-since-2022</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Oil prices jumped about 7% on Monday to settle at their highest since 2022, after soaring by as much as 29% during the session as Saudi Arabia and… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/fa/7a/aab0adbd76f992beeb66d9e05e0a7bed2561/tag-reuters/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:04:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Oil, prices, jump, Iran, war, settle, highest, since, 2022</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Oil prices jumped about 7% on Monday to settle at their highest since 2022, after soaring by as much as 29% during the session as Saudi Arabia and…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan logs current account surplus in January on jump in exports to China</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-logs-current-account-surplus-in-january-on-jump-in-exports-to-china</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-logs-current-account-surplus-in-january-on-jump-in-exports-to-china</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan posted a current account surplus of 941.6 billion yen ($5.9 billion) in January, remaining in the black for the 12th straight month, as an increase in exports,… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, logs, current, account, surplus, January, jump, exports, China</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan posted a current account surplus of 941.6 billion yen ($5.9 billion) in January, remaining in the black for the 12th straight month, as an increase in exports,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nikkei plunges over 2,800 points in 3rd largest drop in history</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-plunges-over-2800-points-in-3rd-largest-drop-in-history</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-plunges-over-2800-points-in-3rd-largest-drop-in-history</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Tokyo stocks plunged Monday, with the Nikkei stock index losing over 2,800 points and marking the third largest point drop in history, as crude oil futures surged amid… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:40:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nikkei, plunges, over, 2, 800, points, 3rd, largest, drop, history</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Tokyo stocks plunged Monday, with the Nikkei stock index losing over 2,800 points and marking the third largest point drop in history, as crude oil futures surged amid…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Trump’s ‘roaring’ economy meets a rough start to 2026: What the latest numbers show</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/trumps-roaring-economy-meets-a-rough-start-to-2026-what-the-latest-numbers-show</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/trumps-roaring-economy-meets-a-rough-start-to-2026-what-the-latest-numbers-show</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ President Donald Trump promised that 2026 would be a bumper year for economic growth, but instead it has kicked off with job losses, rising gasoline prices and more… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Trump’s, ‘roaring’, economy, meets, rough, start, 2026:, What, the, latest, numbers, show</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[President Donald Trump promised that 2026 would be a bumper year for economic growth, but instead it has kicked off with job losses, rising gasoline prices and more…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Rising U.S. fuel prices risk sparking domestic wildfire for Trump</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/rising-us-fuel-prices-risk-sparking-domestic-wildfire-for-trump</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/rising-us-fuel-prices-risk-sparking-domestic-wildfire-for-trump</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Sean Robinson, a 54-year-old schoolteacher in Washington, did not realize how high gas prices had gotten until he arrived at the pump on Friday.
&quot;That is a sizeable… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Rising, U.S., fuel, prices, risk, sparking, domestic, wildfire, for, Trump</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Sean Robinson, a 54-year-old schoolteacher in Washington, did not realize how high gas prices had gotten until he arrived at the pump on Friday.
"That is a sizeable…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Cocoa beans rot and West African farmers seek other options after commodity crash</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/cocoa-beans-rot-and-west-african-farmers-seek-other-options-after-commodity-crash</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/cocoa-beans-rot-and-west-african-farmers-seek-other-options-after-commodity-crash</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Manu Yaw Fofie was born into the cocoa farming business, but the land bequeathed to him has become more of a burden than a blessing. A sharp fall… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cocoa, beans, rot, and, West, African, farmers, seek, other, options, after, commodity, crash</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Manu Yaw Fofie was born into the cocoa farming business, but the land bequeathed to him has become more of a burden than a blessing. A sharp fall…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Sony faces $2.7 bil class action lawsuit from UK PlayStation users</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/sony-faces-27-bil-class-action-lawsuit-from-uk-playstation-users</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/sony-faces-27-bil-class-action-lawsuit-from-uk-playstation-users</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese entertainment giant Sony will face a £2 billion ($2.7 billion) class action lawsuit starting Tuesday in London, accused of allegedly breaching competition law by overcharging millions of… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Sony, faces, 2.7, bil, class, action, lawsuit, from, PlayStation, users</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese entertainment giant Sony will face a £2 billion ($2.7 billion) class action lawsuit starting Tuesday in London, accused of allegedly breaching competition law by overcharging millions of…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>World shares tumble as Iran war pushes crude prices over $110 a barrel</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/world-shares-tumble-as-iran-war-pushes-crude-prices-over-110-a-barrel</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/world-shares-tumble-as-iran-war-pushes-crude-prices-over-110-a-barrel</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index plunged 5% and other Asian markets also tumbled Monday after oil prices soared to nearly $120 a barrel, casting a shadow over economies… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>World, shares, tumble, Iran, war, pushes, crude, prices, over, 110, barrel</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index plunged 5% and other Asian markets also tumbled Monday after oil prices soared to nearly $120 a barrel, casting a shadow over economies…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Aeon opens 1st Food Style store in Tokyo amid intensifying competition</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/aeon-opens-1st-food-style-store-in-tokyo-amid-intensifying-competition-49743</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/aeon-opens-1st-food-style-store-in-tokyo-amid-intensifying-competition-49743</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Aeon Co opened the first of its new Food Style brand of supermarkets in Tokyo&#039;s Minato Ward on Saturday, as the retail giant reorganizes its grocery business in… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 15:04:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Aeon, opens, 1st, Food, Style, store, Tokyo, amid, intensifying, competition</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Aeon Co opened the first of its new Food Style brand of supermarkets in Tokyo's Minato Ward on Saturday, as the retail giant reorganizes its grocery business in…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>SK lays off nearly 1,000 workers at Georgia plant amid cooling automaker EV plans</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/sk-lays-off-nearly-1000-workers-at-georgia-plant-amid-cooling-automaker-ev-plans</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/sk-lays-off-nearly-1000-workers-at-georgia-plant-amid-cooling-automaker-ev-plans</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Battery company SK Battery America Inc laid off nearly 1,000 workers at a manufacturing plant northeast of Atlanta on Friday amid automakers&#039; changing electrification plans and uncertain consumer… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>lays, off, nearly, 1, 000, workers, Georgia, plant, amid, cooling, automaker, plans</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Battery company SK Battery America Inc laid off nearly 1,000 workers at a manufacturing plant northeast of Atlanta on Friday amid automakers' changing electrification plans and uncertain consumer…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s gender pay gap progress slows in 2024; female managers still rare</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-gender-pay-gap-progress-slows-in-2024-female-managers-still-rare-49691</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-gender-pay-gap-progress-slows-in-2024-female-managers-still-rare-49691</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The pace of closing the gender pay gap among full-time workers in Japan slowed in 2024, with the increase in the ratio of women in managerial positions remaining… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 15:08:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, gender, pay, gap, progress, slows, 2024, female, managers, still, rare</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The pace of closing the gender pay gap among full-time workers in Japan slowed in 2024, with the increase in the ratio of women in managerial positions remaining…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. lost 92,000 jobs last month as unemployment rate ticked up to 4.4%</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-lost-92000-jobs-last-month-as-unemployment-rate-ticked-up-to-44</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-lost-92000-jobs-last-month-as-unemployment-rate-ticked-up-to-44</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ American employers unexpectedly cut 92,000 jobs last month, a sign that the labor market remains under strain. The unemployment rate blipped up to 4.4%.
Hiring deteriorated from January,… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/81/95/7d968125dcc096b4dc53868938886d9c5c81/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., lost, 92, 000, jobs, last, month, unemployment, rate, ticked, 4.4</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[American employers unexpectedly cut 92,000 jobs last month, a sign that the labor market remains under strain. The unemployment rate blipped up to 4.4%.
Hiring deteriorated from January,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asia struggles to find fuel oil as Middle East exports plummet, sources say</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asia-struggles-to-find-fuel-oil-as-middle-east-exports-plummet-sources-say</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asia-struggles-to-find-fuel-oil-as-middle-east-exports-plummet-sources-say</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Fuel oil traders in Asia are struggling to secure alternative supply as the Iran war curtails shipments from key Middle Eastern suppliers through the Strait of ‌Hormuz, prompting… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asia, struggles, find, fuel, oil, Middle, East, exports, plummet, sources, say</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Fuel oil traders in Asia are struggling to secure alternative supply as the Iran war curtails shipments from key Middle Eastern suppliers through the Strait of ‌Hormuz, prompting…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan considers releasing national oil reserves amid Iran conflict</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-considers-releasing-national-oil-reserves-amid-iran-conflict</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-considers-releasing-national-oil-reserves-amid-iran-conflict</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese government is considering releasing its national oil reserves to prepare for possible prolonged supply disruptions amid the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, a source familiar with the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, considers, releasing, national, oil, reserves, amid, Iran, conflict</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese government is considering releasing its national oil reserves to prepare for possible prolonged supply disruptions amid the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, a source familiar with the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Oil and gas prices rapidly rise as Iran war shows no signs of letting up</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/oil-and-gas-prices-rapidly-rise-as-iran-war-shows-no-signs-of-letting-up</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/oil-and-gas-prices-rapidly-rise-as-iran-war-shows-no-signs-of-letting-up</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The price of oil surged higher and showed no signs of halting its rapid climb a week after the U.S. and Israel launched major attacks on Iran that… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 15:00:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Oil, and, gas, prices, rapidly, rise, Iran, war, shows, signs, letting</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The price of oil surged higher and showed no signs of halting its rapid climb a week after the U.S. and Israel launched major attacks on Iran that…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asia shares mixed following Wall Street&amp;apos;s losses, as oil price edges lower</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asia-shares-mixed-following-wall-streets-losses-as-oil-price-edges-lower</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asia-shares-mixed-following-wall-streets-losses-as-oil-price-edges-lower</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asia shares were mixed Friday following a mild retreat on Wall Street, while the price of oil fell more than $1 after reaching the highest level since the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:36:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asia, shares, mixed, following, Wall, Streets, losses, oil, price, edges, lower</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asia shares were mixed Friday following a mild retreat on Wall Street, while the price of oil fell more than $1 after reaching the highest level since the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Honda to import two U.S.&#45;made models for Japan sale in latter half of 2026</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/honda-to-import-two-us-made-models-for-japan-sale-in-latter-half-of-2026</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/honda-to-import-two-us-made-models-for-japan-sale-in-latter-half-of-2026</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Honda Motor Co said Thursday it will import two of its U.S.-manufactured models for sale in Japan from the second half of 2026, using a framework under a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:04:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Honda, import, two, U.S.-made, models, for, Japan, sale, latter, half, 2026</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Honda Motor Co said Thursday it will import two of its U.S.-manufactured models for sale in Japan from the second half of 2026, using a framework under a…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China sets lower economic growth target of 4.5% to 5% for 2026 as challenges loom</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/china-sets-lower-economic-growth-target-of-45-to-5-for-2026-as-challenges-loom</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/china-sets-lower-economic-growth-target-of-45-to-5-for-2026-as-challenges-loom</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ China has signaled continuity rather than change for its economy, setting a slightly lower target for growth this year in the midst of a property slump and other… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>China, sets, lower, economic, growth, target, 4.5, for, 2026, challenges, loom</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[China has signaled continuity rather than change for its economy, setting a slightly lower target for growth this year in the midst of a property slump and other…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Iran war disrupts global ocean freight and air cargo supply chains beyond oil</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/iran-war-disrupts-global-ocean-freight-and-air-cargo-supply-chains-beyond-oil</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/iran-war-disrupts-global-ocean-freight-and-air-cargo-supply-chains-beyond-oil</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Iran war has effectively halted oil tanker movement in the key Strait of Hormuz. But it&#039;s also disrupting the wider global supply chain beyond oil, affecting everything… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Iran, war, disrupts, global, ocean, freight, and, air, cargo, supply, chains, beyond, oil</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Iran war has effectively halted oil tanker movement in the key Strait of Hormuz. But it's also disrupting the wider global supply chain beyond oil, affecting everything…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Chinese consumers scout lower prices, secondhand goods as spending sputters</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinese-consumers-scout-lower-prices-secondhand-goods-as-spending-sputters</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinese-consumers-scout-lower-prices-secondhand-goods-as-spending-sputters</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In a Shanghai shopping center, customers browsed racks of used winter coats, $2 pants and household appliances -- pre-used items that would have been out of place in… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinese, consumers, scout, lower, prices, secondhand, goods, spending, sputters</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[In a Shanghai shopping center, customers browsed racks of used winter coats, $2 pants and household appliances -- pre-used items that would have been out of place in…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. Fed warns &amp;apos;economic uncertainty&amp;apos; weighing on consumers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-fed-warns-economic-uncertainty-weighing-on-consumers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-fed-warns-economic-uncertainty-weighing-on-consumers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The U.S. Federal Reserve warned Wednesday that increased economic uncertainty was impacting consumer sentiment, as President Donald Trump&#039;s administration presses on with an aggressive tariffs agenda despite recent… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., Fed, warns, economic, uncertainty, weighing, consumers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The U.S. Federal Reserve warned Wednesday that increased economic uncertainty was impacting consumer sentiment, as President Donald Trump's administration presses on with an aggressive tariffs agenda despite recent…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian shares tumble, as war with Iran widens and oil surges higher</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-tumble-as-war-with-iran-widens-and-oil-surges-higher</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-tumble-as-war-with-iran-widens-and-oil-surges-higher</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares tumbled Wednesday, with South Korea&#039;s benchmark plunging more than 11%, while oil prices climbed even higher as the war with Iran widened.
Worries over Iran have hammered most… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:44:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, tumble, war, with, Iran, widens, and, oil, surges, higher</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares tumbled Wednesday, with South Korea's benchmark plunging more than 11%, while oil prices climbed even higher as the war with Iran widened.
Worries over Iran have hammered most…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>The price of a gallon of gas spiked overnight in U.S., and drivers overseas are filling up tanks</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/the-price-of-a-gallon-of-gas-spiked-overnight-in-us-and-drivers-overseas-are-filling-up-tanks</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/the-price-of-a-gallon-of-gas-spiked-overnight-in-us-and-drivers-overseas-are-filling-up-tanks</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The average price for a gallon of gasoline jumped 11 cents overnight in the U.S., and some drivers in Europe waited in line to fill their tanks with… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:04:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, price, gallon, gas, spiked, overnight, U.S., and, drivers, overseas, are, filling, tanks</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The average price for a gallon of gasoline jumped 11 cents overnight in the U.S., and some drivers in Europe waited in line to fill their tanks with…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China&amp;apos;s economic ambitions hit limits to growth as its national congress meets</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-economic-ambitions-hit-limits-to-growth-as-its-national-congress-meets</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-economic-ambitions-hit-limits-to-growth-as-its-national-congress-meets</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ China’s progress in building a modern economy, evident in its kung-fu fighting robots and self-parking cars, is hitting limits as a downturn in its housing industry drags on,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:04:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinas, economic, ambitions, hit, limits, growth, its, national, congress, meets</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[China’s progress in building a modern economy, evident in its kung-fu fighting robots and self-parking cars, is hitting limits as a downturn in its housing industry drags on,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s jobless rate rises to 2.7% as workers seek better positions</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-jobless-rate-rises-to-27-as-workers-seek-better-positions</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-jobless-rate-rises-to-27-as-workers-seek-better-positions</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s unemployment rate in January rose to 2.7 percent from 2.6 percent in the previous month, climbing for the first time in five months, as more workers left… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:40:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, jobless, rate, rises, 2.7, workers, seek, better, positions</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's unemployment rate in January rose to 2.7 percent from 2.6 percent in the previous month, climbing for the first time in five months, as more workers left…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nikkei ends down over 3% on concern over Middle East conflict</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-ends-down-over-3-on-concern-over-middle-east-conflict</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-ends-down-over-3-on-concern-over-middle-east-conflict</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Nikkei stock index ended down over 3 percent on Tuesday, extending its losses in afternoon trading, as investors offloaded stocks on concerns over the conflict in the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:40:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nikkei, ends, down, over, concern, over, Middle, East, conflict</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Nikkei stock index ended down over 3 percent on Tuesday, extending its losses in afternoon trading, as investors offloaded stocks on concerns over the conflict in the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Iran conflict disrupts oil supply to Asian countries dependent on Middle East</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/iran-conflict-disrupts-oil-supply-to-asian-countries-dependent-on-middle-east</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/iran-conflict-disrupts-oil-supply-to-asian-countries-dependent-on-middle-east</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The widening Iranian conflict is disrupting oil flows to several Asian countries as vessels are bottled up within the Middle East Gulf and crude and transport costs are… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Iran, conflict, disrupts, oil, supply, Asian, countries, dependent, Middle, East</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The widening Iranian conflict is disrupting oil flows to several Asian countries as vessels are bottled up within the Middle East Gulf and crude and transport costs are…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>CBS in turmoil as U.S. media feels pressure under Trump</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/cbs-in-turmoil-as-us-media-feels-pressure-under-trump</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/cbs-in-turmoil-as-us-media-feels-pressure-under-trump</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CBS, a mainstay of the broadcast television landscape, has been rattled by editorial changes that insiders fear are tied to President Donald Trump&#039;s influence, as concerns grow about… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>CBS, turmoil, U.S., media, feels, pressure, under, Trump</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CBS, a mainstay of the broadcast television landscape, has been rattled by editorial changes that insiders fear are tied to President Donald Trump's influence, as concerns grow about…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks fall on Iran conflict, Nikkei temporarily loses 2%</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-fall-on-iran-conflict-nikkei-temporarily-loses-2</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-fall-on-iran-conflict-nikkei-temporarily-loses-2</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Tokyo stocks ended down Monday, with the Nikkei index plunging over 2 percent at one point, as concerns grew over the global economic outlook following the weekend launch… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:36:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, fall, Iran, conflict, Nikkei, temporarily, loses</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Tokyo stocks ended down Monday, with the Nikkei index plunging over 2 percent at one point, as concerns grew over the global economic outlook following the weekend launch…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Competition heats up for Japan burger chains; Zetteria aims for top spot</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/competition-heats-up-for-japan-burger-chains-zetteria-aims-for-top-spot</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/competition-heats-up-for-japan-burger-chains-zetteria-aims-for-top-spot</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Competition among fast-food hamburger chains in Japan is heating up, with the former Lotteria, a household name that is in the process of rebranding as Zetteria, and U.S.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:04:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Competition, heats, for, Japan, burger, chains, Zetteria, aims, for, top, spot</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Competition among fast-food hamburger chains in Japan is heating up, with the former Lotteria, a household name that is in the process of rebranding as Zetteria, and U.S.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>OPEC+ boosts oil production after attacks on Iran and throughout region</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/opec-boosts-oil-production-after-attacks-on-iran-and-throughout-region</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/opec-boosts-oil-production-after-attacks-on-iran-and-throughout-region</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Eight countries that are part of the OPEC+ oil cartel  announced Sunday they will boost production of crude as U.S. and Israeli forces launched a major attack on… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>OPEC, boosts, oil, production, after, attacks, Iran, and, throughout, region</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Eight countries that are part of the OPEC+ oil cartel  announced Sunday they will boost production of crude as U.S. and Israeli forces launched a major attack on…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Bedrooms for sale highlight the depths of Europe&amp;apos;s housing crisis</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/bedrooms-for-sale-highlight-the-depths-of-europes-housing-crisis</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/bedrooms-for-sale-highlight-the-depths-of-europes-housing-crisis</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A Spanish startup is selling bedrooms in flats shared with strangers, a British developer offers mortgages for friends willing to buy together, while stakes in rental properties help… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/66/68/e3c4d9735ec4a7bf685057bab576f808969e/tag-reuters/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:04:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Bedrooms, for, sale, highlight, the, depths, Europes, housing, crisis</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A Spanish startup is selling bedrooms in flats shared with strangers, a British developer offers mortgages for friends willing to buy together, while stakes in rental properties help…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Oil prices set for swings as U.S.&#45;Israel strikes raise supply uncertainty</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/oil-prices-set-for-swings-as-us-israel-strikes-raise-supply-uncertainty</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/oil-prices-set-for-swings-as-us-israel-strikes-raise-supply-uncertainty</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Oil markets currently closed for the weekend are set to see price swings this week as the impact from the U.S. and Israeli strikes on oil supplies from… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/d0/26/89e71083353396c184583ab953773174ab85/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 15:00:29 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Oil, prices, set, for, swings, U.S.-Israel, strikes, raise, supply, uncertainty</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Oil markets currently closed for the weekend are set to see price swings this week as the impact from the U.S. and Israeli strikes on oil supplies from…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Target will stop selling cereals with synthetic colors by end of May</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/target-will-stop-selling-cereals-with-synthetic-colors-by-end-of-may</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/target-will-stop-selling-cereals-with-synthetic-colors-by-end-of-may</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Target will stop selling cereals containing synthetic colors by the end of May.
The Minneapolis-based discounter said Friday it had been phasing out synthetic colors in cereals for… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 15:00:28 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Target, will, stop, selling, cereals, with, synthetic, colors, end, May</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Target will stop selling cereals containing synthetic colors by the end of May.
The Minneapolis-based discounter said Friday it had been phasing out synthetic colors in cereals for…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Consumption tax suspension may not result in lower food prices</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/consumption-tax-suspension-may-not-result-in-lower-food-prices</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/consumption-tax-suspension-may-not-result-in-lower-food-prices</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi aims to suspend the country&#039;s consumption tax on food to alleviate the pain of persistent inflation, but some experts, drawing on overseas precedents, are… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 15:00:27 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Consumption, tax, suspension, may, not, result, lower, food, prices</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi aims to suspend the country's consumption tax on food to alleviate the pain of persistent inflation, but some experts, drawing on overseas precedents, are…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>No. of price hikes among food items to fall 70% in March to 684 items</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/no-of-price-hikes-among-food-items-to-fall-70-in-march-to-684-items</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/no-of-price-hikes-among-food-items-to-fall-70-in-march-to-684-items</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Price hikes for food and beverage items in March will total 684 products, down 70 percent from a year earlier, a sign that food prices are rising more… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 15:04:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>No., price, hikes, among, food, items, fall, 70, March, 684, items</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Price hikes for food and beverage items in March will total 684 products, down 70 percent from a year earlier, a sign that food prices are rising more…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>U.S. wholesale prices arrive hotter than expected, up 0.5% from December and 2.9% from a year ago</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-wholesale-prices-arrive-hotter-than-expected-up-05-from-december-and-29-from-a-year-ago</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-wholesale-prices-arrive-hotter-than-expected-up-05-from-december-and-29-from-a-year-ago</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ U.S. wholesale prices came in hotter than expected last month.
The Labor Department reported Friday that its producer price index, which measures inflation before it hits consumers, rose… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., wholesale, prices, arrive, hotter, than, expected, 0.5, from, December, and, 2.9, from, year, ago</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[U.S. wholesale prices came in hotter than expected last month.
The Labor Department reported Friday that its producer price index, which measures inflation before it hits consumers, rose…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Daiei&amp;apos;s 70&#45;year&#45;old supermarket brand name to be phased out</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/daieis-70-year-old-supermarket-brand-name-to-be-phased-out</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/daieis-70-year-old-supermarket-brand-name-to-be-phased-out</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese supermarket chain Daiei Inc said Friday it will change its brand name of all its stores in the greater Tokyo area to &quot;Food Style&quot; by 2030 under… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 15:04:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Daieis, 70-year-old, supermarket, brand, name, phased, out</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese supermarket chain Daiei Inc said Friday it will change its brand name of all its stores in the greater Tokyo area to "Food Style" by 2030 under…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>FedEx says it will return to customers any refunds it gets back from Trump&amp;apos;s illegal tariffs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/fedex-says-it-will-return-to-customers-any-refunds-it-gets-back-from-trumps-illegal-tariffs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/fedex-says-it-will-return-to-customers-any-refunds-it-gets-back-from-trumps-illegal-tariffs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Delivery company FedEx said in a statement on Thursday that it will return any tariff refund it might get to shippers and customers who paid them.
The statement… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>FedEx, says, will, return, customers, any, refunds, gets, back, from, Trumps, illegal, tariffs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Delivery company FedEx said in a statement on Thursday that it will return any tariff refund it might get to shippers and customers who paid them.
The statement…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Automaker Stellantis posts massive loss, pivots from EV</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/automaker-stellantis-posts-massive-loss-pivots-from-ev</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/automaker-stellantis-posts-massive-loss-pivots-from-ev</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Troubled automaker Stellantis, behind brands like Jeep and Fiat, announced Thursday a net loss of 22.3 billion euros ($26.3 billion) for last year, blaming a lack of demand… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Automaker, Stellantis, posts, massive, loss, pivots, from</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Troubled automaker Stellantis, behind brands like Jeep and Fiat, announced Thursday a net loss of 22.3 billion euros ($26.3 billion) for last year, blaming a lack of demand…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Netflix walks away from Warner Bros deal, clearing the path for Paramount</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/netflix-walks-away-from-warner-bros-deal-clearing-the-path-for-paramount</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/netflix-walks-away-from-warner-bros-deal-clearing-the-path-for-paramount</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Netflix is declining to raise its offer to buy Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming business, in a stunning move that effectively puts Paramount in a position to… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Netflix, walks, away, from, Warner, Bros, deal, clearing, the, path, for, Paramount</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Netflix is declining to raise its offer to buy Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming business, in a stunning move that effectively puts Paramount in a position to…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Toyota posts record January global sales on strong North America demand</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-posts-record-january-global-sales-on-strong-north-america-demand</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-posts-record-january-global-sales-on-strong-north-america-demand</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Toyota Motor Corp said on Thursday its global vehicle sales in January rose 4.7 percent from a year earlier to 822,577 units, a record for the month, driven… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:36:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Toyota, posts, record, January, global, sales, strong, North, America, demand</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Toyota Motor Corp said on Thursday its global vehicle sales in January rose 4.7 percent from a year earlier to 822,577 units, a record for the month, driven…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>DoorDash exits 4 markets, including Japan, to focus on growth elsewhere</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/doordash-exits-4-markets-including-japan-to-focus-on-growth-elsewhere</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/doordash-exits-4-markets-including-japan-to-focus-on-growth-elsewhere</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ DoorDash said Wednesday that it’s ending operations in Qatar, Singapore, Japan and Uzbekistan.
