Japan smash success

Dec 22 - Business is booming for Japanese therapists who find clients for their dish-smashing stress therapy a hit in tough financial times.

Begun only one month ago, stressed out passers-by dish out about two dollars to smash a cup or saucer and relieve their anxieties to the encouragement of staff.

Japan Recession Fears Reinforced by New Data

Japan’s industry output in November plunged 8.1 percent from October, the biggest decline on record.

Japan Turns to Technology to Lift Fishing Industry

A hybrid boat engine is one part of a multimillion-dollar government-led effort to address rising energy costs.

Japan Offers a Possible Road Map for U.S. Economy

The United States is turning to the same sorts of policy tools Japan used for most of the last decade.

Japan Admits World War II Prisoners Worked at a Mine Owned by the Premier’s Family

The Japanese government has acknowledged that Allied prisoners during World War II were made to work at a mine owned by the family of Prime Minister Taro Aso.

Japan’s Manufacturing Confidence Index Drops Sharply

A key measure of business sentiment released on Monday foreshadowed more bad news ahead for the Japanese economy.

Japan Renews Authorization for Naval Aid in Afghan War

Japan pushed through a law to extend a naval refueling mission, allowing Tokyo to keep its small but symbolic presence in the U.S.-led military action in Afghanistan.

Japanese Leader Offers a Vast Stimulus Package

The sweeping $250 billion package was intended to create jobs, increase business loans and help laid-off workers.

Japanese Companies Still Invest in Themselves

Many Japanese companies are cutting back less than their rivals, investing instead for the eventual end of the downturn.

N. Korea Vows to Exclude Japan From Nuclear Talks

North Korea vowed to ignore Japan at talks due to begin on Monday among representatives from five regional powers aimed at reviving a nuclear disarmament deal.