Its popularity grew both in Japan and overseas. “Shine Muscat grape is highly profitable, which has helped change perceptions that farming isn’t lucrative,” said a prefectural government ...

In the 1920s, a man named Zenbei Kawakami set out to develop a wine grape that could survive Japan's climate. His efforts produced Muscat Bailey A grapes, now one of Japan's most popular grapes.

Japan’s hometown tax system allows taxpayers to donate to regional municipalities in exchange for tax deductions and return gifts. As policy changes threaten key benefits, municipalities and ...