Yen Falls on Speculation Japanese Investors Chasing Higher Yields Abroad Aug 22, 2008
The dollar may fall to 105 yen by Sept. 30, Fukui forecast. The ICE futures exchange's , which tracks the greenback against the currencies of six U.S. trading partners, fell for a second day to 76. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Volcker's best apprentice Jul 30, 2008
This is unsurprising; the Bank of Japan under its previous governor Toshihiko Fukui, appointed in 2003 by the admirable reformist prime minister Junichiro Koizumi, had been attempting to raise Japan's target interest rate to a more normal 2-3% range for some years ... 5% in February 2007, Fukui was prevented from further rises for several months by the political uncertainty surrounding elections, and then in August the subprime crisis broke, depriving him of further support for tightening. (Asia Times Online)
Honda Lays Out Hybrid Fleet To Challenge Prius Jul 30, 2008
The weapon Fukui chose was a lineup of four models, including Honda's sole current hybrid in production, the Civic Hybrid; a new hybrid-only model yet to be named, which will be a five-door, five-passenger compact, with an exterior design similar to its new fuel cell vehicle concept, the FCX Clarity; a hybrid sports car version of its CR-Z line; and a new hybrid model for its Fit compact cars, sold as the Jazz in Europe ... Consumers will not need to wait long. Fukui said the new five-passenger... (Forbes -- Technology)
Weather: Partly cloudy, afternoon storms likely Jul 30, 2008
Melbourne, FL 32940 Last Updated: 07/30/08 08:45:41 EDT. C) Relative Humidity: 97% Barometer: 30. (Florida Today)
* Antique Japanese building to be reborn Jul 23, 2008
The historic building was constructed in 1915 in Japans Fukui Prefecture by the father of Tsutomu Minakami, a popular and prolific Japanese author ... A couple in Fukui Prefecture, on Japans west coast, learned of the prefectures plan to tear down the antique building to make way for a park ... He and film director Chuang Yue () then led four architecture students on a trip to Fukui Prefecture, where they spent four weeks dismantling the wooden building and coding the parts. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Yen Strengthens as Economic Growth Concerns Damp Demand for Higher Yields Jul 1, 2008
The dollar may fall to 98 yen by year-end, Fukui forecast. Fed Futures. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Hybrid cars keep improving, so when do you buy? Jun 30, 2008
CEO Takeo Fukui said last month in Japan that Honda wants to cut 33%, or about $900, out of the extra cost of a Civic hybrid over the conventional model, so "customers can choose hybrid purely for economical merits.". Likewise, Toyota Motor President Katsuaki Watanabe said in Detroit earlier this year that as the automaker plans more and updated hybrid versions of its vehicles, it is "working very hard to reduce the size, cost and weight by half.". (USA Today -- Autos)
Japanese tap futon funds to beat inflation Jun 22, 2008
Growth supported by domestic spending would help bring Japan closer to the goal former Bank of Japan governor Toshihiko Fukui outlined in 2006: an economy no longer weighed down by deflation, in which interest rates can gradually increase. It is a good time for the second-largest economy to pull more weight globally as growth falters in the US, the largest. (Business Report, South Africa)
How Green is My Low-Cost Car? India Revs Up Debate Jun 20, 2008
"I don't see the draw of that kind of car," CEO Takeo Fukui told reporters recently in Tokyo. "In India, the roads are so congested that it's easier and quicker to navigate the traffic on a two-wheeler.". (Planet Ark, United States)
Environmentalists warn of burden from inexpensive cars for India and China Jun 19, 2008
"I don't see the draw of that kind of car," Takeo Fukui, chief executive of Honda, said recently in Tokyo. "In India, the roads are so congested that it's easier and quicker to navigate the traffic on a two-wheeler.". (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Honda rolls out FCX Clarity Jun 18, 2008
President Takeo Fukui said he does not believe current battery technology is good enough to develop a feasible car. The company has not revealed how much each car costs to make, and it is unclear when, or if, the car will be available for mass-market sales. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Carnegie Museum shares fossils with Japan Jun 18, 2008