The San Francisco-based delivery company said the decision comes after a monthslong review of country-specific… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>DoorDash, exits, markets, including, Japan, focus, growth, elsewhere</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[DoorDash said Wednesday that it’s ending operations in Qatar, Singapore, Japan and Uzbekistan.
The San Francisco-based delivery company said the decision comes after a monthslong review of country-specific…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Germany&amp;apos;s once&#45;vibrant auto heartland falls on hard times</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/germanys-once-vibrant-auto-heartland-falls-on-hard-times</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/germanys-once-vibrant-auto-heartland-falls-on-hard-times</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Dostech, a small supplier of sealant technology in Germany&#039;s industry-rich Baden-Wuerttemberg region, shifted focus in 2018 when a surge in automotive inquiries prompted it to embark on a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:04:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Germanys, once-vibrant, auto, heartland, falls, hard, times</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Dostech, a small supplier of sealant technology in Germany's industry-rich Baden-Wuerttemberg region, shifted focus in 2018 when a surge in automotive inquiries prompted it to embark on a…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nikkei index ends at record high</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-index-ends-at-record-high</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-index-ends-at-record-high</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Nikkei stock index ended at a record high above 58,000 on Wednesday, as speculation about further interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan receded after the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:40:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nikkei, index, ends, record, high</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Nikkei stock index ended at a record high above 58,000 on Wednesday, as speculation about further interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan receded after the…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan confectionery maker to roll out snacks for pet dogs, their owners</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-confectionery-maker-to-roll-out-snacks-for-pet-dogs-their-owners</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-confectionery-maker-to-roll-out-snacks-for-pet-dogs-their-owners</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese confectionery maker Morinaga &amp; Co says it will roll out snacks that can be eaten by both dogs and their owners, aiming to leverage its expertise to… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, confectionery, maker, roll, out, snacks, for, pet, dogs, their, owners</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese confectionery maker Morinaga & Co says it will roll out snacks that can be eaten by both dogs and their owners, aiming to leverage its expertise to…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Lawson opens 1st disaster&#45;support convenience store ahead of quake anniversary</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/lawson-opens-1st-disaster-support-convenience-store-ahead-of-quake-anniversary</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/lawson-opens-1st-disaster-support-convenience-store-ahead-of-quake-anniversary</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Convenience store operator Lawson Inc on Tuesday opened its first store designed to serve as a disaster support hub for communities at times of emergencies, ahead of the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Lawson, opens, 1st, disaster-support, convenience, store, ahead, quake, anniversary</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Convenience store operator Lawson Inc on Tuesday opened its first store designed to serve as a disaster support hub for communities at times of emergencies, ahead of the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Warner Bros &amp;apos;reviewing&amp;apos; new takeover bid from Paramount</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/warner-bros-reviewing-new-takeover-bid-from-paramount</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/warner-bros-reviewing-new-takeover-bid-from-paramount</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Warner Bros Discovery said Tuesday it has received a revised acquisition proposal from Paramount Skydance, even as the U.S. media giant&#039;s board reaffirmed its support for a previously… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Warner, Bros, reviewing, new, takeover, bid, from, Paramount</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Warner Bros Discovery said Tuesday it has received a revised acquisition proposal from Paramount Skydance, even as the U.S. media giant's board reaffirmed its support for a previously…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>From dabblers to day traders, small investors&amp;apos; impact on Wall Street grows even in volatile market</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/from-dabblers-to-day-traders-small-investors-impact-on-wall-street-grows-even-in-volatile-market</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/from-dabblers-to-day-traders-small-investors-impact-on-wall-street-grows-even-in-volatile-market</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ For years, retail investors were dismissed by some on Wall Street as “dumb money.”
That typically referred to those prone to trading on hype, or chasing trends rather… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>From, dabblers, day, traders, small, investors, impact, Wall, Street, grows, even, volatile, market</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[For years, retail investors were dismissed by some on Wall Street as “dumb money.”
That typically referred to those prone to trading on hype, or chasing trends rather…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Trump warns countries that &amp;apos;play games&amp;apos; with U.S. trade deals will face higher tariffs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-warns-countries-that-play-games-with-us-trade-deals-will-face-higher-tariffs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-warns-countries-that-play-games-with-us-trade-deals-will-face-higher-tariffs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday warned countries against backing away from recently negotiated trade deals with the U.S. after the Supreme Court struck ‌down his emergency tariffs,… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/a7/29/6725e9ab0d196ac799f10e2705601b10a181/tag-reuters/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:04:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Trump, warns, countries, that, play, games, with, U.S., trade, deals, will, face, higher, tariffs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday warned countries against backing away from recently negotiated trade deals with the U.S. after the Supreme Court struck ‌down his emergency tariffs,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>FamilyMart to expand stores with prize&#45;winning games to 5,000 in Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/familymart-to-expand-stores-with-prize-winning-games-to-5000-in-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/familymart-to-expand-stores-with-prize-winning-games-to-5000-in-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Convenience store operator FamilyMart Co plans to expand the number of stores with claw machines and other prize-winning games in Japan by threefold to about 5,000 outlets in… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>FamilyMart, expand, stores, with, prize-winning, games, 5, 000, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Convenience store operator FamilyMart Co plans to expand the number of stores with claw machines and other prize-winning games in Japan by threefold to about 5,000 outlets in…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Murky outlook for businesses after tariff ruling prompts countermoves by Trump</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/murky-outlook-for-businesses-after-tariff-ruling-prompts-countermoves-by-trump</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/murky-outlook-for-businesses-after-tariff-ruling-prompts-countermoves-by-trump</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Businesses face a new wave of uncertainty after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump under an emergency powers law and Trump vowed to… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/ad/97/160cdf785318f4aa1c64ae9c26c913623034/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 15:04:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Murky, outlook, for, businesses, after, tariff, ruling, prompts, countermoves, Trump</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Businesses face a new wave of uncertainty after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump under an emergency powers law and Trump vowed to…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Starbucks Japan to raise prices and charge for takeout bags</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/starbucks-japan-to-raise-prices-and-charge-for-takeout-bags</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/starbucks-japan-to-raise-prices-and-charge-for-takeout-bags</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ There’s been a lot for Japanese Starbucks fans to be happy about over the last few days, as the chain rolled out its new sakura beverages and drinkware. But while those additions to… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/19/92/5b7a550471564f9420d58fe01b59e5822443/screenshot-2026-02-21-at-12-06-44/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Starbucks, Japan, raise, prices, and, charge, for, takeout, bags</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[There’s been a lot for Japanese Starbucks fans to be happy about over the last few days, as the chain rolled out its new sakura beverages and drinkware. But while those additions to…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Supreme Court struck down Trump&amp;apos;s tariffs. Now comes the hard work of issuing refunds</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/supreme-court-struck-down-trumps-tariffs-now-comes-the-hard-work-of-issuing-refunds</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/supreme-court-struck-down-trumps-tariffs-now-comes-the-hard-work-of-issuing-refunds</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Supreme Court on Friday struck down President Donald Trump’s biggest and boldest tariffs. But the justices left a $133 billion question unanswered: What&#039;s going to happen to… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/22/f1/ac518610fb5ff5722b48782ef2647d3ce828/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 15:08:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Supreme, Court, struck, down, Trumps, tariffs., Now, comes, the, hard, work, issuing, refunds</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Supreme Court on Friday struck down President Donald Trump’s biggest and boldest tariffs. But the justices left a $133 billion question unanswered: What's going to happen to…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. economic growth weaker than thought in fourth quarter with government shutdown, consumer pullback</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-economic-growth-weaker-than-thought-in-fourth-quarter-with-government-shutdown-consumer-pullback</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-economic-growth-weaker-than-thought-in-fourth-quarter-with-government-shutdown-consumer-pullback</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ U.S. economic growth slowed in the final three months of last year, dragged down by the six-week shutdown of the federal government and a pullback in consumer spending.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 15:00:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., economic, growth, weaker, than, thought, fourth, quarter, with, government, shutdown, consumer, pullback</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[U.S. economic growth slowed in the final three months of last year, dragged down by the six-week shutdown of the federal government and a pullback in consumer spending.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Mie unveils Japan&amp;apos;s first local ordinance to fine abusive customers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/mie-unveils-japans-first-local-ordinance-to-fine-abusive-customers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/mie-unveils-japans-first-local-ordinance-to-fine-abusive-customers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Mie Prefecture on Friday unveiled a draft ordinance, the first of its kind, that would impose fines of up to 500,000 yen on abusive customers as part of… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 15:00:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mie, unveils, Japans, first, local, ordinance, fine, abusive, customers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Mie Prefecture on Friday unveiled a draft ordinance, the first of its kind, that would impose fines of up to 500,000 yen on abusive customers as part of…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian shares mixed, U.S. futures edge higher as AI fears drag Wall Street lower</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-mixed-us-futures-edge-higher-as-ai-fears-drag-wall-street-lower</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-mixed-us-futures-edge-higher-as-ai-fears-drag-wall-street-lower</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Shares were mixed Friday in Asia as worries over risks linked to massive investments in artificial intelligence and a potential U.S.-Iran conflict weighed on major benchmarks.
U.S. futures edged higher,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:44:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, mixed, U.S., futures, edge, higher, fears, drag, Wall, Street, lower</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Shares were mixed Friday in Asia as worries over risks linked to massive investments in artificial intelligence and a potential U.S.-Iran conflict weighed on major benchmarks.
U.S. futures edged higher,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tariffs paid by midsize U.S. companies tripled last year, a JPMorganChase Institute study shows</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tariffs-paid-by-midsize-us-companies-tripled-last-year-a-jpmorganchase-institute-study-shows</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tariffs-paid-by-midsize-us-companies-tripled-last-year-a-jpmorganchase-institute-study-shows</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Tariffs paid by midsize U.S. businesses tripled over the course of past year, new research tied to one of America’s leading banks showed on Thursday — more evidence… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tariffs, paid, midsize, U.S., companies, tripled, last, year, JPMorganChase, Institute, study, shows</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Tariffs paid by midsize U.S. businesses tripled over the course of past year, new research tied to one of America’s leading banks showed on Thursday — more evidence…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Walmart outlines big AI ambitions as it reports mixed results</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/walmart-outlines-big-ai-ambitions-as-it-reports-mixed-results</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/walmart-outlines-big-ai-ambitions-as-it-reports-mixed-results</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Walmart&#039;s newly installed leadership team on Thursday emphasized plans to build up artificial intelligence integration, lifting shares of the retail behemoth despite a cautious forecast.
Fresh off achieving… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Walmart, outlines, big, ambitions, reports, mixed, results</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Walmart's newly installed leadership team on Thursday emphasized plans to build up artificial intelligence integration, lifting shares of the retail behemoth despite a cautious forecast.
Fresh off achieving…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Lawson to enter India in 2027; plans 100 stores by 2030</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/lawson-to-enter-india-in-2027-plans-100-stores-by-2030</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/lawson-to-enter-india-in-2027-plans-100-stores-by-2030</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Major Japanese convenience store operator Lawson Inc will enter the Indian market, planning to open its first store in Mumbai in 2027 and launch a total of 100… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Lawson, enter, India, 2027, plans, 100, stores, 2030</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Major Japanese convenience store operator Lawson Inc will enter the Indian market, planning to open its first store in Mumbai in 2027 and launch a total of 100…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Toyota union lowers annual bonus demand</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-union-lowers-annual-bonus-demand</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-union-lowers-annual-bonus-demand</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Toyota Motor Corp&#039;s labor union on Wednesday demanded an annual bonus equivalent to 7.3 months&#039; pay, down 0.3 month from last year&#039;s record-high payment, as the automaker grapples… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Toyota, union, lowers, annual, bonus, demand</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Toyota Motor Corp's labor union on Wednesday demanded an annual bonus equivalent to 7.3 months' pay, down 0.3 month from last year's record-high payment, as the automaker grapples…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>UK manufacturers struggle under sky&#45;high energy bills</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/uk-manufacturers-struggle-under-sky-high-energy-bills</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/uk-manufacturers-struggle-under-sky-high-energy-bills</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Molten glass drops through chutes before being blown into bottles at manufacturer Encirc&#039;s northwest England plant, where intensive operations are under strain from exorbitant energy prices weighing on… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>manufacturers, struggle, under, sky-high, energy, bills</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Molten glass drops through chutes before being blown into bottles at manufacturer Encirc's northwest England plant, where intensive operations are under strain from exorbitant energy prices weighing on…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>IMF urges Japan to avoid lowering consumption tax</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/imf-urges-japan-to-avoid-lowering-consumption-tax</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/imf-urges-japan-to-avoid-lowering-consumption-tax</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan should avoid lowering the consumption tax, the International Monetary Fund said Tuesday, cautioning that such an &quot;untargeted measure&quot; to deal with the rising cost of living could… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:44:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>IMF, urges, Japan, avoid, lowering, consumption, tax</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan should avoid lowering the consumption tax, the International Monetary Fund said Tuesday, cautioning that such an "untargeted measure" to deal with the rising cost of living could…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s exports surge 17% in January, on strong shipments to China, other Asian markets</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-exports-surge-17-in-january-on-strong-shipments-to-china-other-asian-markets</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-exports-surge-17-in-january-on-strong-shipments-to-china-other-asian-markets</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s exports surged nearly 17% in January from a year earlier, lifted by seasonal factors and strong demand in China and other Asian markets.
Imports slipped 2.5% from… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:36:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, exports, surge, 17, January, strong, shipments, China, other, Asian, markets</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's exports surged nearly 17% in January from a year earlier, lifted by seasonal factors and strong demand in China and other Asian markets.
Imports slipped 2.5% from…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Foreign cars flow to Russia through China, skirting Ukraine war sanctions</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/foreign-cars-flow-to-russia-through-china-skirting-ukraine-war-sanctions</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/foreign-cars-flow-to-russia-through-china-skirting-ukraine-war-sanctions</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Tens of thousands of cars are being exported from China to Russia under gray-market schemes that often circumvent Western and Asian government sanctions and automakers&#039; commitments to exit… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:04:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Foreign, cars, flow, Russia, through, China, skirting, Ukraine, war, sanctions</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Tens of thousands of cars are being exported from China to Russia under gray-market schemes that often circumvent Western and Asian government sanctions and automakers' commitments to exit…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Mercian recalls Chilean wines over unapproved additive in Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/mercian-recalls-chilean-wines-over-unapproved-additive-in-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/mercian-recalls-chilean-wines-over-unapproved-additive-in-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese winemaker Mercian Corp said Tuesday it will voluntarily recall three of its Chilean wine products under the Frontera brand as they contain copper citrate, a food additive… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:04:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mercian, recalls, Chilean, wines, over, unapproved, additive, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese winemaker Mercian Corp said Tuesday it will voluntarily recall three of its Chilean wine products under the Frontera brand as they contain copper citrate, a food additive…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Warner Bros gives Paramount one week to outbid Netflix</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/warner-bros-gives-paramount-one-week-to-outbid-netflix</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/warner-bros-gives-paramount-one-week-to-outbid-netflix</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Warner Bros Discovery said Tuesday it will give Paramount Skydance a week to sweeten its buyout offer for the storied media giant, as the bidding war with Netflix… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Warner, Bros, gives, Paramount, one, week, outbid, Netflix</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Warner Bros Discovery said Tuesday it will give Paramount Skydance a week to sweeten its buyout offer for the storied media giant, as the bidding war with Netflix…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Shares fall in Japan, while most Asian markets are shut for Lunar New Year</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/shares-fall-in-japan-while-most-asian-markets-are-shut-for-lunar-new-year</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/shares-fall-in-japan-while-most-asian-markets-are-shut-for-lunar-new-year</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index fell Tuesday following a U.S. national holiday, while most markets in Asia were closed for Lunar New Year holidays.
U.S. futures declined and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:40:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Shares, fall, Japan, while, most, Asian, markets, are, shut, for, Lunar, New, Year</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index fell Tuesday following a U.S. national holiday, while most markets in Asia were closed for Lunar New Year holidays.
U.S. futures declined and…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tech is thriving in New York. So are the rents</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tech-is-thriving-in-new-york-so-are-the-rents</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tech-is-thriving-in-new-york-so-are-the-rents</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ It accounts for more than 200,000 jobs and has colonized entire neighborhoods. In New York, the tech industry is driving local economic growth like never before -- but… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tech, thriving, New, York., are, the, rents</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[It accounts for more than 200,000 jobs and has colonized entire neighborhoods. In New York, the tech industry is driving local economic growth like never before -- but…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s economy barely grows in Oct&#45;Dec quarter as exports slow</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-economy-barely-grows-in-oct-dec-quarter-as-exports-slow</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-economy-barely-grows-in-oct-dec-quarter-as-exports-slow</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s economy expanded at an anemic 0.2% annual pace in the last quarter, the government reported Monday, with growth for all of 2025 at just 1.1%.
Private consumption… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 15:36:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, economy, barely, grows, Oct-Dec, quarter, exports, slow</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's economy expanded at an anemic 0.2% annual pace in the last quarter, the government reported Monday, with growth for all of 2025 at just 1.1%.
Private consumption…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. cattle farmers caught between high costs and weary consumers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-cattle-farmers-caught-between-high-costs-and-weary-consumers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-cattle-farmers-caught-between-high-costs-and-weary-consumers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In rural Virginia, dozens of young cows belonging to Chris Stem graze by a frozen pond. He is living his childhood dream of being a farmer -- but… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., cattle, farmers, caught, between, high, costs, and, weary, consumers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[In rural Virginia, dozens of young cows belonging to Chris Stem graze by a frozen pond. He is living his childhood dream of being a farmer -- but…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan’s newest shinkansen has no seats…or passengers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-newest-shinkansen-has-no-seatsor-passengers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-newest-shinkansen-has-no-seatsor-passengers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Usually, when planning to use the shinkansen (bullet train), you’ll need to make a choice between booking a reserved or non-reserved seat. This month, however, East Japan Railway Company (JR… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan’s, newest, shinkansen, has, seats…or, passengers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Usually, when planning to use the shinkansen (bullet train), you’ll need to make a choice between booking a reserved or non-reserved seat. This month, however, East Japan Railway Company (JR…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>M&amp;amp;As effective in raising productivity, wages: Japan gov&amp;apos;t paper</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/mas-effective-in-raising-productivity-wages-japan-govt-paper</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/mas-effective-in-raising-productivity-wages-japan-govt-paper</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Mergers and acquisitions are effective in improving profitability and boosting labor productivity and wages in Japan, the Cabinet Office said Tuesday in its annual economic report on ways… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 15:00:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>M&amp;As, effective, raising, productivity, wages:, Japan, govt, paper</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Mergers and acquisitions are effective in improving profitability and boosting labor productivity and wages in Japan, the Cabinet Office said Tuesday in its annual economic report on ways…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan digital payment app PayPay files for U.S. listing</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-digital-payment-app-paypay-files-for-us-listing</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-digital-payment-app-paypay-files-for-us-listing</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ PayPay Corp, the Japanese provider of a popular digital payment app, has publicly filed for an initial public offering in the United States, the company said Friday, aiming… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, digital, payment, app, PayPay, files, for, U.S., listing</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[PayPay Corp, the Japanese provider of a popular digital payment app, has publicly filed for an initial public offering in the United States, the company said Friday, aiming…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Wendy&amp;apos;s closes US restaurants and focuses on value to turn around falling sales</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/wendys-closes-us-restaurants-and-focuses-on-value-to-turn-around-falling-sales</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/wendys-closes-us-restaurants-and-focuses-on-value-to-turn-around-falling-sales</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Wendy’s is closing several hundred U.S. restaurants and increasing its focus on value after a weaker-than-expected fourth quarter.
The Dublin, Ohio-based company said Friday that its global same-store… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:04:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Wendys, closes, restaurants, and, focuses, value, turn, around, falling, sales</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Wendy’s is closing several hundred U.S. restaurants and increasing its focus on value after a weaker-than-expected fourth quarter.
The Dublin, Ohio-based company said Friday that its global same-store…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Ad giant Dentsu logs record ¥327.6 bil net loss in 2025</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ad-giant-dentsu-logs-record-3276-bil-net-loss-in-2025</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ad-giant-dentsu-logs-record-3276-bil-net-loss-in-2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese advertising giant Dentsu Group Inc on Friday logged a record net loss of 327.60 billion yen ($2.13 billion) for the year to December 2025 on the poor… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:04:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>giant, Dentsu, logs, record, ¥327.6, bil, net, loss, 2025</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese advertising giant Dentsu Group Inc on Friday logged a record net loss of 327.60 billion yen ($2.13 billion) for the year to December 2025 on the poor…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. restaurant chain Anna Miller&amp;apos;s to reopen in Japan after 3&#45;year hiatus</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-restaurant-chain-anna-millers-to-reopen-in-japan-after-3-year-hiatus</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-restaurant-chain-anna-millers-to-reopen-in-japan-after-3-year-hiatus</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ U.S. restaurant chain Anna Miller&#039;s will reopen in Japan for the first time in three years on Friday, with its distinctive staff uniforms unchanged from the previous run,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., restaurant, chain, Anna, Millers, reopen, Japan, after, 3-year, hiatus</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[U.S. restaurant chain Anna Miller's will reopen in Japan for the first time in three years on Friday, with its distinctive staff uniforms unchanged from the previous run,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nissan says losses deepened in last quarter</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nissan-says-losses-deepened-in-last-quarter</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nissan-says-losses-deepened-in-last-quarter</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Corp reported deeper losses for the latest quarter through December compared to a year earlier, as restructuring costs cut into its profitability.
Nissan, based… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nissan, says, losses, deepened, last, quarter</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Corp reported deeper losses for the latest quarter through December compared to a year earlier, as restructuring costs cut into its profitability.
Nissan, based…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China issues new rules to curb auto price war after January passenger car sales drop 20%</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/china-issues-new-rules-to-curb-auto-price-war-after-january-passenger-car-sales-drop-20</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/china-issues-new-rules-to-curb-auto-price-war-after-january-passenger-car-sales-drop-20</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ China moved on Thursday to curb a fierce price war among automakers that has caused massive losses for the industry, after passenger car sales dropped nearly 20% in… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>China, issues, new, rules, curb, auto, price, war, after, January, passenger, car, sales, drop, 20</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[China moved on Thursday to curb a fierce price war among automakers that has caused massive losses for the industry, after passenger car sales dropped nearly 20% in…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. retail sales flat in December as consumers pull back</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-retail-sales-flat-in-december-as-consumers-pull-back</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-retail-sales-flat-in-december-as-consumers-pull-back</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ U.S. retail sales showed no growth in December, according to delayed government data released Tuesday, missing analysts&#039; expectations amid heightened scrutiny of the American consumer&#039;s appetite -- a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:12:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., retail, sales, flat, December, consumers, pull, back</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[U.S. retail sales showed no growth in December, according to delayed government data released Tuesday, missing analysts' expectations amid heightened scrutiny of the American consumer's appetite -- a…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>McDonald&amp;apos;s says focus on value is bringing back customers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/mcdonalds-says-focus-on-value-is-bringing-back-customers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/mcdonalds-says-focus-on-value-is-bringing-back-customers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ McDonald’s focus on value is paying off.
The fast food giant said Wednesday that its global same-store sales — or sales at locations open at least a year… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:12:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>McDonalds, says, focus, value, bringing, back, customers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[McDonald’s focus on value is paying off.
The fast food giant said Wednesday that its global same-store sales — or sales at locations open at least a year…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan to require imported U.S. cars to bear safety&#45;certified stickers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-require-imported-us-cars-to-bear-safety-certified-stickers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-require-imported-us-cars-to-bear-safety-certified-stickers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s transport ministry will require imported U.S.-made cars to display safety certification stickers as part of efforts to ease their entry into the Japanese market, sources familiar with… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:12:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, require, imported, U.S., cars, bear, safety-certified, stickers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's transport ministry will require imported U.S.-made cars to display safety certification stickers as part of efforts to ease their entry into the Japanese market, sources familiar with…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Prudential Life Insurance sets up independent panel over fraud</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/prudential-life-insurance-sets-up-independent-panel-over-fraud</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/prudential-life-insurance-sets-up-independent-panel-over-fraud</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Prudential Life Insurance Co has launched a third-party panel to look into revelations that over 100 of its current and former employees engaged in improper conduct including defrauding… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:16:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Prudential, Life, Insurance, sets, independent, panel, over, fraud</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Prudential Life Insurance Co has launched a third-party panel to look into revelations that over 100 of its current and former employees engaged in improper conduct including defrauding…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>In China, consumerism trumps nationalism despite tensions with Japan, U.S.</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/in-china-consumerism-trumps-nationalism-despite-tensions-with-japan-us</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/in-china-consumerism-trumps-nationalism-despite-tensions-with-japan-us</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In China, consumerism appears to outweigh nationalism regardless of how testy relations have become in recent diplomatic spats with countries like Japan and the United States.
It has… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:00:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>China, consumerism, trumps, nationalism, despite, tensions, with, Japan, U.S.</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[In China, consumerism appears to outweigh nationalism regardless of how testy relations have become in recent diplomatic spats with countries like Japan and the United States.
It has…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Honda reports declining profit</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/honda-reports-declining-profit</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/honda-reports-declining-profit</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Honda Motor Co reported Tuesday a 42% drop in profit for the nine months through December, compared to a year earlier, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs hurt… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Honda, reports, declining, profit</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Honda Motor Co reported Tuesday a 42% drop in profit for the nine months through December, compared to a year earlier, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs hurt…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Sharp&amp;apos;s plan to sell Japan LCD plant to parent Foxconn falls through</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/sharps-plan-to-sell-japan-lcd-plant-to-parent-foxconn-falls-through</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/sharps-plan-to-sell-japan-lcd-plant-to-parent-foxconn-falls-through</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese electronics firm Sharp Corp said Tuesday that a plan to sell one of its liquid crystal display panel plants in central Japan to its Taiwanese parent, Foxconn,… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Sharps, plan, sell, Japan, LCD, plant, parent, Foxconn, falls, through</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese electronics firm Sharp Corp said Tuesday that a plan to sell one of its liquid crystal display panel plants in central Japan to its Taiwanese parent, Foxconn,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Coca&#45;Cola demand rises in fourth quarter but shares slide on tepid outlook</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/coca-cola-demand-rises-in-fourth-quarter-but-shares-slide-on-tepid-outlook</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/coca-cola-demand-rises-in-fourth-quarter-but-shares-slide-on-tepid-outlook</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Coca-Cola saw stronger demand globally in the fourth quarter but its shares slipped on investors&#039; concerns about its tepid outlook.
