Reaction to Japan-EU free trade deal
Many retailers and consumers in Japan are welcoming the free trade pact with the European Union. They are expecting it to lower prices for a range of gourmet products and provide a boost to the economy.
European wine is now taxed at about 80 US cents a bottle. That tariff will be scrapped on the day the agreement goes into effect.
One Tokyo wine shop is considering lowering its prices.
An employee at the shop says the cost of importing European wine, including French and Italian, will be lower. She adds that she expects the shop will be able to offer its wine to customers at lower prices.
But a Japanese wine industry group is voicing concerns over possible price competition.
Hiroshi Saito, the head of Yamanashi Prefecture Wine Manufacturers' Association, says wine-producing countries in Europe have long traditions and established brands. He warns that if their products become more affordable, they will pose a significant threat to Japanese producers.
Duties on many other European imports will be eliminated, including some cheeses, as well as chocolate and pasta.
Nozomu Miyajima, a representative of a cheese factory in the major Japanese dairy farming region of Hokkaido says that could cause problems. He says it will be tough for Japanese farmers, as their prices will not be competitive.
To minimize any negative impacts of the EPA, the Japanese government will initiate policies to support producers and help make them more competitive.
Experts say the EPA will also benefit exports of Japanese goods. Sake, soy sauce and green tea will no longer be subject to tariffs.
And a 10 percent levy on passenger cars will be lifted 7 years after the EPA takes effect.
Japanese officials say the changes will provide an economic boost. They calculate that it will raise Japan's GDP by about one percent and create 290,000 jobs.
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Panicked passengers on a Shinkansen bullet train were evacuated at a central Japan station on Friday night, after a plastic bag containing suspicious liquid was found onboard.
News On Japan - Nov 26
A 29-year-old man has been arrested for meeting an underage teen girl, with sexual intent, after sending her messages, promising to make her "the happiest in the world".
News On Japan - Nov 25
Inui Street, the famed autumn walk within the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo, opened to the public from Saturday.
News On Japan - Nov 25
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News On Japan - Nov 25
A JR West Japan train conductor has been arrested for secretly filming eight women in the toilet of the express train "Haruka" while on duty.
News On Japan - Nov 25
Tofukuji Temple, home to 2,000 maple trees and renowned as one of Kyoto's premier autumn hotspots, features the Tsutenkyo Bridge, and the breathtaking 'sea of autumn leaves'.
News On Japan - Nov 25
The strongest cold snap of the season has brought a dramatic drop in temperatures to northern Japan, where snow began falling Friday morning, with up to 50 cm expected in Hokkaido and Tohoku by Saturday evening, and a chance of blizzards.
News On Japan - Nov 24
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NHK - Nov 24
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News On Japan - Nov 24
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Total Film - Nov 24
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NHK - Nov 24
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theceomagazine.com - Nov 24
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News On Japan - Nov 23
As street dance reaches fever pitch in the lead up to the 2024 Paris Olympics with the inclusion of breakdancing, one of Japan's largest street dance events was held in Yoyogi Park, Shibuya, Tokyo.
News On Japan - Nov 23
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News On Japan - Nov 23
As Kyoto's autumn foliage reaches its peak, swarms of tourists have converged on the ancient capital, captivated by stunning displays like Wednesday evening's illumination at Kiyomizu Temple.