Toyota Halts Development of Next-Gen Lexus EV Model
Toyota Motor announced it will discontinue development of the next‑generation Lexus electric sedan, the LF‑ZC, and redirect engineering resources toward SUVs and other models. The decision comes as global electric‑vehicle sales have stalled, prompting the automaker to prioritize higher‑margin, higher‑volume segments. The halted model was intended for mass production, marking a setback for Lexus’s premium EV roadmap. Toyota now aims to expand its SUV lineup to capture stronger market demand.
Nikon to Take on ASML with Low-Priced Chipmaking Equipment: CEO
Nikon announced a strategic push to re‑enter the semiconductor photolithography market by offering equipment at prices lower than those of ASML, which currently controls over 80% of the segment. The move is driven by new President and CEO Yasuhiro Ohmura’s...
VinFast Founder's Son Takes over as EV Maker Recalibrates Global Expansion
VinFast announced that Pham Nhat Quan Anh, the eldest son of founder Pham Nhat Vuong, will assume the role of chairman as the company re‑tools its global expansion strategy. The move comes amid mounting losses, with the 2025 financials showing...
ECB Eyes June Rate Hike as Chief Economist Flags Forecast Upgrade
The European Central Bank is poised for a June rate hike, with chief economist Philip Lane indicating an upgraded inflation outlook for next month. Lane cited heightened upside risks from Middle East tensions and persistently high oil prices, suggesting inflation...
ECB Signals No Need to Correct Market Speculation of June Rate Hike
The European Central Bank’s chief economist, Philip Lane, told Nikkei that the market does not need extra guidance on speculation surrounding a possible June rate hike. He reaffirmed the ECB’s trajectory toward tighter policy and hinted at a further upward...
A Slice of Ashram Life in the Himalayan Foothills
The piece paints a vivid picture of life at Akhanda Sri Jungle Ashram, perched in the Himalayan foothills near Rishikesh, India’s famed yoga capital. It highlights how the retreat blends daily yoga practice, meditation, and immersion in rugged natural scenery. The article situates...
US Arms Sales to Taiwan on 'Pause' Due to Iran War, Acting Navy Chief Says
The acting secretary of the U.S. Navy told a congressional hearing that all pending arms sales to Taiwan are temporarily on hold because of the ongoing war in Iran. The pause affects a multi‑billion‑dollar package that includes F‑16 fighter jets,...
Japan to Unleash Green Bonds on EV Batteries, Other New Fields
Japan is set to expand its green‑bond programme to cover electric‑vehicle batteries, hydrogen gas turbines and other emerging clean‑tech sectors. The move comes as higher interest rates have dampened demand for traditional green‑bond financing. By widening eligible projects, Tokyo hopes...
Nikkei Asia300 Index to Add Aluminum Corp. Of China
Nikkei announced that its Asia300 Investable Index will add 24 stocks, including Aluminum Corp. of China, effective June 1. The index, which tracks 300 leading Asian companies, removes 23 stocks such as India’s Adani Energy Solutions. Selections are based on market...
AI Middle Powers Should Build up Talent Networks
South Korea’s National AI Research Lab (NAIRL) urges AI‑mid‑tier economies—such as Japan, Canada and France—to shift focus from pure infrastructure to coordinated talent networks. The authors argue that collaborative ecosystems, backed by government‑funded labs and industry partnerships, can accelerate innovation...
Japan Considers Compiling Supplementary Budget to Fight Fuel Costs
The Japanese government is weighing a supplementary budget for the current fiscal year to counter soaring fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict. Officials say the war has disrupted oil trade routes, pushing energy costs higher and deepening Japan’s...
Japan Horse Racing Gallops Ahead on Digital Shift
Japan’s horse‑racing industry accelerated its digital transformation by launching online wagering during the COVID‑19 pandemic. The shift kept races on the calendar while physical attendance fell, and it tapped a captive audience confined at home. Data shows the new online...
Honda Taps Ace Engineer to Lead Transformation After EV Strategy Pause
Honda Motor announced that Mahito Shikama, a veteran R&D engineer, will become the company’s corporate transformation officer this summer. Shikama, known for leading powertrain and hybrid projects, is tasked with revamping Honda’s product roadmap after the automaker paused its aggressive...
Alphabet Beats Berkshire with Record 576bn Yen Bond Offering
Alphabet announced a yen‑denominated bond issuance exceeding 576 billion yen (≈ $3.7 billion), setting a new record for foreign issuers in Japan. The offering surpasses Berkshire Hathaway’s previous benchmark and aims to broaden the tech giant’s funding base as it accelerates AI investments....
Japanese Expats Being Sent Home From Thailand as Employers Cut Costs
Japanese companies are rapidly shrinking their expatriate footprints in Thailand as they grapple with a stronger Thai baht, sluggish growth, and intensifying competition from Chinese firms. The trend reflects a broader cost‑cutting drive aimed at preserving profitability in a market...