Global unit case volumes grew 1% for the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Coca-Cola, demand, rises, fourth, quarter, but, shares, slide, tepid, outlook</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Coca-Cola saw stronger demand globally in the fourth quarter but its shares slipped on investors' concerns about its tepid outlook.
Global unit case volumes grew 1% for the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Retail operator of outdoor sportswear pioneer Eddie Bauer files for bankruptcy</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/retail-operator-of-outdoor-sportswear-pioneer-eddie-bauer-files-for-bankruptcy</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/retail-operator-of-outdoor-sportswear-pioneer-eddie-bauer-files-for-bankruptcy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The operator of roughly 180 Eddie Bauer stores across the U.S. and Canada has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, blaming declining sales and a litany of other… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:04:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Retail, operator, outdoor, sportswear, pioneer, Eddie, Bauer, files, for, bankruptcy</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The operator of roughly 180 Eddie Bauer stores across the U.S. and Canada has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, blaming declining sales and a litany of other…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan logs record current account surplus for 2nd straight year in 2025</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-logs-record-current-account-surplus-for-2nd-straight-year-in-2025</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-logs-record-current-account-surplus-for-2nd-straight-year-in-2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan saw a record current account surplus for the second straight year in 2025, posting a 31.88 trillion yen surplus on higher returns on foreign investments and a… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, logs, record, current, account, surplus, for, 2nd, straight, year, 2025</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan saw a record current account surplus for the second straight year in 2025, posting a 31.88 trillion yen surplus on higher returns on foreign investments and a…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Print book, magazine sales in Japan dip below ¥1 tril in 2025; 1st time since 1975</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/print-book-magazine-sales-in-japan-dip-below-1-tril-in-2025-1st-time-since-1975</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/print-book-magazine-sales-in-japan-dip-below-1-tril-in-2025-1st-time-since-1975</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Estimated sales of physical books and magazines in Japan in 2025 dipped below 1 trillion yen for the first time in five decades, falling 4.1 percent from a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:04:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Print, book, magazine, sales, Japan, dip, below, ¥1, tril, 2025, 1st, time, since, 1975</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Estimated sales of physical books and magazines in Japan in 2025 dipped below 1 trillion yen for the first time in five decades, falling 4.1 percent from a…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nikkei jumps after landslide victory for Takaichi&amp;apos;s ruling party</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-jumps-after-landslide-victory-for-takaichis-ruling-party</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-jumps-after-landslide-victory-for-takaichis-ruling-party</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 share index jumped as much as 5% to a record on Monday after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s governing party secured a two-thirds supermajority in… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:40:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nikkei, jumps, after, landslide, victory, for, Takaichis, ruling, party</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 share index jumped as much as 5% to a record on Monday after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s governing party secured a two-thirds supermajority in…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan business groups hail ruling LDP&amp;apos;s lower house majority in election</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-business-groups-hail-ruling-ldps-lower-house-majority-in-election</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-business-groups-hail-ruling-ldps-lower-house-majority-in-election</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s influential business lobbies on Sunday welcomed the ruling Liberal Democratic Party&#039;s securing of a majority in the day&#039;s House of Representatives election.
Yoshinobu Tsutsui, chairman of the… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, business, groups, hail, ruling, LDPs, lower, house, majority, election</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's influential business lobbies on Sunday welcomed the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's securing of a majority in the day's House of Representatives election.
Yoshinobu Tsutsui, chairman of the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Washington Post publisher Will Lewis says he&amp;apos;s stepping down, days after big layoffs at the paper</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/washington-post-publisher-will-lewis-says-hes-stepping-down-days-after-big-layoffs-at-the-paper</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/washington-post-publisher-will-lewis-says-hes-stepping-down-days-after-big-layoffs-at-the-paper</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Washington Post publisher Will Lewis said Saturday that he’s stepping down, ending a troubled tenure three days after the newspaper said that it was laying off one-third of… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/c3/f6/7dfe0c4f8d479b560558ece5d825c30e2320/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Washington, Post, publisher, Will, Lewis, says, hes, stepping, down, days, after, big, layoffs, the, paper</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Washington Post publisher Will Lewis said Saturday that he’s stepping down, ending a troubled tenure three days after the newspaper said that it was laying off one-third of…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Why bitcoin is losing its luster after stratospheric rise</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/why-bitcoin-is-losing-its-luster-after-stratospheric-rise</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/why-bitcoin-is-losing-its-luster-after-stratospheric-rise</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Bitcoin, the world&#039;s biggest cryptocurrency, sank last week, wiping out gains sparked by Donald Trump&#039;s presidential election victory in November 2024.
The digital currency slumped to $60,033.01 on… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Why, bitcoin, losing, its, luster, after, stratospheric, rise</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Bitcoin, the world's biggest cryptocurrency, sank last week, wiping out gains sparked by Donald Trump's presidential election victory in November 2024.
The digital currency slumped to $60,033.01 on…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan monthly household spending in 2025 up 0.9%</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-monthly-household-spending-in-2025-up-09</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-monthly-household-spending-in-2025-up-09</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s average monthly household spending in 2025 increased a real 0.9 percent from a year earlier, marking the first rise in three years, as higher outlays on education,… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 15:04:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, monthly, household, spending, 2025, 0.9</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's average monthly household spending in 2025 increased a real 0.9 percent from a year earlier, marking the first rise in three years, as higher outlays on education,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. households become increasingly strained in diverging economy</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-households-become-increasingly-strained-in-diverging-economy</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-households-become-increasingly-strained-in-diverging-economy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Around the crack of dawn, a line begins forming at a strip mall in Hyattsville, Maryland, as residents ranging from students to delivery workers and federal contractors wait… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 15:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., households, become, increasingly, strained, diverging, economy</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Around the crack of dawn, a line begins forming at a strip mall in Hyattsville, Maryland, as residents ranging from students to delivery workers and federal contractors wait…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Kirin announces deal to sell Four Roses bourbon brand to wine giant Gallo</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/kirin-announces-deal-to-sell-four-roses-bourbon-brand-to-wine-giant-gallo</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/kirin-announces-deal-to-sell-four-roses-bourbon-brand-to-wine-giant-gallo</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Gallo signaled Friday that it sees wine and whiskey as a good mix for business. 
The wine giant said it plans to add a prominent Kentucky bourbon brand… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Kirin, announces, deal, sell, Four, Roses, bourbon, brand, wine, giant, Gallo</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Gallo signaled Friday that it sees wine and whiskey as a good mix for business. 
The wine giant said it plans to add a prominent Kentucky bourbon brand…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Toyota names new CEO after reporting drop in profits</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-names-new-ceo-after-reporting-drop-in-profits</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-names-new-ceo-after-reporting-drop-in-profits</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan’s top automaker Toyota reported a 43% drop in quarterly profit Friday and announced that its chief financial officer, Kenta Kon, will become its new chief executive and… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Toyota, names, new, CEO, after, reporting, drop, profits</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan’s top automaker Toyota reported a 43% drop in quarterly profit Friday and announced that its chief financial officer, Kenta Kon, will become its new chief executive and…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. job openings fall to 6.5 million, fewest since 2020, as labor market remains sluggish</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-job-openings-fall-to-65-million-fewest-since-2020-as-labor-market-remains-sluggish</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-job-openings-fall-to-65-million-fewest-since-2020-as-labor-market-remains-sluggish</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ U.S. job openings fell to the lowest level in more than five years, another sign that the American labor market remains sluggish.
The Labor Department reported Thursday that… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:04:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[U.S. job openings fell to the lowest level in more than five years, another sign that the American labor market remains sluggish.
The Labor Department reported Thursday that…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Bitcoin price falls below pre&#45;Trump second term levels, now hovering below $67,000</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/bitcoin-price-falls-below-pre-trump-second-term-levels-now-hovering-below-67000</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/bitcoin-price-falls-below-pre-trump-second-term-levels-now-hovering-below-67000</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The price of bitcoin continued its monthslong slide Thursday, falling another 11% to $67,000, and is now worth less than it was when President Donald Trump was elected… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:04:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Bitcoin, price, falls, below, pre-Trump, second, term, levels, now, hovering, below, 67, 000</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The price of bitcoin continued its monthslong slide Thursday, falling another 11% to $67,000, and is now worth less than it was when President Donald Trump was elected…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. companies can now claim &amp;apos;no artificial colors&amp;apos; if they add plant&#45;based color to food</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-companies-can-now-claim-no-artificial-colors-if-they-add-plant-based-color-to-food</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-companies-can-now-claim-no-artificial-colors-if-they-add-plant-based-color-to-food</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is relaxing rules that restrict when food companies can claim their products have no artificial colors.
The agency announced Thursday that food… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., companies, can, now, claim, no, artificial, colors, they, add, plant-based, color, food</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is relaxing rules that restrict when food companies can claim their products have no artificial colors.
The agency announced Thursday that food…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Sony hikes forecasts even as PlayStation falters</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/sony-hikes-forecasts-even-as-playstation-falters</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/sony-hikes-forecasts-even-as-playstation-falters</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese giant Sony hiked its full-year forecasts on Thursday, as a weaker yen compensates for its ageing PlayStation games console and a memory chip crunch.
Sony now expects… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:04:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Sony, hikes, forecasts, even, PlayStation, falters</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese giant Sony hiked its full-year forecasts on Thursday, as a weaker yen compensates for its ageing PlayStation games console and a memory chip crunch.
Sony now expects…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Washington Post cuts a third of its staff</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/washington-post-cuts-a-third-of-its-staff</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/washington-post-cuts-a-third-of-its-staff</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Washington Post laid off one-third of its staff Wednesday, eliminating its sports section, several foreign bureaus and its books coverage in a widespread purge that represented a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:00:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Washington, Post, cuts, third, its, staff</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Washington Post laid off one-third of its staff Wednesday, eliminating its sports section, several foreign bureaus and its books coverage in a widespread purge that represented a…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>JAL net profit in April&#45;Dec climbs 24.9% on robust inbound tourism</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/jal-net-profit-in-april-dec-climbs-249-on-robust-inbound-tourism</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/jal-net-profit-in-april-dec-climbs-249-on-robust-inbound-tourism</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan Airlines Co said Tuesday its sales for the nine months through December rose 9.2 percent from the previous year to 1.51 trillion yen, a record high for… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:04:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>JAL, net, profit, April-Dec, climbs, 24.9, robust, inbound, tourism</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan Airlines Co said Tuesday its sales for the nine months through December rose 9.2 percent from the previous year to 1.51 trillion yen, a record high for…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>The wealthy ramp up spending while other Americans tread water, new study finds</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/the-wealthy-ramp-up-spending-while-other-americans-tread-water-new-study-finds</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/the-wealthy-ramp-up-spending-while-other-americans-tread-water-new-study-finds</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Higher-income Americans and those with college degrees have ramped up their spending more quickly in the past three years than other consumers, according to new data released Tuesday,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, wealthy, ramp, spending, while, other, Americans, tread, water, new, study, finds</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Higher-income Americans and those with college degrees have ramped up their spending more quickly in the past three years than other consumers, according to new data released Tuesday,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s annual farm exports rise to record 1.7 trillion yen</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-annual-farm-exports-rise-to-record-17-trillion-yen</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-annual-farm-exports-rise-to-record-17-trillion-yen</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese exports of agriculture, forestry and fishery products and foods rose to over 1.7 trillion yen ($10.9 billion) in 2025, renewing the record for the 13th straight year,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, annual, farm, exports, rise, record, 1.7, trillion, yen</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese exports of agriculture, forestry and fishery products and foods rose to over 1.7 trillion yen ($10.9 billion) in 2025, renewing the record for the 13th straight year,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian shares surge, led by records in Japan, S Korea, as markets regain momentum</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-surge-led-by-records-in-japan-s-korea-as-markets-regain-momentum</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-surge-led-by-records-in-japan-s-korea-as-markets-regain-momentum</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares surged on Tuesday, led by a nearly 7% jump in South Korea’s benchmark and a 3.9% rally in Tokyo that took the Nikkei 225 to a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:16:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, surge, led, records, Japan, Korea, markets, regain, momentum</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares surged on Tuesday, led by a nearly 7% jump in South Korea’s benchmark and a 3.9% rally in Tokyo that took the Nikkei 225 to a…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. delays January jobs report because of partial shutdown</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-delays-january-jobs-report-because-of-partial-shutdown</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-delays-january-jobs-report-because-of-partial-shutdown</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Labor Department, citing the partial federal government shutdown, said Monday that it will not release the January jobs report on Friday as scheduled.
In a statement, the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., delays, January, jobs, report, because, partial, shutdown</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Labor Department, citing the partial federal government shutdown, said Monday that it will not release the January jobs report on Friday as scheduled.
In a statement, the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Rising costs push Japan stores to cacao alternatives before Valentine&amp;apos;s Day</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/rising-costs-push-japan-stores-to-cacao-alternatives-before-valentines-day</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/rising-costs-push-japan-stores-to-cacao-alternatives-before-valentines-day</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ With Valentine&#039;s Day approaching, Japan&#039;s major department stores are turning to alternative methods and ingredients to curb the prices of chocolates, the country&#039;s most popular gift of the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Rising, costs, push, Japan, stores, cacao, alternatives, before, Valentines, Day</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[With Valentine's Day approaching, Japan's major department stores are turning to alternative methods and ingredients to curb the prices of chocolates, the country's most popular gift of the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Chinese cash in jewelry at automated gold recyclers as prices soar</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinese-cash-in-jewelry-at-automated-gold-recyclers-as-prices-soar</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinese-cash-in-jewelry-at-automated-gold-recyclers-as-prices-soar</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Dozens of people crowded around an automated gold recycling machine at a Shanghai mall, hoping to melt down family heirlooms for cash as prices of the precious metal… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:04:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinese, cash, jewelry, automated, gold, recyclers, prices, soar</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Dozens of people crowded around an automated gold recycling machine at a Shanghai mall, hoping to melt down family heirlooms for cash as prices of the precious metal…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Kanagawa Fair held at AEON in Thailand</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/kanagawa-fair-held-at-aeon-in-thailand</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/kanagawa-fair-held-at-aeon-in-thailand</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Within Kanagawa Prefecture, several food-related companies are focusing their efforts on exporting food products overseas. To support the international expansion of these local companies, Kanagawa Prefecture provides opportunities… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Kanagawa, Fair, held, AEON, Thailand</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Within Kanagawa Prefecture, several food-related companies are focusing their efforts on exporting food products overseas. To support the international expansion of these local companies, Kanagawa Prefecture provides opportunities…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>How Lego got swept up in U.S.&#45;Mexico trade frictions</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/how-lego-got-swept-up-in-us-mexico-trade-frictions</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/how-lego-got-swept-up-in-us-mexico-trade-frictions</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Manufacturing a Barbie or a Lego brick requires large quantities of plastic, much of which comes from China, the world&#039;s largest producer of the material.
So when Mexico… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:04:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>How, Lego, got, swept, U.S.-Mexico, trade, frictions</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Manufacturing a Barbie or a Lego brick requires large quantities of plastic, much of which comes from China, the world's largest producer of the material.
So when Mexico…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Starbucks feels the heat as more chains compete for U.S. coffee drinkers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/starbucks-feels-the-heat-as-more-chains-compete-for-us-coffee-drinkers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/starbucks-feels-the-heat-as-more-chains-compete-for-us-coffee-drinkers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Americans are drinking more coffee than they have in decades. But fewer of them are getting it from Starbucks.
The company that revolutionized U.S. coffee culture remains America&#039;s… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Starbucks, feels, the, heat, more, chains, compete, for, U.S., coffee, drinkers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Americans are drinking more coffee than they have in decades. But fewer of them are getting it from Starbucks.
The company that revolutionized U.S. coffee culture remains America's…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China factory activity loses steam in January</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/china-factory-activity-loses-steam-in-january</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/china-factory-activity-loses-steam-in-january</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ China&#039;s factory activity slowed in January, official data showed Saturday, missing forecasts after a brief rise into positive territory at the end of last year.
A key measure… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>China, factory, activity, loses, steam, January</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[China's factory activity slowed in January, official data showed Saturday, missing forecasts after a brief rise into positive territory at the end of last year.
A key measure…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Kevin Warsh, a former Fed &amp;apos;hawk&amp;apos; now in tune with Trump</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/kevin-warsh-a-former-fed-hawk-now-in-tune-with-trump</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/kevin-warsh-a-former-fed-hawk-now-in-tune-with-trump</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Kevin Warsh, a former U.S. Federal Reserve official named by President Donald Trump on Friday as its next chief, was long an inflation foe but has aligned his… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Kevin, Warsh, former, Fed, hawk, now, tune, with, Trump</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Kevin Warsh, a former U.S. Federal Reserve official named by President Donald Trump on Friday as its next chief, was long an inflation foe but has aligned his…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. keeps Japan on currency manipulator watchlist</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-keeps-japan-on-currency-manipulator-watchlist</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-keeps-japan-on-currency-manipulator-watchlist</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The U.S. Treasury Department said Thursday that Japan remains on a watchlist of major trading partners that Washington monitors for potentially unfair foreign exchange practices.
In its biannual… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 15:04:24 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., keeps, Japan, currency, manipulator, watchlist</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The U.S. Treasury Department said Thursday that Japan remains on a watchlist of major trading partners that Washington monitors for potentially unfair foreign exchange practices.
In its biannual…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>ANA&amp;apos;s net profit rises 3.9% on robust travel demand</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/anas-net-profit-rises-39-on-robust-travel-demand</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/anas-net-profit-rises-39-on-robust-travel-demand</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ ANA Holdings Inc. said Friday its net profit in the nine months ended in December rose 3.9 percent from a year earlier to 139.24 billion yen, driven by… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 15:04:23 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>ANAs, net, profit, rises, 3.9, robust, travel, demand</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[ANA Holdings Inc. said Friday its net profit in the nine months ended in December rose 3.9 percent from a year earlier to 139.24 billion yen, driven by…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>What&amp;apos;s behind Trump&amp;apos;s risky cheap dollar dalliance?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/whats-behind-trumps-risky-cheap-dollar-dalliance</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/whats-behind-trumps-risky-cheap-dollar-dalliance</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The U.S. dollar sank to a four-and-a-half-year low against the euro this week after President Donald Trump said the weakened currency was doing &quot;great.&quot;
While U.S. Treasury Secretary… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 15:04:22 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Whats, behind, Trumps, risky, cheap, dollar, dalliance</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The U.S. dollar sank to a four-and-a-half-year low against the euro this week after President Donald Trump said the weakened currency was doing "great."
While U.S. Treasury Secretary…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Toyota tops global auto sales for 6th straight year in 2025</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-tops-global-auto-sales-for-6th-straight-year-in-2025</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-tops-global-auto-sales-for-6th-straight-year-in-2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Toyota Motor Corp group remained the world&#039;s top-selling automaker in 2025 for a sixth straight year on the back of robust demand for hybrid vehicles in North America,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Toyota, tops, global, auto, sales, for, 6th, straight, year, 2025</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Toyota Motor Corp group remained the world's top-selling automaker in 2025 for a sixth straight year on the back of robust demand for hybrid vehicles in North America,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Switch to become most sold Nintendo game console, surpassing DS</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/switch-to-become-most-sold-nintendo-game-console-surpassing-ds</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/switch-to-become-most-sold-nintendo-game-console-surpassing-ds</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Nintendo Switch is slated to become the most popular console sold by Nintendo Co., likely to surpass the Nintendo DS.
The success of the Switch, which has… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Switch, become, most, sold, Nintendo, game, console, surpassing</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Nintendo Switch is slated to become the most popular console sold by Nintendo Co., likely to surpass the Nintendo DS.
The success of the Switch, which has…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Hong Kong residents snap up silver as gold becomes &amp;apos;too expensive&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/hong-kong-residents-snap-up-silver-as-gold-becomes-too-expensive</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/hong-kong-residents-snap-up-silver-as-gold-becomes-too-expensive</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Hong Kong residents hoping to cash in on a precious metals rally are buying up bars of silver as an alternative to gold that they say has become… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Hong, Kong, residents, snap, silver, gold, becomes, too, expensive</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Hong Kong residents hoping to cash in on a precious metals rally are buying up bars of silver as an alternative to gold that they say has become…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Starbucks sees room to expand with hundreds of new U.S. stores and increased seating</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/starbucks-sees-room-to-expand-with-hundreds-of-new-us-stores-and-increased-seating</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/starbucks-sees-room-to-expand-with-hundreds-of-new-us-stores-and-increased-seating</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Starbucks said Thursday that it plans to open hundreds of new stores across the U.S. and add seating capacity at thousands of existing locations, doubling down on a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Starbucks, sees, room, expand, with, hundreds, new, U.S., stores, and, increased, seating</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Starbucks said Thursday that it plans to open hundreds of new stores across the U.S. and add seating capacity at thousands of existing locations, doubling down on a…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>U.S. futures and Asian shares slip after wild day on Wall St ends with whimper</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-futures-and-asian-shares-slip-after-wild-day-on-wall-st-ends-with-whimper</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-futures-and-asian-shares-slip-after-wild-day-on-wall-st-ends-with-whimper</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Shares slipped Friday in Asia after a day of dramatic swings on Wall Street that included Microsoft’s worst drop in nearly six years.
Oil prices dropped and the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:00:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., futures, and, Asian, shares, slip, after, wild, day, Wall, ends, with, whimper</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Shares slipped Friday in Asia after a day of dramatic swings on Wall Street that included Microsoft’s worst drop in nearly six years.
Oil prices dropped and the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Layoffs are piling up, heightening worker anxiety in U.S.</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/layoffs-are-piling-up-heightening-worker-anxiety-in-us</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/layoffs-are-piling-up-heightening-worker-anxiety-in-us</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As layoffs pile up, workers are feeling increasingly anxious about the job market.
In the U.S., economists have said that businesses are largely at a “no-hire, no fire”… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Layoffs, are, piling, up, heightening, worker, anxiety, U.S.</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[As layoffs pile up, workers are feeling increasingly anxious about the job market.
In the U.S., economists have said that businesses are largely at a “no-hire, no fire”…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Meta posts stronger&#45;than&#45;expected Q4 results though costs continue to soar</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/meta-posts-stronger-than-expected-q4-results-though-costs-continue-to-soar</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/meta-posts-stronger-than-expected-q4-results-though-costs-continue-to-soar</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Meta&#039;s fourth-quarter results jumped past Wall Street&#039;s expectations thanks to solid advertising revenue, sending shares higher in after-hours trading Wednesday. 
The company earned $22.77 billion, or $8.88 per… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Meta, posts, stronger-than-expected, results, though, costs, continue, soar</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Meta's fourth-quarter results jumped past Wall Street's expectations thanks to solid advertising revenue, sending shares higher in after-hours trading Wednesday. 
The company earned $22.77 billion, or $8.88 per…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tesla annual profit plunges to lowest level since pandemic</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tesla-annual-profit-plunges-to-lowest-level-since-pandemic</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tesla-annual-profit-plunges-to-lowest-level-since-pandemic</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Tesla’s annual profit plunged to its lowest level since the pandemic five years ago as it lost the title of the world’s biggest electric vehicle maker to a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:04:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tesla, annual, profit, plunges, lowest, level, since, pandemic</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Tesla’s annual profit plunged to its lowest level since the pandemic five years ago as it lost the title of the world’s biggest electric vehicle maker to a…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Top U.S. trading partners pledged to invest $5 trillion in America, but researchers have doubts</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/top-us-trading-partners-pledged-to-invest-5-trillion-in-america-but-researchers-have-doubts</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/top-us-trading-partners-pledged-to-invest-5-trillion-in-america-but-researchers-have-doubts</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ President Donald Trump has strong-armed many of America’s biggest trading partners into pledging trillions of dollars of investment in the United States. But a study out Tuesday raises… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Top, U.S., trading, partners, pledged, invest, trillion, America, but, researchers, have, doubts</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[President Donald Trump has strong-armed many of America’s biggest trading partners into pledging trillions of dollars of investment in the United States. But a study out Tuesday raises…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s indie games boom attracts funds from other industries</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-indie-games-boom-attracts-funds-from-other-industries</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-indie-games-boom-attracts-funds-from-other-industries</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese indie games, created by small-scale or independent developers and attracting funding from publishing and other firms outside the gaming industry, are gaining popularity, with one such game… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, indie, games, boom, attracts, funds, from, other, industries</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese indie games, created by small-scale or independent developers and attracting funding from publishing and other firms outside the gaming industry, are gaining popularity, with one such game…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Hybrid cars top choice for consumers in Europe in 2025: data</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/hybrid-cars-top-choice-for-consumers-in-europe-in-2025-data</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/hybrid-cars-top-choice-for-consumers-in-europe-in-2025-data</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Hybrid-electric vehicles dethroned purely petrol-powered cars as the top power option among consumers in Europe last year, data showed Tuesday.
Some 1.88 million new vehicles were registered in… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Hybrid, cars, top, choice, for, consumers, Europe, 2025:, data</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Hybrid-electric vehicles dethroned purely petrol-powered cars as the top power option among consumers in Europe last year, data showed Tuesday.
