Latest news with #WATARUSUZUKI

Nikkei Asia
16-07-2025
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
Chinese consumer brands surge in Southeast Asia, challenge legacy names
Haier launched three new washing machine models with Asian consumers in mind, featuring artificial intelligence capabilities, in Thailand in early July. (Haier Thailand) WATARU SUZUKI and YUICHI NITTA SHANGHAI/BANGKOK -- Chinese consumer brands are accelerating their expansion in Southeast Asia by acquiring rivals and leveraging online sales channels, pushing deeper into home appliance and cosmetics markets once dominated by Japanese, South Korean and European companies. Like their compatriots in the vehicle and smartphone sectors, brands such as Haier and lesser-known brands have rapidly expanded in the region, partially driven by intensifying competition, production overcapacity in China, and the strength of e-commerce platforms.


Nikkei Asia
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Nikkei Asia
Asia's largest, priciest Legoland opens in Shanghai
The $550 million Legoland resort spans 318,000 square meters, making it the world's biggest at opening. (Photo by Wataru Suzuki) WATARU SUZUKI SHANGHAI -- The first Legoland in China opened in Shanghai on Saturday under scorching heat, as the Danish toymaker bets on parents' passion for educating their children. The $550 million resort spans 318,000 square meters, making it the world's biggest Legoland at opening. A towering 26 meter figure inscribed with the Chinese characters for "Shanghai" and a heart symbol sits in the middle of the resort, surrounded by a roller coaster. Boat rides whisk passengers through miniature Lego recreations of the city's historic Bund district, while an indoor area features larger versions of Shanghai's landscapes and traditional architecture.


Nikkei Asia
03-07-2025
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
Chinese discount retailer grows as demand rises for affordable goods
Retail HotMaxx launches supersized outlets after success with near-expiry snacks and drinks Shoppers browse HotMaxx's "super warehouse" store in Nanjing. The discount retailer has opened over 900 stores in China since 2020. (Photo by Wataru Suzuki) WATARU SUZUKI NANJING -- Chinese discount store operator HotMaxx is winning over bargain hunters by offering branded goods well below their original prices, as an economic slowdown has consumers growing more cautious about spending. Managed by Shanghai-based Xinguo Technology, HotMaxx's "super warehouse" outlet in a Nanjing shopping mall has become its biggest draw since opening in December, showcasing racks of discounted Nike clothes, Doritos chips and even Hermes bags.

Nikkei Asia
27-06-2025
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
China signals rare earths will flow, US trade truce 'further confirmed'
The U.S. and Chinese flags are placed on a negotiating table during bilateral talks in Geneva on May 10. (Keystone/EDA via Reuters) WATARU SUZUKI and STELLA YIFAN XIE SHANGHAI/HONG KONG -- China's Ministry of Commerce on Friday said it will process export applications for "controlled items," echoing U.S. officials' comments that they have reached a deal with Beijing to resume exports of rare earths. An unnamed spokesperson said the two sides have maintained close communication since meeting in London earlier this month, where they restored a trade truce reached in Geneva in May. The countries have "further confirmed the details of the framework," according to a Q&A published on the ministry's website.

Nikkei Asia
10-06-2025
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
Chinese defense stocks face wild swings amid arms export speculation
WATARU SUZUKI SHANGHAI -- China's defense stocks are fluctuating wildly amid reports of growing interest in the country's military equipment from Asian neighbors. Shanghai-listed shares of AVIC Shenyang Aircraft, the maker of J-35A fighter jets, fell 3.2% on Tuesday after jumping 9.3% on Monday. The surge had been in response to Pakistan's reported plans to purchase J-35As last week. The fifth-generation stealth fighter flew at China's biggest aviation expo in the southern city of Zhuhai in November.