Business

Japan Airlines (JAL) has unveiled plans to introduce a fuel surcharge on its domestic routes from April 2027, as part of a broader overhaul of its revenue structure. JAL's domestic EBIT for fiscal year 2025 stood at ¥15 billion — effectively zero without public subsidies. The airline has outlined a three-step reform plan, including collaboration with ANA and industry-wide initiatives, targeting domestic EBIT of ¥60 billion or more from fiscal year 2028.

Japan’s major chemical makers Asahi Kasei, Mitsui Chemicals, and Mitsubishi Chemical plan to halt ethylene production at the Mizushima complex and consolidate operations in Osaka, reflecting both decarbonization efforts and industry restructuring.

ZENSHO plans to rebrand all LOTTERIA stores in Japan as ZETTERIA. This article explains the background, market context, and what the move signals for Japan’s fast-food industry.

SWIFT plans to build an instant settlement system for small-value cross-border transfers. Nikkei reports the initiative aims to close the gap with fintech rivals.

SPACER, a Japanese startup developing smart luggage lockers, has completed a Series B extension round, bringing total Series B funding to approximately $6 million to expand production and logistics use cases.

Lawson Store 100 is shifting toward a small-format supermarket model. This article explores how the move reflects intensifying competition and structural change in Japan’s urban retail market.

Japan’s kei cars are gaining international attention after Trump’s comments on affordable vehicles. This article explores what kei cars are, how they work, and why kei trucks thrive overseas.