Some 1.88 million new vehicles were registered in…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Ikea Japan closing two downtown Tokyo flagship stores</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ikea-japan-closing-two-downtown-tokyo-flagship-stores</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ikea-japan-closing-two-downtown-tokyo-flagship-stores</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In June of 2020, Ikea opened a new branch in the fashion-focused Harajuku neighborhood of Tokyo. Launching a new venture at this time was a gamble, since the COVID pandemic was in full… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:08:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ikea, Japan, closing, two, downtown, Tokyo, flagship, stores</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[In June of 2020, Ikea opened a new branch in the fashion-focused Harajuku neighborhood of Tokyo. Launching a new venture at this time was a gamble, since the COVID pandemic was in full…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Paralyzing winter storms put a big chill on U.S. economy</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/paralyzing-winter-storms-put-a-big-chill-on-us-economy</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/paralyzing-winter-storms-put-a-big-chill-on-us-economy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The deadly and widespread winter storm paralyzing much of the American East with ice, snow and cold is also taking a multi-billion dollar bite out of the U.S.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:08:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Paralyzing, winter, storms, put, big, chill, U.S., economy</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The deadly and widespread winter storm paralyzing much of the American East with ice, snow and cold is also taking a multi-billion dollar bite out of the U.S.…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Dollar sinks on yen intervention talk; gold breaks $5,000</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/dollar-sinks-on-yen-intervention-talk-gold-breaks-5000</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/dollar-sinks-on-yen-intervention-talk-gold-breaks-5000</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The dollar fell in Asian trade Monday amid speculation U.S. officials could join their Japanese counterparts to help support the yen after a recent sell-off, while equities started… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:41:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Dollar, sinks, yen, intervention, talk, gold, breaks, 5, 000</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The dollar fell in Asian trade Monday amid speculation U.S. officials could join their Japanese counterparts to help support the yen after a recent sell-off, while equities started…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Nissan agrees to sell South African plant to Chinese automaker</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nissan-agrees-to-sell-south-african-plant-to-chinese-automaker</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nissan-agrees-to-sell-south-african-plant-to-chinese-automaker</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Nissan Motor Co has agreed to sell its plant in South Africa to Chinese automaker Chery Automobile Co around the middle of this year, without disclosing the transaction… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nissan, agrees, sell, South, African, plant, Chinese, automaker</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Nissan Motor Co has agreed to sell its plant in South Africa to Chinese automaker Chery Automobile Co around the middle of this year, without disclosing the transaction…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>U.S. Fed set to keep rates steady as officials defend independence</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-fed-set-to-keep-rates-steady-as-officials-defend-independence</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-fed-set-to-keep-rates-steady-as-officials-defend-independence</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The U.S. Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged when it meets this week, holding firm despite President Donald Trump&#039;s pressure to slash levels as… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., Fed, set, keep, rates, steady, officials, defend, independence</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The U.S. Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged when it meets this week, holding firm despite President Donald Trump's pressure to slash levels as…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Toyota recalls 162,000 trucks over faulty screens</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-recalls-162000-trucks-over-faulty-screens</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-recalls-162000-trucks-over-faulty-screens</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Toyota announced Friday it would recall about 162,000 pickup trucks in the United States after it was discovered that the vehicles&#039; multimedia displays could compromise driver safety.
The… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Toyota, recalls, 162, 000, trucks, over, faulty, screens</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Toyota announced Friday it would recall about 162,000 pickup trucks in the United States after it was discovered that the vehicles' multimedia displays could compromise driver safety.
The…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Chinese customers at Japan department stores dive 40% in December</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinese-customers-at-japan-department-stores-dive-40-in-december</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinese-customers-at-japan-department-stores-dive-40-in-december</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Department stores in Japan saw the number of Chinese customers and their duty-free purchases both dive about 40 percent in December from a year earlier, amid heightened diplomatic… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 15:08:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinese, customers, Japan, department, stores, dive, 40, December</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Department stores in Japan saw the number of Chinese customers and their duty-free purchases both dive about 40 percent in December from a year earlier, amid heightened diplomatic…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Asian shares, U.S. futures gain as Japan keeps its key interest rate unchanged</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-us-futures-gain-as-japan-keeps-its-key-interest-rate-unchanged</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-us-futures-gain-as-japan-keeps-its-key-interest-rate-unchanged</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares and U.S. futures were modestly higher Friday after U.S. regained more of their losses after a tumultuous several days.
Tokyo&#039;s Nikkei 225 picked up 0.3% to 53,846.87 after… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:50:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, U.S., futures, gain, Japan, keeps, its, key, interest, rate, unchanged</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares and U.S. futures were modestly higher Friday after U.S. regained more of their losses after a tumultuous several days.
Tokyo's Nikkei 225 picked up 0.3% to 53,846.87 after…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>BOJ leaves benchmark interest rate unchanged amid yield spike, weak yen</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-leaves-benchmark-interest-rate-unchanged-amid-yield-spike-weak-yen</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-leaves-benchmark-interest-rate-unchanged-amid-yield-spike-weak-yen</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Bank of Japan kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at around 0.75 percent on Friday, as it assessed the impact of last month&#039;s rate increase on the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:32:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>BOJ, leaves, benchmark, interest, rate, unchanged, amid, yield, spike, weak, yen</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Bank of Japan kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at around 0.75 percent on Friday, as it assessed the impact of last month's rate increase on the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Saks&amp;apos; bankruptcy filing creates uncertainty for iconic stores, suppliers and shoppers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/saks-bankruptcy-filing-creates-uncertainty-for-iconic-stores-suppliers-and-shoppers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/saks-bankruptcy-filing-creates-uncertainty-for-iconic-stores-suppliers-and-shoppers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ An appeal for bankruptcy protection filing of the operator of Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus has left the luxury department stores&#039; suppliers with unpaid bills… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/17/ba/4e78c70cd627df09c5cd119a2ce1415fa6b2/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Saks, bankruptcy, filing, creates, uncertainty, for, iconic, stores, suppliers, and, shoppers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[An appeal for bankruptcy protection filing of the operator of Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus has left the luxury department stores' suppliers with unpaid bills…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Workplace rights agency scraps anti&#45;harassment guidance, citing Trump&amp;apos;s orders</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/workplace-rights-agency-scraps-anti-harassment-guidance-citing-trumps-orders</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/workplace-rights-agency-scraps-anti-harassment-guidance-citing-trumps-orders</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The federal agency in charge of enforcing workplace anti-discrimination laws on Thursday voted to rescind its own guidance on how to guard against harassment at work, marking another… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/0c/27/90a6128b31b60e4387f48bd13a95a2702a09/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Workplace, rights, agency, scraps, anti-harassment, guidance, citing, Trumps, orders</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The federal agency in charge of enforcing workplace anti-discrimination laws on Thursday voted to rescind its own guidance on how to guard against harassment at work, marking another…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan records 5th straight yearly trade deficit</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-records-5th-straight-yearly-trade-deficit</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-records-5th-straight-yearly-trade-deficit</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan posted a trade deficit for the fifth straight year in 2025, according to government data released Thursday, as concerns continued to grow over U.S. President Donald Trump’s… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:47:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, records, 5th, straight, yearly, trade, deficit</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan posted a trade deficit for the fifth straight year in 2025, according to government data released Thursday, as concerns continued to grow over U.S. President Donald Trump’s…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>All Lotteria fast food restaurant outlets to become Zetteria by March</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/all-lotteria-fast-food-restaurant-outlets-to-become-zetteria-by-march</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/all-lotteria-fast-food-restaurant-outlets-to-become-zetteria-by-march</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Major restaurant chain Zensho Holdings, which owns hamburger chain Lotteria, plans to convert all outlets to Zetteria by the end of March.
The Lotteria name will be gone… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:47:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>All, Lotteria, fast, food, restaurant, outlets, become, Zetteria, March</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Major restaurant chain Zensho Holdings, which owns hamburger chain Lotteria, plans to convert all outlets to Zetteria by the end of March.
The Lotteria name will be gone…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>What growth? Taiwan&amp;apos;s traditional manufacturers miss out on export boom</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/what-growth-taiwans-traditional-manufacturers-miss-out-on-export-boom</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/what-growth-taiwans-traditional-manufacturers-miss-out-on-export-boom</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Taiwan&#039;s economy soared last year on skyrocketing exports of AI hardware and semiconductors, but companies in more traditional manufacturing sectors could only look on with envy as they… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:02:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>What, growth, Taiwans, traditional, manufacturers, miss, out, export, boom</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Taiwan's economy soared last year on skyrocketing exports of AI hardware and semiconductors, but companies in more traditional manufacturing sectors could only look on with envy as they…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Iconic Coney Island hot dog hawker Nathan&amp;apos;s Famous is sold for $450 million</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/iconic-coney-island-hot-dog-hawker-nathans-famous-is-sold-for-450-million</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/iconic-coney-island-hot-dog-hawker-nathans-famous-is-sold-for-450-million</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Nathan’s Famous, which opened as a 5-cent hot dog stand in Coney Island more than a century ago, has been sold to packaged meat giant Smithfield Foods in… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:02:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Iconic, Coney, Island, hot, dog, hawker, Nathans, Famous, sold, for, 450, million</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Nathan’s Famous, which opened as a 5-cent hot dog stand in Coney Island more than a century ago, has been sold to packaged meat giant Smithfield Foods in…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Burberry sales rise as China demand improves</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/burberry-sales-rise-as-china-demand-improves</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/burberry-sales-rise-as-china-demand-improves</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Burberry posted a slight rise in sales on Wednesday, as the British luxury fashion label&#039;s turnaround plan showed signs of progress, helped by improving demand in its crucial… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Burberry, sales, rise, China, demand, improves</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Burberry posted a slight rise in sales on Wednesday, as the British luxury fashion label's turnaround plan showed signs of progress, helped by improving demand in its crucial…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan 2025 convenience store sales hit record ¥12 trillion</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-2025-convenience-store-sales-hit-record-12-trillion</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-2025-convenience-store-sales-hit-record-12-trillion</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Sales from seven major Japanese convenience store chains hit a record 12.06 trillion yen ($76.34 billion) in 2025, bolstered by the development of high-value-added products, increased inbound tourism… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:08:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, 2025, convenience, store, sales, hit, record, ¥12, trillion</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Sales from seven major Japanese convenience store chains hit a record 12.06 trillion yen ($76.34 billion) in 2025, bolstered by the development of high-value-added products, increased inbound tourism…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Sony to spin off TV business into joint venture with Chinese maker TCL</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/sony-to-spin-off-tv-business-into-joint-venture-with-chinese-maker-tcl</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/sony-to-spin-off-tv-business-into-joint-venture-with-chinese-maker-tcl</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Sony Corp said Tuesday it will spin off its home entertainment business into a joint venture with major Chinese television maker TCL Electronics Holdings Ltd as it seeks… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:08:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Sony, spin, off, business, into, joint, venture, with, Chinese, maker, TCL</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Sony Corp said Tuesday it will spin off its home entertainment business into a joint venture with major Chinese television maker TCL Electronics Holdings Ltd as it seeks…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>China meets initial soybean purchase goal, but Trump&amp;apos;s shifting trade policy could disrupt deal</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/china-meets-initial-soybean-purchase-goal-but-trumps-shifting-trade-policy-could-disrupt-deal</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/china-meets-initial-soybean-purchase-goal-but-trumps-shifting-trade-policy-could-disrupt-deal</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ China has fulfilled its initial commitment to buy 12 million metric tons of soybeans from the U.S., but it&#039;s not clear if the trade agreement announced in October… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:08:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>China, meets, initial, soybean, purchase, goal, but, Trumps, shifting, trade, policy, could, disrupt, deal</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[China has fulfilled its initial commitment to buy 12 million metric tons of soybeans from the U.S., but it's not clear if the trade agreement announced in October…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Netflix shares fall as revenue appears to stall</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/netflix-shares-fall-as-revenue-appears-to-stall</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/netflix-shares-fall-as-revenue-appears-to-stall</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Netflix shares fell more than five percent on Tuesday as the streaming entertainment giant said it expected revenue to be essentially flat in the current quarter after years… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:08:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Netflix, shares, fall, revenue, appears, stall</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Netflix shares fell more than five percent on Tuesday as the streaming entertainment giant said it expected revenue to be essentially flat in the current quarter after years…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Shares in Asia track European markets lower on concern over Trump&amp;apos;s push on Greenland</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/shares-in-asia-track-european-markets-lower-on-concern-over-trumps-push-on-greenland</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/shares-in-asia-track-european-markets-lower-on-concern-over-trumps-push-on-greenland</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ U.S. futures fell sharply and Asian shares were mostly lower Tuesday after U.S. markets were closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a national holiday.
World shares took… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:50:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Shares, Asia, track, European, markets, lower, concern, over, Trumps, push, Greenland</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[U.S. futures fell sharply and Asian shares were mostly lower Tuesday after U.S. markets were closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a national holiday.
World shares took…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China&amp;apos;s economy grows 5% in 2025, buoyed by strong exports despite Trump&amp;apos;s tariffs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-economy-grows-5-in-2025-buoyed-by-strong-exports-despite-trumps-tariffs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-economy-grows-5-in-2025-buoyed-by-strong-exports-despite-trumps-tariffs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ China&#039;s economy expanded at a 5% annual pace in 2025, buoyed by strong exports despite U.S. President Donald Trump&#039;s tariffs.
However, growth slowed to a 4.5% rate in… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/7b/0f/3ec73e05621603c1dd8383836abc3d26325c/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinas, economy, grows, 2025, buoyed, strong, exports, despite, Trumps, tariffs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[China's economy expanded at a 5% annual pace in 2025, buoyed by strong exports despite U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs.
However, growth slowed to a 4.5% rate in…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>NYSE working on a new platform for trading digital tokens around the clock</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nyse-working-on-a-new-platform-for-trading-digital-tokens-around-the-clock</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nyse-working-on-a-new-platform-for-trading-digital-tokens-around-the-clock</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The New York Stock Exchange is working on a digital platform that would enable investors to trade digital tokens around the clock.
The platform would be separate from… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>NYSE, working, new, platform, for, trading, digital, tokens, around, the, clock</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The New York Stock Exchange is working on a digital platform that would enable investors to trade digital tokens around the clock.
The platform would be separate from…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>U.S. futures sink after Trump warns of higher tariffs for 8 countries over Greenland issue</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-futures-sink-after-trump-warns-of-higher-tariffs-for-8-countries-over-greenland-issue</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-futures-sink-after-trump-warns-of-higher-tariffs-for-8-countries-over-greenland-issue</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ U.S. stock futures skidded Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to slap a 10% extra tariff on imports from eight European countries due to their opposition to… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/5b/53/bcd779702995a645d3406e955311ef11b9ac/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:20:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., futures, sink, after, Trump, warns, higher, tariffs, for, countries, over, Greenland, issue</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[U.S. stock futures skidded Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to slap a 10% extra tariff on imports from eight European countries due to their opposition to…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Chinese EVs making inroads in North America</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinese-evs-making-inroads-in-north-america</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinese-evs-making-inroads-in-north-america</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Chinese automakers have been making inroads around the world with growing sales of their high-tech, stylish and affordable electric vehicles. That has had competitors concerned even before Canada… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/bb/3e/8502fd9759a035b99d408c658cb5e6f9f1f7/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinese, EVs, making, inroads, North, America</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Chinese automakers have been making inroads around the world with growing sales of their high-tech, stylish and affordable electric vehicles. That has had competitors concerned even before Canada…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan to diversify export destinations for agricultural, food products</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-diversify-export-destinations-for-agricultural-food-products</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-diversify-export-destinations-for-agricultural-food-products</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese government says that it will seek to diversify export destinations for agricultural and food products to reduce the country&#039;s dependence on specific markets, taking China and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 18 Jan 2026 15:08:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, diversify, export, destinations, for, agricultural, food, products</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese government says that it will seek to diversify export destinations for agricultural and food products to reduce the country's dependence on specific markets, taking China and…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>China&amp;apos;s 2025 economic growth likely slowest in decades: analysts</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-2025-economic-growth-likely-slowest-in-decades-analysts</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-2025-economic-growth-likely-slowest-in-decades-analysts</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ China&#039;s economy likely grew last year at its weakest rate in three decades, outside of the pandemic, according to an AFP survey of analysts ahead of official data… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 17 Jan 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinas, 2025, economic, growth, likely, slowest, decades:, analysts</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[China's economy likely grew last year at its weakest rate in three decades, outside of the pandemic, according to an AFP survey of analysts ahead of official data…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Asian shares mixed and U.S. futures edge higher after Wall Street steadies</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-mixed-and-us-futures-edge-higher-after-wall-street-steadies</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-mixed-and-us-futures-edge-higher-after-wall-street-steadies</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares were mixed Friday after Wall Street broke a two-day losing streak and edged back toward record levels, helped by advances for Big Tech companies like Nvidia.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:47:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, mixed, and, U.S., futures, edge, higher, after, Wall, Street, steadies</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares were mixed Friday after Wall Street broke a two-day losing streak and edged back toward record levels, helped by advances for Big Tech companies like Nvidia.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan ready to take decisive action to address yen&amp;apos;s fall: finance chief</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-ready-to-take-decisive-action-to-address-yens-fall-finance-chief-44464</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-ready-to-take-decisive-action-to-address-yens-fall-finance-chief-44464</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama expressed concern about the yen&#039;s recent depreciation on Friday, saying the government is ready to take &quot;decisive action&quot; to stem the currency&#039;s continued… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:38:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, ready, take, decisive, action, address, yens, fall:, finance, chief</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama expressed concern about the yen's recent depreciation on Friday, saying the government is ready to take "decisive action" to stem the currency's continued…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>At Detroit auto show, spotlight dims for EVs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/at-detroit-auto-show-spotlight-dims-for-evs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/at-detroit-auto-show-spotlight-dims-for-evs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ At the North American International Auto Show, tires squeal as gearheads put shiny new vehicles through their paces on a pair of indoor tracks that sprawl across the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:02:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Detroit, auto, show, spotlight, dims, for, EVs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[At the North American International Auto Show, tires squeal as gearheads put shiny new vehicles through their paces on a pair of indoor tracks that sprawl across the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Boeing annual orders top Airbus for first time since 2018</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/boeing-annual-orders-top-airbus-for-first-time-since-2018</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/boeing-annual-orders-top-airbus-for-first-time-since-2018</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Boeing secured orders for nearly 1,200 commercial planes last year, topping European rival Airbus for the first time since 2018, according to figures released this week.
The U.S.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:02:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Boeing, annual, orders, top, Airbus, for, first, time, since, 2018</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Boeing secured orders for nearly 1,200 commercial planes last year, topping European rival Airbus for the first time since 2018, according to figures released this week.
The U.S.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Fewer ramen restaurants declare bankruptcy in Japan for first time in several years</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/fewer-ramen-restaurants-declare-bankruptcy-in-japan-for-first-time-in-several-years</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/fewer-ramen-restaurants-declare-bankruptcy-in-japan-for-first-time-in-several-years</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ 2024 was a rough year for ramen restaurants in Japan, as research firm Teikoku Databank found 79 ramen restaurant bankruptcies in its annual study of the industry, the most ever… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:08:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Fewer, ramen, restaurants, declare, bankruptcy, Japan, for, first, time, several, years</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[2024 was a rough year for ramen restaurants in Japan, as research firm Teikoku Databank found 79 ramen restaurant bankruptcies in its annual study of the industry, the most ever…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China&amp;apos;s trade surplus hit record $1.2 trillion in 2025</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-trade-surplus-hit-record-12-trillion-in-2025</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-trade-surplus-hit-record-12-trillion-in-2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ China reported strong trade numbers for 2025 on Wednesday, as its surplus rose year-on-year to a record $1.2 trillion despite a slump in exports to the United States… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:08:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinas, trade, surplus, hit, record, 1.2, trillion, 2025</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[China reported strong trade numbers for 2025 on Wednesday, as its surplus rose year-on-year to a record $1.2 trillion despite a slump in exports to the United States…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Muji operator&amp;apos;s net profit jumps 47% on strong overseas sales</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/muji-operators-net-profit-jumps-47-on-strong-overseas-sales</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/muji-operators-net-profit-jumps-47-on-strong-overseas-sales</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Ryohin Keikaku Co, the operator of the Japanese retail brand Muji, said Wednesday its net profit in the three months ended in November jumped 47.4 percent from a… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:08:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Muji, operators, net, profit, jumps, 47, strong, overseas, sales</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Ryohin Keikaku Co, the operator of the Japanese retail brand Muji, said Wednesday its net profit in the three months ended in November jumped 47.4 percent from a…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Detroit Auto Show opens as industry pares back splashy debuts and leans on test tracks</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/detroit-auto-show-opens-as-industry-pares-back-splashy-debuts-and-leans-on-test-tracks</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/detroit-auto-show-opens-as-industry-pares-back-splashy-debuts-and-leans-on-test-tracks</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Detroit Auto Show returns this week, offering an opportunity to take a peek at the cars of today and tomorrow and also go for a spin.
The… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:08:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Detroit, Auto, Show, opens, industry, pares, back, splashy, debuts, and, leans, test, tracks</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Detroit Auto Show returns this week, offering an opportunity to take a peek at the cars of today and tomorrow and also go for a spin.
The…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Luxury retailer Saks Global files for bankruptcy as it prepares to restructure</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/luxury-retailer-saks-global-files-for-bankruptcy-as-it-prepares-to-restructure</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/luxury-retailer-saks-global-files-for-bankruptcy-as-it-prepares-to-restructure</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Luxury retailer Saks Global has filed for bankruptcy, preparing to reposition itself in the increasingly competitive upscale market after obtaining about $1.75 billion in financing commitments. 
The New… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:08:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Luxury, retailer, Saks, Global, files, for, bankruptcy, prepares, restructure</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Luxury retailer Saks Global has filed for bankruptcy, preparing to reposition itself in the increasingly competitive upscale market after obtaining about $1.75 billion in financing commitments. 
The New…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian benchmarks mixed after Wall Street pulls back; Nikkei surges</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-benchmarks-mixed-after-wall-street-pulls-back-nikkei-surges</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-benchmarks-mixed-after-wall-street-pulls-back-nikkei-surges</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares mostly rose Wednesday after Wall Street pulled back from its recent records as uncertainty was brewing in various regions, including in Iran.
Japan&#039;s benchmark Nikkei 225 surged… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/82/80/b9c173e43bb23ff71b77c7c44a9e62366804/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:14:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, benchmarks, mixed, after, Wall, Street, pulls, back, Nikkei, surges</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares mostly rose Wednesday after Wall Street pulled back from its recent records as uncertainty was brewing in various regions, including in Iran.
Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 surged…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Top central bankers express &amp;apos;full solidarity&amp;apos; with Fed Chair Powell in clash with Trump</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/top-central-bankers-express-full-solidarity-with-fed-chair-powell-in-clash-with-trump</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/top-central-bankers-express-full-solidarity-with-fed-chair-powell-in-clash-with-trump</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Central bankers from around the world said Tuesday they “stand in full solidarity” with U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, after President Donald Trump dramatically escalated his confrontation… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/fc/55/18e16fabf59898000720e1db979a1538692f/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Top, central, bankers, express, full, solidarity, with, Fed, Chair, Powell, clash, with, Trump</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Central bankers from around the world said Tuesday they “stand in full solidarity” with U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, after President Donald Trump dramatically escalated his confrontation…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan bankruptcies top 10,000 for 2nd straight year in 2025</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-bankruptcies-top-10000-for-2nd-straight-year-in-2025</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-bankruptcies-top-10000-for-2nd-straight-year-in-2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The number of corporate bankruptcies in Japan surpassed 10,000 in 2025 for the second consecutive year amid a labor shortage and high prices, particularly affecting small and medium-sized… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/c1/54/09e6c9b6fb896ad0181bb8f633510c1e2dd5/istock-1420949780/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, bankruptcies, top, 10, 000, for, 2nd, straight, year, 2025</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The number of corporate bankruptcies in Japan surpassed 10,000 in 2025 for the second consecutive year amid a labor shortage and high prices, particularly affecting small and medium-sized…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Toyota remains top automaker by sales in 2025 for 6th straight year</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-remains-top-automaker-by-sales-in-2025-for-6th-straight-year</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-remains-top-automaker-by-sales-in-2025-for-6th-straight-year</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Toyota Motor Corp remained the world&#039;s top-selling automaker in 2025 for the sixth straight year, data showed Monday, as Volkswagen AG released its full-year sales figures that fell… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:47:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Toyota, remains, top, automaker, sales, 2025, for, 6th, straight, year</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Toyota Motor Corp remained the world's top-selling automaker in 2025 for the sixth straight year, data showed Monday, as Volkswagen AG released its full-year sales figures that fell…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nikkei ends above 53,000 for 1st time; dollar drops to 158 yen level</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-ends-above-53000-for-1st-time-dollar-drops-to-158-yen-level</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-ends-above-53000-for-1st-time-dollar-drops-to-158-yen-level</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s key stock indexes closed at record highs on Tuesday, with the Nikkei topping 53,000 for the first time, amid growing speculation that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi could… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/a1/d9/3da48f0f6328e3ec0c78bdda9b513d123e4e/istock-2184115387/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:38:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nikkei, ends, above, 53, 000, for, 1st, time, dollar, drops, 158, yen, level</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's key stock indexes closed at record highs on Tuesday, with the Nikkei topping 53,000 for the first time, amid growing speculation that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi could…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. &amp;apos;screwed&amp;apos; if Supreme Court rules against tariffs: Trump</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-screwed-if-supreme-court-rules-against-tariffs-trump</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-screwed-if-supreme-court-rules-against-tariffs-trump</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States would be &quot;screwed&quot; if the Supreme Court rules that some of his tariffs are illegal.
Trump, in a post… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/5c/75/6485a52ea01642d3febf042cf57a23ddcc3c/d5089b29e284d76d3ef80022e2f17759d2821b50/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:02:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., screwed, Supreme, Court, rules, against, tariffs:, Trump</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States would be "screwed" if the Supreme Court rules that some of his tariffs are illegal.
