Tomoko Wakasugi

Sep 30, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Tomoko Wakasugi

SHANGHAI -- Japanese toy maker Tomy has opened a shop dedicated to its Tomica scale model cars in Shanghai, the brand's first outlet outside of Japan, as the company seeks to boost name recognition in China. The Tokyo-based company plans to establish more locations in other major Chinese cities starting next year. Tomica die-cast toy vehicles currently are available at more than 3,000 retail shops in the world's No. 2 economy.

Sep 6, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Kensaku Ihara |Noriyuki Doi |Tomoko Wakasugi

HONG KONG/SHANGHAI -- Mainland China investors have been buying Hong Kong equities at a record pace, and the inclusion of Alibaba Group Holding in the Hong Kong Stock Connect program is expected to quicken the capital outflows. The Chinese tech group on Aug. 28 upgraded to a primary listing on the Hong Kong market, a step toward being eligible for Stock Connect, which lets investors in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Shenzhen trade designated shares listed in each other's markets.

Sep 6, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Tomoko Wakasugi

SHANGHAI -- Chinese automaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group on Friday announced the completion of its third satellite launch as it expands communication coverage for its cars worldwide. The latest launch put 10 satellites developed and manufactured by Geely unit Geespace into low Earth orbit. A rocket carrying the satellites lifted off from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in China's Shanxi province.

Aug 31, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Tomoko Wakasugi

Chinese brands are gaining support as consumers prioritize value for money and cost saving amid the economic downturn. (Photo by Tomoko Wakasugi)SHANGHAI -- As China's economy slows, support for domestic baby product brands is growing, especially in price-sensitive local cities. With cross-border e-commerce expanding, some Chinese baby product makers are starting to target international markets.

Aug 24, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Tomoko Wakasugi

SHANGHAI -- Taxi drivers in China are facing cutthroat competition from ride-hailing apps, robotaxis and even flying cars, pushing some to use several smartphones in the battle for customers. Ride-hailing services have been popular in China since early in the technology's history. Didi, the leader with a market share of about 70%, was founded in 2012. Domestic ride-sharing app users in China exceeded 500 million in December last year.