Japan prime minister preps measures to bolster the economy to cushion the impact of an increase in sales tax.

Acquisition will help Japan's second largest drinks maker to expand beyond domestic market.

Regulators investigating whether bank provided excessive entertainment to pension fund executives.

Boosts case for tax hike.

Panasonic selling assets to boost cash after big losses.

Keeps mum on a pending decision on a planned sales tax hike.

Kuroda renews calls to proceed with planned sales tax hike, says won't pre-emptively ease.

Special advisory panel says the step would not threaten economic recovery if coupled with other stimulus.

Morimoto says global economy remains fragile, sees growth as moderate.

May help determine Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's decision on how to proceed with a planned increase in sales tax.