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Hair dye and nail art are allowed! Japanese companies relax their rules to win workers' loyalty
Hinako, 22, moved to Tokyo in 2011 and chose to work at Don Quijote a discount retailer because it didn't really care about the colour of her hair. Mori, who was wearing ash blonde hair with dark and light blue streaks at the time of her interview, likes to change the colour of her hair every six weeks. She had a very different experience when she worked for a Japanese convenience store chain which required black or dark brown locks. "One day, I dyed my hair blonde. Mori said that the next morning, she was told either to wear a wig of use spray-on color. It was very stressful." RETAILERS RELEASE RULES In response to Japan's tight labor market, many companies have followed in the footsteps Don Quijote. A Pan Pacific International Group company. Three years ago, it relaxed its hair and nail varnish rules. Now nearly a quarter have brightly colored hair. If brown hair is added, then 55% of their employees do not have black hair. Fuji Yakuhin has, for instance, eliminated a number of rules that apply to non-pharmacists. The drugstore chain now allows all hair colours, nail art and heavy makeup. It also allows for any type of ring, while previously only wedding bands were allowed. Tokyu Store, the supermarket operator, has also relaxed restrictions on hair colors, hair styles and accessories, as well as nail polish, piercings, and nail varnish. Japan Inc. has gradually relaxed its dress code over the last two decades. The "Cool Biz", a campaign by the Ministry of Environment in 2005, encouraged people to ditch their jackets and ties during summer months. Since then, the summer dress code has become more relaxed, uniforms for department store employees are no longer mandatory, and white gloves for cab drivers have been made optional. Smaller companies are more likely to be affected by the latest changes in hair colour, nail varnish and accessories. They face greater labour shortages and have less flexibility to offer wages that are competitive. Some big listed companies have relaxed their dress codes for this year. Japan Airlines joined Skymark Airlines and Tokyo Metro, a budget airline in the United States, to allow employees to wear sneakers at work. LABOUR CRUNCH PRESSURE According to OECD statistics, Japan's population of working age has fallen by 16% from its peak in 1995. This has led to fierce competition among employers for employees. A survey shows that two-thirds (67%) of Japanese companies believe the labour shortage has a significant impact on their business. According to Tokyo Shoko Research, it was the main cause of Japanese bankruptcy in April-September. The number of failures reached their highest level for a first half period in 12 years. This gives young people more control, at least in terms of part-time employment. According to a survey conducted by Mynavi, a job information and recruitment company in April, two-thirds believe that students should have the option to decide how they want to look when working part-time. One third of students said that they had withdrew job applications due to dress codes. Shota Miyamoto is a researcher for Mynavi. "Students don't only want to gain experience and earn money. They seem to be looking for something more - a feeling of comfort or freedom," he said. He added that they didn't expect the same from full-time employment. Many companies are not comfortable with the Western style of facial or multiple piercings. Tattoos, which are traditionally associated with yakuza (the Japanese mafia), should be covered up by workers so that they don't intimidate their customers. Many of the traditional Japanese giants have yet to adopt these new changes. Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., for example says that it does not have policies regarding hair or nail varnish, but employees are generally aware of the fact that they shouldn't make waves with their appearance. (Reporting and editing by Edwina G. Gibbs; Satoshi Sugiyama)
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Pentagon claims it has struck another suspected drug ship in the Pacific, killing 3
Pentagon: The United States carried out a second attack on a suspected drug-trafficking boat on Saturday in the eastern Pacific, killing three of the people on board, according to the Pentagon. In a social media post, the U.S. Southern Command said that intelligence confirmed the vessel's involvement in illicit narcotics trafficking, transiting on a known narcotrafficking route and carrying narcotics. Joint Task Force Southern Spear struck the boat in international waters, according to an announcement. This latest operation marked the 21st attack by the U.S. Military on drug boats since early September, in what they have called a justifiable effort to stop the flow of drugs into the United States. Pentagon figures show that the strikes killed over 80 people. Human rights groups, lawmakers in the U.S. Congress and U.S. ally countries have raised concerns about the legality. The Trump administration claims it has legal authority to conduct the strikes. The Justice Department has provided a legal opinion which justifies the strikes and asserts that U.S. Military personnel who perform the operations are not prosecutable. (Reporting and editing by Sergio Non, Edmund Klamann and Joseph Tanfani)
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Sources: Airbus will win the bulk of the major Flydubai jet orders
