OHYASHIMA - OHYASHIMA

JAL to Introduce Domestic Fuel Surcharge from 2027

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.

2026.03.04

Business

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Signals Intent to Conduct a Literature Survey on Minami-Tori-shima, Ogasawara Village

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has formally requested a literature survey on Minami-Tori-shima in Ogasawara Village as a first step toward selecting a site for radioactive waste final disposal. This article explains the survey process, the global context, and why this remote island has emerged as a candidate.

2026.03.03

Policy & Regulation

A-wave Raises $3.5 Million in Series B to Develop Monitoring System for Chronic Heart Failure

A-wave, a Japanese startup developing a cardiac monitoring system for chronic heart failure patients, has raised $3.5 million in a Series B funding round.

2026.02.27

Technology

moveez Raises $1.3 Million in Seed Funding to Develop Autonomous Robotaxis

moveez, a Japanese startup developing fully autonomous robotaxis, has raised $1.3 million in a seed funding round to advance its Level 4 autonomous driving technology.

2026.02.26

Technology

The Worldview of Weekly Shonen Jump in One Piece, Dragon Ball, SLAM DUNK—and Beyond

A Japanese perspective on One Piece and the “Weekly Shonen Jump–style worldview” of effort, friendship, and victory, exploring why such narratives resonate in Japan and what they may suggest for business and cultural engagement.

2026.02.24

Culture & Society

What Overseas Businesspeople Can Learn from Prime Minister Takaichi’s Instructions to Her Cabinet

An overview of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s instructions to her Cabinet and what overseas business leaders should understand about Japan’s policy direction, based on the provisional English translation released by the Prime Minister’s Office.

2026.02.20

Policy & Regulation

Payn Raises $1.6 Million in Series A for Automated Cancellation Fee Invoicing

Payn, a Japanese startup automating cancellation fee invoicing for restaurants and service providers, has raised $1.6 million in a Series A funding round.

2026.02.17

Technology

Oceanic Constellations Raises $13 Million in Series B1 Funding for USV Development

Oceanic Constellations, a Japanese startup developing unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), has raised $13 million in Series B1 funding to advance its ocean observation and maritime monitoring technologies.

2026.02.13

Technology

San Francisco–based Japanese AI startup Shizuku AI completes seed round

San Francisco–based Japanese AI startup Shizuku AI has completed a seed funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). The company develops an AI-driven VTuber capable of interacting with viewers on YouTube, highlighting the growing global interest in AI-powered digital characters.

2026.02.11

Business

Who Are Toyota’s “Oyaji” and “Banto” at the Top of the Organization?

This article explains Toyota’s roles of “Oyaji” and “Banto,” exploring their historical origins, cultural meanings, and how they function within Toyota’s leadership and shop-floor tradition.

2026.02.10

Culture & Society