Lifestyle

TOKYO (Nikkei)--Major Japanese retailers are trying to boost bicycle sales by expanding the number of specialty stores. Bike shipments in Japan are shrinking as the birthrate declines, but there has been a noticeable rise in the use of sports bikes as a way to commute to work, and as a healthy hobby.

TOKYO (Nikkei)--Homebuilders are increasing their high-end offerings for the wealthy, hoping to ride the wave of optimism about the economy amid the bull run in stocks. Further providing a tailwind for the housing market is the looming hike in the consumption tax, which is spurring a last-minute jump in demand.

TOKYO (Nikkei)--A growing number of municipalities are launching bike-sharing businesses in partnership with private firms to boost eco-friendly convenience for residents and to attract tourists, The Nikkei has learned.