Airbus is likely to win the largest share of the major order for jets from flydubai during the Dubai Airshow. This will break Boeing's grip over the fast-growing low-cost carrier, according to people familiar with the situation. They said that the European planemaker is close to a deal with flydubai to sell around 100 A321neos. Flydubai has also been in discussions to order a smaller number of 737 MAXs from Boeing. Airbus could get 100 jets out of this deal, but the final split will depend on the outcome of negotiations that are expected to last until the end as the industry meets for its summit from November 17-21. Airbus and Boeing declined comment. Flydubai did not respond immediately to requests for comments. The airline has 175 MAX aircraft in its fleet, or 30 Boeing 787s on order. Leading Global Customer Airbus' deal to sell the 737 MAX to one of the world's largest customers, who has bought the aircraft exclusively from Boeing up until now, will further consolidate Europe's leadership in the most sought-after narrow-body jet market. Sources said that Flydubai will continue to maintain a fleet roughly balanced based on Boeing orders made earlier. The airline previously stated that it is looking to place the largest aircraft order it has ever placed, indicating it will purchase more than 175 MAX jets it ordered in 2017. Sources said that if options were included in the negotiations this week, the airline would be able to secure hundreds of new aircraft. Reports on Friday indicated that Airbus would be expected to take a piece of the business from the budget airline for the first ever. Boeing Commercial Airplanes' CEO Stephanie Pope stated on Sunday that the company would focus primarily on discussions with airlines regarding its path to recover from a number of corporate crises rather than maximising orders at this year's show. Analysts predicted that Airbus would win the Dubai Airshow following a May visit by U.S. president Donald Trump to the Gulf, which accelerated the announcement of significant Boeing orders that are usually announced at the Middle East Aviation expo. Airbus announced on Sunday that it expects the aircraft fleet in the region to double by 2044 to 3,700 planes. (Reporting and editing by Alex Richardson; Additional reporting by Ahmed Elimam, Federico Maccioni and Federico Maccioni)
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Boeing wants to improve relations with customers over the 777X delays
Boeing will not use this week's Dubai Airshow to announce new orders, but rather to outline the certification path for its long-delayed mini-jumbo 777x programme. Boeing announced last month a new delay, and took a $4.9billion charge for its biggest twin-engined aircraft, pushing delivery to 2027, which is seven years later than initially planned. Stephanie Pope, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said that she would not be placing orders in the next 2 to 3 days. Pope said, "It is about being transparent and engaging with our customers. We will highlight the progress...and any concerns or issues they may have." Pope spoke after the head host airline Emirates, the largest customer of the jet, said Aviation Week that he was "miffed", to learn about the delays from the media. When asked about the comments during a pre-show press briefing, Pope did not comment directly on discussions between Emirates, but stated that it was "unacceptable for me to have any of our clients be surprised and our focus is being as transparent as we can". Pope confirmed that Air Current's report that Boeing has won regulatory approval for the next and most crucial phase of certification trials, the 777X, was correct. She told reporters that demand for jetliners remains high. Boeing is leading this year's race for orders against Airbus, after an influx of orders coincided with the visit by U.S. president Donald Trump to the Gulf in May. Analysts predicted a quieter-than-usual Dubai Airshow. Sources in the industry have stated that flydubai is expected announce an order at the event. However, Airbus will win part of business from the airline, which was previously a Boeing-only carrier, following back and forth negotiations leading up to this show. Last year, the CEO of the carrier said that it would place a record order after buying 175 Boeing aircraft in 2017. (Reporting and editing by Tim Hepher)
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German top minister travels to China for dialogue with China on trade tensions
Lars Klingbeil, German Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister, said that dialogue with China was key to finding solutions to pressing problems such as supply chain uncertainty and Chinese excess capacity. He made this statement on Sunday before his visit to China. The visit coincides with Germany's reevaluation of its trade policy toward China. It is accelerating the policy of "derisking" following Beijing's recent restrictions on rare earths, semiconductors and other products. Klingbeil, speaking in Berlin just before departing to Beijing, said that "access to raw materials critical and the reduction in Chinese overcapacity of sectors like steel and electric mobility is of great importance for Germany's economy and employment." He added, "We don't shy away from the competition but it has to be fair." Klingbeil is the first German minister to visit China. After Beijing only confirmed one of the meetings he requested, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul decided to postpone his trip planned for October's end. CHINA AND GERMANY WILL DISCUSS THE UKRAINE WAR Klingbeil noted that Russia's war against Ukraine would also be discussed, and that it has grave consequences not only for Europe, but for stability worldwide. Klingbeil stated that "China has a crucial role to play in ending this war."
