Financially troubled Toshiba Corp., which is set to spin off its semiconductor unit in a bid to rehabilitate itself, has decided to prioritize sales’ negotiations with a Japan-U.S.-South Korea alliance led by the Japanese government-backed Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ).   The government has used its influence and is set to utilize public funds to make up for a….Read more

How will Toshiba Corp. proceed with the sale of its semiconductor subsidiary, a pillar of its corporate rebuilding plan? The capability of its management is being tested.   Financially troubled Toshiba has decided to negotiate with a consortium of Japanese, U.S. and South Korean entities — including the public-private fund Innovation Network Corporation of Japan — as a preferred bidder….Read more

TOKYO — Japan’s government has upgraded its assessment of the economy for the first time in six months in light of healthy consumer spending — though neither the cabinet, the business community nor the public seems truly confident that things are looking up.   “The Japanese economy is on a moderate recovery,” the Cabinet Office’s monthly economic report said, omitting….Read more

Asahi wrote that the GOJ will increase the number of officials assigned to its TPP taskforce from the current 18 to around 30 to strengthen its functions in an effort to seek a “TPP 11” pact.

Asahi wrote that concerning Japan’s ongoing EPA talks with the EU, Japan Agricultural Cooperatives, also known as JA, called on Farm Minister Yamamoto on Thursday to maintain tariffs on pork, dairy, and other farm products.   In a related development, Nikkei wrote that the LDP plans to ask the Abe administration not to make concessions in the EPA negotiations with….Read more

Jiji Press reported that following USTR Lighthizer’s call for Japan to make “unilateral concessions” on its beef imports, Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga pointed out during a press briefing this morning that Japan “has received no specific requests from the USG on market access during a series of talks, including the U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue.” Suga also reportedly said that the U.S. and Japan will “hold….Read more

WASHINGTON — U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer urged Japan on Wednesday to make “unilateral concessions” on beef imports as part of an effort to reduce its trade surplus with the United States.   “I think in the areas like beef and the others, they ought to make some unilateral concessions — at least temporary concessions,” Lighthizer said at a hearing….Read more

The Japanese government on June 21 decided to totally prohibit junket agents, middlemen who are partially entrusted with casino operations and provide wealthy clients with various services, at the country’s planned integrated resorts (IR) featuring casinos. It will only allow licensed casino operators to exchange money with clients and will ban casino operations from being outsourced. The plan is aimed….Read more