The museum is loaning 86 fossils from the Cenozoic Era, or the Age of Mammals, for exhibit at Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum from July 11 to Oct. 13 ... "[The Fukui] is a museum that caters to the Japanese fascination with dinosaurs. This is a work that really looks at what happened after the dinosaurs became extinct," Dr. Beard said. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Honda Says Fuel-Cell Cars Face Hurdles Jun 17, 2008
TOCHIGI, Japan -- Co. President Takeo Fukui said prices have to fall further for fuel-cell cars to reach the mass market, even as the Japanese car maker unveiled the latest generation of fuel-cell vehicle ... Mr. Fukui said the new fuel-cell car costs tens of millions of yen, significantly less than the several hundred million yen it cost to make previous models. (Wall Street Journal)
Honda Begins Production of Zero-Emission Hydrogen Cars Jun 17, 2008
June 16: Honda President Takeo Fukui steers a Honda FCX Clarity with actress Laura Harris at a Honda plant in Takanezawa, Japan. TAKANEZAWA, Japan Honda Motor Co. has begun commercial production of its new zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell car, called the FCX Clarity. (Fox News -- Politics)
Battery shortage restrains production of Toyota hybrids Jun 17, 2008
"Fuel-cell vehicles, which don't use fossil fuels and don't produce carbon dioxide, are necessary for the environment," Honda's chief executive, Takeo Fukui, said Monday. "We would like to make them more popular.". (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Honda starts production of hydrogen powered fuel-cell vehicle Jun 17, 2008
"This is a must-have technology for the future of the earth," Takeo Fukui, president of Honda, said ... Fukui said the cars cost several hundred thousand dollars each to produce, though he said that should drop below $100,000 in less than a decade as production volumes increased. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
'Futon money' buoys Japan Jun 16, 2008
Welcome to The Sydney Morning Herald. Skip directly to: Search Box, , , Text Version. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Hybrid cars to fight rising oil prices Jun 5, 2008
Fukui said it was important for the company to "enter a new phase" leading to the more widespread sale of hybrids which he considers a cornerstone of Honda's new sales strategy. Honda plans a range of hybrids from a sports car based on the CR-Z concept down to a Civic hybrid saloon and a hybrid version of the Fit minicar sold in some European markets as the Jazz. (India Times)
Honda to sell new hybrid sedan next year May 29, 2008
Honda's president, Takeo Fukui says "green" cars, especially hybrids, will be a pillar of Honda's strategy. The new model -- to be sold solely as a hybrid, and not as a traditional, gasoline-powered car -- is a key part of Honda Motor's strategy for the next three years that President Takeo Fukui outlined at Tokyo headquarters ... In addition to the new hybrid, will introduce several other hybrids: a Civic, a new sporty model based on the CR-Z and a Fit subcompact, sold as the Jazz in Europe,... (CNN -- Tech)
Honda's High Hopes for Hybrids May 26, 2008
Honda CEO Takeo Fukui, speaking at a press conference in Tokyo on May 21, announced that by the early 2010s Honda aims to sell 500,000 hybrids a year ... "Hybrids have drawn attention for their image, but the time has come to go to the next step," Fukui told reporters ... It will be launched in Japan, North America, and Europe at an "affordable price," which Fukui says means customers will be thinking about more than just image when they make their buying decision. (BusinessWeek)
Honda's CEO Gears up for Next Hybrid Race May 25, 2008
TOKYO (Reuters) - When CEO Takeo Fukui says he would spend $10 billion to rack up a Formula One victory for Honda, you get the sense that he really means it. Under Fukui's five-year leadership, Honda Motor's car sales have jumped by a third and profits by an even bigger margin to a record $5 ... Fukui just doesn't like to lose. (ABC News -- Wire)
Competitive streak pushes Honda chief May 25, 2008
When Takeo Fukui, the chief executive of Honda Motor, says he would spend $10 billion to rack up a Formula One victory for his company, you get the sense that he really means it. Under Fukui's five-year leadership, car sales at Honda have jumped by a third and profit by even more to a record $5 ... But it is the lack of an F1 victory that frustrates Fukui, a 63-year-old former engineer, who joined Honda because it was the first Japanese automaker to enter the world's premier motor sport. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
