By Kiyoshi Takenaka TOKYO, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Two-thirds of Japanese firms are concerned about the government's fiscal discipline, a Reuters survey showed on Thursday, as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans a temporary suspension of sales tax on food and steps up investment to spur growth.

The drop was driven largely by a 61% fall in arrivals from China, which has been urging its citizens to avoid travel to Japan to protest comments by the prime minister about Taiwan.

From recalling pandas to cancelling tourist flights, China continues to retaliate after Takaichi's comments on Taiwan.

Projects include critical minerals, oil and gas infrastructure and power generation, U.S. officials say.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced three projects to be built in the states of Texas, Ohio, and Georgia as part of a $550 billion U.S. investment pledge by Japan.

On Tuesday night, 17-year-old Ami Nakai - the youngest competitor in the women's event - stormed to the top after the short program.

Three Japanese skaters are in position to earn medals heading into the final

Japan's economy grew 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to the previous three months, avoiding a technical recesssion