Trump, in a post…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Trump Greenland threat triggers search for shelter beyond gold, defense</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-greenland-threat-triggers-search-for-shelter-beyond-gold-defense</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-greenland-threat-triggers-search-for-shelter-beyond-gold-defense</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Investors have piled fresh bets on gold and European defense stocks in response to U.S. President Donald Trump&#039;s threats to take control of Greenland, fearing a geopolitical rift… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/97/e7/ca182815c353e70ab5742c7b79dcca12f677/tag-reuters/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:02:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Trump, Greenland, threat, triggers, search, for, shelter, beyond, gold, defense</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Investors have piled fresh bets on gold and European defense stocks in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to take control of Greenland, fearing a geopolitical rift…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Mattel adds an autistic Barbie to doll line devoted to showcasing diversity and inclusion</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/mattel-adds-an-autistic-barbie-to-doll-line-devoted-to-showcasing-diversity-and-inclusion</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/mattel-adds-an-autistic-barbie-to-doll-line-devoted-to-showcasing-diversity-and-inclusion</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Mattel Inc is introducing an autistic Barbie on Monday as the newest member of its line intended to celebrate diversity, joining a collection that already includes Barbies with… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/83/8b/7969137f71b72b1c3358a3f24e662de982dc/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mattel, adds, autistic, Barbie, doll, line, devoted, showcasing, diversity, and, inclusion</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Mattel Inc is introducing an autistic Barbie on Monday as the newest member of its line intended to celebrate diversity, joining a collection that already includes Barbies with…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Airbus delivers more planes in 2025</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/airbus-delivers-more-planes-in-2025</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/airbus-delivers-more-planes-in-2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Airbus said Monday it delivered 793 commercial aircraft in 2025, a slight increase from the previous year but falling short of its initial ambitions due to a manufacturing… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/37/b5/6acfd22f71d430feeb12547fa0769be25048/0371ffb7725e7df9830a830be3e25752d46ff115/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Airbus, delivers, more, planes, 2025</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Airbus said Monday it delivered 793 commercial aircraft in 2025, a slight increase from the previous year but falling short of its initial ambitions due to a manufacturing…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>New York&amp;apos;s Chrysler Building, an art deco jewel, seeks new owner</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/new-yorks-chrysler-building-an-art-deco-jewel-seeks-new-owner</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/new-yorks-chrysler-building-an-art-deco-jewel-seeks-new-owner</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The future of the Chrysler Building, a unique monument to art deco architecture on the Manhattan skyline, remains in limbo as it awaits a possible sale.
The building,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:08:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>New, Yorks, Chrysler, Building, art, deco, jewel, seeks, new, owner</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The future of the Chrysler Building, a unique monument to art deco architecture on the Manhattan skyline, remains in limbo as it awaits a possible sale.
The building,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Novel concept: China&amp;apos;s spellbinding bookstores draw selfie snappers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/novel-concept-chinas-spellbinding-bookstores-draw-selfie-snappers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/novel-concept-chinas-spellbinding-bookstores-draw-selfie-snappers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Towering accordion steps and a fantastical spiral staircase greet visitors to a massive bookstore in northern China&#039;s Tianjin, where its striking interior is a bigger draw for selfie… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:08:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Novel, concept:, Chinas, spellbinding, bookstores, draw, selfie, snappers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Towering accordion steps and a fantastical spiral staircase greet visitors to a massive bookstore in northern China's Tianjin, where its striking interior is a bigger draw for selfie…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Prison&#45;made product sales recoup after pandemic, driven by online promotion</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/prison-made-product-sales-recoup-after-pandemic-driven-by-online-promotion</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/prison-made-product-sales-recoup-after-pandemic-driven-by-online-promotion</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Sales of products made by prisoners in Japan have risen for four straight years, driven in part by efforts to promote them on social media, a foundation supporting… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/34/5f/ef8ffda2f15cb94a8998a265e16dd907ece7/20260106kw___0034400010-ph-----n-ci0004/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:08:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Prison-made, product, sales, recoup, after, pandemic, driven, online, promotion</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Sales of products made by prisoners in Japan have risen for four straight years, driven in part by efforts to promote them on social media, a foundation supporting…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Rare copy of comic book that introduced world to Superman sells for $15 million</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/rare-copy-of-comic-book-that-introduced-world-to-superman-sells-for-15-million</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/rare-copy-of-comic-book-that-introduced-world-to-superman-sells-for-15-million</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A rare copy of the comic book that introduced the world to Superman and also was once stolen from the home of actor Nicolas Cage has been sold… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/ae/37/70243d6206dfdd8b5910f70996be3bbbae68/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Rare, copy, comic, book, that, introduced, world, Superman, sells, for, 15, million</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A rare copy of the comic book that introduced the world to Superman and also was once stolen from the home of actor Nicolas Cage has been sold…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>ANA to enter drone delivery business by FY2028 with eye on remote islands</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ana-to-enter-drone-delivery-business-by-fy2028-with-eye-on-remote-islands</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ana-to-enter-drone-delivery-business-by-fy2028-with-eye-on-remote-islands</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Airline operator ANA Holdings Inc is considering offering automated drone delivery services by March 2029, company officials said, as more companies in Japan turn to the technology amid… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>ANA, enter, drone, delivery, business, FY2028, with, eye, remote, islands</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Airline operator ANA Holdings Inc is considering offering automated drone delivery services by March 2029, company officials said, as more companies in Japan turn to the technology amid…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Fast Retailing raises profit forecast after China growth</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/fast-retailing-raises-profit-forecast-after-china-growth</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/fast-retailing-raises-profit-forecast-after-china-growth</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese retail giant Fast Retailing lifted its 2025-26 annual net profit forecast on Thursday, buoyed by a strong performance in mainland China.
The parent company of Uniqlo &quot;reported… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:08:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Fast, Retailing, raises, profit, forecast, after, China, growth</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese retail giant Fast Retailing lifted its 2025-26 annual net profit forecast on Thursday, buoyed by a strong performance in mainland China.
The parent company of Uniqlo "reported…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Chinese refiners expected to replace Venezuelan oil with Iranian crude, traders say</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinese-refiners-expected-to-replace-venezuelan-oil-with-iranian-crude-traders-say</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinese-refiners-expected-to-replace-venezuelan-oil-with-iranian-crude-traders-say</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Chinese independent refiners are expected to switch to heavy crude from sources including Iran in coming months to ‌replace Venezuelan shipments halted since the U.S. removed the country&#039;s… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/cd/ba/54a11bc0558289fae01d80ff47913df5f465/tag-reuters/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:08:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinese, refiners, expected, replace, Venezuelan, oil, with, Iranian, crude, traders, say</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Chinese independent refiners are expected to switch to heavy crude from sources including Iran in coming months to ‌replace Venezuelan shipments halted since the U.S. removed the country's…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. car sales expected to be moderate in 2026</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-car-sales-expected-to-be-moderate-in-2026</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-car-sales-expected-to-be-moderate-in-2026</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Auto industry experts expect U.S. car sales to moderate in 2026 after last year&#039;s churn of trade announcements and environmental policy changes spurred increased sales.
Analysts attribute some… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/79/5d/75751b741b71f13d4644b4b5ea7dcab2d2f1/d3eb0e61407d8317a9c94081eb07622585f86f2a/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:08:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., car, sales, expected, moderate, 2026</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Auto industry experts expect U.S. car sales to moderate in 2026 after last year's churn of trade announcements and environmental policy changes spurred increased sales.
Analysts attribute some…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Apple Card switches hands but no immediate changes for users</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/apple-card-switches-hands-but-no-immediate-changes-for-users</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/apple-card-switches-hands-but-no-immediate-changes-for-users</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Apple Card, known for its intuitive features and other perks for consumers, will now be issued by JPMorgan but Apple says nothing will change for users. 
The… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/53/e2/e5e9797a1fd6ff59798f0a276a4ca7f402b1/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:08:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Apple, Card, switches, hands, but, immediate, changes, for, users</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Apple Card, known for its intuitive features and other perks for consumers, will now be issued by JPMorgan but Apple says nothing will change for users. 
The…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Cargo, investment play part in Japan&amp;apos;s space industry in global race</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/cargo-investment-play-part-in-japans-space-industry-in-global-race</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/cargo-investment-play-part-in-japans-space-industry-in-global-race</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan, regarded as one of the most competitive players in the promising space business, needs to establish commercial cargo operations and narrow the scope of service areas eligible… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/65/33/3562c990f507f2a5b68a208af17a43e34b85/rocket_on_orbit_high/_w1700.png" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:08:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cargo, investment, play, part, Japans, space, industry, global, race</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan, regarded as one of the most competitive players in the promising space business, needs to establish commercial cargo operations and narrow the scope of service areas eligible…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s real wages in November fall 2.8% on year; down for 11th month</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-real-wages-in-november-fall-28-on-year-down-for-11th-month-43606</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-real-wages-in-november-fall-28-on-year-down-for-11th-month-43606</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s real wages in November fell 2.8 percent from a year earlier, marking the 11th consecutive month of decline and the sharpest drop since last January, as pay… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:50:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, real, wages, November, fall, 2.8, year, down, for, 11th, month</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's real wages in November fell 2.8 percent from a year earlier, marking the 11th consecutive month of decline and the sharpest drop since last January, as pay…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nostalgia and new fans as Tamagotchi turns 30</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nostalgia-and-new-fans-as-tamagotchi-turns-30</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nostalgia-and-new-fans-as-tamagotchi-turns-30</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s Tamagotchi toys were a 1990s playground craze and the virtual pets that demand food and attention are still a hit among retro-loving Gen Z and nostalgic parents.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nostalgia, and, new, fans, Tamagotchi, turns</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's Tamagotchi toys were a 1990s playground craze and the virtual pets that demand food and attention are still a hit among retro-loving Gen Z and nostalgic parents.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Warner Bros rejects Paramount takeover again and tells shareholders to stick with Netflix bid</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/warner-bros-rejects-paramount-takeover-again-and-tells-shareholders-to-stick-with-netflix-bid</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/warner-bros-rejects-paramount-takeover-again-and-tells-shareholders-to-stick-with-netflix-bid</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Warner Bros. again rejected a takeover bid from Paramount and told shareholders Wednesday to stick with a rival offer from Netflix. 
Warner’s leadership has repeatedly rebuffed Skydance-owned Paramount’s… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/cb/6a/4808809b70894c13ef160995aa6645585e10/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Warner, Bros, rejects, Paramount, takeover, again, and, tells, shareholders, stick, with, Netflix, bid</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Warner Bros. again rejected a takeover bid from Paramount and told shareholders Wednesday to stick with a rival offer from Netflix. 
Warner’s leadership has repeatedly rebuffed Skydance-owned Paramount’s…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Trump immigration policies and aging population slow U.S. growth projection, budget office says</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-immigration-policies-and-aging-population-slow-us-growth-projection-budget-office-says</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-immigration-policies-and-aging-population-slow-us-growth-projection-budget-office-says</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The U.S. population is projected to grow by 15 million in 30 years, a smaller estimate than in previous years, due to President Donald Trump&#039;s hard-line immigration policies… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Trump, immigration, policies, and, aging, population, slow, U.S., growth, projection, budget, office, says</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The U.S. population is projected to grow by 15 million in 30 years, a smaller estimate than in previous years, due to President Donald Trump's hard-line immigration policies…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian shares trade mixed after Wall Street hits records on tech gains</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-trade-mixed-after-wall-street-hits-records-on-tech-gains</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-trade-mixed-after-wall-street-hits-records-on-tech-gains</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares traded mixed Wednesday, calming somewhat from the buzz set off by recent record rallies on Wall Street, while investors&#039; attention turned to global interest rates and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:29:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, trade, mixed, after, Wall, Street, hits, records, tech, gains</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares traded mixed Wednesday, calming somewhat from the buzz set off by recent record rallies on Wall Street, while investors' attention turned to global interest rates and…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan business group heads voice hope for dialogue to mend ties with China</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-business-group-heads-voice-hope-for-dialogue-to-mend-ties-with-china</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-business-group-heads-voice-hope-for-dialogue-to-mend-ties-with-china</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The heads of Japan&#039;s major business groups on Tuesday expressed hope for dialogue with China as bilateral ties remain strained over remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, business, group, heads, voice, hope, for, dialogue, mend, ties, with, China</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The heads of Japan's major business groups on Tuesday expressed hope for dialogue with China as bilateral ties remain strained over remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>IT growth, waning tariff impact expected to propel Japanese firms&amp;apos; profits in FY2026</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/it-growth-waning-tariff-impact-expected-to-propel-japanese-firms-profits-in-fy2026</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/it-growth-waning-tariff-impact-expected-to-propel-japanese-firms-profits-in-fy2026</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese companies are expected to post record profits in fiscal 2026, boosted by continued growth in IT industries and the waning impact of tariffs imposed by the United… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>growth, waning, tariff, impact, expected, propel, Japanese, firms, profits, FY2026</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese companies are expected to post record profits in fiscal 2026, boosted by continued growth in IT industries and the waning impact of tariffs imposed by the United…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Lower demand for electric cars dents GM&amp;apos;s sales</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/lower-demand-for-electric-cars-dents-gms-sales</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/lower-demand-for-electric-cars-dents-gms-sales</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ General Motors has reported a dip in fourth-quarter U.S. auto sales, reflecting a sharp decline in electric vehicle transactions amid a broader slowing car market.
But the U.S.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Lower, demand, for, electric, cars, dents, GMs, sales</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[General Motors has reported a dip in fourth-quarter U.S. auto sales, reflecting a sharp decline in electric vehicle transactions amid a broader slowing car market.
But the U.S.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian shares and U.S. futures advance, as Nikkei hits record high</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-and-us-futures-advance-as-nikkei-hits-record-high</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-and-us-futures-advance-as-nikkei-hits-record-high</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares logged strong gains, with Tokyo&#039;s benchmark closing at a record high on Tuesday, after a broad rally on Wall Street.
Oil prices fell back after surging… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:35:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, and, U.S., futures, advance, Nikkei, hits, record, high</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares logged strong gains, with Tokyo's benchmark closing at a record high on Tuesday, after a broad rally on Wall Street.
Oil prices fell back after surging…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S.&#45;based multinational companies will be exempt from global tax deal</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-based-multinational-companies-will-be-exempt-from-global-tax-deal</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-based-multinational-companies-will-be-exempt-from-global-tax-deal</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ U.S. multinational corporations will be exempted from paying more corporate taxes overseas in a deal finalized by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. 
The OECD announced Monday… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:08:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S.-based, multinational, companies, will, exempt, from, global, tax, deal</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[U.S. multinational corporations will be exempted from paying more corporate taxes overseas in a deal finalized by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. 
The OECD announced Monday…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Thousands visit Tokyo shrine to pray for prosperous year</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/thousands-visit-tokyo-shrine-to-pray-for-prosperous-year</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/thousands-visit-tokyo-shrine-to-pray-for-prosperous-year</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Thousands of company and government employees visited Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo on Monday to pray for a prosperous year.
Kanda Myojin, known as the shrine of commerce… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:41:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Thousands, visit, Tokyo, shrine, pray, for, prosperous, year</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Thousands of company and government employees visited Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo on Monday to pray for a prosperous year.
Kanda Myojin, known as the shrine of commerce…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nikkei ends up nearly 3% at 2&#45;month high on 1st trading day of 2026</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-ends-up-nearly-3-at-2-month-high-on-1st-trading-day-of-2026</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-ends-up-nearly-3-at-2-month-high-on-1st-trading-day-of-2026</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Tokyo stocks surged Monday, the first trading day of 2026, with the key Nikkei index ending up nearly 3 percent at a two-month high, driven by heavyweight technology… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:41:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nikkei, ends, nearly, 2-month, high, 1st, trading, day, 2026</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Tokyo stocks surged Monday, the first trading day of 2026, with the key Nikkei index ending up nearly 3 percent at a two-month high, driven by heavyweight technology…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>French ban on &amp;apos;forever chemicals&amp;apos; in cosmetics, clothing enters force</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/french-ban-on-forever-chemicals-in-cosmetics-clothing-enters-force</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/french-ban-on-forever-chemicals-in-cosmetics-clothing-enters-force</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A French ban on the production and sale of cosmetics and most clothing containing polluting and health-threatening &quot;forever chemicals&quot; has gone into force.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>French, ban, forever, chemicals, cosmetics, clothing, enters, force</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A French ban on the production and sale of cosmetics and most clothing containing polluting and health-threatening "forever chemicals" has gone into force.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Last year&amp;apos;s odd economy in five charts, and what to watch for in 2026</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/last-years-odd-economy-in-five-charts-and-what-to-watch-for-in-2026</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/last-years-odd-economy-in-five-charts-and-what-to-watch-for-in-2026</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The economy in 2025 was filled with contradictions, as growth was healthy while hiring slowed, inflation stayed elevated and unemployment rose. 
Last year&#039;s odd outcomes raise a host… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Last, years, odd, economy, five, charts, and, what, watch, for, 2026</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The economy in 2025 was filled with contradictions, as growth was healthy while hiring slowed, inflation stayed elevated and unemployment rose. 
Last year's odd outcomes raise a host…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Saks CEO steps down as luxury retailer struggles under heavy debt load</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/saks-ceo-steps-down-as-luxury-retailer-struggles-under-heavy-debt-load</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/saks-ceo-steps-down-as-luxury-retailer-struggles-under-heavy-debt-load</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The top executive of the private company that owns Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus is stepping down as it struggles with debt taken on to buy a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Saks, CEO, steps, down, luxury, retailer, struggles, under, heavy, debt, load</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The top executive of the private company that owns Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus is stepping down as it struggles with debt taken on to buy a…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan GDP likely to fall behind India in 2026, hit by weak yen</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-gdp-likely-to-fall-behind-india-in-2026-hit-by-weak-yen</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-gdp-likely-to-fall-behind-india-in-2026-hit-by-weak-yen</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s economy is likely to fall behind India&#039;s in 2026 to fifth place in the world, according to an International Monetary Fund&#039;s estimate, potentially diminishing the East Asian… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, GDP, likely, fall, behind, India, 2026, hit, weak, yen</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's economy is likely to fall behind India's in 2026 to fifth place in the world, according to an International Monetary Fund's estimate, potentially diminishing the East Asian…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tesla loses title as world&amp;apos;s biggest electric vehicle maker as sales fall for second year in a row</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tesla-loses-title-as-worlds-biggest-electric-vehicle-maker-as-sales-fall-for-second-year-in-a-row</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tesla-loses-title-as-worlds-biggest-electric-vehicle-maker-as-sales-fall-for-second-year-in-a-row</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Tesla lost its crown as the world’s bestselling electric vehicle maker on Friday as a customer revolt over Elon Musk’s right-wing politics, expiring U.S. tax breaks for buyers… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 15:08:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tesla, loses, title, worlds, biggest, electric, vehicle, maker, sales, fall, for, second, year, row</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Tesla lost its crown as the world’s bestselling electric vehicle maker on Friday as a customer revolt over Elon Musk’s right-wing politics, expiring U.S. tax breaks for buyers…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Trump delays increased tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets and vanities for a year</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-delays-increased-tariffs-on-upholstered-furniture-kitchen-cabinets-and-vanities-for-a-year</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-delays-increased-tariffs-on-upholstered-furniture-kitchen-cabinets-and-vanities-for-a-year</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ President Donald Trump signed a New Year&#039;s Eve proclamation delaying increased tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets and vanities for a year, citing ongoing trade talks.
Trump&#039;s order… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/52/c7/3c257a9dcfb12a267b4a573eba465d7dd19c/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 15:05:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Trump, delays, increased, tariffs, upholstered, furniture, kitchen, cabinets, and, vanities, for, year</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[President Donald Trump signed a New Year's Eve proclamation delaying increased tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets and vanities for a year, citing ongoing trade talks.
Trump's order…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China&amp;apos;s BYD logs record EV sales in 2025</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-byd-logs-record-ev-sales-in-2025</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-byd-logs-record-ev-sales-in-2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Chinese auto giant BYD sold 2.26 million electric vehicles last year, a company statement showed Thursday, setting a new record for any firm globally.
The figure puts BYD… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 15:05:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinas, BYD, logs, record, sales, 2025</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Chinese auto giant BYD sold 2.26 million electric vehicles last year, a company statement showed Thursday, setting a new record for any firm globally.
The figure puts BYD…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Soaring prices spark Australia gold rush for new generation of fortune hunters</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/soaring-prices-spark-australia-gold-rush-for-new-generation-of-fortune-hunters</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/soaring-prices-spark-australia-gold-rush-for-new-generation-of-fortune-hunters</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In the hinterlands of Australia&#039;s historic goldfields, Vicki Plumridge jumps for joy when she digs a small golden nugget out of the earth.
The retired retail worker was… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Soaring, prices, spark, Australia, gold, rush, for, new, generation, fortune, hunters</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[In the hinterlands of Australia's historic goldfields, Vicki Plumridge jumps for joy when she digs a small golden nugget out of the earth.
The retired retail worker was…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asia stocks make bright start to 2026</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asia-stocks-make-bright-start-to-2026</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asia-stocks-make-bright-start-to-2026</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian markets made a bright start to 2026 on Friday but volumes were thin with Tokyo and Shanghai still closed as investors awaited fresh direction from Wall Street.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asia, stocks, make, bright, start, 2026</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian markets made a bright start to 2026 on Friday but volumes were thin with Tokyo and Shanghai still closed as investors awaited fresh direction from Wall Street.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan business delegation postpones visit to China amid row over Taiwan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-business-delegation-postpones-visit-to-china-amid-row-over-taiwan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-business-delegation-postpones-visit-to-china-amid-row-over-taiwan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A delegation of three major Japanese business lobbies has postponed its visit to China scheduled for January, amid a diplomatic row following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi&#039;s remarks… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, business, delegation, postpones, visit, China, amid, row, over, Taiwan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A delegation of three major Japanese business lobbies has postponed its visit to China scheduled for January, amid a diplomatic row following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China to impose extra 55% tariffs on some beef imports</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/china-to-impose-extra-55-tariffs-on-some-beef-imports</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/china-to-impose-extra-55-tariffs-on-some-beef-imports</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ China said on Wednesday it will impose additional 55 percent tariffs on some beef imports from countries including Brazil, Australia and the United States that exceed a certain… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>China, impose, extra, 55, tariffs, some, beef, imports</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[China said on Wednesday it will impose additional 55 percent tariffs on some beef imports from countries including Brazil, Australia and the United States that exceed a certain…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>No. of Japanese restaurants overseas down for 1st time in 2025</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/no-of-japanese-restaurants-overseas-down-for-1st-time-in-2025</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/no-of-japanese-restaurants-overseas-down-for-1st-time-in-2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The number of Japanese restaurants operating overseas fell for the first time in 2025, pressured by a sharp decline in China amid its economic downturn, a government survey… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>No., Japanese, restaurants, overseas, down, for, 1st, time, 2025</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The number of Japanese restaurants operating overseas fell for the first time in 2025, pressured by a sharp decline in China amid its economic downturn, a government survey…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s provisional gasoline tax ends after 50 years</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-provisional-gasoline-tax-ends-after-50-years</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-provisional-gasoline-tax-ends-after-50-years</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s provisional gasoline tax of 25.10 yen per liter ended on Wednesday, more than half a century after it was introduced to fund infrastructure development, as the government… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, provisional, gasoline, tax, ends, after, years</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's provisional gasoline tax of 25.10 yen per liter ended on Wednesday, more than half a century after it was introduced to fund infrastructure development, as the government…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>As a property slump drags on, China&amp;apos;s economy looks more resilient than it feels</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/as-a-property-slump-drags-on-chinas-economy-looks-more-resilient-than-it-feels</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/as-a-property-slump-drags-on-chinas-economy-looks-more-resilient-than-it-feels</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ By some measures, China’s economy is looking resilient, with strong exports and breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.
But that’s not how it feels for many… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 15:08:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>property, slump, drags, on, Chinas, economy, looks, more, resilient, than, feels</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[By some measures, China’s economy is looking resilient, with strong exports and breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.
But that’s not how it feels for many…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>The legendary Warren Buffett steps back this week and Berkshire Hathaway enters a new era</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/the-legendary-warren-buffett-steps-back-this-week-and-berkshire-hathaway-enters-a-new-era</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/the-legendary-warren-buffett-steps-back-this-week-and-berkshire-hathaway-enters-a-new-era</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Greg Abel faces the challenge of taking over Berkshire Hathaway from the legendary Warren Buffett later this week.
Many regard Buffett as the world&#039;s greatest investor after he… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 15:08:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, legendary, Warren, Buffett, steps, back, this, week, and, Berkshire, Hathaway, enters, new, era</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Greg Abel faces the challenge of taking over Berkshire Hathaway from the legendary Warren Buffett later this week.
Many regard Buffett as the world's greatest investor after he…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Asian shares trade mixed ahead of the New Year</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-trade-mixed-ahead-of-the-new-year</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-trade-mixed-ahead-of-the-new-year</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Major Asian stock markets, including Tokyo and Seoul, were closed Wednesday for the yearend and New Year&#039;s holidays, while trading was mixed in those bourses that remained open.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 15:08:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, trade, mixed, ahead, the, New, Year</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Major Asian stock markets, including Tokyo and Seoul, were closed Wednesday for the yearend and New Year's holidays, while trading was mixed in those bourses that remained open.…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>China&amp;apos;s BYD poised to overtake Tesla in 2025 EV sales</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-byd-poised-to-overtake-tesla-in-2025-ev-sales-42580</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-byd-poised-to-overtake-tesla-in-2025-ev-sales-42580</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Growing Chinese auto giant BYD stands poised to officially surpass Tesla as the world&#039;s biggest electric vehicle company in annual sales.
The two groups are expected soon to… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinas, BYD, poised, overtake, Tesla, 2025, sales</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Growing Chinese auto giant BYD stands poised to officially surpass Tesla as the world's biggest electric vehicle company in annual sales.
