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The article focuses on job security in Japan amid COVID-19 pandemic; and mentions Japan has lowest unemployment due to social, demographic and epidemiological factors, by which economic slowdown has not produced mass layoffs.

Presents business news briefs. Widening of the trade surplus in Japan; Growing overseas investments by Japanese companies; Upgrade of credit ratings on Canon and Ricoh; Borrowing outlook for the British government; Fines which were levied against mortgage lender Abbey National in Britain; Decline in profits expected at Dutch telecommunication company, Royal KPN; Court ruling in a credit lawsuit against Deutsche Bank; Purchase of Scout24AG by T-Online International of Germany.

Discusses the November 1998 sale of Japanese Government bills with negative yields. Indication of investors' distrust of Japanese banks and negative attitude toward the Japanese economy; Reasons for purchasing the bonds; Impact of the negative yields on consumer and corporate rates.

Focuses on the indication that the United States would not join the international efforts in the foreign markets in order to limit the Japanese yen currency on September 24, 1999. Impact of the indication to the stock markets in Asia and Pacific; Rating of the stocks in Tokyo, Japan; Implication of the stability of the Japanese yen.

Announces the rate increase on ocean shipments of goods from Japan to the United States in May 1999. Reason behind the increase; Impact of the increase on Japan's shipping companies.

Reports that five Japanese banks raised their mortgage rates on December 29, 1998. Implications of the rate hike; Efforts of the government to lift the economy out of the recession; Percent increase announced.