Business & Finance News - Wall Street Journal

Where Amazon Is Failing to Dominate: Hollywood

Amazon Studios has been stumbling when it comes to producing content that attracts audiences and buzz. It has alienated top producers and is struggling to redefine its strategy.

Costco, With an Eye on Amazon, Expands Home Delivery Service

Costco started offering two-day delivery on shelf-stable food and expanded a fresh-food delivery partnership with startup Instacart, as food becomes an increasingly competitive front in the e-commerce battle.

U.S. Postal Service to Raise Rates to Bolster Cash Cushion

The U.S. Postal Service said it would raise stamp prices and other shipping rates next year, shortly after warning of a dwindling cash cushion and skipping payments into a retiree fund for the fifth straight year.

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Orient Express: Japan Rolls Out Luxury Train Tours

A server offered a drink to a passenger aboard the eight-carriage Royal Express. Irwin Wong for The Wall Street Journal

A view of the driver’s seat aboard Tokyu Corp.’s Royal Express, the newest entry in Japan’s luxury train market. Irwin Wong for The Wall Street Journal

The Royal Express sports a stained-glass and wood-panelled ceiling. Irwin Wong for The Wall Street Journal

Haruki Kawachi, 4, played in a wooden ball-pit aboard the Royal Express. Japanese railway companies are trying to expand a stagnating train-travel market by appealing to wealthier passengers. Irwin Wong for The Wall Street Journal

Jun-ei Ohsako played a musical composition for guests during lunch. The song was created specially for the Royal Express by Japanese composer Tatsuhiko Nakahara. Irwin Wong for The Wall Street Journal

Floral-pattern design is seen throughout the Royal Express. Irwin Wong for The Wall Street Journal

Lunch aboard the Royal Express recently featured local specialties like poached shrimp, deer confit, and cucumber wrapped in kelp. For dessert, a cheesecake was paired with cold, green tea. Irwin Wong for The Wall Street Journal

The Royal Express’s library area. Irwin Wong for The Wall Street J for The Wall Street Journal

Satoru Horikoshi, 63, a medical doctor from Tokyo surprised his wife Mari, 59, with a journey on the Royal Express to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. Dr. Horikoshi, a lifelong train enthusiast decided he could indulge in his passion while his wife, who loved dining car meals as a young girl, could indulge in hers. ‘It's kind of second honeymoon,’ Dr. Horikushi said. Irwin Wong for The Wall Street Journal