Nikkei Asia

Market Spotlight Japan's Buffett-backed trading houses hit by weaker commodity prices Japan's general trading houses -- Mitsubishi, Itochu, Mitsui, Sumitomo, and Marubeni -- are set to announce their annual earnings results in May. Investor attention is likely to focus on whether the companies will upgrade their shareholder return policies. Read more here

Indian parties scramble to woo tuned-out young voters Indian political parties are scrambling to woo youths in the ongoing general election, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third five-year term. Party workers are leveraging the power of social media, music videos and grassroots organizations as well as Bollywood stars to lure the country's sizable youth demographic into polling booths. Read more here

BREAKING NEWS Japanese yen drops past 160 to fresh 34-year low against the dollar Read more here

Zero luggage lost: Japan's Kansai Airport keeps 30-year record going Kansai International Airport has been responsible for no lost luggage since it opened in September 1994, gaining international recognition for prompt and reliable baggage delivery. Read more here

YOUR WEEK IN ASIA Microsoft's boss in Southeast Asia, China PMI, Japan's Kishida at OECD Here is your weekly lineup of Asia's biggest business and political events

China to lift Taiwan tourism restrictions for Fujian residents Tourist visits to Taiwan by residents of China's Fujian province will be permitted to resume, the mainland's Ministry of Culture and Tourism said Sunday. Read more here

China spy suspects in U.K. and Germany seen as 'tip of iceberg' In a week when four alleged spies for China were arrested in Germany and another two suspects were charged in the U.K., intelligence experts said Europe had only scratched the surface of the problem. Read more here

How escalating tensions in Middle East threaten Asia's security The ominous shadow of war is covering the entire Middle East, with Iran and Israel hitting each other directly. How much these tensions will escalate is anybody's guess. Read more here

Niseko gin shows Japanese resort offers more than skiing A gin made in Niseko, Hokkaido, has won the top award at an international gin competition, sparking hopes the ski resort can become a year-round tourist hot spot. Read more here

Tokyo startup devises AI system to help with endoscopic surgery A system that uses artificial intelligence to analyze endoscopic images and assist surgeons in real-time during surgical procedures is now in practical use in Japan. The new technology is expected to improve the precision of procedures and make surgeons' jobs easier. Read more here