Here’s another sign all will not be well for US beef producers in Japan, even after the import ban is lifted: The Sukiya chain of restaurants has said they will not use American beef as long as safety concerns remain. President Kentaro Ogawa, of Zensho Co, the operator of the restaurant chain, was concerned about safety after visiting American meat processing plants firsthand. Kyodo News has the story.

Customers lined up around the building for the first Cold Stone Creamery opening in Japan. The location started business in Roppongi on November 3, with prices for a single serving priced at up to ¥900. The US-based company plans to open 150 stores in the Tokyo area by the end of 2009. No word on locations outside of Tokyo, or pricing that reaches to a broader customer base.