Japan Business Scandal

Business

Prudential Faces $350M Hit from Japan Sales Scandal, Voluntarily Halts New Business for 90 Days

Prudential Financial's solid 2025 results were overshadowed by a misconduct scandal in its Japan unit, prompting a voluntary 90-day sales halt and a projected $300-$350 million earnings impact for 2026. CEO Andy Sullivan vowed to restore trust as the insurer navigates regulatory scrutiny and revamps its sales practices.

Feb 5, 2026

Business

Prudential Financial Sees Price Target Lift Amid Japan Unit Scandal Fallout

TD Cowen raises Prudential Financial's price target to $113, maintaining a 'Hold' rating, as the insurer grapples with a misconduct scandal at its Japan life insurance unit affecting nearly 500 customers.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Leadership Crisis at Prudential Japan Tests Governance Amid Employee Misconduct Scandal

The resignation of Prudential Financial's Japan life insurance CEO following a widespread employee misconduct scandal has triggered governance reviews and shaken investor confidence in one of the insurer's key international markets.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

TSMC to Produce Cutting-Edge 3nm AI Chips in Japan, Bolstering Tokyo's Semiconductor Ambitions

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) announced plans to manufacture its most advanced 3-nanometer semiconductors at a new plant in Japan, a strategic move to meet surging AI demand and significantly advance Japan's goal of reclaiming leadership in high-tech chip production.

Feb 5, 2026

World

TSMC to Produce World's Most Advanced 3nm Chips in Japan, Bolstering Tokyo's Semiconductor Ambitions

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) announced plans Thursday to manufacture cutting-edge 3-nanometer semiconductors at its second plant in Kumamoto, Japan. The move, a significant win for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's industrial policy, aims to meet soaring global AI demand and reshapes the geopolitics of advanced chipmaking.

Feb 5, 2026

Business

Prudential Financial Shares Slide 5% Amid Dividend Boost and Japan Sales Suspension

Prudential Financial reported strong Q4 2025 earnings and raised its dividend, but shares fell sharply as investors weighed a 90-day sales halt in Japan over misconduct issues. The mixed signals highlight ongoing challenges in balancing growth with governance across its global operations.

Feb 5, 2026

US

Louisiana's 'Teacher of the Year' Faces New Charges in Widening Student Conduct Scandal

A Louisiana middle school teacher, recently honored as 'Teacher of the Year,' has been arrested on additional charges related to alleged inappropriate conduct with a former student, deepening a scandal that has rocked the local school district.

Feb 5, 2026

Business

Prudential's Q4: Japan Sales Halt and Asset Outflows Cloud Strong U.S. Performance

Prudential Financial met Q4 revenue targets with an 11.6% sales increase, but earnings fell short. A voluntary sales suspension in Japan and persistent asset management outflows are set to pressure 2026 earnings, despite robust performance in core U.S. insurance operations.

Feb 4, 2026

Business

Marzetti Acquires Cult-Favorite Bachan's Japanese BBQ Sauce in $400 Million Deal

Food manufacturing giant Marzetti expands its portfolio with the acquisition of the fast-growing, family-inspired Japanese barbecue sauce brand Bachan's, signaling a major push into the premium condiment space.

Feb 4, 2026

Business

UK Car Finance Scandal: Millions Face Lower-Than-Expected Compensation Payouts

The UK's financial watchdog has revised its estimates for the massive car finance mis-selling scandal, indicating that average compensation payouts will be lower than initially suggested, potentially affecting millions of borrowers.

Feb 4, 2026

World

From Handbags to Hashtags: How Japan's PM Takaichi Captured a Generation

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has ignited an unexpected youth-driven phenomenon, leveraging social media savvy and personal branding to potentially secure a decisive mandate in Sunday's election and reshape Japan's political landscape.

Feb 4, 2026

World

Japan's Snow Crisis: 35 Dead as Unrelenting Winter Storm Paralyzes Northern Regions

A relentless two-week snowstorm has claimed 35 lives across northern Japan, with Niigata Prefecture hardest hit. Authorities warn of further risks from melting snow and forecast more heavy snowfall this weekend.

Feb 4, 2026

World

Japan Deploys Military, Fleets of Plows as Historic Winter Storms Claim 30 Lives

Japan mobilizes Self-Defense Forces and thousands of snow-clearing vehicles to combat unprecedented snowfall that has paralyzed northern regions, disrupted travel, and raised concerns over voter turnout for the upcoming general election.

Feb 3, 2026

Business

Universal Pulls CFO Offer from ADM Executive Amid SEC Accounting Scandal

Universal has rescinded its employment offer to a former ADM finance executive just one day after the SEC filed suit against ADM's ex-CFO over alleged accounting misconduct in the nutrition segment, highlighting the widening fallout from the agribusiness giant's regulatory troubles.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Japan's Manufacturing Sector Roars Back: PMI Hits 3.5-Year High on Surging Demand

Japan's manufacturing activity expanded at its fastest pace since mid-2022 in January, a key private survey shows, driven by robust domestic and international orders. While the sector's revival is clear, rising input costs and inflation concerns temper the optimism.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Suzuki Overtakes Nissan in Global Sales, Claiming Third Spot Among Japanese Automakers

Suzuki Motor Corporation has surpassed Nissan in worldwide vehicle sales for 2025, securing its position as Japan's third-largest automaker. The shift highlights Suzuki's growing strength in emerging markets and Nissan's ongoing struggles to regain momentum.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond the Box: The Hidden Toll of Excessive Packaging on Business and Planet

What begins as a simple effort to protect goods is creating a cascade of hidden costs—from squeezed profit margins and logistical headaches to environmental damage and consumer backlash. As scrutiny intensifies, businesses are finding that less is often more.

Feb 5, 2026

Business

Tariffs' Toll: Fayetteville Small Businesses Struggle to Survive One Year Into Trade Policy Shift

A year after the implementation of sweeping tariffs on imports, small business owners in the Fayetteville area describe a sustained squeeze on profits, with some dipping into personal savings to stay afloat amidst rising costs and complex supply chains.

Feb 5, 2026

Beyond the Cookie Banner: Why U.S. Small Businesses Must Adapt to the Coming Wave of Consent-Driven Advertising

As online ad costs surge, a technical revolution in user consent, pioneered in Europe, is quietly reshaping the global ad landscape. U.S. businesses, already grappling with state privacy laws, must integrate compliance with campaign performance to safeguard future marketing efficacy.

Feb 4, 2026

US

Japan's Deadly Snowfall: Avalanche Warnings Follow Storms That Claim 35 Lives

A relentless two-week winter onslaught has buried northern Japan under historic snowdrifts, triggering a humanitarian crisis, widespread disruptions, and heightened avalanche risks as temperatures begin to rise.

Feb 4, 2026