The two groups are expected soon to…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Defense Ministry bans Kawasaki Heavy for 2 1/2 months over engine test fraud</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/defense-ministry-bans-kawasaki-heavy-for-2-12-months-over-engine-test-fraud</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/defense-ministry-bans-kawasaki-heavy-for-2-12-months-over-engine-test-fraud</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s Defense Ministry said it will ban Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd from bidding on contracts for 2.5 months as the company reported it had falsified fuel efficiency performance… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2025 15:08:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Defense, Ministry, bans, Kawasaki, Heavy, for, 12, months, over, engine, test, fraud</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's Defense Ministry said it will ban Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd from bidding on contracts for 2.5 months as the company reported it had falsified fuel efficiency performance…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>More thrifting and fewer returns, the early trends that defined shopping this holiday</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/more-thrifting-and-fewer-returns-the-early-trends-that-defined-shopping-this-holiday</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/more-thrifting-and-fewer-returns-the-early-trends-that-defined-shopping-this-holiday</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The shopping rush leading up to Christmas is over and in its place, like every year, another has begun as millions of people hunt for post-holiday deals and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 27 Dec 2025 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>More, thrifting, and, fewer, returns, the, early, trends, that, defined, shopping, this, holiday</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The shopping rush leading up to Christmas is over and in its place, like every year, another has begun as millions of people hunt for post-holiday deals and…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Takaichi urges business lobby to agree to above&#45;inflation pay hikes in 2026</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/takaichi-urges-business-lobby-to-agree-to-above-inflation-pay-hikes-in-2026</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/takaichi-urges-business-lobby-to-agree-to-above-inflation-pay-hikes-in-2026</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday urged Japanese firms to agree to pay raises above inflation in annual wage negotiations next year, as her government pursues &quot;responsible yet… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Takaichi, urges, business, lobby, agree, above-inflation, pay, hikes, 2026</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday urged Japanese firms to agree to pay raises above inflation in annual wage negotiations next year, as her government pursues "responsible yet…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>BOJ chief Ueda signals readiness for further rate hikes</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-chief-ueda-signals-readiness-for-further-rate-hikes</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-chief-ueda-signals-readiness-for-further-rate-hikes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda on Thursday reiterated his readiness to continue raising interest rates from a 30-year high of around 0.75 percent, citing growing confidence in… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>BOJ, chief, Ueda, signals, readiness, for, further, rate, hikes</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda on Thursday reiterated his readiness to continue raising interest rates from a 30-year high of around 0.75 percent, citing growing confidence in…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Toyota&amp;apos;s global output sinks 5.5% in November; 1st fall in 6 months</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/toyotas-global-output-sinks-55-in-november-1st-fall-in-6-months-42141</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/toyotas-global-output-sinks-55-in-november-1st-fall-in-6-months-42141</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Toyota Motor Corp said Thursday its global output in November fell 5.5 percent from a year earlier to 821,723 units for the first drop in six months, dragged… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 26 Dec 2025 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Toyotas, global, output, sinks, 5.5, November, 1st, fall, months</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Toyota Motor Corp said Thursday its global output in November fell 5.5 percent from a year earlier to 821,723 units for the first drop in six months, dragged…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Why metal prices are soaring to record highs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/why-metal-prices-are-soaring-to-record-highs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/why-metal-prices-are-soaring-to-record-highs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Precious and industrial metals are surging to record highs as the year ends, driven by economic and geopolitical uncertainty, robust industrial demand and, in some cases, tight supply.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 15:08:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Why, metal, prices, are, soaring, record, highs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Precious and industrial metals are surging to record highs as the year ends, driven by economic and geopolitical uncertainty, robust industrial demand and, in some cases, tight supply.…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>U.S. department stores try to distinguish themselves as beauty lovers turn to TikTok and Amazon</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-department-stores-try-to-distinguish-themselves-as-beauty-lovers-turn-to-tiktok-and-amazon</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-department-stores-try-to-distinguish-themselves-as-beauty-lovers-turn-to-tiktok-and-amazon</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ It’s shoppers like Quinn Kelsey who keep department store executives up at night.
The 38-year-old Denver resident gets makeup ideas from TikTok videos and other social media content,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 15:08:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., department, stores, try, distinguish, themselves, beauty, lovers, turn, TikTok, and, Amazon</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[It’s shoppers like Quinn Kelsey who keep department store executives up at night.
The 38-year-old Denver resident gets makeup ideas from TikTok videos and other social media content,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tabelog launches multilingual app for international visitors</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tabelog-launches-multilingual-app-for-international-visitors</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tabelog-launches-multilingual-app-for-international-visitors</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Tabelog, Japan&#039;s largest restaurant search and reservation service operated by Kakaku.com Inc, has launched its multilingual smartphone application (iOS/Android) for international travelers.
With approximately 100 million monthly users,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 15:32:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tabelog, launches, multilingual, app, for, international, visitors</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Tabelog, Japan's largest restaurant search and reservation service operated by Kakaku.com Inc, has launched its multilingual smartphone application (iOS/Android) for international travelers.
With approximately 100 million monthly users,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Resilient U.S. consumers drive strongest economic expansion in 2 years</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/resilient-us-consumers-drive-strongest-economic-expansion-in-2-years</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/resilient-us-consumers-drive-strongest-economic-expansion-in-2-years</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The U.S. economy grew at a surprisingly strong 4.3% annual rate in the third quarter, the most rapid expansion in two years, driven by consumers who continue to… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Resilient, U.S., consumers, drive, strongest, economic, expansion, years</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The U.S. economy grew at a surprisingly strong 4.3% annual rate in the third quarter, the most rapid expansion in two years, driven by consumers who continue to…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nippon Steel to invest $350 mil to upgrade U.S. Steel blast furnace</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nippon-steel-to-invest-350-mil-to-upgrade-us-steel-blast-furnace-41944</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nippon-steel-to-invest-350-mil-to-upgrade-us-steel-blast-furnace-41944</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Nippon Steel Corp. said Tuesday its wholly owned subsidiary, United States Steel Corp, will invest $350 million to revamp its largest blast furnace, part of the $11 billion… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 24 Dec 2025 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nippon, Steel, invest, 350, mil, upgrade, U.S., Steel, blast, furnace</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Nippon Steel Corp. said Tuesday its wholly owned subsidiary, United States Steel Corp, will invest $350 million to revamp its largest blast furnace, part of the $11 billion…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Uniqlo operator to raise starting salary in Japan to ¥370,000</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/uniqlo-operator-to-raise-starting-salary-in-japan-to-370000</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/uniqlo-operator-to-raise-starting-salary-in-japan-to-370000</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Fast Retailing Co, the operator of the Uniqlo clothing chain, said Monday its group will hike the starting salary of new employees in Japan to 370,000 yen from… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:02:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Uniqlo, operator, raise, starting, salary, Japan, ¥370, 000</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Fast Retailing Co, the operator of the Uniqlo clothing chain, said Monday its group will hike the starting salary of new employees in Japan to 370,000 yen from…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan convenience store sales up 2.4% in Nov on Black Friday promotions</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-convenience-store-sales-up-24-in-nov-on-black-friday-promotions</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-convenience-store-sales-up-24-in-nov-on-black-friday-promotions</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Convenience store sales in Japan rose 2.4 percent in November from a year earlier, helped by Black Friday promotions even as consumers grappled with rising living costs, an… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, convenience, store, sales, 2.4, Nov, Black, Friday, promotions</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Convenience store sales in Japan rose 2.4 percent in November from a year earlier, helped by Black Friday promotions even as consumers grappled with rising living costs, an…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Spotify says piracy activists hacked its music catalogue</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/spotify-says-piracy-activists-hacked-its-music-catalogue</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/spotify-says-piracy-activists-hacked-its-music-catalogue</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Music streaming service Spotify said Monday it had disabled accounts from a piracy activist hacker group that claimed to have &quot;backed up&quot; millions of Spotify&#039;s music files and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Spotify, says, piracy, activists, hacked, its, music, catalogue</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Music streaming service Spotify said Monday it had disabled accounts from a piracy activist hacker group that claimed to have "backed up" millions of Spotify's music files and…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan to respond to yen&amp;apos;s &amp;apos;excessive&amp;apos; moves after plunge: senior official</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-respond-to-yens-excessive-moves-after-plunge-senior-official-41800</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-respond-to-yens-excessive-moves-after-plunge-senior-official-41800</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan will take &quot;appropriate steps against excessive moves&quot; in the yen, the country&#039;s top currency diplomat said Monday, after the currency fell sharply against the U.S. dollar even… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:35:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, respond, yens, excessive, moves, after, plunge:, senior, official</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan will take "appropriate steps against excessive moves" in the yen, the country's top currency diplomat said Monday, after the currency fell sharply against the U.S. dollar even…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>FamilyMart adding crane games to thousands of branches</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/familymart-adding-crane-games-to-thousands-of-branches</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/familymart-adding-crane-games-to-thousands-of-branches</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ 7-Eleven Japan has been grabbing a lot of attention recently, what with their matcha dessert burritos and their new luggage storage service for travelers. But rival Japanese convenience store chain FamilyMart isn’t going… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:08:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>FamilyMart, adding, crane, games, thousands, branches</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[7-Eleven Japan has been grabbing a lot of attention recently, what with their matcha dessert burritos and their new luggage storage service for travelers. But rival Japanese convenience store chain FamilyMart isn’t going…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>BOJ poised for more interest rate hikes as markets ponder neutral levels</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-poised-for-more-interest-rate-hikes-as-markets-ponder-neutral-levels</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-poised-for-more-interest-rate-hikes-as-markets-ponder-neutral-levels</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ With no clear sign of an end to the Bank of Japan&#039;s cycle of interest rate increases, economists are expecting more hikes next year to levels that could… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:08:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>BOJ, poised, for, more, interest, rate, hikes, markets, ponder, neutral, levels</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[With no clear sign of an end to the Bank of Japan's cycle of interest rate increases, economists are expecting more hikes next year to levels that could…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Walmart and other U.S. companies want to build a pipeline of skilled tradespeople</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/walmart-and-other-us-companies-want-to-build-a-pipeline-of-skilled-tradespeople</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/walmart-and-other-us-companies-want-to-build-a-pipeline-of-skilled-tradespeople</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As the number of skilled tradespeople dwindles in the United States, Walmart is trying to build up its own workforce to keep conveyor belts moving, refrigerated grocery cases… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:08:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Walmart, and, other, U.S., companies, want, build, pipeline, skilled, tradespeople</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[As the number of skilled tradespeople dwindles in the United States, Walmart is trying to build up its own workforce to keep conveyor belts moving, refrigerated grocery cases…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Young Japanese opting for 50&#45;year loans amid soaring housing prices</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/young-japanese-opting-for-50-year-loans-amid-soaring-housing-prices</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/young-japanese-opting-for-50-year-loans-amid-soaring-housing-prices</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The use of housing loans with terms of up to 50 years, far longer than the standard 35-year term, is spreading among younger generations in Japan amid a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 15:41:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Young, Japanese, opting, for, 50-year, loans, amid, soaring, housing, prices</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The use of housing loans with terms of up to 50 years, far longer than the standard 35-year term, is spreading among younger generations in Japan amid a…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Toyota to import U.S.&#45;built vehicles to Japan from 2026</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-to-import-us-built-vehicles-to-japan-from-2026</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-to-import-us-built-vehicles-to-japan-from-2026</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Toyota Motor Corp said Friday it will aim to import to Japan three models built in the United States from next year, in an apparent response to U.S.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Toyota, import, U.S.-built, vehicles, Japan, from, 2026</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Toyota Motor Corp said Friday it will aim to import to Japan three models built in the United States from next year, in an apparent response to U.S.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tesla CEO Elon Musk recovers $55 billion pay package in Delaware court ruling</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-recovers-55-billion-pay-package-in-delaware-court-ruling</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-recovers-55-billion-pay-package-in-delaware-court-ruling</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Elon Musk, already the world&#039;s richest man, scored another huge windfall Friday when the Delaware Supreme Court reversed a decision that deprived him of a $55 billion pay… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tesla, CEO, Elon, Musk, recovers, 55, billion, pay, package, Delaware, court, ruling</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Elon Musk, already the world's richest man, scored another huge windfall Friday when the Delaware Supreme Court reversed a decision that deprived him of a $55 billion pay…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japanese beverage firm Asahi to make 1st entry into African market</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-beverage-firm-asahi-to-make-1st-entry-into-african-market</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-beverage-firm-asahi-to-make-1st-entry-into-african-market</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asahi Group Holdings Ltd said Wednesday it will acquire British firm Diageo plc&#039;s alcoholic beverage businesses in East Africa for $3 billion, marking the Japanese beverage giant&#039;s first… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 21 Dec 2025 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, beverage, firm, Asahi, make, 1st, entry, into, African, market</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asahi Group Holdings Ltd said Wednesday it will acquire British firm Diageo plc's alcoholic beverage businesses in East Africa for $3 billion, marking the Japanese beverage giant's first…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Sony buys majority stake in &amp;apos;Peanuts&amp;apos; comic for $457 million from Canada&amp;apos;s WildBrain</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/sony-buys-majority-stake-in-peanuts-comic-for-457-million-from-canadas-wildbrain</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/sony-buys-majority-stake-in-peanuts-comic-for-457-million-from-canadas-wildbrain</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Happiness is taking control of a beloved comic strip. 
Sony is buying a 41% stake in the Charles M. Schulz comic “Peanuts” and its characters including Snoopy and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Sony, buys, majority, stake, Peanuts, comic, for, 457, million, from, Canadas, WildBrain</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Happiness is taking control of a beloved comic strip. 
Sony is buying a 41% stake in the Charles M. Schulz comic “Peanuts” and its characters including Snoopy and…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>British luxury hotel operator to open hotel near Universal Studios Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/british-luxury-hotel-operator-to-open-hotel-near-universal-studios-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/british-luxury-hotel-operator-to-open-hotel-near-universal-studios-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A British luxury hotel operator said it plans to open a large-scale hotel near Universal Studios Japan in Osaka in 2029, as demand for accommodation is expected to… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2025 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>British, luxury, hotel, operator, open, hotel, near, Universal, Studios, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A British luxury hotel operator said it plans to open a large-scale hotel near Universal Studios Japan in Osaka in 2029, as demand for accommodation is expected to…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Toyota launches latest RAV4, 1st model with new software system</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-launches-latest-rav4-1st-model-with-new-software-system</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-launches-latest-rav4-1st-model-with-new-software-system</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Toyota Motor Corp has launched a new RAV4 model, installing for the first time a new software system that will enable customers to upgrade their vehicles without having… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:08:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Toyota, launches, latest, RAV4, 1st, model, with, new, software, system</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Toyota Motor Corp has launched a new RAV4 model, installing for the first time a new software system that will enable customers to upgrade their vehicles without having…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Americans like artificial Christmas trees even though few are made in U.S. and prices are up</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/americans-like-artificial-christmas-trees-even-though-few-are-made-in-us-and-prices-are-up</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/americans-like-artificial-christmas-trees-even-though-few-are-made-in-us-and-prices-are-up</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On a recent December day, Mark Latino and a handful of his workers spun sheets of vinyl into tinsel for Christmas tree branches. They worked on a custom-made… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:08:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Americans, like, artificial, Christmas, trees, even, though, few, are, made, U.S., and, prices, are</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[On a recent December day, Mark Latino and a handful of his workers spun sheets of vinyl into tinsel for Christmas tree branches. They worked on a custom-made…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Bank of England cuts interest rate after UK inflation slides</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/bank-of-england-cuts-interest-rate-after-uk-inflation-slides</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/bank-of-england-cuts-interest-rate-after-uk-inflation-slides</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Bank of England cut its key interest rate to 3.75 percent on Thursday after UK inflation eased faster than expected and as the economy weakens.
&quot;We&#039;ve passed… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:08:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Bank, England, cuts, interest, rate, after, inflation, slides</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Bank of England cut its key interest rate to 3.75 percent on Thursday after UK inflation eased faster than expected and as the economy weakens.
"We've passed…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Bank of Japan hikes interest rates to 30&#45;year&#45;high of 0.75%</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/bank-of-japan-hikes-interest-rates-to-30-year-high-of-075</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/bank-of-japan-hikes-interest-rates-to-30-year-high-of-075</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Bank of Japan hiked interest rates to a 30-year high of 0.75 percent on Friday, the first increase since January, as it said the economy had shown… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:08:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Bank, Japan, hikes, interest, rates, 30-year-high, 0.75</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Bank of Japan hiked interest rates to a 30-year high of 0.75 percent on Friday, the first increase since January, as it said the economy had shown…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. extends waiver allowing Japan to import LNG from Russia</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-extends-waiver-allowing-japan-to-import-lng-from-russia</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-extends-waiver-allowing-japan-to-import-lng-from-russia</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The U.S. Treasury Department said Wednesday it will extend an exemption allowing companies to process transactions related to the Sakhalin 2 oil and natural gas development project in… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:41:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., extends, waiver, allowing, Japan, import, LNG, from, Russia</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The U.S. Treasury Department said Wednesday it will extend an exemption allowing companies to process transactions related to the Sakhalin 2 oil and natural gas development project in…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Warner Bros rejects Paramount bid, sticks with Netflix</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/warner-bros-rejects-paramount-bid-sticks-with-netflix</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/warner-bros-rejects-paramount-bid-sticks-with-netflix</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Warner Bros Discovery on Wednesday rejected a hostile takeover bid by Paramount launched last week to trump plans by streaming giant Netflix to acquire the Hollywood giant and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Warner, Bros, rejects, Paramount, bid, sticks, with, Netflix</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Warner Bros Discovery on Wednesday rejected a hostile takeover bid by Paramount launched last week to trump plans by streaming giant Netflix to acquire the Hollywood giant and…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan household assets hit record high ¥2,286 tril</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-household-assets-hit-record-high-2286-tril</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-household-assets-hit-record-high-2286-tril</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Financial assets held by households in Japan rose to 2,286 trillion yen ($15 trillion) at the end of September on higher stock prices, up 4.9 percent from a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, household, assets, hit, record, high, ¥2, 286, tril</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Financial assets held by households in Japan rose to 2,286 trillion yen ($15 trillion) at the end of September on higher stock prices, up 4.9 percent from a…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Asian shares gain, while oil prices jump as Trump orders blockade of oil tankers to Venezuela</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-gain-while-oil-prices-jump-as-trump-orders-blockade-of-oil-tankers-to-venezuela</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-gain-while-oil-prices-jump-as-trump-orders-blockade-of-oil-tankers-to-venezuela</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares advanced on Wednesday as strong buying of technology shares helped lift some benchmarks, while oil prices surged more than 1% after President Donald Trump ordered a blockade of… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:20:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, gain, while, oil, prices, jump, Trump, orders, blockade, oil, tankers, Venezuela</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares advanced on Wednesday as strong buying of technology shares helped lift some benchmarks, while oil prices surged more than 1% after President Donald Trump ordered a blockade of…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Quarterly &amp;apos;tankan&amp;apos; survey shows slight improvement as BOJ weighs rate hike</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/quarterly-tankan-survey-shows-slight-improvement-as-boj-weighs-rate-hike</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/quarterly-tankan-survey-shows-slight-improvement-as-boj-weighs-rate-hike</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A quarterly survey of major Japanese manufacturers released Monday shows business sentiment improving to its best level in four years, even after President Trump raised tariffs on goods… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:02:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Quarterly, tankan, survey, shows, slight, improvement, BOJ, weighs, rate, hike</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A quarterly survey of major Japanese manufacturers released Monday shows business sentiment improving to its best level in four years, even after President Trump raised tariffs on goods…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Bank of Japan expected to hike rates to 30&#45;year high</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/bank-of-japan-expected-to-hike-rates-to-30-year-high</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/bank-of-japan-expected-to-hike-rates-to-30-year-high</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Bank of Japan is expected to hike interest rates Friday for the first time since January, pushing them to their highest level in 30 years and potentially… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:02:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Bank, Japan, expected, hike, rates, 30-year, high</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Bank of Japan is expected to hike interest rates Friday for the first time since January, pushing them to their highest level in 30 years and potentially…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>A guide to good manners at the retail counter this holiday season</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/a-guide-to-good-manners-at-the-retail-counter-this-holiday-season</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/a-guide-to-good-manners-at-the-retail-counter-this-holiday-season</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As shoppers flood stores across the country during the year’s biggest shopping season, retail workers are bracing for what many describe as the most demanding — and often demoralizing… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:02:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>guide, good, manners, the, retail, counter, this, holiday, season</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[As shoppers flood stores across the country during the year’s biggest shopping season, retail workers are bracing for what many describe as the most demanding — and often demoralizing…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. gained 64,000 jobs in November but lost 105,000 in October; unemployment rate at 4.6%</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-gained-64000-jobs-in-november-but-lost-105000-in-october-unemployment-rate-at-46</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-gained-64000-jobs-in-november-but-lost-105000-in-october-unemployment-rate-at-46</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The United States gained a decent 64,000 jobs in November but lost 105,000 in October as federal workers departed after cutbacks by the Trump administration, the government said… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., gained, 64, 000, jobs, November, but, lost, 105, 000, October, unemployment, rate, 4.6</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The United States gained a decent 64,000 jobs in November but lost 105,000 in October as federal workers departed after cutbacks by the Trump administration, the government said…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Jared Kushner pulls out of Paramount’s hostile bid for Warner Bros Discovery</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/jared-kushner-pulls-out-of-paramounts-hostile-bid-for-warner-bros-discovery</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/jared-kushner-pulls-out-of-paramounts-hostile-bid-for-warner-bros-discovery</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A private equity firm owned by President Donald Trump&#039;s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is no longer backing Paramount’s hostile acquisition bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, the firm confirmed Tuesday.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Jared, Kushner, pulls, out, Paramount’s, hostile, bid, for, Warner, Bros, Discovery</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A private equity firm owned by President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is no longer backing Paramount’s hostile acquisition bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, the firm confirmed Tuesday.…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokyo firm&amp;apos;s ride&#45;sharing spreads in regions lacking transit options</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-firms-ride-sharing-spreads-in-regions-lacking-transit-options</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-firms-ride-sharing-spreads-in-regions-lacking-transit-options</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A Tokyo-based company offering ride-sharing services that use technology to let separate passengers share the same vehicle is expanding into regions of Japan where public transportation is lacking.… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 15:08:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, firms, ride-sharing, spreads, regions, lacking, transit, options</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A Tokyo-based company offering ride-sharing services that use technology to let separate passengers share the same vehicle is expanding into regions of Japan where public transportation is lacking.…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>This holiday season isn&amp;apos;t very merry for U.S. consumers, an AP&#45;NORC poll finds</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/this-holiday-season-isnt-very-merry-for-us-consumers-an-ap-norc-poll-finds</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/this-holiday-season-isnt-very-merry-for-us-consumers-an-ap-norc-poll-finds</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ This holiday season isn’t quite so merry for American shoppers as large shares are dipping into savings, scouring for bargains and feeling like the overall economy is stuck… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:04:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>This, holiday, season, isnt, very, merry, for, U.S., consumers, AP-NORC, poll, finds</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[This holiday season isn’t quite so merry for American shoppers as large shares are dipping into savings, scouring for bargains and feeling like the overall economy is stuck…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Nippon Steel to invest ¥6 tril over next 5 years, to upgrade U.S. Steel</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nippon-steel-to-invest-6-tril-over-next-5-years-to-upgrade-us-steel</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nippon-steel-to-invest-6-tril-over-next-5-years-to-upgrade-us-steel</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Nippon Steel Corp said it aims to invest around $6 trillion yen ($39 billion) over the next five years domestically and globally, including upgrading the facilities of the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nippon, Steel, invest, ¥6, tril, over, next, years, upgrade, U.S., Steel</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Nippon Steel Corp said it aims to invest around $6 trillion yen ($39 billion) over the next five years domestically and globally, including upgrading the facilities of the…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Asian shares track U.S. stock market&amp;apos;s rise to record highs despite AI bubble worries</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-track-us-stock-markets-rise-to-record-highs-despite-ai-bubble-worries</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-track-us-stock-markets-rise-to-record-highs-despite-ai-bubble-worries</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares rose on Friday, tracking Wall Street’s climb to records despite a sell-off for Oracle as worries persisted about a potential bubble in artificial-intelligence technology.
U.S. futures were mixed and oil… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:46:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, track, U.S., stock, markets, rise, record, highs, despite, bubble, worries</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares rose on Friday, tracking Wall Street’s climb to records despite a sell-off for Oracle as worries persisted about a potential bubble in artificial-intelligence technology.
U.S. futures were mixed and oil…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Pocky recall issued in Japan after customers notice off&#45;the&#45;mark taste caused by unintended smells</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/pocky-recall-issued-in-japan-after-customers-notice-off-the-mark-taste-caused-by-unintended-smells</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/pocky-recall-issued-in-japan-after-customers-notice-off-the-mark-taste-caused-by-unintended-smells</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pocky is one of Japan’s all-time favorite snacks. The chocolate-covered biscuit sticks are loved by sweets fans both young and old, and their ubiquitous presence on store shelves and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:01:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pocky, recall, issued, Japan, after, customers, notice, off-the-mark, taste, caused, unintended, smells</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Pocky is one of Japan’s all-time favorite snacks. The chocolate-covered biscuit sticks are loved by sweets fans both young and old, and their ubiquitous presence on store shelves and…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Megabanks to offer up to ¥2 tril in loans to Japan chip venture Rapidus</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/megabanks-to-offer-up-to-2-tril-in-loans-to-japan-chip-venture-rapidus</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/megabanks-to-offer-up-to-2-tril-in-loans-to-japan-chip-venture-rapidus</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s three megabanks intend to provide loans of up to around 2 trillion yen to Rapidus Corp as the chip venture seeks to manufacture advanced semiconductors domestically, sources… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:01:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Megabanks, offer, ¥2, tril, loans, Japan, chip, venture, Rapidus</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's three megabanks intend to provide loans of up to around 2 trillion yen to Rapidus Corp as the chip venture seeks to manufacture advanced semiconductors domestically, sources…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Chocolate prices high before Christmas despite cocoa fall</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chocolate-prices-high-before-christmas-despite-cocoa-fall</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chocolate-prices-high-before-christmas-despite-cocoa-fall</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ After soaring for nearly two years, cocoa prices dropped sharply in 2025. However, chocolate, in demand ahead of the festive holiday season, has seen prices rise.
AFP examines… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chocolate, prices, high, before, Christmas, despite, cocoa, fall</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[After soaring for nearly two years, cocoa prices dropped sharply in 2025. However, chocolate, in demand ahead of the festive holiday season, has seen prices rise.
AFP examines…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>U.S. jobless benefit applications jump to 236,000 last week as concerns about labor market persist</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-jobless-benefit-applications-jump-to-236000-last-week-as-concerns-about-labor-market-persist</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-jobless-benefit-applications-jump-to-236000-last-week-as-concerns-about-labor-market-persist</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits jumped last week, but remain in the same historically healthy range of the past few years despite growing concern over… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., jobless, benefit, applications, jump, 236, 000, last, week, concerns, about, labor, market, persist</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits jumped last week, but remain in the same historically healthy range of the past few years despite growing concern over…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Asian shares mixed after Fed cuts rates, pushing Wall Street near its record</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-mixed-after-fed-cuts-rates-pushing-wall-street-near-its-record</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-mixed-after-fed-cuts-rates-pushing-wall-street-near-its-record</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares were mixed on Thursday after the U.S. stock market again approached its record high following the Federal Reserve’s cut in its main interest rate.