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Airbus predicts Middle East regional aircraft will more than double in 2044
Airbus' regional aircraft fleet in the Middle East is expected to double by 2044 to 3,700 planes, a senior official revealed on Sunday. Airbus's Head of Marketing for Africa and the Middle East, Grainne Van den Berg, told a recent press conference that the European planemaker anticipates Middle East passenger traffic to grow at a rate of 4,4% per year over the next 20 years. Van den Berg said that Airbus expects services in the region will double by 2044 to $29.9 billion. The forecast was made ahead of the Dubai Airshow - the Middle East's largest aviation event, which takes place from November 17-21. Airbus, one of the competing planemakers in the race to win orders from Boeing, believes that widebody aircraft will account for 42% (the highest percentage globally) of the total demand by 2044. Gabriel Semelas, Airbus' President for Africa and Middle East, said that the Middle East was a major force in global aviation. The forecast fleet expansion, especially when it comes widebody aircraft, is significant. Semelas said, "This region will become the hub for long-haul travel in the future." Reporting by Federico Maccioni in Dubai and Ahmed Elimam, writing by Menna al-Din in Cairo and editing by Andrew Heavens and Alexander Smith.
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Boeing aims to stabilize the industry before increasing production
Boeing's top executive in jet manufacturing said that the company aims to stabilize aircraft production levels at present before moving on to new industrial milestones, while implementing safety and quality improvements. Boeing Commercial Airplanes' CEO Stephanie Pope said it was still too early to predict when Boeing will increase 737 jet production to 47 per month. The regulators had recently cleared Boeing to achieve 42 per month following the lifting of temporary output limits. Pope told a press conference ahead of the Dubai Airshow that "getting it right at (the correct) pace is more important than speeding up." PRODUCTION MILESTONES Boeing received approval last month to increase 737 production to 42 planes per month. This is a reduction of the 38-plane limit in place following a mid-air explosion in 2024 caused by missing bolts on a door plug. This incident exposed Boeing's widespread safety and product quality failures. The U.S. aircraft manufacturer is producing 42 jets per month, and is close to reaching 8 a monthly production rate for the 787 model. Pope stated that his initial focus was to stabilize at these two rates. This would include meeting six targets set with the Federal Aviation Administration. These included keeping track of supplier shortages and work out-of sequence. Pope stated that the trend of such industrial errors is declining. Pope replied that he could not define when the milestones of 10 per month for the 787 and 47 a monthly for the 737 would be achieved. "We'll increase the rate when the system allows it." NEW 'NORTH LINE' AT EVERETT FACTORY Boeing, after decades of producing the 737s in its Renton plant, south of Seattle is now setting up a "North line" at its vast wide-body Everett facility, north of Seattle to increase production of the narrow body jet. Pope said that this will not be necessary until Boeing takes its next step to pre-Covid levels, which are 52 per month. Pope responded that "my near-term goal is to focus on one rate reduction at a time." She added that the extra capacity was part of a plan to "meet the demand and market for our products in the long-term". Boeing is far behind Airbus in terms of industrial performance, largely due to the success of Airbus' A321neo. It also has a number of safety and production mishaps with its 737-series that produce most of the cash for the company. Airbus produces 63 A320neo jets per month, and plans to increase that number to 75 in 2027. However, some suppliers doubt whether this goal is realistic. Analysts believe that the production plans for both companies are crucial as Boeing attempts to repair its finances, and Airbus tries to build up an arsenal for the next-generation of aircraft. (Reporting and editing by David Goodman, Alex Richardson and Tim Hepher)
