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Japan's Osaka bans street smoking ahead of Expo 2025

The Japanese city of Osaka on Monday imposed a smoking ban on public streets as part of efforts to become more visitor-friendly ahead of this year's World Expo.

ECB to cut rates again, with a nervous eye on Trump

Eurozone rate-setters are set to cut borrowing costs again this week, confident their efforts to lower inflation will remain on track despite the threat from US President Donald Trump's protectionist agenda.

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WTO chief faces heavy task as Trump threat looms

World Trade Organization chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is expected to be reappointed Friday for a second term, in the shadow of the coming return of Donald Trump and his disdain for international trade rules.

Waste pickers battle for recognition at plastic treaty talks

As diplomats negotiate behind closed doors in Busan on a treaty to curb plastic pollution, the waste pickers who are on the front lines of the problem are fighting for recognition.

European countries that allow assisted dying

UK lawmakers will debate on Friday a new bill to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales that has sparked concern among opponents about its implications.

Yen rallies on rate hike bets as equity markets swing

The yen rallied Friday after forecast-busting inflation data out of Tokyo boosted talk of another Japanese interest rate cut next month, while equity markets were mixed as traders weigh the economic outlook during a second Trump administration.

Nepal's first transgender candidates run for local office

Two transgender candidates are contesting Nepal's local by-elections for the first time, hoping to push for political representation among sexual and gender minorities in the Himalayan nation.

Father of PlayStation says 'everyone told us we would fail'

The PlayStation has been a colossal consumer hit, but three decades ago, its creator Ken Kutaragi struggled to convince both game-makers and his bosses at Sony that his console would be a winner.

Canada watchdog sues Google over 'anti-competitive' ad tech

Canada's competition watchdog announced Thursday it was taking Google to court, accusing the company of "anti-competitive behavior" in online advertising.

Flood-hit Spain introduces 'climate leave' for workers

Spain's leftist government on Thursday approved a "paid climate leave" of up to four days for workers to avoid travelling during weather emergencies, a month after floods killed 230 people.

French PM announces concession in bid to end budget standoff

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Thursday announced a major concession in a bid to end a standoff with the opposition over the budget, which has caused jitters on financial markets and risks bringing down his minority government.

Uber and Bolt unveil women-only service in Paris

Two rival ride-hailing platforms announced on Thursday options allowing Parisian women to order a car driven by a female driver in a bid to ensure "greater safety" for its customers.

Nigerian president woos French investment on state visit

President Bola Tinubu said on Thursday Nigeria is "open for business" as he embarked on a state visit to France, with Paris looking to boost ties in English-speaking Africa following a series of setbacks with former allies on the continent.

K-pop band NewJeans leaves label over 'mistreatment'

Chart-topping K-pop group NewJeans announced Thursday their decision to leave their label ADOR, accusing the company of "mistreatment".

France says ready for budget concessions to avert 'storm'

The French government is ready to offer concessions to parliament to pass its budget, the finance minister said Thursday, in a standoff which is causing market turbulence and risks bringing down the government of Prime Minister Michel Barnier.

French govt ready for budget concessions to avoid financial 'storm'

The French government is ready to offer concessions to parliament to get through its budget, the finance minister said Thursday, in a standoff which is causing market turbulence and risks bringing down the government of Prime Minister Michel Barnier.

Hong Kong airport third runway takes off

Hong Kong started flight operations on its third runway on Thursday, with officials saying it will keep the city's airport competitive as an aviation hub despite its lagging post-pandemic recovery.

Markets mixed after subdued pre-holiday shift on Wall St

Equity markets diverged Thursday as investors brushed off a negative lead from Wall Street while welcoming a drop in Treasury yields and data showing US inflation was holding steady.

Despair in Sweden as gangs recruit kids as contract killers

"Bro, I can't wait for my first dead body," wrote an 11-year-old boy on Instagram in Sweden, where gangs recruit children too young to be prosecuted as contract killers on chat apps.

At plastic treaty talks, no united front for industry

Is virgin plastic production vital or completely unsustainable? For the industry lobbyists at UN talks on plastic pollution, the answer is far from unanimous.

Primark boss defends practices as budget fashion brand eyes expansion

Ireland-based budget fashion chain Primark has been criticised for its record on workers' rights and the effect of its low-cost, high-volume model on the environment.

Asian markets mixed after subdued pre-holiday shift on Wall St

Asian markets diverged Thursday as investors brushed off a negative lead from Wall Street while welcoming a drop in Treasury yields and data showing US inflation was holding steady.

Orban's soft power shines as Hungary hosts Israeli match

Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October last year, many home fixtures of Israel's national football team and clubs have been moved to Hungary.

'Retaliate': Trump tariff talk spurs global jitters, preparations

Donald Trump's tariff threats have rattled foreign businesses and governments, with many fearing it could signal the opening salvo of an all-out trade war when he returns to the White House next year.

'Anti-woke' Americans hail death of DEI as another domino topples

America's largest private employer, Walmart, is the latest name to join a list of US businesses and institutions rethinking programs to bolster minority groups as support for progressive policies erodes.

Truckers strike accusing Wagner of driver death in Central African Republic

Soaring prices have left a bitter taste in shoppers' mouths at a market in Bangui, as a strike by Cameroonian truckers accusing Russia's infamous Wagner mercenaries of a recent murder cuts off the Central African Republic (CAR).

London police say 90 victims identified in new Al-Fayed probe

London's Metropolitan Police confirmed Wednesday that it had opened a new investigation into sexual assault claims against the late Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed, which has so far identified 90 victims.

Mexico president hails 'excellent' Trump talks after US tariff threat

Mexico's president discussed migration and drug trafficking with US President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday -- two issues he had raised as justification for raising import tariffs on America's southern neighbor.

Coffee price heats up on tight Brazil crop fears

The price of Arabica coffee hit the highest level since 1977 on Wednesday, approaching a record high as drought in top producer Brazil this year hits supplies.

Canadian fund drops bid for Spanish pharma firm Grifols

Canadian investment fund Brookfield said Wednesday it has dropped its bid for Spanish pharmaceutical firm Grifols following disagreement over its valuation.

Mexico says Trump tariffs would cost 400,000 US jobs

Mexico said Wednesday the United States will be shooting itself in the foot if President-elect Donald Trump implements his threats to impose 25-percent tariffs on Mexican imports.

Car-centric Saudi to open first part of Riyadh Metro

Saudi Arabia announced Wednesday it is ready to open the first part of the Riyadh Metro, a major project intended to help shift the car-centric kingdom to public transport.

Spain factory explosion kills three, injures seven

An explosion in a plastics factory near the southeastern Spanish city of Alicante killed three people and injured seven on Wednesday, emergency services said.

US Fed's favored inflation gauge ticks up in October

US inflation -- set to be a key issue for incoming president Donald Trump -- accelerated slightly last month, according to data published Wednesday, underscoring price pressures in the world's largest economy.

The Japan Times - Economy (English)