28 November
Strained diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea continue to weigh on their trade relationship. Japan's Finance Ministry says the amount of food and other exports to its neighbor plunged in October.
Food products were down 58.1 percent from the same month last year. An ongoing consumer boycott of Japanese products was believed to be the main factor.
South Korean drinkers were big fans of Japanese beer until very recently. Those exports dried up in October.
Other alcohol, including sake, sank more than 90 percent. Shipments of instant noodles were also non-existent.
Exports of equipment used in the manufacturing of semiconductors were down 49 percent. Japan tightened its export controls of high-tech materials in July.
-NHK