U.S. futures and oil… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:25:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, mixed, after, Fed, cuts, rates, pushing, Wall, Street, near, its, record</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares were mixed on Thursday after the U.S. stock market again approached its record high following the Federal Reserve’s cut in its main interest rate.
U.S. futures and oil…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>U.S. Federal Reserve cuts key rate but signals higher bar for future reductions</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-federal-reserve-cuts-key-rate-but-signals-higher-bar-for-future-reductions</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-federal-reserve-cuts-key-rate-but-signals-higher-bar-for-future-reductions</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Federal Reserve reduced its key interest rate by a quarter-point for the third time in a row Wednesday but signaled that it may leave rates unchanged in… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., Federal, Reserve, cuts, key, rate, but, signals, higher, bar, for, future, reductions</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Federal Reserve reduced its key interest rate by a quarter-point for the third time in a row Wednesday but signaled that it may leave rates unchanged in…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>China surplus pushing EU to take &amp;apos;offensive&amp;apos; trade measures: business lobby</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/china-surplus-pushing-eu-to-take-offensive-trade-measures-business-lobby</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/china-surplus-pushing-eu-to-take-offensive-trade-measures-business-lobby</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ China&#039;s mammoth trade surplus with Europe as well as challenges faced by foreign firms in the country are incentivizing Brussels to adopt more &quot;offensive&quot; policies, a business lobby… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>China, surplus, pushing, take, offensive, trade, measures:, business, lobby</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[China's mammoth trade surplus with Europe as well as challenges faced by foreign firms in the country are incentivizing Brussels to adopt more "offensive" policies, a business lobby…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>South Korea to require advertisers to label AI&#45;generated ads</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/south-korea-to-require-advertisers-to-label-ai-generated-ads</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/south-korea-to-require-advertisers-to-label-ai-generated-ads</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ South Korea will require advertisers to label their ads made with artificial intelligence technologies from next year as it seeks to curb a surge of deceptive promotions featuring… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>South, Korea, require, advertisers, label, AI-generated, ads</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[South Korea will require advertisers to label their ads made with artificial intelligence technologies from next year as it seeks to curb a surge of deceptive promotions featuring…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Starbucks Japan now offers close&#45;to&#45;closing discounted items through its mobile order app</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/starbucks-japan-now-offers-close-to-closing-discounted-items-through-its-mobile-order-app</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/starbucks-japan-now-offers-close-to-closing-discounted-items-through-its-mobile-order-app</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In Japan, there’s a common practice of supermarkets and takeout places discounting leftover items as they get close to closing time. It’s a win-win-win policy, as consumers get to… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Starbucks, Japan, now, offers, close-to-closing, discounted, items, through, its, mobile, order, app</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[In Japan, there’s a common practice of supermarkets and takeout places discounting leftover items as they get close to closing time. It’s a win-win-win policy, as consumers get to…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Rising living costs dim holiday sparkle for U.S. households</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/rising-living-costs-dim-holiday-sparkle-for-us-households</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/rising-living-costs-dim-holiday-sparkle-for-us-households</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ At a Christmas market outside the U.S. capital, festive cheer alone hasn&#039;t been enough to drive affordability worries out of shoppers&#039; minds -- as American households contend with… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Rising, living, costs, dim, holiday, sparkle, for, U.S., households</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[At a Christmas market outside the U.S. capital, festive cheer alone hasn't been enough to drive affordability worries out of shoppers' minds -- as American households contend with…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Oreo is bringing zero&#45;sugar cookies to the US</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/oreo-is-bringing-zero-sugar-cookies-to-the-us</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/oreo-is-bringing-zero-sugar-cookies-to-the-us</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Rejoice, New Year’s dieters: Oreos are getting a sugar-free option.
Mondelez said Tuesday that Oreo Zero Sugar and Oreo Double Stuf Zero Sugar will go on sale in… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Oreo, bringing, zero-sugar, cookies, the</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Rejoice, New Year’s dieters: Oreos are getting a sugar-free option.
Mondelez said Tuesday that Oreo Zero Sugar and Oreo Double Stuf Zero Sugar will go on sale in…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>PepsiCo to cut prices, eliminate products as part of a deal with an activist investor</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/pepsico-to-cut-prices-eliminate-products-as-part-of-a-deal-with-an-activist-investor</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/pepsico-to-cut-prices-eliminate-products-as-part-of-a-deal-with-an-activist-investor</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ PepsiCo plans to cut prices and eliminate some of its products under a deal with an activist investor announced Monday.
The Purchase, New York-based company, which makes Cheetos,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>PepsiCo, cut, prices, eliminate, products, part, deal, with, activist, investor</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[PepsiCo plans to cut prices and eliminate some of its products under a deal with an activist investor announced Monday.
The Purchase, New York-based company, which makes Cheetos,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian shares slip after Wall Street pulls back from its record heights</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-slip-after-wall-street-pulls-back-from-its-record-heights</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-slip-after-wall-street-pulls-back-from-its-record-heights</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares mostly fell Tuesday after U.S. stocks pulled away from their record heights, while U.S. futures edged higher.
Tokyo&#039;s Nikkei 225 index was the main outlier, gaining… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:36:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, slip, after, Wall, Street, pulls, back, from, its, record, heights</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares mostly fell Tuesday after U.S. stocks pulled away from their record heights, while U.S. futures edged higher.
Tokyo's Nikkei 225 index was the main outlier, gaining…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China&amp;apos;s trade surplus tops $1 trillion despite plunge in U.S.&#45;bound exports</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-trade-surplus-tops-1-trillion-despite-plunge-in-us-bound-exports</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-trade-surplus-tops-1-trillion-despite-plunge-in-us-bound-exports</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ China&#039;s towering annual trade surplus surpassed $1 trillion for the first time last month, data showed Monday, as a sharp drop in shipments to the United States was… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinas, trade, surplus, tops, trillion, despite, plunge, U.S.-bound, exports</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[China's towering annual trade surplus surpassed $1 trillion for the first time last month, data showed Monday, as a sharp drop in shipments to the United States was…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Paramount goes hostile in bid for Warner Bros, challenging a $72 billion offer by Netflix</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/paramount-goes-hostile-in-bid-for-warner-bros-challenging-a-72-billion-offer-by-netflix</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/paramount-goes-hostile-in-bid-for-warner-bros-challenging-a-72-billion-offer-by-netflix</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Paramount on Monday launched a hostile takeover offer for Warner Bros Discovery, initiating a potentially bruising battle with rival bidder Netflix to buy the company behind HBO, CNN… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:00:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Paramount, goes, hostile, bid, for, Warner, Bros, challenging, 72, billion, offer, Netflix</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Paramount on Monday launched a hostile takeover offer for Warner Bros Discovery, initiating a potentially bruising battle with rival bidder Netflix to buy the company behind HBO, CNN…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan bankruptcies likely to surpass 10,000 in 2025 for 2nd straight year</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-bankruptcies-likely-to-surpass-10000-in-2025-for-2nd-straight-year</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-bankruptcies-likely-to-surpass-10000-in-2025-for-2nd-straight-year</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The number of corporate bankruptcies in Japan totaled 9,372 in the January-November period, making it likely that the figure for 2025 will surpass 10,000 for the second consecutive… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:42:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, bankruptcies, likely, surpass, 10, 000, 2025, for, 2nd, straight, year</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The number of corporate bankruptcies in Japan totaled 9,372 in the January-November period, making it likely that the figure for 2025 will surpass 10,000 for the second consecutive…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan revises economic data to show bigger contraction in July&#45;September period</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-revises-economic-data-to-show-bigger-contraction-in-july-september-period</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-revises-economic-data-to-show-bigger-contraction-in-july-september-period</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan’s economy contracted at an annual pace of 2.3% in the July-September period, the government reported Monday, as exports suffered from the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:33:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, revises, economic, data, show, bigger, contraction, July-September, period</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan’s economy contracted at an annual pace of 2.3% in the July-September period, the government reported Monday, as exports suffered from the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian shares mixed ahead of Fed interest rate decision</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-mixed-ahead-of-fed-interest-rate-decision</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-mixed-ahead-of-fed-interest-rate-decision</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Shares are mixed in Asia as investors tread cautiously ahead of an interest rate decision this week by the Federal Reserve.
U.S. futures and oil prices rose.
Flaring… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:15:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, mixed, ahead, Fed, interest, rate, decision</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Shares are mixed in Asia as investors tread cautiously ahead of an interest rate decision this week by the Federal Reserve.
U.S. futures and oil prices rose.
Flaring…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Number&amp;apos;s up: Calculators hold out against AI</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/numbers-up-calculators-hold-out-against-ai</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/numbers-up-calculators-hold-out-against-ai</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The humble pocket calculator may not be able to keep up with the mathematical capabilities of new technology, but it will never hallucinate.
The device&#039;s enduring reliability equates… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Numbers, up:, Calculators, hold, out, against</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The humble pocket calculator may not be able to keep up with the mathematical capabilities of new technology, but it will never hallucinate.
The device's enduring reliability equates…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japanese company selling bear&#45;proof automatic doors</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-company-selling-bear-proof-automatic-doors</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-company-selling-bear-proof-automatic-doors</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The spate of bear encounters in Japan has certainly been surprising for many reasons, but one thing that caught my attention especially is that they seem pretty good at using… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, company, selling, bear-proof, automatic, doors</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The spate of bear encounters in Japan has certainly been surprising for many reasons, but one thing that caught my attention especially is that they seem pretty good at using…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Divided U.S. Fed set for contentious interest rate meeting</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/divided-us-fed-set-for-contentious-interest-rate-meeting</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/divided-us-fed-set-for-contentious-interest-rate-meeting</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ While the U.S. Federal Reserve&#039;s final interest rate meeting this year could see an unusual amount of division, financial markets view a third straight interest rate cut as… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Divided, U.S., Fed, set, for, contentious, interest, rate, meeting</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[While the U.S. Federal Reserve's final interest rate meeting this year could see an unusual amount of division, financial markets view a third straight interest rate cut as…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Will EU give ground on 2035 combustion&#45;engine ban?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/will-eu-give-ground-on-2035-combustion-engine-ban</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/will-eu-give-ground-on-2035-combustion-engine-ban</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Europe&#039;s embattled auto industry and its backers are ramping up pressure on the EU to relax its planned 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales --… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 07 Dec 2025 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Will, give, ground, 2035, combustion-engine, ban</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Europe's embattled auto industry and its backers are ramping up pressure on the EU to relax its planned 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales --…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Subaru Forester named Japan car of the year in 2025</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/subaru-forester-named-japan-car-of-the-year-in-2025</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/subaru-forester-named-japan-car-of-the-year-in-2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Subaru Corp&#039;s Forester sport utility vehicle was named the car of the year in Japan, a crown given to the most outstanding passenger vehicle in 2025, the award&#039;s… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 15:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Subaru, Forester, named, Japan, car, the, year, 2025</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Subaru Corp's Forester sport utility vehicle was named the car of the year in Japan, a crown given to the most outstanding passenger vehicle in 2025, the award's…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Fresh data show U.S. consumers still strained by inflation</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/fresh-data-show-us-consumers-still-strained-by-inflation</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/fresh-data-show-us-consumers-still-strained-by-inflation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ U.S. consumer pricing and sentiment reports released Friday pointed to lingering questions about affordability as the calendar moves towards the peak of the festive season.
The personal consumption… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 06 Dec 2025 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Fresh, data, show, U.S., consumers, still, strained, inflation</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[U.S. consumer pricing and sentiment reports released Friday pointed to lingering questions about affordability as the calendar moves towards the peak of the festive season.
The personal consumption…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Sagawa Express partially suspends deliveries due to Black Friday overload</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/sagawa-express-partially-suspends-deliveries-due-to-black-friday-overload</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/sagawa-express-partially-suspends-deliveries-due-to-black-friday-overload</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Sagawa Express Co, a major Japanese parcel delivery service, suspended cargo collection in parts of the country on Thursday due to capacity overload following a surge in parcels… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Sagawa, Express, partially, suspends, deliveries, due, Black, Friday, overload</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Sagawa Express Co, a major Japanese parcel delivery service, suspended cargo collection in parts of the country on Thursday due to capacity overload following a surge in parcels…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Osaka Expo&amp;apos;s economic impact estimated at ¥3 trillion: think tank</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/osaka-expos-economic-impact-estimated-at-3-trillion-think-tank</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/osaka-expos-economic-impact-estimated-at-3-trillion-think-tank</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The World Exposition in Osaka is estimated to have generated an economic ripple effect of 3.05 trillion yen, sowing the seeds for economic growth while the benefits struggled… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:39:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Osaka, Expos, economic, impact, estimated, ¥3, trillion:, think, tank</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The World Exposition in Osaka is estimated to have generated an economic ripple effect of 3.05 trillion yen, sowing the seeds for economic growth while the benefits struggled…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Gasoline price falls to lowest in 4 years with new subsidy ahead of tax cut</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/gasoline-price-falls-to-lowest-in-4-years-with-new-subsidy-ahead-of-tax-cut</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/gasoline-price-falls-to-lowest-in-4-years-with-new-subsidy-ahead-of-tax-cut</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese government said Wednesday that the national average retail price of regular gasoline has fallen to its lowest level in four years, reflecting the impact of an… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:39:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Gasoline, price, falls, lowest, years, with, new, subsidy, ahead, tax, cut</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese government said Wednesday that the national average retail price of regular gasoline has fallen to its lowest level in four years, reflecting the impact of an…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian shares mixed after Wall Street pulls near its all&#45;time high</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-mixed-after-wall-street-pulls-near-its-all-time-high</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-mixed-after-wall-street-pulls-near-its-all-time-high</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares were mixed on Thursday after U.S. stocks rose to near their records.
The futures for the S&amp;P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average were slightly higher.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:30:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, mixed, after, Wall, Street, pulls, near, its, all-time, high</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares were mixed on Thursday after U.S. stocks rose to near their records.
The futures for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average were slightly higher.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>KFC prepares for finger&#45;licking Japanese Christmas</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/kfc-prepares-for-finger-licking-japanese-christmas</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/kfc-prepares-for-finger-licking-japanese-christmas</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KFC in Japan is gearing up for the Christmas tradition of millions of families thronging the U.S. fast-food chain for special festive buckets of deep-fried chicken and other… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:03:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>KFC, prepares, for, finger-licking, Japanese, Christmas</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KFC in Japan is gearing up for the Christmas tradition of millions of families thronging the U.S. fast-food chain for special festive buckets of deep-fried chicken and other…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nissan eyes paying up to 5 years of salary to spur transfers to Kyushu subsidiary</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nissan-eyes-paying-up-to-5-years-of-salary-to-spur-transfers-to-kyushu-subsidiary</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nissan-eyes-paying-up-to-5-years-of-salary-to-spur-transfers-to-kyushu-subsidiary</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Ailing Nissan Motor Co is considering paying the equivalent of four to five years of salary as compensation to employees at its Oppama plant in Kanagawa Prefecture, which… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:03:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nissan, eyes, paying, years, salary, spur, transfers, Kyushu, subsidiary</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Ailing Nissan Motor Co is considering paying the equivalent of four to five years of salary as compensation to employees at its Oppama plant in Kanagawa Prefecture, which…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Macy&amp;apos;s posts surprise profit with overhaul under new CEO resonating with shoppers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/macys-posts-surprise-profit-with-overhaul-under-new-ceo-resonating-with-shoppers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/macys-posts-surprise-profit-with-overhaul-under-new-ceo-resonating-with-shoppers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Macy’s posted a surprise third-quarter profit and its strongest comparable sales in more than three years as an extensive overhaul of the 167-year-old New York department store begins… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:03:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Macys, posts, surprise, profit, with, overhaul, under, new, CEO, resonating, with, shoppers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Macy’s posted a surprise third-quarter profit and its strongest comparable sales in more than three years as an extensive overhaul of the 167-year-old New York department store begins…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Italy&amp;apos;s luxury brands shaken by sweatshop probes</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/italys-luxury-brands-shaken-by-sweatshop-probes</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/italys-luxury-brands-shaken-by-sweatshop-probes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A series of investigations into exploitative work conditions within fashion subcontractors has roiled Italy&#039;s luxury industry, with the government decrying attacks on &quot;Made in Italy&quot;.
Five fashion brands… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:03:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Italys, luxury, brands, shaken, sweatshop, probes</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A series of investigations into exploitative work conditions within fashion subcontractors has roiled Italy's luxury industry, with the government decrying attacks on "Made in Italy".
Five fashion brands…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Airbus cuts delivery target over fuselage quality issue</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/airbus-cuts-delivery-target-over-fuselage-quality-issue</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/airbus-cuts-delivery-target-over-fuselage-quality-issue</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Aircraft maker Airbus said Wednesday it had lowered its 2025 target for deliveries because of fuselage panel quality issues at its flagship model, the A320.
Airbus said it… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:03:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Airbus, cuts, delivery, target, over, fuselage, quality, issue</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Aircraft maker Airbus said Wednesday it had lowered its 2025 target for deliveries because of fuselage panel quality issues at its flagship model, the A320.
Airbus said it…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Prada buys Versace for $1.4 billion, in bid to relaunch sexier Milan rival</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/prada-buys-versace-for-14-billion-in-bid-to-relaunch-sexier-milanrival</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/prada-buys-versace-for-14-billion-in-bid-to-relaunch-sexier-milanrival</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Prada Group closed the purchase of Milan fashion rival Versace in a $1.375 billion cash deal that puts the fashion house known for its sexy silhouettes under… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Prada, buys, Versace, for, 1.4, billion, bid, relaunch, sexier, Milan rival</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Prada Group closed the purchase of Milan fashion rival Versace in a $1.375 billion cash deal that puts the fashion house known for its sexy silhouettes under…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Costco becomes biggest company yet to demand refund of Trump tariffs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/costco-becomes-biggest-company-yet-to-demand-refund-of-trump-tariffs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/costco-becomes-biggest-company-yet-to-demand-refund-of-trump-tariffs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Costco is joining other companies that aren&#039;t waiting to see whether the Supreme Court strikes down President Donald Trump&#039;s most sweeping import taxes. They&#039;re going to court to… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/20/48/6966361f758d9b0f494b509547b2a3529a5e/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Costco, becomes, biggest, company, yet, demand, refund, Trump, tariffs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Costco is joining other companies that aren't waiting to see whether the Supreme Court strikes down President Donald Trump's most sweeping import taxes. They're going to court to…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian shares mixed as steady bond yields, rebound for bitcoin push US stocks higher</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-mixed-as-steady-bond-yields-rebound-for-bitcoin-push-us-stocks-higher</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-mixed-as-steady-bond-yields-rebound-for-bitcoin-push-us-stocks-higher</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares were mixed Wednesday after stocks on Wall Street held steadier as both bond yields and bitcoin stabilized.
U.S. futures rose and oil prices edged higher.
Tokyo&#039;s… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 15:00:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, mixed, steady, bond, yields, rebound, for, bitcoin, push, stocks, higher</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares were mixed Wednesday after stocks on Wall Street held steadier as both bond yields and bitcoin stabilized.
U.S. futures rose and oil prices edged higher.
Tokyo's…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. futures slip and Asian stocks are mixed, while oil prices surge more than $1 a barrel</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-futures-slip-and-asian-stocks-are-mixed-while-oil-prices-surge-more-than-1-a-barrel</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-futures-slip-and-asian-stocks-are-mixed-while-oil-prices-surge-more-than-1-a-barrel</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ U.S. futures fell and Asian shares began the week mixed, with Tokyo’s benchmark falling nearly 2% on Monday after the release of data showing weak factory activity.
Oil… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., futures, slip, and, Asian, stocks, are, mixed, while, oil, prices, surge, more, than, barrel</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[U.S. futures fell and Asian shares began the week mixed, with Tokyo’s benchmark falling nearly 2% on Monday after the release of data showing weak factory activity.
Oil…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japanese companies&amp;apos; pretax profits rise 19% in July&#45;September</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-companies-pretax-profits-rise-19-in-july-september</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-companies-pretax-profits-rise-19-in-july-september</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pretax profits at Japanese companies in the July-September period rose 19.7 percent from a year earlier to 27.54 trillion yen, marking a fourth straight quarterly increase, driven by… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, companies, pretax, profits, rise, 19, July-September</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Pretax profits at Japanese companies in the July-September period rose 19.7 percent from a year earlier to 27.54 trillion yen, marking a fourth straight quarterly increase, driven by…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China&amp;apos;s factory activity contracts for 8th month in November despite trade war truce</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-factory-activity-contracts-for-8th-month-in-november-despite-trade-war-truce</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-factory-activity-contracts-for-8th-month-in-november-despite-trade-war-truce</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ China’s factory activity contracted for the eighth straight month in November, according to an official survey on Sunday, underscoring challenges for the country’s economy despite the U.S.-China trade… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinas, factory, activity, contracts, for, 8th, month, November, despite, trade, war, truce</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[China’s factory activity contracted for the eighth straight month in November, according to an official survey on Sunday, underscoring challenges for the country’s economy despite the U.S.-China trade…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan gov&amp;apos;t task force starts talks on tighter crypto asset regulations</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-govt-task-force-starts-talks-on-tighter-crypto-asset-regulations</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-govt-task-force-starts-talks-on-tighter-crypto-asset-regulations</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A task force under Japan&#039;s financial watchdog has begun discussions to tighten rules on crypto assets, including measures against insider trading and steps to protect users, as authorities… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 15:36:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, govt, task, force, starts, talks, tighter, crypto, asset, regulations</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A task force under Japan's financial watchdog has begun discussions to tighten rules on crypto assets, including measures against insider trading and steps to protect users, as authorities…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>How successful has OPEC+&amp;apos;s oil output policy been in 2025?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/how-successful-has-opecs-oil-output-policy-been-in-2025</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/how-successful-has-opecs-oil-output-policy-been-in-2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Ministers of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied nations (OPEC+) are unlikely to make changes to their oil output strategy when they discuss production at… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>How, successful, has, OPECs, oil, output, policy, been, 2025</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Ministers of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied nations (OPEC+) are unlikely to make changes to their oil output strategy when they discuss production at…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Shoppers spend billions on Black Friday to snag holiday deals, despite wider economic uncertainty</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/shoppers-spend-billions-on-black-friday-to-snag-holiday-deals-despite-wider-economic-uncertainty</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/shoppers-spend-billions-on-black-friday-to-snag-holiday-deals-despite-wider-economic-uncertainty</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Despite wider economic uncertainty hovering above this year&#039;s holiday season, shoppers turned out in big numbers for Black Friday — spending billions of dollars both in stores and… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/5f/bc/87c641cf405a93c6b8a19a5d4c2fe7f5c986/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 15:00:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Shoppers, spend, billions, Black, Friday, snag, holiday, deals, despite, wider, economic, uncertainty</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Despite wider economic uncertainty hovering above this year's holiday season, shoppers turned out in big numbers for Black Friday — spending billions of dollars both in stores and…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan October jobless rate stays at 2.6% for 3rd month amid tight labor market</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-october-jobless-rate-stays-at-26-for-3rd-month-amid-tight-labor-market</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-october-jobless-rate-stays-at-26-for-3rd-month-amid-tight-labor-market</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s unemployment rate in October held steady for the third straight month at 2.6 percent but the number of jobless people continued to increase while more women entered… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 15:06:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, October, jobless, rate, stays, 2.6, for, 3rd, month, amid, tight, labor, market</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's unemployment rate in October held steady for the third straight month at 2.6 percent but the number of jobless people continued to increase while more women entered…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>US retailers watch Black Friday traffic for a hoped&#45;for holiday halo effect</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-retailers-watch-black-friday-traffic-for-a-hoped-for-holiday-halo-effect</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-retailers-watch-black-friday-traffic-for-a-hoped-for-holiday-halo-effect</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Black Friday no longer tempts people to leave Thanksgiving tables for midnight mall runs, but the annual sales event still brings more shoppers into stores than any day… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/15/19/fbcf39eb203e695cad5acc024220e772da06/download/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>retailers, watch, Black, Friday, traffic, for, hoped-for, holiday, halo, effect</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Black Friday no longer tempts people to leave Thanksgiving tables for midnight mall runs, but the annual sales event still brings more shoppers into stores than any day…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Airlines cancel flights to adopt software fix for Airbus A320 after plane has sudden altitude drop</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/airlines-cancel-flights-to-adopt-software-fix-for-airbus-a320-after-plane-has-sudden-altitude-drop</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/airlines-cancel-flights-to-adopt-software-fix-for-airbus-a320-after-plane-has-sudden-altitude-drop</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Airlines around the world canceled and delayed flights heading into the weekend to fix software on a widely used commercial aircraft after an analysis found the computer code… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/8e/45/4e1464fcaff052468614ebb28f47d4bb5fcd/ap25332841137286/_w1700.jpeg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Airlines, cancel, flights, adopt, software, fix, for, Airbus, A320, after, plane, has, sudden, altitude, drop</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Airlines around the world canceled and delayed flights heading into the weekend to fix software on a widely used commercial aircraft after an analysis found the computer code…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Number of food, beverage items seeing price hikes in Japan in 2025 to exceed 20,000</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/number-of-food-beverage-items-seeing-price-hikes-in-japan-in-2025-to-exceed-20000</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/number-of-food-beverage-items-seeing-price-hikes-in-japan-in-2025-to-exceed-20000</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The number of food and beverage products subject to price increases in 2025 will exceed 20,000 for the first time in two years, a research institute said Friday.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 29 Nov 2025 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Number, food, beverage, items, seeing, price, hikes, Japan, 2025, exceed, 20, 000</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The number of food and beverage products subject to price increases in 2025 will exceed 20,000 for the first time in two years, a research institute said Friday.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Semiconductor giant SK hynix now makes chips you can eat</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/semiconductor-giant-sk-hynix-now-makes-chips-you-can-eat</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/semiconductor-giant-sk-hynix-now-makes-chips-you-can-eat</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ South Korea&#039;s semiconductor giant SK hynix has made a foray into a new genre of chips -- the kind that&#039;s crunchy and goes with a beer.
Packing 385… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Semiconductor, giant, hynix, now, makes, chips, you, can, eat</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[South Korea's semiconductor giant SK hynix has made a foray into a new genre of chips -- the kind that's crunchy and goes with a beer.