* Honda to raise spending on hybrids May 22, 2008
The president of Japanese auto giant Honda Motor, Takeo Fukui, rides on the first model of the company's hit motorcycle "Cub" series after a press conference at the company's headquarters in Tokyo yesterday ... Japan's second-largest automaker will build a plant making fuel efficient engines next year and a new manufacturing plant in 2010, Honda Motor president Takeo Fukui told a press conference ... It is aiming for total sales of the four models of 500,000 vehicles a year by the middle of... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Honda to Sell New Gas-Electric Hybrid May 22, 2008
Honda Motor Co. President and CEO Takeo Fukui speaks during a press conference at the firm's head. Honda Motor Co. President and CEO Takeo Fukui speaks during a press conference at the firm's head office in Tokyo Wednesday, May 21, 2008 ... Honda will sell a new, improved and affordable gas-electric hybrid in the U.S., Japan and Europe starting in early 2009, Fukui said Wednesday. (ABC News -- Business)
Detroits new nightmare: More Honda hybrids May 22, 2008
The new models are a key part of Honda's strategy for the next three years that President Takeo Fukui outlined at Honda's Tokyo headquarters ... In addition to the new model and the Fit, Honda will introduce several other hybrids: a Civic and a new sporty model based on the CR-Z, Fukui said ... Fukui refused to give the price for the new hybrid-only vehicle. (MSNBC -- Business)
Honda To Roll Out Cheap New Hybrid Model In Early '09 May 22, 2008
By twinning a conventional engine and battery-powered electric motor, hybrids currently add $5,000 or more to comparable gasoline models, a premium Honda Chief Executive Takeo Fukui sees coming down to around $2,000 in the next generation of hybrids. "It is important to move hybrid vehicles from the current image-oriented stage to the new stage toward full-scale penetration," Fukui told a news conference ... "Fundamental reform and improving cost competitiveness in the minivehicle market, where... (Planet Ark, United States)
Honda announces new, affordable hybrid for '09 May 21, 2008
Takeo Fukui told reporters that "green" cars, especially hybrids, will be a pillar of Honda's strategy for the next three years, starting this fiscal year that began April 1 ... To expand hybrid sales, Honda will introduce a new sporty hybrid based on the CR-Z model, a Civic hybrid and a hybrid model of the Fit subcompact, which is sold as the Jazz in Europe, in addition to the new hybrid going on sale next year, Fukui said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Honda Sets Annual Sales Target of 500,000 Hybrid Vehicles, Will Add Models May 21, 2008
The 500,000 unit sales goal will be reached early in the next decade, Fukui said. The company will more than triple its capacity to build motors for hybrid cars at its Suzuka factory in central Japan by the end of 2008, Fukui said ... Honda can boost capacity further, Fukui said. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Bank of Japan May Keep Benchmark Rate at 0.5% After It Lowered GDP Outlook May 16, 2008
Fukui and other policy makers had repeated that rates need to be raised gradually as long as the economy keeps growing and prices remain stable. While the April outlook report excluded that language for the first time in two years, it retained a warning that keeping rates low could cause excessive investment and hamper growth in the long run. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
BOJ's Shirakawa Is Failing the Harry Truman Test May 14, 2008
When Fukui left, Japan's interest-rate environment remained anything but normal by global standards. Shirakawa's actions so far suggest the rate- normalization process is being shelved. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
BOJ May Put Off Plan to Raise Rates as Shirakawa Foresees Further Slowdown Apr 23, 2008
Fukui raised the from near zero to 0 ... In February 2007, Fukui doubled the key rate to the current 0. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Yen Rises Against Euro as Decline in Asian Stocks Curbs Carry-Trade Demand Apr 22, 2008
The dollar may fall to 95 yen by June 30, Fukui said. The Fed has lowered the main lending target rate 3 percentage points since September to 2. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Government Bonds Decline After Rising Stocks Damp Demand for Debt Security Apr 15, 2008
