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3h ago

Japan Briefing: Apple Signals Expanded China Investment as Playoffs Open and B.League Revenues Hit New High

Regional developments across Hokkaido underscore infrastructure ambition, fiscal strain, civic resilience.

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Overview

  • Apple CEO Tim Cook met China’s industry minister in Beijing on October 15, with the ministry saying he voiced plans to expand investment and deepen cooperation, calling for “win‑win” development.
  • NPB’s Climax Series Final Stage opened the same day, as Hanshin beat DeNA 2–0 and SoftBank walked off 2–1 over Nippon-Ham in the 10th inning, with large contingents of Fighters fans rallying in Fukuoka and Hokkaido.
  • B.League released its 2024–25 financials, led by the Chiba Jets at about ¥5.17 billion in revenue driven by a new 11,000-seat arena, with B1 and B2 clubs totaling roughly ¥65.1 billion and the chair noting top-tier figures are nearing the J1 soccer average.
  • Hokkaido Spaceport in Taiki drew fresh attention after a tiSPACE launch in July, Firefly Aerospace began exploring use, and pad work continued for Interstellar Technologies’ satellite-class Zero rocket as it pursues an Asian commercial hub role.
  • A new core-cities report placed Hakodate last in fiscal strength index for FY2023, with the city also recording the highest public assistance rate and elderly share, signaling intensifying revenue pressures.