Core Insights - The ongoing competition between China and Japan has escalated into a generational paradigm shift in industry, which poses significant implications for China's transformer manufacturing enterprises [1] - Japan's recent supply chain disruptions, triggered by China's export control measures, have led to partial production halts for 23 major companies, including Toyota and Sony [2] - The historical trade relationship between China and Japan has evolved dramatically, with China now controlling 80% of global production capacity for critical materials that were once monopolized by Japan [4] Group 1: Supply Chain Dynamics - Japan's manufacturing sector is facing a critical supply chain crisis, with a dependency on China for key materials exceeding 90%, particularly in the semiconductor industry [10] - The shift from a "world factory" to an "innovation hub" in China signifies a strategic transformation that poses long-term challenges for Japan's manufacturing capabilities [9][12] - China's advanced real-time data collaboration capabilities in supply chain management have outpaced Japan's traditional methods, highlighting a significant efficiency gap [7][8] Group 2: Technological Advancements - China's continuous investment in research and development has led to a reversal of roles, where Japanese companies are now seeking access to Chinese semiconductor patents [5] - The integration of 410,000 factories into a real-time collaborative network through industrial internet platforms represents a substantial leap in China's manufacturing capabilities [8] - The introduction of an "industrial chain resilience index" by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology aims to enhance the evaluation of local governments and solidify technological advancements [12] Group 3: Historical Context and Future Implications - The historical trajectory of China-Japan trade, from a $30 billion starting point in 1985 to a current reliance on critical materials, underscores the shifting power dynamics in the region [4] - The current crisis is not merely a temporary trade dispute but a strategic declaration of China's intent to reshape the global industrial landscape [9][12] - The lessons from this ongoing competition emphasize the importance of dynamic evolutionary capabilities over static technological barriers, as articulated in historical contexts [12]

Sources said the latest round of downsizing is a continuation of the rationalisation programme initiated in April 2024 to streamline operations and align the organisation with updated business priorities following the collapse of the merger deal with Around 200 people are understood to be affected, with a significant portion comprising consultants rather than full-time staff. "As part of its omni-channel approach, the company has been re-modelling and integrating its business divisions to create a more agi ...

Japan’s Sony Bank is reportedly readying the launch of a dollar-pegged stablecoin.By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.The bank is set to issue the coin as soon as fiscal year 2026, with Sony envisioning ...

Core Insights - The PS5 is currently being offered at a $100 discount, making it a competitive deal especially after a recent price hike earlier this year [2][5] - Bundles are available from retailers like Amazon and Walmart, which include exclusive Fortnite cosmetics for both Digital and Disc editions [2] - The PS5 Slim Digital Edition is priced at $399, while the standard PS5 with a disc drive is typically $449, providing options for different gaming preferences [7][8] Pricing and Discounts - The PS5 Slim Digital Edition is discounted by 20%, from $499 to $399, while the standard PS5 is discounted by 18%, from $549 to $449 [7][9] - The PS5 Pro, which offers enhanced specifications, is available at a discount of 13%, from $749 to $649, appealing to high-performance gaming enthusiasts [11] Accessories and Additional Offers - The DualSense Edge Wireless Controller is discounted by 20%, now priced at $159.99, featuring customizable buttons and swappable analog sticks [13] - The PlayStation Portal, a handheld system for streaming PS5 games, is available at $178.99, reflecting an 11% discount from its original price [16] - The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7P headset is offered at a significant 40% discount, now priced at $119.99, providing a good option for gamers seeking quality audio [19]