The odds of a rate reduction by the end of the year have fallen to 25 percent from about 70 percent on March 19, the day BOJ Governor Toshihiko Fukui retired, according to calculations by JPMorgan Chase & Co. using overnight swaps. The BOJ needs to think about a cut in the second quarter after they release their economic outlook report,'' Shimamoto said. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Japan's central bank backs policy of gradual rate rise Apr 14, 2008
"Members concurred that their basic thinking on the monetary policy stance for the future remained unchanged," central bank policy makers said at their March 6-7 meeting, the last one led by Toshihiko Fukui, according to the minutes. "Risk factors have been increasing both at home and abroad.". (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
BOJ crisis resolved, others remain Apr 10, 2008
governor since being appointed deputy governor on March 20, ended a three-week leadership vacuum at the Japanese central bank due to a political stalemate when his 72-year-old predecessor, Toshihiko Fukui, stepped down on March 19 ... Muto was nixed on March 12 and Tanami on March 19, the day Fukui's five-year term as BoJ governor expired ... After joining the BoJ, Muto had been groomed by Fukui to be his successor. (Asia Times Online)
* New BOJ chief sees slow growth ahead Apr 10, 2008
Shirakawa, who has been deputy since March 12 and acting chief since Fukuda failed to appoint a successor to Toshihiko Fukui a week later, indicated hes flexible about policy ... Shirakawa is probably succeeding Mr Fukuis slightly hawkish line, but he certainly has to be very flexible in response to changing economic conditions, said Tomoko Fujii, head of economics and strategy for Japan at Bank of America Corp in Tokyo. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Bank of Japan gets new leader, at last Apr 10, 2008
They do not expect him to deviate much from the cautious policy stance of his predecessor, Toshihiko Fukui, whose term at the bank ended last month. With Japan's benchmark overnight interest rate already at 0. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Japanese Parliament approves candidate for Bank of Japan governor Apr 9, 2008
He had already been acting in the role since the previous governor, Toshihiko Fukui, retired last month. The meeting had not been expected to result in a rate change, but it will be watched closely for any sign that the central bank has become more pessimistic about the economy. (International Herald Tribune)
Japan's growth slows as new governor takes helm Apr 9, 2008
Masaaki Shirakawa, already acting governor, was approved by parliament, ending a deadlock over who should replace Toshihiko Fukui, who retired last month ... This raises a question over whether the BOJ's central thesis under Mr. Fukui, that a growing economy would allow it to gradually raise rates back to more normal levels, was still intact. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Shirakawa endorsed as BOJ chief Apr 9, 2008
The post of the BOJ governor has thus fallen vacant for the first time in Japan since the end of World War II as the five-year tenure of incumbent Governor Toshihiko Fukui and his two deputies expires Wednesday. Editor: Bi Mingxin. (Xinhuanet, China)
Japan lawmakers agree on BOJ governor ahead of G7 Apr 9, 2008
Finance Minister Fukushiro Nukaga described Shirakawa, a career central banker, as a suitable replacement for former governor Toshihiko Fukui, who retired last month. As acting governor, Mr. Shirakawa has effectively handled work as governor taking over from Mr. Fukui. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Row Ends Over Japan's Central Bank Apr 9, 2008
Shirakawa, 58, became the deputy bank governor in mid-March and then took over as interim governor after former central bank governor Toshihiko Fukui retired from his five-year term on March 19. The DPJ refused the two previous nominees Toshiro Muto and Koji Tanami over concerns that their ties to the Finance Ministry might compromise the bank's independence. (Time.com)
Japan Diet Hearing for BOJ Chief Nominee Apr 8, 2008
Shirakawa, recently confirmed as one of the bank's deputy governors, has been serving as the interim bank chief since Gov. Toshihiko Fukui retired March 19. Hiroshi Watanabe, who also appeared at public hearings Tuesday as a nominee for a deputy governor post, is a former vice finance minister for international affairs. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Japan opposition accepts Shirakawa as BOJ governor Apr 8, 2008
