August 31, 2026

Special Feature 1:

A sense of crisis prompts Hitachi’s rapid progress
---Physical AI acts as trump card for growth---

Special Feature 2:

Impact of consumption tax reductions: restaurant business proves unprofitable, while outlook for prepared food sector is bright
---Projected attack-and-defend strategies after temporary tax reduction ends in two years---

A Bird’s-eye View:

China implements Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law in July
---Four clauses Japanese companies should take heed of---

News in Depth:

Universal Studios Japan
Number of crew members aged 60 and over reaches 850
---The unforeseen impact of senior hiring---