Faltering Japan

TOKYO (Nikkei)--Demand for temporary workers is rising again as the reconstruction effort gains momentum in areas hit hard by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

TOKYO (Nikkei)--Statistics are beginning to show the impact of the Great Eastern Japan earthquake on consumer sentiment, as well as the severe disruption it caused to Japanese industry.

WASHINGTON (Kyodo)--International Monetary Fund Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn said Monday uncertainty prevails in the global economy, with the impact of the March 11 earthquake and ensuing nuclear crisis on the Japanese economy remaining unclear.

TOKYO (Nikkei)--Weeks after the March 11 earthquake and subsequent tsunami, severe shortages of gasoline and kerosene continue to complicate relief efforts in the hardest-hit parts of eastern Japan. Shortages of food, water and medical supplies also continue to present huge challenges. The Nikkei recently spoke to Idemitsu Kosan Co. (5019) Chairman Akihiko Tembo about the recovery effort and resource prices.

SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--Japan's economy faces greater-than-expected downward pressures from the March 11 earthquake, Moody's Investors Service said Friday, warning that output may stagnate or even contract this year if reconstruction spending isn't vigorous.