Tokyo / AFP Japan’s industrial production edged up in April, data showed on Tuesday, despite factory shutdowns sparked by a pair of deadly earthquakes that rocked southern Kyushu. Official figures also showed household spending remained tepid, as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe mulls whether to delay a sales tax hike over fears it could damage the fragile economy. Inflation data …

  Tokyo / Bloomberg Suzuki Motor Corp.’s minicar sales fell 18 percent in Japan this month, after the automaker disclosed using improper methods to test the fuel economy of more than 2.1 million vehicles. Dealers heard both encouragement and criticism from customers after Suzuki said May 19 that it didn’t use a test method required by Japanese law, Chairman Osamu …

  Yangon / AFP Myanmar’s growth rate, once one of the world’s most impressive, has dipped following heavy floods and an investment slowdown sparked by uncertainty over its political transition, the World Bank (WB) said on Tuesday. A civilian government led by veteran democracy campaigner Aung San Suu Kyi took power in March after clinching a clear majority in elections late …