Shirakawa, the deputy governor, has been acting chief since Toshihiko Fukui retired on March 19. The opposition's rejection of Watanabe, a former Finance Ministry official, follows the upper house's veto of Toshiro Muto and Koji Tanami for governor last month because they worked at the ministry. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Japan prime minister submits third choice for central bank governor just before G-7 meet Apr 8, 2008
Shirakawa has been serving as the interim bank chief since Gov. Toshihiko Fukui retired on March 19. The lower house official said a parliamentary panel will hold a public hearing Tuesday for Shirakawa and a nominee for deputy governor Hiroshi Watanabe. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Shirakawa to lead Japans central bank Apr 8, 2008
Deputy Governor Shirakawa, who has been acting chief since Toshihiko Fukui retired on March 19, was proposed at a meeting of lawmakers in Tokyo, according to a statement released by the upper house of parliament in Tokyo. Hiroshi Watanabe, a former Finance Ministry currency official, was proposed to replace Shirakawa as deputy, the statement said. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
BoJ nominee says financial stability top priority Apr 8, 2008
Shirakawa, a career central banker, was speaking as the BoJ prepared for its first monetary policy meeting without a permanent governor after Toshihiko Fukui bowed out last month with no successor. It is the first time in eight decades that the BoJ's top position is vacant. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Japan May Delay Restart of Fast-Breeder Nuclear Reactor on Detector Faults Apr 8, 2008
Monju, located in Fukui prefecture in central Japan, has been halted since a leak of the liquid sodium coolant in December 1995. We must make safety our principal focus, rather than sticking to the October timetable,'' Yamaguchi said. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Japan nominates bank governor Apr 8, 2008
If Mr Shirakawa is appointed to the post, he will replace Toshihiko Fukui who retired on 19 March and will take the reins amid a period of turmoil in the global economy. Analysts are worried that the Japanese economic recovery could be derailed and that the economy could experience a mild recession. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Japanese government bonds close mostly lower on stockmarket rebound Apr 7, 2008
Still, there is some caution about the possibility that some board member may shift his or her stance, as it will be the first meeting since the departure of Toshihiko Fukui as the central bank governor,' Inoue said. Investors will also monitor a press conference Wednesday by Bank of Japan deputy governor Masaaki Shirakawa, who is temporarily in charge while the governorship remains vacant. (Forbes -- Markets)
Japan prime minister set to submit third choice for central bank ... Apr 7, 2008
He has been serving as the interim chief since Toshihiko Fukui retired on March 19. Political deadlock has stymied the search for a successor thus far, with the ruling party's first two nominations rejected by the opposition-controlled upper house for their ties to the finance ministry. (International Herald Tribune)
Snag holds up naming of Shirakawa for Bank of Japan Apr 7, 2008
" Shirakawa himself has shrugged off labels such as hawk or dove, saying only that his views are not that different from those of the BOJ before his appointment as deputy governor. If he is made the permanent governor Shirakawa, confirmed as deputy last month after the retirement of previous governor Toshihiko Fukui, will need a new deputy. WATANABE'S PAST Watanabe, a former vice finance minister for international affairs, was suggested as a possible candidate for deputy in informal discussions... (International Herald Tribune)
Japan opposition signals ok for Shirakawa as BOJ chief Apr 6, 2008
Fukuda, his popularity ratings sagging as he struggles to cope with a divided parliament, is under pressure to find a replacement for former governor Toshihiko Fukui, who retired two weeks ago, leaving the central bank without a permanent head for the first time in 80 years. The Democrats have rejected two previous nominees for governor on grounds that their careers in the finance ministry would threaten the BOJ's independence in monetary policy. (Reuters India)
Parties agree on Bank of Japan governor Apr 5, 2008
