Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has pledged to push for wage increases among midsize enterprises and rural businesses, a move that could help boost the country’s economy and improve the livelihoods of its citizens. Speaking at the annual May Day rally organized by Rengo, Japan’s largest labor organization, Kishida urged the country to continue the momentum of wage hikes that have been set in motion by the “shunto” spring labor offensive this year.   Kishida’s presence at the May Day rally marks the first time in almost a decade that a Japanese prime minister has attended the event. The last time a prime minister was present at the rally was in 2014 when Shinzo Abe was in power. By attending the event, Kishida is signaling his commitment to improving the lives of Japan’s workers and strengthening ties with Rengo, a key support base of opposition parties.   Rengo, the umbrella organization of labor unions, has been at the forefront of efforts to increase wages in Ja...

Warren Buffett, the renowned business magnate and philanthropist, has recently increased his investments in Japan, making it the second-largest investment by his company, Berkshire Hathaway. He has expressed confidence in the safety and reliability of Japanese companies, with their steady annual returns showing no signs of slowing down. In an interview, Mr. Buffett highlighted that his company is always on the lookout for investments in Japan, seeking out managements they trust and businesses that they understand. Mr. Buffett's company has increased its stake in five major trading companies, including Mitsubishi Corp., Mitsui and Co., Itochu Corp., Marubeni Corp., and Sumitomo Corp. Berkshire Hathaway announced in 2020 that it had obtained a 5 percent share in these companies, which has since increased to 7.4 percent. Buffett explained that he decided to invest in these trading companies because of their similarity to Berkshire Hathaway with their diversified business operations....