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After Ukrainian attack, oil loadings resume at Russia's Novorossiysk Port
Two industry sources and LSEG data show that the Russian port of Novorossiysk resumed oil loadings Sunday, after a suspension lasting two days due to a Ukrainian drone and missile attack. Novorossiysk suspended oil exports on Friday, a move that equates to 2.2 millions barrels of oil per day or 2% global supply. Oil prices rose by over 2% globally on the back of supply concerns following the attack. According to two anonymous industry sources, loadings have resumed. According to LSEG, two tankers - the Suezmax Arlan and Aframax Rodos - are loading oil on the port's berths. Two oil berths were damaged by the Ukrainian attack in Novorossiysk. The Ukrainian attack on Novorossiysk was the most destructive attack against Russia's major Black Sea crude export infrastructure. A long shutdown could have led to the costly closure of oil wells located in West Siberia. This would have reduced the amount sent by Russia, the second largest oil exporter on the planet, to the international markets. After months of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries and oil depots, the attack on Novorossiysk was a response to those attacks. Reports on Thursday showed that despite Ukraine's largest drone attacks, Russia's oil production has only fallen by 3% in this year. According to industry sources, the total amount of crude oil shipped through Novorossiysk’s Sheskharis Terminal in October was 3.22 million tons, or 761,000 barges per day. Sources said that 1.794 millions tonnes of oil products have been exported through Novorossiysk during October. Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Christina Fincher and Guy Faulconbridge
Shipping companies pull out of Hong Kong to avoid US-China risks
Some shipping companies move their operations discreetly out of Hong Kong, and remove vessels from its registry. Some shipping companies are making contingency planning to do this.
Six shipping executives have said that these low-profile actions are motivated by a fear that their vessels could be seized by Chinese authorities, or face U.S. sanction in the event of a clash between Beijing and Washington. The people said that the growing U.S. scrutiny over the importance of China’s commercial fleet to a potential military conflict, such as one over Taiwan, and Beijing's emphasis of Hong Kong's role in serving Chinese interests is causing concern in the shipping industry. Last month, the U.S. Trade Representative proposed imposing steep U.S. fees on Chinese shipping firms and other companies that operate Chinese-built ships to counter China's "targeted dominant" in shipbuilding and maritime logistic. Washington warned American companies in September about the growing risks associated with operating in Hong Kong. The U.S. has already imposed sanctions on officials who are involved in a crackdown.
Hong Kong has been the hub of shipowners for over a century, as well as brokers, financiers underwriters, and lawyers who support them. Official data shows that its maritime and port industries accounted for 4,2% of the GDP in 2022.
VesselsValue - a subsidiary company of Veson Nautical, a maritime data group - reports that the city's flag was flown on eight out of ten ships in the world.
Interviews with two dozen people familiar with Hong Kong including shipping executives and lawyers revealed a growing concern about the possibility that commercial maritime operations in Hong Kong could be caught up by forces outside their control if a U.S. - China military conflict occurs.
Many pointed out China's increased focus on national security goals, trade frictions, and Hong Kong's leader's broad powers to take control of shipping if necessary, as he is accountable to Beijing.
One executive who, like many others, was allowed to remain anonymous to discuss this sensitive subject said: "We do not want to be in the position where China is knocking on our door, requesting our ships, while the U.S. targets us from the other side."
Previously, the concerns of shipowners as well as their efforts to limit exposure to Hong Kong were not reported. In recent years the perception of risk has increased, in line with the tightening security environment in the Chinese-ruled area and the tensions between two of the largest economies in the world.
