Jiji Press

Toyota ‌Reports Record First-Half Global​ Vehicle⁣ Sales, Driven by Hybrid​ Demand

Nagoya, Japan – October⁢ 27, 2025 – Toyota Motor‍ Corp. announced⁢ today it’s parent-only global vehicle sales⁣ for the‌ April-September period reached a record 5,267,216 ​units,⁣ a 4.7 ‌percent increase compared ⁣to the same period last year. Including sales from subsidiaries Daihatsu‌ Motor Co. and Hino Motors Ltd., the⁤ Toyota group’s total global sales also hit a⁢ new​ high of 5,643,042 units, up 5.0 percent.

This surge in sales ⁣underscores ⁢Toyota’s continued strength in key markets and highlights ​growing consumer⁢ preference for hybrid technology.The results are particularly⁣ significant as the automotive industry navigates a complex landscape of economic uncertainty and intensifying competition,especially in ​regions like China. The ​record sales position Toyota favorably as it looks toward the⁣ remainder of its fiscal year and continued investment ‍in electric vehicle development.

The⁤ growth was primarily fueled by strong ⁢demand for Toyota’s hybrid vehicles in North ⁣America, where​ sales jumped 10.5 percent. Popular models like‍ the RAV4 ‍SUV ‌and Camry⁣ sedan⁤ contributed considerably to this increase.‍ In China, despite‍ an increasingly ‌competitive market marked by price wars,‍ Toyota experienced a 5.5 percent sales increase, boosted by ​the ​recent launch ⁣of a new electric ​vehicle.

The ‌data, released ⁤by toyota ​on‌ Monday, reflects sales figures as ​of October 27, 2025 (JST), according⁣ to a report‌ from Jiji Press.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]

Unicharm Launches ‍Trial Program for ⁢Free Sanitary⁤ Pad Dispensers in Shibuya, Tokyo

tokyo, Japan – October 16,‍ 2025 – Unicharm Corporation ⁢announced today a pilot program to install free sanitary​ pad dispensers in 22 public​ restrooms throughout Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward,⁤ beginning promptly and⁤ running through December 26, ‌2025. The initiative, undertaken in ⁤collaboration with the Shibuya ward‌ government, aims to address period poverty ‌and ensure access‍ to essential hygiene products for those‌ in ⁣need.

This program responds to growing⁤ awareness⁤ of the financial burden menstruation can place on individuals⁤ and families.By providing free access to ​sanitary pads in public spaces, Unicharm and ​Shibuya Ward hope to alleviate this burden and promote dignity for all residents‍ and visitors. The move builds on Unicharm’s existing efforts ⁤to distribute‍ dispensers to schools and businesses, and represents a significant step‍ toward broader public accessibility.

Unicharm will ⁤be ⁣responsible for the installation of the dispensers, while the Shibuya ‌Ward government ⁣will handle ​the ongoing replenishment​ of ‍supplies. “We ‌hope to expand this ⁢initiative to include public facilities through cooperation with local governments,” ‍stated ⁤a Unicharm official.The company anticipates ‌the results of‌ the ⁤trial will inform ‍future expansion plans‍ and potentially‍ inspire similar programs in other municipalities.

The Jiji Press news agency first⁤ reported the ⁢announcement.

Japanese Nobel Laureates Meet at Reception Honoring Recent Achievements

TOKYO – University of Osaka professor Shimon Sakaguchi and Kyoto University special professor Susumu Kitagawa, both recipients of this year’s Nobel Prizes,⁢ appeared together publicly for the‌ first time at a reception hosted by the Swedish⁤ Embassy in Tokyo Monday evening. The event, ⁣attended by Swedish Crown Princess Victoria, ‍celebrated the scientists’ groundbreaking ⁢work and marked a rare joint appearance for the two distinguished researchers.

The recognition comes as Japan ‌continues to prioritize ⁣scientific advancement and innovation on the global stage. sakaguchi was awarded the Nobel Prize⁣ in Physiology or Medicine for his discoveries concerning regulatory T ‍cells,⁤ while Kitagawa​ received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work developing molecular porous materials. Their achievements underscore Japan’s commitment to research and development, and inspire future generations of scientists.

The two laureates⁢ exchanged ‍greetings‌ and a firm handshake upon ⁢meeting ‌at the reception. “I was honored ‌to‌ meet” Kitagawa, ‌Sakaguchi⁤ told ​reporters.Kitagawa reciprocated, stating, “I have known ‌ [Sakaguchi] for a long time, so I feel ‌relaxed.”

Also ‌present at the reception were Sakaguchi’s wife, Noriko, a visiting academic at the University of Osaka, and Ryoji Noyori, the 2001 Nobel‌ Prize in Chemistry winner.

The event was‍ held on October 14, 2025, according to ⁤a​ report from Jiji Press.

Japan‘s Mitsui Chemicals, Others ⁣Forge Alliances to Accelerate Advanced Semiconductor Material​ Development

NAGOYA, JAPAN ⁢- Facing‍ hurdles in independently advancing semiconductor ⁢functionality amid the generative AI boom, Japanese chemical companies ⁣are ​increasingly prioritizing collaborative frameworks to expedite the development of next-generation⁢ materials crucial for chip manufacturing. This strategic shift reflects a broader industry recognition that overcoming the complexities of advanced chip technology requires shared expertise and resources.

Chemical manufacturers are undergoing a structural transformation, aiming to establish semiconductor-related businesses as core growth drivers.Though, the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence demands materials with ‍capabilities exceeding what individual⁤ companies can readily achieve. This has prompted a move towards joint ventures and ‌partnerships to accelerate innovation.

Mitsui Chemicals Inc., a global leader in protective ​tape for ​the semiconductor back-end process – holding the⁢ world’s largest market share – recently showcased its semiconductor research base, the⁣ Creative Integration Lab, at its Nagoya plant.​ the facility underscores the company’s commitment‌ to this evolving sector.

the‍ move​ towards collaboration ‍comes as chemical ⁤firms recognize the limitations ‌of independent development in meeting the demands of increasingly ​complex semiconductors. By pooling resources‌ and ‍knowledge, these companies aim to overcome⁤ technical challenges and maintain a competitive edge ⁤in the global chip materials market.

Aug 25, 2025 17:25 (JST) – Sydney, Australia – Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles is⁢ scheduled to visit Japan in early September to examine the Mogami-class frigate of the Japan Maritime self-Defence Force (JMSDF), ⁤according to sources revealed Monday.

The visit comes after the Australian government announced on August 5th its intention to base the design of its next-generation fleet of 11 frigates ⁢on an enhanced version of ⁣the Japanese vessel. ‍ Canberra is currently engaged in price negotiations with Japan, with a formal contract anticipated next year.

The upgraded‌ Mogami-class frigate offers operational advantages, including a reduced ⁣crew size of approximately⁣ 90 personnel – half that of a customary destroyer. Crucially, the vessel is designed to accommodate a missile system interoperable with those used by the united States military.

Minister Marles, who also serves as Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister, ⁢intends to assess the frigate’s capabilities firsthand during a tour of the⁣ JMSDF’s Yokosuka base, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo. The ‌inspection will focus on performance characteristics and overall design features.

In addition to the frigate inspection, Marles will participate in a ​”two-plus-two” meeting in Tokyo involving the foreign and defense ‌ministers of both Japan and Australia. This ⁤annual dialog alternates between the two countries in its hosting responsibilities.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]