Bloomberg Japanese companies are set to raise winter bonus payments by 9.7%, the largest gain since 1975, a survey by Nikkei newspaper reported. Steel makers led all industries in bonus increases, while semiconductors saw several companies reporting record profit led by strong demand. Disco Cor, a maker of precision processing equipment, paid Â¥3.16 million, the highest level among all ...

  Bloomberg Japan-based Idemitsu Kosan Co will aim to go ahead with the sale of a stake in an Australian coal mine, despite a surge in prices. The firm is in talks with several entities interested in acquiring its 85% stake in the Ensham mine in Queensland, said President Shunichi Kito, who didn’t elaborate on the parties involved or when ...

Bloomberg North Korea fired at least two suspected medium-range ballistic missiles from near a site that a few days ago it tested a new solid-fuel rocket engine that could enhance its ability to launch quick-strike, longer-range missiles for delivering nuclear warheads. Two medium-range ballistic missiles were launched from the Tongchang county area, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Japan’s ...