Turning Tide
To comply with safety and environment rules, commercial ships must be registered or flagged with a specific country or jurisdiction.
VesselsValue, an independent research firm, found that despite the influx of Chinese ships on Hong Kong's register, the number oceangoing vessels registered in the city dropped by more than 8% in January, from 2,580 in January 2004. Government data show a similar drop.
In 2023 and 2024 74 ships, mostly dry-bulk carriers, were re-flagged for Singapore and Marshall Islands. These vessels transport commodities like coal, iron ore, and grain. VesselsValue reports that 15 tankers and 7 container ships left Hong Kong's registry to fly these flags.
Hong Kong's ship registry has seen a dramatic decline in the last two years. Official data shows that it grew by 400% over the past 20 years.
Hong Kong's Government responded to questions by saying that it is normal for shipping companies, given the changing geopolitical, trade and economic circumstances, to review their operations. It is also normal for the numbers of ships registered to fluctuate over the short-term.
A spokesperson stated that Hong Kong will "continue to excel" as an international shipping center, highlighting a variety of incentives, such as profits tax breaks and environmental subsidies, for shipowners.
The spokesperson stated that neither the laws governing registry nor the emergency provisions empower Hong Kong's leader in commandeering ships to serve as part of a Chinese merchant navy.
When asked to comment on the concerns of industry players about how emergency powers from colonial times might be used during a conflict between the U.S. and China, the spokesperson declined. The provisions give the leader of the city "any regulation whatsoever", which includes taking control over vessels and property.
China's commerce and defence ministries did not respond to questions regarding the role of the merchant fleet in Beijing’s warfighting plan, the possible involvement of Hong Kong flagged vessels, or the concerns of commercial shipowners.
The U.S. Treasury declined to comment on potential sanctions, concerns of shipping executives, or the role played by Hong Kong-registered ships in a Chinese commercial fleet.
Lawyers and executives agree that ships can be reflagged in a variety of ways, including through the sale, chartering or redeployment on different routes.
Basil Karatzas of Karatzas Marine Advisors & Co in the U.S. said that Singapore was becoming the preferred domicile for businesses with less exposure to Chinese shipping or cargo trade. It offered many efficiencies including its legal system but also a lower risk than Hong Kong.
Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority stated that decisions regarding domiciles and flags were based on business considerations. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore said it had not noticed any "significant changes" in the number Hong Kong shipping companies moving operations or reflagging vessels to Singapore.
MERCHANT FLEEET
Executives and lawyers agree that Hong Kong's registry for shipping is highly regarded by the industry because of its high safety and regulatory standards. This allows its ships to easily pass through foreign ports. Many of China's international state-owned vessels now fly Hong Kong's banner.
According to PLA military studies and four security analysts, in a conflict these tankers and bulk carriers would be the backbone of the merchant fleet that supplies China's oil and food needs.
The U.S., on the other hand, has a very small shipbuilding industry. It also has far fewer vessels under its flag. Three analysts say that while China's growing state-owned fleet would be a target of the U.S. during a military conflict, Beijing would need other vessels in order to supply its needs, given its reliance on international shipping lanes and vast needs.
Donald Trump has been keeping a close eye on strategic maritime operations. Trump said in his January inauguration address that he would "take back" control of the Panama Canal from China. Trump did not provide specifics but his remarks focused on two Panama port operated by a Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings subsidiary. The group did not respond to any questions regarding Trump's remarks, but agreed to sell the majority of the subsidiary's shares to a consortium led by BlackRock this week, giving U.S. interest control over the port. Trump said to Congress that his administration would create a shipbuilding office in the White House, and provide new tax incentives.
In a study conducted by the U.S. Congress in November 2023, it was stated that "cargo vessels typically transport 90% of military equipment required in overseas conflicts". The report noted that Chinese shipyards ordered 1,794 ocean-going large ships in 2022 compared to five in the U.S.
Merchant vessels played a crucial role in Britain's 1982 long-range operation to retake Argentina's Falkland Islands. Declassified CIA files show that UK-flagged ships operated out of Hong Kong, many of which were owned or controlled by Chinese firms, supplied communist Hanoi in the Vietnam War.
