Yen Plummets, Stocks Rally: Markets Greet Japan’s Next Leader

The governing party’s unexpected choice of Sanae Takaichi to lead it rattled markets on Monday, causing the yen to weaken and sending Japanese stocks sharply higher.

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Sanae Takaichi Is Likely to Be Japan’s Next Leader. Who Is She?

Ms. Takaichi would be Japan’s first female prime minister in a country where women are drastically underrepresented at the highest levels of power.

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Japan Set for First Female Prime Minister

Sanae Takaichi, a hard-line conservative, was elected as leader by Japan’s governing party, paving the way for her to become prime minister of the coalition government.

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What to Know About Japan’s Leadership Election

Japan’s beleaguered governing party will convene for a crucial election that could pave the way for the first female prime minister or the youngest leader in 140 years.

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Can This Japanese City Make Residents Put Down Their Smartphones?

The authorities in Toyoake, Japan, introduced a rule limiting the use of digital devices to two hours per day outside of work and school. Some residents say it is an overreach.

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Forget Labubus: We’re Collecting Semi-Cured Gel Nail Strips

The strips feature intricate designs and can be applied at a fraction of the cost of a salon visit. People are collecting them by the hundreds.

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Extreme Heat Spurs New Laws Aimed at Protecting Workers Worldwide

Governments around the world are enacting measures to try to protect workers from the dangers of heat stress. They’re barely keeping up with the risks.

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In South Korea and Japan, Fury at U.S. Fuels Backlash Over Trade Deals

Officials and business leaders in both countries are questioning commitments their governments made to invest hundreds of billions in American manufacturing.

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Why 7-Eleven and Convenience Stores in Japan Are So Special

Convenience stores are a fixture of Japanese life, and 7-Eleven is the country’s dominant chain. They are a place to shop, pay bills and gather during disasters.

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Is America Ready for Japanese-Style 7-Elevens?

Stephen Dacus, head of the chain’s parent company, aims to export its success in Japan, with signature offerings like fresh prepared food.

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