Core Insights - Cyber Monday features significant discounts across various product categories, with many deals extending from Black Friday, creating a final opportunity for consumers to save before the holiday season [1][3] Technology Deals - Popular tech items include Apple AirPods Pro 3 priced at $219.99, down from $249, saving 12% [6] - Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are available for $248, a 38% discount from $399.99 [9] - Chromebooks, such as the HP 14-inch model, are priced at $169.99, saving 35% from $262.98 [23] Streaming Services - Hulu Bundle with Ads is offered at $4.99, down from $12.99, saving 62% [53] - STARZ Annual Plan is available for $11.99, a significant 83% discount from $69.99 [56] - Paramount Plus Premium Monthly Plan is priced at $2.99, saving 77% from $12.99 [60] Gaming Deals - Sony PS5 Pro is priced at $649, down from $749, saving 13% [67] - PS5 Slim Digital Edition is available for $399, a 20% discount from $499 [72] - DualSense Edge Wireless Controller is priced at $159.99, saving 20% from $199 [75] Home and Kitchen Deals - Dyson V9 Motorbar vacuum is available for $269.99, down from $599.99, saving 55% [90] - Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is priced at $499.99, a 33% discount from $749.95 [151] - Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station is offered at $349, saving 19% from $429 [99] Mattress and Bedding Deals - Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress (Queen) is priced at $1,374, down from $1,999, saving 31% [106] - Tempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress (Queen) is available for $1,399.30, a 30% discount from $1,999 [110] - Nectar Classic Mattress (Queen) is priced at $649, saving 59% from $1,598 [114] Furniture Deals - Joybird Wilder Sleeper Sectional is available for $2,499.99, down from $4,199.99, saving 40% [129] - Flexispot E7 Pro Standing Desk is priced at $369.99, saving 38% from $599.99 [134] - Braya Hydraulic Storage Bed is offered at $285.99, a 61% discount from $728.97 [124] Fashion Deals - SKIMS Fits Everybody T-Shirt is priced at $33.60, down from $48, saving 30% [183] - Columbia Karis Gale Full Length Parka is available for $60, saving 50% from $120 [186] - Allbirds Women's Wool Runner Go is offered at $20.99, a significant 81% discount from $110 [209] Beauty and Hair Care Deals - Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer is priced at $379.99, down from $519.99, saving 27% [242] - Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner is available for $22.40, saving 30% from $32 [255] - Medicube Collagen Overnight Wrapping Facial Mask Pack is priced at $13.30, down from $18.99, saving 30% [228] Pet Deals - Embark Breed Identification Kit is offered at $84, down from $109, saving 23% [257] - Chom Chom Roller Pet Hair Remover is priced at $14.70, saving 47% from $27.99 [260] - Inaba Churu Chicken Varieties are available for $23.09, a 30% discount from $32.98 [263] Toy and Gift Deals - Makeblock mBot Robot Kit is priced at $55.99, down from $69.99, saving 20% [266] - Razor A Kick Scooter is available for $29.99, saving 33% from $44.99 [269] - Lego Bonsai Tree is offered at $39.98, down from $49.99, saving 20% [275]

Stablecoin payments are coming to PlayStation. Credit: Anusak Laowilas/NurPhoto via Getty Images. Key Takeaways Sony is planning to issue its own dollar-pegged stablecoin. The proposed token will be used to pay for media content, including games and anime. Stablecoins could power PlayStation and Crunchyroll payments as soon as 2026. Sony Bank plans to issue its own USD-denominated stablecoin before the end of the 2026 financial year, Nikkei reported on Monday, Dec. 1. The proposed coin will drive ...

Cyber Monday is here, and if you've been waiting for the perfect moment to upgrade your TV, now is the time. I review TVs for a living, so I can tell a good discount from a bad one. The best Cyber Monday TV deals feature some of the strongest savings of the year on my favorite displays from Samsung, LG, TCL, Sony, and Hisense.One TV deal I keep telling friends about is the Samsung S90F. The 65-inch model is sitting at $1,398, which is excellent for a TV with such impressive contrast, color accuracy, and ove ...

According to Nikkei, Sony Bank plans to issue a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin in the United States as early as fiscal 2026 for payments within Sony’s ecosystem, including games and anime. The bank applied for a U.S. banking license in October and will establish a subsidiary to oversee the stablecoin business. https://t.co/RLy1K5hClI ...

Key TakeawaysChina's manufacturing sector unexpectedly contracted in November 2025, with the RatingDog PMI falling to 49.9, marking the first contraction since July.Troubled property developer China Vanke (000002.SZ, 2202.HK) saw trading halted on its 2028 yuan bond after a dramatic 36% price drop to 34.5 per 100 par, signaling ongoing concerns in the Chinese real estate market.The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) experienced an outage affecting its announcement system, though initial indications sugges ...

Core Points - The Japanese 5-year government bond yield has risen to 1.345%, the highest level since June 2008, indicating a significant shift in the bond market [2] - The Japanese yen has depreciated against the US dollar, reaching a 10-month low, with the exchange rate at 155.84 yen per dollar, marking a depreciation of approximately 10 yen since the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election [2][5] - The US dollar index has decreased by 8.37% this year, with the dollar depreciating against major currencies, including a 0.79% decline against the yen [4] Currency and Economic Trends - The depreciation of the yen is primarily attributed to the widening interest rate differential between the US and Japan, as the Federal Reserve has entered a strong rate hike cycle while the Bank of Japan has maintained a more stable policy [5] - Japan's economic stimulus plan, announced by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, includes a budget of 21.3 trillion yen aimed at addressing inflation and stimulating growth, but has led to immediate depreciation of the yen, suggesting investor skepticism [8][9] - Japan's government debt is projected to exceed 42.1 trillion yen in 2024, with an additional issuance of approximately 11.7 trillion yen to cover the funding gap from the stimulus plan [8] Long-term Economic Implications - Japan's economic growth has been sluggish, with average growth rates declining significantly over the decades, raising concerns about the effectiveness of fiscal stimulus measures [9][12] - The Bank of Japan faces a dilemma in its monetary policy, balancing the need for economic stimulus against rising inflation, with current inflation rates hovering around 2.4% to 4% [14] - The reliance on government debt and low interest rates has distorted the bond market, leading to capital outflows as investors seek higher returns abroad, which could further pressure the yen [16]