April 8, Monday, 2024

1. The real wages of private-sector workers in Japan fell for the 23rd month in a row in February, as inflation continued to outpace wage hikes. A monthly survey by the labor ministry found that inflation-adjusted pay dropped by 1.3 percent from a year earlier.
2. Japan launched its first ride-hailing services on Monday amid a growing taxi shortage, with Tokyo taking the lead. An industry group says the drivers are in their 20s to 50s, including self-employed people and a homemaker. All are driving their own cars. Customers use a smartphone app to book their journeys.
3. Large crowds have enjoyed watching giant decorated floats parading along a street adorned with cherry blossoms in full bloom in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan. The Inuyama Festival took place in the city of Inuyama over the weekend. Its main attraction is 13 magnificent floats with mechanized puppet dolls that entertain spectators.