In-depth News Features | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

Japanese industrial giant Toshiba delisted from the stock exchanges in Tokyo and Nagoya on December 20th, following the approval of shareholders. As a privately owned entity, the company wants to rebuild its finances and turn its business around.

The Japanese government has intervened in the currency market by buying the yen and selling the dollar for the first time in more than 24 years. The move was intended to keep afloat the value of the yen, which has so far declined over 25% against the dollar in 2022. Did the intervention have any effect? Why did the government act? Will there be more yen-buying? NHK World asked an expert.

Developing countries have taken on more debt than they can handle. That was less of a problem when interest rates were near zero, and the global economy was awash with easy money. But when the developed world started raising rates, investors pulled out — threatening to tip 37 nations into default.

The spectre of debt default is not simply a matter of high finance. An inability to pay back loans received from abroad has an effect on the whole economy and punishes the poor disproportionately. What are the real root causes of these crises and how can they be avoided?

Japan has a long history of making the most of the seas surrounding its many islands. Attention is now turning to so-called blue carbon, an expression that encapsulates the role of oceans and marine life in sequestering carbon dioxide. A variety of initiatives are underway with the goal of revitalizing ocean habitats and local economies while allowing sponsors to offset carbon emissions by providing financial support through blue-carbon trading schemes.

Iran has been engulfed in unrest since the death of a young woman in police custody four weeks ago, and clashes between protesters and security forces have claimed many lives. Demonstrations are also being held beyond Iran's borders, including in Japan.

As long as there's a reliable internet connection, digital nomads can take their work anywhere their hearts and budgets allow. Millions traverse the globe, adopting a new way of life that's gained momentum due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Europe and the United States tend to host the majority of this transient workforce — but the Japanese city of Fukuoka wants a slice of the action. As part of a promotional event during October, about 50 digital nomads gathered there to experience the local charms and share their highlights online.

"Without journalists, who would report what's happening?" says producer Mohammed Shehada (left).

The death toll in Gaza amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has likely exceeded 18,000, although precise figures are impossible to calculate. The carnage makes it too risky for most media to have reporters in the territory. NHK's reporting on the ground is being handled by two long-serving Palestinian staff.

"Is the year-end party considered work? Do we get paid overtime?"

These are the types of questions puzzling older managers ahead of the party season in Japan. Year-end "bonenkai" parties were once regarded as an important opportunity to celebrate and relax with workmates, but many young employees no longer want to join in, and companies must now consider workers who feel forced to attend.

South Korea is the latest country to declare war on bedbugs following a resurgence in cases that's fueling fresh anxiety among the public. The wave of infestations comes after a similar outbreak in France. One expert warns Japan may be next.

Tokyo's commuters are well served by one of the world's most efficient and reliable train systems. But as more people move into waterfront residential developments, city officials are offering them a new way to get around: by boat.