Vietnam was seen as an attractive destination for Japanese investors, although the northeast Asian nation has changed its investment policy in Southeast Asia due to post-March disaster challenges.

Japan fell into a trade deficit in April as exports tumbled at the fastest pace in 18 months on supply chain disruptions after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, according to statistics from the Finance Ministry on May 25. It is the first time in 31 years that the world's third-largest economy has suffered a trade deficit for the month of April, said the ministry.

The money is due to be spent on doing away with the consequences of the March natural disaster, namely the collection and removal of wreckage, the construction of makeshift dwellings for the evacuees, the rebuilding of roads, seaports and other infrastructure components, and also the provision of aid for small- and medium-sized businesses

Mitsubishi Motors said Wednesday that its annual profit more than tripled, fueled by growth in emerging nations and the popularity of new models, but the automaker said its earnings outlook is clouded by uncertainty after Japan’s earthquake and tsunami.

Japan’s top cosmetics maker Shiseido said Wednesday its quarterly profit plunged 62% due to tumbling domestic sales following last month’s earthquake and tsunami.