With property prices still decreasing in rural Japan, J@pan Inc looks at how foreigners can find some great deals and invest, especially with the increase of foreign friendly mortgage deals from Japanese banks.

With Japanese banks in relatively good shape compared to their foreign counterparts, Japanese manufacturers and exporters are taking advantage of the calm here to realize their potential via M&As overseas. We have already seen Ricoh buy Ikon, Sankyo buy Ranbaxy Labs and TDK buy Epcos. But what does all this activity means for the rest of us?

Once again, it is time for the government's financial stimulus programs. The money is set to be spent on the nation's SMEs, who employ at least 90% of the working population. With JPY9 trillion up for grabs, it's a sure bet that everyone will be trying to get their share. But what will that mean for bad loan diligence? Won't a loan rush help out companies that shouldn't be in business any longer?

With fuel still at record-high prices, Japan's innovative and forward thinking agencies are continually looking for new power sources. Although Japan has a distinct lack of natural resources, one gas it does have - Methane Hydrate - could be the answer to a new alternative energy source. But how viable is it really looking to move forward with it's extraction and usage?

What do you know about Lysine? Well, it's an essential amino acid, is used as poulty and swine feed, and it's at the center of a global patent war between Japanese food manufacturing giant Ajinomoto and China's Global Bio-Chem Technology Group. Why is it looking likely that Ajinomoto will lose? And what will be the effect?

Last Thursday, Japan’s largest independent distributor of foreign books and magazines, Yohan Inc., went bankrupt. The company has shutdown completely, firing all of its staff, closing the office, and leaving a reported ￥6.5billion of debt. We take a look at what possibly went wrong and what could’ve been done better.

Japanese automakers have made some huge strides in the development of Lithium Ion batteries for use in electric cars. If Mitsubishi's i Miev is a hit, demand for such batteries could go through roof and Japanese companies look well placed to overcome supply issues and make good profits on this exciting new industry trend.

The J@pan Inc Business Awards aims to recognize the achievements of international businesses working in the Japanese market. Beyond being a third party commendation for businesses and entrepreneurs, Terrie explains why you should get nominating worthy candidates now.

EXCLUSIVE: Japan's largest paper manufacturer, Oji Paper, has a track record of dubious ethical behavior and cover-ups related to its use of toxic materials. Terrie breaks a new scandal concerning the firm's related company, Oji Homes, that has apparently tolerated the existence of asbestos and PCBs in one of its upmarket properties in Tokyo, populated mainly by young families.

The IPO market in Japan appears to be flatlining. Terrie looks at the social and economic reasons behind the downturn, and makes some suggestions as to how to breath some new life into small-medium enterprises in Japan. Read Now