The bank has been without a governor since Toshihiko Fukui resigned from his five-year term on March 19. 2008 United Press International. (United Press International)
PM to tackle impasse over BoJ governorship Apr 5, 2008
Mr Fukuda is expected to drop his efforts to replace former governor Toshiro Fukui with a former Finance ministry bureaucrat and propose instead making permanent the acting governor, Masaaki Shirakawa ... The governorship fell vacant on March 19 with the retirement of Mr Fukui on the expiry of his five-year term ... But the PM seemed intent on furthering the traditional arrangement in which BoJ governorship is filled alternately by a career central banker, like Mr Fukui, then a Finance Ministry... (The Australian)
Japan government wants new BOJ governor by next week Apr 3, 2008
The Bank of Japan has been without a permanent governor for two weeks, after opposition parties that control parliament's upper house twice blocked nominees to replace retiring Governor Toshihiko Fukui ... Since Fukui's retirement, debate over who might succeed him has gone quiet, but Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura said the government wanted a permanent governor to attend the meeting in Washington of financial leaders from the Group of Seven industrialized nations. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Gloom over Japan economy deepens Apr 2, 2008
It faces these challenges now without a new leader after governor Toshihiko Fukui retired in March. So far a new appointment has been prevented by opposition party MPs. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Acting Bank of Japan chief reflects predecessor's views Mar 28, 2008
Acting Bank of Japan chief reflects predecessor's views - International Herald Tribune. Masaaki Shirakawa, acting governor of the Japanese central bank, knows a bit about birds and does not care much for being called either a hawk or a dove when it comes to monetary policy. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Economy in holding pattern as Japan awaits permanent BOJ chief Mar 26, 2008
The former Bank of Japan governor, Toshihiko Fukui, picked Shirakawa, approved by Parliament as a new deputy governor, to head the central bank until Parliament could agree on a permanent successor to Fukui. Kiyohiko Nishimura, a Bank of Japan board member promoted to deputy governor last week, told the committee that downside economic risks were increasing and that the central bank would need to act flexibly if the risks materialize. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
To escape matrix Japan needs Volcker Mar 25, 2008
Now the search is on for a full-time replacement for Toshihiko Fukui, whose term expired on March 19. With the global economy in turmoil, lawmakers hopefully realise how bad it looks to have the top of the BoJ in a state of flux, if not farce. (India Times)
BOJ Official Warns Japan Economy Slowing Mar 22, 2008
Outgoing Bank of Japan Gov. Toshihiko Fukui waves as he leaves its headquarters in Tokyo on Wednesday March 19, 2008 ... The five-year term of former Gov. Toshihiko Fukui ended Wednesday. (ABC News -- Wire)
BOJ Acting Chief Shirakawa Says Japan Economy Faces Increasing Uncertainty Mar 22, 2008
Shirakawa this week was selected to temporarily fill the position left vacant after Toshihiko Fukui retired and the opposition rejected the government's two choices for the job ... Shirakawa seems to be inheriting Fukui's stance that the current interest-rate level is accommodative enough for the economy and is slightly leaning toward raising rates,'' said , a former Bank of Japan official and now chief economist at Dai-Ichi Life Institute in Tokyo. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Minister allays worries on BOJ absence Mar 21, 2008
The five-year term of former Gov. Toshihiko Fukui ended Wednesday. The central bank's new deputy, Masaaki Shirakawa, whose nomination was approved last week, was named acting governor this week. (Anchorage Daily News)
Investors put their liquidity in water Mar 20, 2008
Toshihiko Fukui leaving his final news conference as governor of the Bank of Japan. He wrapped up his five-year term on Wednesday, leaving the post unfilled. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Bank of Japan struggle tests prime minister's leadership Mar 20, 2008
The term of the current governor of the Bank of Japan (BOJ), Toshihiko Fukui, ended Wednesday. But lawmakers in the world's second-largest economy have settled on no one to replace him. (Christian Science Monitor)
