BUSINESS – 3

Toshiba Memory Corp., the world's second-largest maker of NAND flash memory chips, is considering changing its name in 2019 as it seeks to introduce a new brand and raise its profile in the intensely competitive market. (Japan Times)

Coca-Cola has chosen Japan to launch its first alcoholic beverage, debuting on Monday a fizzy, lemon-flavored concoction called Lemon-Do that seeks to capitalize on the growing popularity of chūhai drinks. (Japan Times)

Japanese, Chinese and South Korean communications ministers agreed Monday to reduce international roaming fees. (Japan Times)

A pair of famous Yubari brand melons sold for an all-time high of 3.2 million yen in this season's first auction at the wholesale market in Sapporo, Hokkaido, on Saturday. (Jiji)

At least 331 cryptocurrency traders in Japan reported over 100 million yen in miscellaneous incomes in their tax returns for 2017, when digital currency prices spiked, National Tax Agency data showed Friday. (Jiji)

Tokyu Corp. announced Thursday that a new complex comprising a hotel, office and commercial space near Shibuya Station is scheduled to open in September, with the top half occupied by Google. (Japan Times)

As a nation, Japan is more connected to the internet than almost any other country in the world. According to statistics from Statista, 91% of the country's 104 million internet users are going online every day. (newsonjapan.com)

The Taiwanese government has fined a local unit of Japanese 100-yen shop operator Daiso Industries Co. 41.64 million new Taiwan dollars, or about 150 million yen, for illegal imports, it was learned Wednesday. (Jiji)

Uber Technologies Inc. said Tuesday it will start its first taxi-hailing service in Japan this summer on a western island, targeting foreign tourists and residents, in a step toward a full-fledged entry into the country's huge taxi market. (Kyodo)

Demand for vacation apartments is growing in Japan and companies are rolling out ways to make guests feel as welcome as possible. One recent entrant is convenience store chain FamilyMart. (NHK)