Copyright newsonjapan
TOKYO, Oct 27 (News On Japan) - McDonald's Japan announced it will phase out the use of paper straws and introduce new lids that allow customers to drink directly from the cup without a straw starting on November 19th. The new lids are made from recycled plastic derived from used PET bottles and are designed to prevent spills and leaks, even for delivery and takeout orders. In addition, McDonald's will gradually introduce environmentally friendly shopping bags—already implemented in Nagasaki Prefecture—to its stores nationwide. Since 2022, the company has been making a series of changes to its containers and packaging materials, estimating that these efforts will reduce the use of new plastic by approximately 6,600 tons per year. Source: FNN POPULAR NEWS Trump Meets Japan's Emperor for First Time in Six Years Emperor Naruhito met with former U.S. President Donald Trump for the first time in six years at the Imperial Palace on October 27th. The two exchanged greetings in English, with the Emperor saying, "I’m pleased to see you again," as he welcomed Trump to the Imperial residence around 6:30 p.m. Woman Found Dead Near Rice Field in Akita, Bear Attack Suspected An elderly woman was found dead in a roadside ditch in Akita City on October 27th, with police investigating the possibility that she was attacked by a bear. A local resident discovered the woman lying face down in a drainage channel around 11 a.m. and called emergency services. Japan's Defense Ministry Mulls Bear Countermeasures The Defense Ministry is considering deploying the Self-Defense Forces to Akita Prefecture following a series of bear attacks that have injured residents in recent weeks. Nikkei Closes Above 50,000 for the First Time Ever The Nikkei Stock Average closed at 50,512 yen on October 27th, surpassing the 50,000 mark for the first time in history and setting a new all-time high. The benchmark index rose 1,212 yen from the previous trading day, driven by strong gains across sectors. McDonald's Japan to End Paper Straws McDonald's Japan announced it will phase out the use of paper straws and introduce new lids that allow customers to drink directly from the cup without a straw starting on November 19th. MEDIA CHANNELS Nikkei Closes Above 50,000 for the First Time Ever The Nikkei Stock Average closed at 50,512 yen on October 27th, surpassing the 50,000 mark for the first time in history and setting a new all-time high. The benchmark index rose 1,212 yen from the previous trading day, driven by strong gains across sectors. McDonald's Japan to End Paper Straws McDonald's Japan announced it will phase out the use of paper straws and introduce new lids that allow customers to drink directly from the cup without a straw starting on November 19th. '50-Year' Home Loans Surge as Construction Costs Rise More homebuyers in Japan are turning to ultra-long housing loans, with some mortgages now stretching as long as 50 years as buyers try to keep monthly payments down in the face of sharply higher construction costs. Kumamoto Expands Chip Production as TSMC Plans Second New Plant A subsidiary of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), a leading chipmaker, signed a location agreement with Kikuyo Town in Kumamoto Prefecture on October 24th for the construction of its second factory in Japan. Toyota Unveils Vision for Future Mobility As anticipation builds for the Japan Mobility Show 2025, set to open at Tokyo Big Sight from October 30th to November 9th, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda has announced a sweeping reorganization of the automaker’s brand strategy. The company will redefine its group structure, including Daihatsu, into five distinct brands, with its flagship luxury car, the Century, becoming a fully independent marque. Japan’s Auto Industry Faces Fallout from China-Netherlands Chip Clash The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) issued a statement on October 23rd warning that tensions between China and the Netherlands over semiconductor firms are having a serious impact on global automobile production. Japan's Consumer Prices Rise 2.9% in September Japan's nationwide consumer price index excluding volatile fresh food rose 2.9% in September from a year earlier, the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry announced on October 23rd. The pace of increase slightly expanded from August’s 2.7%, maintaining close to a 3% growth rate amid continued price hikes in food and other daily necessities. Uniqlo Opens Store for Kids Uniqlo will open a new type of store on October 24th designed specifically for children, offering an interactive shopping experience that encourages them to choose their own clothes.