Packing 385…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian shares rise, taking their cue from Wall Street&amp;apos;s winning streak</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-rise-taking-their-cue-from-wall-streets-winning-streak</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-rise-taking-their-cue-from-wall-streets-winning-streak</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares rose on Thursday, taking their cue from Wall Street, where a winning streak extended to a fourth straight day.
The future for S&amp;P 500 and that for the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:54:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, rise, taking, their, cue, from, Wall, Streets, winning, streak</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares rose on Thursday, taking their cue from Wall Street, where a winning streak extended to a fourth straight day.
The future for S&P 500 and that for the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Beer giant Asahi says it is not engaging with ransomware hackers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/beer-giant-asahi-says-it-is-not-engaging-with-ransomware-hackers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/beer-giant-asahi-says-it-is-not-engaging-with-ransomware-hackers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese beer giant Asahi said Thursday it was not negotiating with the hackers behind a &quot;sophisticated and cunning&quot; ransomware attack that is about to enter its third month.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:45:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Beer, giant, Asahi, says, not, engaging, with, ransomware, hackers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese beer giant Asahi said Thursday it was not negotiating with the hackers behind a "sophisticated and cunning" ransomware attack that is about to enter its third month.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Beer giant Asahi saysit is not engaging with ransomware hackers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/beer-giant-asahi-saysit-is-not-engaging-with-ransomware-hackers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/beer-giant-asahi-saysit-is-not-engaging-with-ransomware-hackers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese beer giant Asahi said Thursday it was not negotiating with the hackers behind a &quot;sophisticated and cunning&quot; ransomware attack that is about to enter its third month.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:36:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Beer, giant, Asahi, saysit, not, engaging, with, ransomware, hackers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese beer giant Asahi said Thursday it was not negotiating with the hackers behind a "sophisticated and cunning" ransomware attack that is about to enter its third month.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan guests, reporters denied entry into China air show amid row</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-guests-reporters-denied-entry-into-china-air-show-amid-row</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-guests-reporters-denied-entry-into-china-air-show-amid-row</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Registered guests from Japan and Japanese media outlet reporters will be denied entry to an air show set to open later this week in southern China&#039;s Guangdong Province,… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:00:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, guests, reporters, denied, entry, into, China, air, show, amid, row</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Registered guests from Japan and Japanese media outlet reporters will be denied entry to an air show set to open later this week in southern China's Guangdong Province,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Campbell&amp;apos;s fires executive who was recorded saying company&amp;apos;s products are for &amp;apos;poor people&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/campbells-fires-executive-who-was-recorded-saying-companys-products-are-for-poor-people</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/campbells-fires-executive-who-was-recorded-saying-companys-products-are-for-poor-people</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Campbell’s Co said Wednesday it has fired an executive who was recorded making racist comments and mocking the company’s products and customers.
Martin Bally, a vice president… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:00:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Campbells, fires, executive, who, was, recorded, saying, companys, products, are, for, poor, people</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Campbell’s Co said Wednesday it has fired an executive who was recorded making racist comments and mocking the company’s products and customers.
Martin Bally, a vice president…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. retail sales lose steam, consumer confidence falls as costs bite</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-retail-sales-lose-steam-consumer-confidence-falls-as-costs-bite</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-retail-sales-lose-steam-consumer-confidence-falls-as-costs-bite</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ U.S. retail sales lost momentum in September and firms grappled with an uptick in business costs, government data showed Tuesday, underscoring growing concerns about affordability in the world&#039;s… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., retail, sales, lose, steam, consumer, confidence, falls, costs, bite</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[U.S. retail sales lost momentum in September and firms grappled with an uptick in business costs, government data showed Tuesday, underscoring growing concerns about affordability in the world's…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>EU says must &amp;apos;step up&amp;apos; against China rare earths &amp;apos;racket&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/eu-says-must-step-up-against-china-rare-earths-racket</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/eu-says-must-step-up-against-china-rare-earths-racket</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The European Union must ramp up efforts to break its dependence on China for rare earths faced with export curbs that amount to a &quot;racket&quot; by Beijing, the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>says, must, step, up, against, China, rare, earths, racket</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The European Union must ramp up efforts to break its dependence on China for rare earths faced with export curbs that amount to a "racket" by Beijing, the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Best Buy ups sales outlook heading into holiday shopping ramp&#45;up</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/best-buy-ups-sales-outlook-heading-into-holiday-shopping-ramp-up</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/best-buy-ups-sales-outlook-heading-into-holiday-shopping-ramp-up</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Best Buy raised its profit and sales expectations ahead of the holiday shopping ramp-up on Black Friday after a strong third quarter.
Comparable-store sales at the nation&#039;s largest… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Best, Buy, ups, sales, outlook, heading, into, holiday, shopping, ramp-up</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Best Buy raised its profit and sales expectations ahead of the holiday shopping ramp-up on Black Friday after a strong third quarter.
Comparable-store sales at the nation's largest…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China&amp;apos;s diesel trucks are shifting to electric. That could change global LNG and diesel demand</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-diesel-trucks-are-shifting-to-electric-that-could-change-global-lng-and-diesel-demand</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-diesel-trucks-are-shifting-to-electric-that-could-change-global-lng-and-diesel-demand</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ China is replacing its diesel trucks with electric models faster than expected, potentially reshaping global fuel demand and the future of heavy transport.
In 2020, nearly all new… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinas, diesel, trucks, are, shifting, electric., That, could, change, global, LNG, and, diesel, demand</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[China is replacing its diesel trucks with electric models faster than expected, potentially reshaping global fuel demand and the future of heavy transport.
In 2020, nearly all new…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian shares advance after Wall Street gets a lift from hopes for a Fed rate cut</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-advance-after-wall-street-gets-a-lift-from-hopes-for-a-fed-rate-cut</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-advance-after-wall-street-gets-a-lift-from-hopes-for-a-fed-rate-cut</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares mostly gained on Tuesday after U.S. stocks rallied on hopes the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates soon.
U.S. futures edged lower and oil prices also… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, advance, after, Wall, Street, gets, lift, from, hopes, for, Fed, rate, cut</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares mostly gained on Tuesday after U.S. stocks rallied on hopes the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates soon.
U.S. futures edged lower and oil prices also…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Starbucks Japan opens first&#45;ever branch on bullet train platform</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/starbucks-japan-opens-first-ever-branch-on-bullet-train-platform</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/starbucks-japan-opens-first-ever-branch-on-bullet-train-platform</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Once upon a time, vendors would periodically wheel carts down the aisles of the shinkansen, offering food and drinks for travelers to enjoy during their ride on Japan’s famed… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 23 Nov 2025 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Starbucks, Japan, opens, first-ever, branch, bullet, train, platform</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Once upon a time, vendors would periodically wheel carts down the aisles of the shinkansen, offering food and drinks for travelers to enjoy during their ride on Japan’s famed…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japanese businesses brush off worries over China tourists</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-businesses-brush-off-worries-over-china-tourists</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-businesses-brush-off-worries-over-china-tourists</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Shiina Ito has had fewer Chinese customers at her Tokyo jewelry shop since Beijing issued a travel warning in the wake of a diplomatic spat, but she said… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 15:28:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, businesses, brush, off, worries, over, China, tourists</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Shiina Ito has had fewer Chinese customers at her Tokyo jewelry shop since Beijing issued a travel warning in the wake of a diplomatic spat, but she said…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asahi to take months to restore system after cyberattack: reports</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asahi-to-take-months-to-restore-system-after-cyberattack-reports</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asahi-to-take-months-to-restore-system-after-cyberattack-reports</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese brewing giant Asahi aims to restore its systems after a major cyberattack that disrupted its operations by February, media reports said on Friday.
The maker of Asahi… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asahi, take, months, restore, system, after, cyberattack:, reports</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese brewing giant Asahi aims to restore its systems after a major cyberattack that disrupted its operations by February, media reports said on Friday.
The maker of Asahi…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. employers added surprisingly solid 119,000 jobs in September, government says in delayed report</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-employers-added-surprisingly-solid-119000-jobs-in-september-government-says-in-delayed-report</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-employers-added-surprisingly-solid-119000-jobs-in-september-government-says-in-delayed-report</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ U.S. employers added a surprisingly solid 119,000 jobs in September, the government said, issuing a key economic report that had been delayed for seven weeks by the federal… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:07:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., employers, added, surprisingly, solid, 119, 000, jobs, September, government, says, delayed, report</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[U.S. employers added a surprisingly solid 119,000 jobs in September, the government said, issuing a key economic report that had been delayed for seven weeks by the federal…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Sharp disagreements over economy threaten Federal Reserve interest rate cut</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/sharp-disagreements-over-economy-threaten-federal-reserve-interest-rate-cut</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/sharp-disagreements-over-economy-threaten-federal-reserve-interest-rate-cut</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ What was once seen as a near-certain cut in interest rates next month now looks more like a coin flip as Federal Reserve officials sharply disagree over the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:07:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Sharp, disagreements, over, economy, threaten, Federal, Reserve, interest, rate, cut</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[What was once seen as a near-certain cut in interest rates next month now looks more like a coin flip as Federal Reserve officials sharply disagree over the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Starbucks union says 30 more U.S. stores are joining week&#45;old strike</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/starbucks-union-says-30-more-us-stores-are-joining-week-old-strike</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/starbucks-union-says-30-more-us-stores-are-joining-week-old-strike</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Starbucks&#039; union is expanding its week-old strike against the company.
Starbucks Workers United said baristas from 30 more stores in 25 U.S. cities planned to join the strike… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Starbucks, union, says, more, U.S., stores, are, joining, week-old, strike</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Starbucks' union is expanding its week-old strike against the company.
Starbucks Workers United said baristas from 30 more stores in 25 U.S. cities planned to join the strike…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s exports to the world rise but drop to U.S. due to tariffs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-exports-to-the-world-rise-but-drop-to-us-due-to-tariffs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-exports-to-the-world-rise-but-drop-to-us-due-to-tariffs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan’s global exports rose 3.7% in October from a year earlier while imports from the world edged up 0.6%, according to government data released Friday.
Exports to the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, exports, the, world, rise, but, drop, U.S., due, tariffs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan’s global exports rose 3.7% in October from a year earlier while imports from the world edged up 0.6%, according to government data released Friday.
Exports to the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japanese restaurant owners in China lament flare&#45;up in diplomatic tensions</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-restaurant-owners-in-china-lament-flare-up-in-diplomatic-tensions</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-restaurant-owners-in-china-lament-flare-up-in-diplomatic-tensions</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Takashi Ito, owner of a restaurant in Shanghai, had been looking forward to China&#039;s lifting of a ban on imports of Japanese seafood - only to have his… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, restaurant, owners, China, lament, flare-up, diplomatic, tensions</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Takashi Ito, owner of a restaurant in Shanghai, had been looking forward to China's lifting of a ban on imports of Japanese seafood - only to have his…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian shares retreat in cautious trading ahead of Nvidia&amp;apos;s profit report</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-retreat-in-cautious-trading-ahead-of-nvidias-profit-report</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-retreat-in-cautious-trading-ahead-of-nvidias-profit-report</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares have retreated in cautious trading Wednesday ahead of an earnings report from Nvidia that is seen as a bellwether for the recent craze for artificial intelligence… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:04:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, retreat, cautious, trading, ahead, Nvidias, profit, report</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares have retreated in cautious trading Wednesday ahead of an earnings report from Nvidia that is seen as a bellwether for the recent craze for artificial intelligence…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. trade deficit drops 24% in August as Trump&amp;apos;s tariffs reduce imports</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-trade-deficit-drops-24-in-august-as-trumps-tariffs-reduce-imports</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-trade-deficit-drops-24-in-august-as-trumps-tariffs-reduce-imports</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The U.S. trade deficit fell by nearly 24% in August as President Donald Trump&#039;s sweeping global tariffs pushed imports lower.
In a report delayed for more than seven… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:04:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., trade, deficit, drops, 24, August, Trumps, tariffs, reduce, imports</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The U.S. trade deficit fell by nearly 24% in August as President Donald Trump's sweeping global tariffs pushed imports lower.
In a report delayed for more than seven…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. Labor Department won&amp;apos;t release full October jobs report, a casualty of the 43&#45;day federal shutdown</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-labor-department-wont-release-full-october-jobs-report-a-casualty-of-the-43-day-federal-shutdown</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-labor-department-wont-release-full-october-jobs-report-a-casualty-of-the-43-day-federal-shutdown</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Labor Department said Wednesday that it will not be releasing a full jobs report for October because the 43-day federal government shutdown meant it couldn&#039;t calculate the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:04:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., Labor, Department, wont, release, full, October, jobs, report, casualty, the, 43-day, federal, shutdown</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Labor Department said Wednesday that it will not be releasing a full jobs report for October because the 43-day federal government shutdown meant it couldn't calculate the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Why is bitcoin plunging?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/why-is-bitcoin-plunging</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/why-is-bitcoin-plunging</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The value of bitcoin has fallen sharply since reaching record heights last month, briefly falling below $90,000 on Tuesday compared with above $126,000 at the start of October.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Why, bitcoin, plunging</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The value of bitcoin has fallen sharply since reaching record heights last month, briefly falling below $90,000 on Tuesday compared with above $126,000 at the start of October.…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Burger King Japan to be bought by America’s Goldman&#45;Sachs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/burger-king-japan-to-be-bought-by-americas-goldman-sachs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/burger-king-japan-to-be-bought-by-americas-goldman-sachs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ You don’t have to be a financial genius to realize that you could buy a lot of hamburgers with 70 billion yen. But did you know that dropping that… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Burger, King, Japan, bought, America’s, Goldman-Sachs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[You don’t have to be a financial genius to realize that you could buy a lot of hamburgers with 70 billion yen. But did you know that dropping that…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>French court says Perrier can keep marketing as &amp;apos;natural mineral water&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/french-court-says-perrier-can-keep-marketing-as-natural-mineral-water</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/french-court-says-perrier-can-keep-marketing-as-natural-mineral-water</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A French court on Tuesday said Perrier can keep selling its famed sparkling beverage as &quot;natural mineral water&quot;, rejecting a case brought by a consumer rights group that… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>French, court, says, Perrier, can, keep, marketing, natural, mineral, water</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A French court on Tuesday said Perrier can keep selling its famed sparkling beverage as "natural mineral water", rejecting a case brought by a consumer rights group that…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Honda recalls 256,600 Accord Hybrids in U.S. due to software error that may lead to loss of drive power</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/honda-recalls-256600-accord-hybrids-in-us-due-to-software-error-that-may-lead-to-loss-of-drive-power</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/honda-recalls-256600-accord-hybrids-in-us-due-to-software-error-that-may-lead-to-loss-of-drive-power</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Honda is recalling more than 256,600 of its Accord Hybrid vehicles across the U.S., due to a software error that may result in sudden loss of drive power.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Honda, recalls, 256, 600, Accord, Hybrids, U.S., due, software, error, that, may, lead, loss, drive, power</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Honda is recalling more than 256,600 of its Accord Hybrid vehicles across the U.S., due to a software error that may result in sudden loss of drive power.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Toyota to invest $912 mil in U.S. factories to meet hybrid demand</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-to-invest-912-mil-in-us-factories-to-meet-hybrid-demand</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-to-invest-912-mil-in-us-factories-to-meet-hybrid-demand</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Toyota Motor Corp said Tuesday it would invest a total $912 million in five factories in the United States to meet the growing demand for hybrid vehicles.
The… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Toyota, invest, 912, mil, U.S., factories, meet, hybrid, demand</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Toyota Motor Corp said Tuesday it would invest a total $912 million in five factories in the United States to meet the growing demand for hybrid vehicles.
The…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Several major China travel agencies halt Japan trip sales</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/several-major-china-travel-agencies-halt-japan-trip-sales</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/several-major-china-travel-agencies-halt-japan-trip-sales</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Several major Chinese travel agencies have halted sales of Japan-bound trips, industry sources said Monday, after the Chinese government urged its citizens not to visit the neighboring country… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Several, major, China, travel, agencies, halt, Japan, trip, sales</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Several major Chinese travel agencies have halted sales of Japan-bound trips, industry sources said Monday, after the Chinese government urged its citizens not to visit the neighboring country…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Law to curb abusive behavior by customers to take effect from October 2026</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/law-to-curb-abusive-behavior-by-customers-to-take-effect-from-october-2026</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/law-to-curb-abusive-behavior-by-customers-to-take-effect-from-october-2026</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese government on Monday said a revised law requiring all companies and municipalities in Japan to adopt protective measures against abusive behavior by customers will take effect… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Law, curb, abusive, behavior, customers, take, effect, from, October, 2026</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese government on Monday said a revised law requiring all companies and municipalities in Japan to adopt protective measures against abusive behavior by customers will take effect…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s economy contracts as exports get hit by U.S. tariffs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-economy-contracts-as-exports-get-hit-by-us-tariffs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-economy-contracts-as-exports-get-hit-by-us-tariffs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan’s economy sank at an annualized rate of 1.8% in the July-September period, government data showed Monday, as President Donald Trump’s tariffs sent the nation’s exports spiraling.
On a quarter-by-quarter… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:40:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, economy, contracts, exports, get, hit, U.S., tariffs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan’s economy sank at an annualized rate of 1.8% in the July-September period, government data showed Monday, as President Donald Trump’s tariffs sent the nation’s exports spiraling.
On a quarter-by-quarter…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>7&#45;Eleven selling half&#45;off fried food for Black Friday alongside regular&#45;priced black food</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/7-eleven-selling-half-off-fried-food-for-black-friday-alongside-regular-priced-black-food</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/7-eleven-selling-half-off-fried-food-for-black-friday-alongside-regular-priced-black-food</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ 7-Eleven Japan has announced a Black Friday sale. Playing off a “fried-day” pun, the convenience store chain will be offering 50 percent off select fried foods nationwide from 27 to… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>7-Eleven, selling, half-off, fried, food, for, Black, Friday, alongside, regular-priced, black, food</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[7-Eleven Japan has announced a Black Friday sale. Playing off a “fried-day” pun, the convenience store chain will be offering 50 percent off select fried foods nationwide from 27 to…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Ford Motor shows off new high&#45;tech HQ with &amp;apos;crown jewel&amp;apos; showroom and room for 4,000 employees</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ford-motor-shows-off-new-high-tech-hq-with-crown-jewel-showroom-and-room-for-4000-employees</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ford-motor-shows-off-new-high-tech-hq-with-crown-jewel-showroom-and-room-for-4000-employees</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Ford Motor Co.’s new headquarters, the carmaker&#039;s first central office switch since Dwight Eisenhower was president, is double the size of its old one with room for twice… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:04:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ford, Motor, shows, off, new, high-tech, with, crown, jewel, showroom, and, room, for, 4, 000, employees</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Ford Motor Co.’s new headquarters, the carmaker's first central office switch since Dwight Eisenhower was president, is double the size of its old one with room for twice…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan retailers, tourism sector wary after China warns against travel</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-retailers-tourism-sector-wary-after-china-warns-against-travel</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-retailers-tourism-sector-wary-after-china-warns-against-travel</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese retailers and tourism operators voiced concern Saturday after China warned its citizens against visiting Japan following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi&#039;s remarks about a potential contingency involving Taiwan.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, retailers, tourism, sector, wary, after, China, warns, against, travel</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese retailers and tourism operators voiced concern Saturday after China warned its citizens against visiting Japan following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks about a potential contingency involving Taiwan.…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>U.S. gov&amp;apos;t will release September jobs report on Thursday, ending data drought from federal shutdown</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-govt-will-release-september-jobs-report-on-thursday-ending-data-drought-from-federal-shutdown</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-govt-will-release-september-jobs-report-on-thursday-ending-data-drought-from-federal-shutdown</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Labor Department will release its numbers on September hiring and unemployment next Thursday, a month and a half late, marking the beginning of the end of a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., govt, will, release, September, jobs, report, Thursday, ending, data, drought, from, federal, shutdown</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Labor Department will release its numbers on September hiring and unemployment next Thursday, a month and a half late, marking the beginning of the end of a…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>BOJ says Deputy Governor Uchida in hospital to treat leukemia</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-says-deputy-governor-uchida-in-hospital-to-treat-leukemia</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-says-deputy-governor-uchida-in-hospital-to-treat-leukemia</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida has been hospitalised for leukemia treatment and will work remotely for a few weeks, the central bank said on Friday.
The… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 15:07:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>BOJ, says, Deputy, Governor, Uchida, hospital, treat, leukemia</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida has been hospitalised for leukemia treatment and will work remotely for a few weeks, the central bank said on Friday.
The…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China retail sales grew at slowest pace in over a year</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/china-retail-sales-grew-at-slowest-pace-in-over-a-year</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/china-retail-sales-grew-at-slowest-pace-in-over-a-year</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Retail sales in China grew last month at the slowest pace in over a year, official data showed Friday, highlighting the battle facing authorities&#039; efforts to counteract persistent… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 15:07:13 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>China, retail, sales, grew, slowest, pace, over, year</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Retail sales in China grew last month at the slowest pace in over a year, official data showed Friday, highlighting the battle facing authorities' efforts to counteract persistent…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Customer info of Muji operator may have leaked due to cyberattack</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/customer-info-of-muji-operator-may-have-leaked-due-to-cyberattack</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/customer-info-of-muji-operator-may-have-leaked-due-to-cyberattack</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Muji brand store operator Ryohin Keikaku Co said Friday its customer information may have been leaked due to a recent cyberattack on Askul Corp, which provides logistics services… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 15:07:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Customer, info, Muji, operator, may, have, leaked, due, cyberattack</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Muji brand store operator Ryohin Keikaku Co said Friday its customer information may have been leaked due to a recent cyberattack on Askul Corp, which provides logistics services…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Asian shares fall, tracking Wall Street&amp;apos;s tumble on worries about AI stocks and interest rates</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-fall-tracking-wall-streets-tumble-on-worries-about-ai-stocks-and-interest-rates</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-fall-tracking-wall-streets-tumble-on-worries-about-ai-stocks-and-interest-rates</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares retreated on Friday, tracking Wall Street’s tumble to one of its worst days since April as Nvidia and other AI superstar stocks kept dropping on worries… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:31:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, fall, tracking, Wall, Streets, tumble, worries, about, stocks, and, interest, rates</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares retreated on Friday, tracking Wall Street’s tumble to one of its worst days since April as Nvidia and other AI superstar stocks kept dropping on worries…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Starbucks baristas launch strike on chain&amp;apos;s &amp;apos;Red Cup Day&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/starbucks-baristas-launch-strike-on-chains-red-cup-day</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/starbucks-baristas-launch-strike-on-chains-red-cup-day</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Hundreds of unionized Starbucks baristas kicked off an indefinite strike Thursday in cities across the United States, protesting working conditions and stalled labor negotiations.
Like last year, the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Starbucks, baristas, launch, strike, chains, Red, Cup, Day</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Hundreds of unionized Starbucks baristas kicked off an indefinite strike Thursday in cities across the United States, protesting working conditions and stalled labor negotiations.
Like last year, the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Boeing defense workers ratify new contract to end 3&#45;month strike in the Midwest</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/boeing-defense-workers-ratify-new-contract-to-end-3-month-strike-in-the-midwest</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/boeing-defense-workers-ratify-new-contract-to-end-3-month-strike-in-the-midwest</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Several thousand Boeing machinists in the Midwest who assemble military aircraft and weapons voted Thursday to approve a new contract, ending a three-month strike that saw them reject… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:04:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Boeing, defense, workers, ratify, new, contract, end, 3-month, strike, the, Midwest</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Several thousand Boeing machinists in the Midwest who assemble military aircraft and weapons voted Thursday to approve a new contract, ending a three-month strike that saw them reject…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Asian shares mostly higher after Trump signs bill ending U.S. government shutdown</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-mostly-higher-after-trump-signs-bill-ending-us-government-shutdown</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-mostly-higher-after-trump-signs-bill-ending-us-government-shutdown</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares mostly gained on Thursday after U.S. stocks settled near their records and U.S. President Donald Trump signed a government funding bill, ending the record 43-day shutdown.
U.S.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:36:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, mostly, higher, after, Trump, signs, bill, ending, U.S., government, shutdown</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares mostly gained on Thursday after U.S. stocks settled near their records and U.S. President Donald Trump signed a government funding bill, ending the record 43-day shutdown.
U.S.…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Gov&amp;apos;t raises gasoline subsidy to reduce prices ahead of tax removal</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/govt-raises-gasoline-subsidy-to-reduce-prices-ahead-of-tax-removal</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/govt-raises-gasoline-subsidy-to-reduce-prices-ahead-of-tax-removal</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese government raised its gasoline subsidy by 5 yen to 15 yen per liter on Thursday as a temporary measure to curb prices and ease the burden… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:36:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Govt, raises, gasoline, subsidy, reduce, prices, ahead, tax, removal</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese government raised its gasoline subsidy by 5 yen to 15 yen per liter on Thursday as a temporary measure to curb prices and ease the burden…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Toyota to invest extra $10 billion in U.S. to make EV batteries</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-to-invest-extra-10-billion-in-us-to-make-ev-batteries</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-to-invest-extra-10-billion-in-us-to-make-ev-batteries</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Toyota Motor Corp. said Wednesday it will make an additional investment of up to $10 billion in the United States over the next five years, as the Japanese… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:00:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Toyota, invest, extra, 10, billion, U.S., make, batteries</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Toyota Motor Corp. said Wednesday it will make an additional investment of up to $10 billion in the United States over the next five years, as the Japanese…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Asian shares are mostly higher in cautious trading as Wall Street settles</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-are-mostly-higher-in-cautious-trading-as-wall-street-settles</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-shares-are-mostly-higher-in-cautious-trading-as-wall-street-settles</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Asian shares mostly gained in cautious trading Wednesday after most U.S. stocks rose, settling back to where they were before last week’s swoon over the future of artificial… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 15:42:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, shares, are, mostly, higher, cautious, trading, Wall, Street, settles</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Asian shares mostly gained in cautious trading Wednesday after most U.S. stocks rose, settling back to where they were before last week’s swoon over the future of artificial…]]> </content:encoded>
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