Attraction aims to broaden appeal of franchise
Namco Bandai Holdings Inc. on April 19 opened a new theme park in Tokyo based on “Kido Senshi Gundam” (“Mobile Suit Gundam”), a popular animated franchise.
Gundam Front Tokyo, located in the new DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in the Odaiba area of Minato Ward, is designed to appeal to older Gundam enthusiasts and younger fans alike.
The theme park has a wide range of products and attractions drawn from the original series, which first captivated viewers more than three decades ago. …

Japan’s online social-game providers gave up a lucrative business model last week, acquiescing before the nation’s top consumer watchdog likely determines the controversial sales tactic illegal.
DeNA Co.,Gree Inc. and six other firms last week announced that they will cease selling virtual tools used in their games via the so-called kompu gacha method. The method encourages users to spend money in what amount to lotteries as they seek coveted tools that will help them on the online playing fields. …

With China in hoarding mode, state, industry team up in hunt for alternative sources
With the government leading the way, Japanese manufacturers are finding alternative sources of rare earths. The elements are crucial for manufacturing next-generation cars and other high-tech products.
And China, sitting on top of most of the world’s deposits, is using its riches as both a carrot and stick in the game of international politics. …

Cool Biz kicks off in May to counter impact of dormant nuclear reactors on power supply
The government started its Cool Biz summertime casual wear campaign for energy-saving May 1, amid concerns over power shortages ahead of the possible suspension of all nuclear reactors in Japan.
Japan’s annual energy-saving campaign is starting a month earlier than was usual this year. The start is in line with last year’s exception, which happened due to the energy crisis triggered by the nuclear disaster in Fukushima Prefecture. …

There is no denying that the graying of Japan has major implications for companies. The again of a firm’s work force due to a lack of youthful manpower can rob the organization of vigor.
How can companies keep themselves going strong even with higher rations of older workers? Sato Holdings Corp., a manufacture of barcode-based and other automatic identification systems, is addressing this question head-on. …

Government dangling incentives, deregulation to turn ravaged region into clean energy central
A picture of tomorrow’s Tohoku region is taking shape, with green energy as the focal point. Using incentives and deregulation as carrots, the government is encouraging companies to explore wind, solar and geothermal possibilities.
For northeast communities devastated by last year’s Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, the best hope for full recovery may be a transformation into a hub for renewables. …