Bird flu resurgence drives up egg prices, spurring some to stock up

Unstamped brown eggs. Picture Alliance | Picture Alliance | Getty Images Bird flu fears are driving up egg prices again. After having subsided for most of 2023, a recent resurgence of avian influenza in poultry facilities across the U.S., Japan and other nations have caused prices of eggs to jump again. The virus, commonly referred … Read more

SoftBank to invest millions in AI push, tapping Nvidia’s chips: Nikkei

Signage at a SoftBank Corp. store in the Ginza district of Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023. Kiyoshi Ota | Bloomberg | Getty Images Japanese tech conglomerate SoftBank is looking to develop a “world-class” Japanese-language-specific generative artificial intelligence model, and plans to invest $960 million in the next two years to bolster its computing facilities, according to a Nikkei report.  … Read more

2 Japanese navy helicopters with 8 crew believed crashed in Pacific: officials – National

By Mari Yamaguchi The Associated Press Posted April 20, 2024 2:58 pm Updated April 20, 2024 3:00 pm 1 min read Descrease article font size Increase article font size Two Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force helicopters carrying eight crewmembers were believed to have crashed in the Pacific Ocean south of Tokyo during night-time training, Japan’s … Read more

Skytrax names best airports of 2024. Singapore’s Changi no longer No. 1

Singapore’s Changi Airport has lost its pole position as the world’s best airport to Doha’s Hamad International Airport, according to air transport rating firm Skytrax.  This is the third time Hamad International Airport clinched the top spot, after winning the title in 2021 and 2022. Travelers of more than 100 nationalities participated in the Skytrax … Read more

ChatGPT-maker OpenAI opens its first Asia office in Japan

In this photo illustration, an OpenAI logo is displayed on a smartphone screen.  Rafael Henrique | SOPA Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images OpenAI has opened its first Asian office in Tokyo, Japan as the ChatGPT developer aims to expand its global presence. “We’re excited to be in Japan which has a rich history of … Read more

Biden gathers leaders of Japan, Philippines to reinforce bonds, counter China – National

U.S. President Joe Biden said Thursday that U.S. defense commitment to Pacific allies was “ironclad” as he gathered Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House on Thursday in the midst of growing concern about provocative Chinese military action in the Indo-Pacific. The U.S. and the Philippines have … Read more

Biden welcomes Kishida to Washington as U.S., Japan navigate rare spat – National

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida began a much-anticipated visit to Washington on Tuesday that spotlights shared concerns about provocative Chinese military action in the Pacific and at a rare moment of public difference between the two nations over a Japanese company’s plan to buy an iconic U.S. company. Kishida and his wife will stop by … Read more

What to know about traveling in Japan? 7 tips from frequent travelers

Japan has long captivated travelers. But many of its most famous qualities — from the cuisine to the country’s nationwide culture of civility — can initially be befuddling for outsiders too. To help travelers bridge the cultural gap, CNBC Travel asked frequent visitors for their single best piece of advice when visiting Japan. 1. Speak … Read more

U.S. economy world’s best; Trump claims ‘cesspool.’ Data is clear

U.S. President Joe Biden, delivers remarks on the U.S. economy and his administration’s effort to revive American manufacturing, during his visit in Flex LTD, a factory that makes solar energy microinverters, in West Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. July 6, 2023.  Jonathan Ernst | Reuters President Joe Biden is fighting to convince inflation-weary voters that the … Read more

Why Japan’s shunto negotiations may not help over 80% of its workers

Akihiko Matsuura, president of UA Zensen, center, raises his fist with members of the union during a rally for the annual wage negotiations in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Japan is likely to see the sharpest wage hikes in 33 years following “shunto” negotiations that prompted the … Read more