In 2013, President Xi Jinping outlined the need for a Chinese merchant fleet that would help to build China's maritime strength in a Politburo session.
In the past decade, Chinese military and government documents and studies have emphasized the dual-use value of China’s merchant ships.
According to state media, regulations enacted in 2014 required Chinese builders to build five types of commercial ships, including tankers and container ships, to be able to serve military requirements.
Since then, COSCO has seen a significant increase in its line.
Documents from COSCO show that China places political commissars, officers who make sure Communist Party goals are served, on nominally civil ships.
The U.S. banned COSCO subsidiaries in January for what they said were links with the Chinese military.
COSCO has not responded to any questions regarding its deployment of commissars, U.S. restrictions, or what role COSCO's ships -- including those with Hong Kong flags -- might play in wartime.
'REALLY DE-RISKED'
Hong Kong is still an important shipowners' base, despite geopolitical issues. Some shipowners are quietly hedging.
Taylor Maritime (London-listed) a company that was founded in Hong Kong, in 2014, has a much smaller presence in Hong Kong now after several strategic moves in the last few years.
It has been flagging its ships in Singapore and the Marshall Islands since 2021. The company has offices in London, Guernsey and Singapore.
A person with knowledge of the matter said that the firm "really reduced the risk of Hong Kong". This was due to investors' fears of a Chinese invasion in Taiwan and the Communist Party taking control of Hong Kong.
Taylor Maritime's spokesperson stated that the company initially moved its Asia-based teams from Hong Kong to Singapore to be closer to their clients.
Taylor Maritime, after acquiring Grindrod, a shipping company with an Asia office in Singapore and expanding its operations there, relocated certain functions from Hong Kong to Singapore, where it became the primary Asia hub.
Two people with knowledge of the situation said that Pacific Basin Shipping, a Hong Kong listed company, has always flagged its 110 bulk carrier fleet in Hong Kong. However, it is now preparing contingency plans for them to be registered elsewhere while it assesses possible risks.
Pacific Basin's spokesperson stated that the company constantly evaluated geopolitical risk but its fleet still flew the Hong Kong flag "which, at least for the moment, outweighs the challenges".
The spokesperson stated that "Being located in Hong Kong places us near China's 40% share of the global dry bulk export/import activity as well as close to Asia's strong industrial and economic growth regions."
Angad Banga said that shipping firms adjust contingency plans based upon risk assessments, but he has not heard of concerns regarding the commandeering vessels.
Banga said that although some organizations may be re-evaluating their operational strategies, they do not see a widespread exodus from Hong Kong or a loss of confidence. The city, he added, remained attractive to maritime commerce.
Some industry figures have described a general unease in Hong Kong, which has affected their planning.
Three lawyers have said that, until recently, contracts for the increasing number of ships constructed in China that are financed by Chinese banks stipulated that the ship must fly the Hong Kong Flag.
Lawyers said that in the past two years some companies have added a disclaimer to their contracts, stating that they are willing to consider other flags as an alternative. Could not independently verify these changes. Beijing officials have stressed that Hong Kong is important in achieving national security goals. They also referred to China's modernisation of its military and refusal to abandon the use of force against Taiwan.
Three executives and lawyers said that the sweeping security laws, which were first implemented in Hong Kong in July 2021 and then strengthened in March 2020, have increased dangers.
Lawyers said that any attempt by Hong Kong’s leader to commandeer ships in an emergency could prove difficult, since locally registered vessels often travel routes far away from Hong Kong. They said that such powers, which have been in place for a long time, now needed to be seen through the lens of national security.
One lawyer stated that some shipowners would not object to a request from the government to hand over their vessels. This could be due to patriotism, or because they might profit by a crisis.
Another veteran lawyer said that it is "better to avoid being in a situation where you could be asked".
It was not an issue a few short years ago. The national security map has been redrawn. (Reporting and editing by David Crawshaw; Additional reporting by Andrea Shalal, Idrees, and Idrees in Washington and Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong;
(source: Reuters)