Japanese factories, stores shuttered as protests over disputed islands rage

TOKYO – Scores of Japanese-owned factories and stores in China have been closed, at least temporarily, as anti-Japanese demonstrations rage in dozens of Chinese cities.

Big name brands and retailers appeared Tuesday to be suffering the brunt of the mass outburst of anti-Japanese sentiment, with companies in lower profile sectors less affected.

At stake are billions of dollars in investments and far more in sales and trade between Japan and China, the world’s third- and second-largest economies.

Most companies said they closed Tuesday as the 81st anniversary of a Japanese invasion brought a fresh wave of protests venting anger over the colonial past and a current dispute involving contested islands in the East China Sea.

Many employees of Japanese retailers, automakers and other companies were staying home as a precaution.