Nipponica

Energy company Eneos will soon launch a pilot initiative with printing group Toppan Holdings to recycle discarded paper into bioethanol, part of an effort to find a stable supply of the decarbonized fuel.

The field test is due to take place in early 2027. If successful, the companies aim to commercialize the technology as soon as fiscal 2030.

Cool tech, but the real money maker is to somehow convert all the waste plastic bags and packaging in this country into something useful.

For the January-June first half, tax-free sales totaled 285.7 billion yen, down 14.6%.

Some of the declines may have been exaggerated by a drop in tourism from Hong Kong and other mainly Chinese-speaking countries due to rumors of an imminent earthquake, which turned out to be groundless.

But industry officials caution that the slowdown may not be temporary and are redoubling their efforts to attract foreign shoppers amid global economic headwinds. Economists warn that the impact of Trump's tariffs -- on Friday the baseline 10% rate is set to go up -- will further raise consumer anxiety around the world.

Putting the Hong Kong earthquake hoax to one side, this is an example of actions having consequences. There is a slow anti-tourist movement growing in Japan and this is a natural and obvious result.

While I do understand the dislike of some tourist behavior and overcrowding, one also has to factor in the benefits of it, not just monetary but also in boosting Japan’s soft power. If the anti-tourism sentiment continues and increases, Japanese may have a quieter and less crowded country, but also a weaker and poorer one as well.

Japanese ocean shipping group Mitsui O.S.K. Lines is exploring options for sending employees to English-speaking countries other than the U.S., citing the possibility of longer-term impacts.

The company has eight participants in its program, with four each at New York University and University of California, Irvine. They have student visas to take part in three-month programs to study English and business.

"The Trump administration's xenophobic policies will in the long term hurt the free-spirited charm has attracted exceptional young talent from all over the world and has been a U.S. strength," Mitsui O.S.K. Lines chief executive Takeshi Hashimoto said.