Global Scans · Japan · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: The latest sign of weakness in Japan's economy will likely add to mounting skepticism about the prime minister's expansionary policies. His coalition government has just achieved the supermajority it needs to amend the constitution which many are worried that Japan is about to remove the mask of pacificism and convert its "Self-Defense Force" into the military threat it really is.

• [New] Following Starbucks Coffee Japan Ltd's move earlier this year to switch from paper straws to plant-based bioplastic ones, the fast-food chain will change the plastic bags used for takeout orders. Japan Today
• [New] SoftBank and OpenAI have launched SB OAI Japan GK, a joint venture to deliver localized enterprise AI solutions like Crystal Intelligence starting in 2026, with SoftBank as the first customer. WebProNews
• [New] SoftBank Corp. and OpenAI are joining forces to roll out new artificial intelligence services for Japanese businesses in 2026, marking a major step in Japan's push to harness AI across industries. Invezz
• [New] Looking ahead, the success of SB OAI Japan could influence AI strategies worldwide. WebProNews
• [New] Japan has agreed to pursue investments in the U.S.' critical energy infrastructure, artificial intelligence, expanded opportunities for U.S. exports, and more. Forvis Mazars
• [New] The Japanese government plans to provide millions of dollars in subsidies to a private firm, NEC, to acquire cable laying and repair vessels. The Diplomat
• [New] All eyes will be on whether Japanese authorities will transition from verbal intervention to concrete action if the yen's weakness persists. investing.com
• [New] In Japan, Alterno will focus on delivering solutions for agriculture, such as low-carbon heat for greenhouses and food drying, as well as light manufacturing, including textile and material drying processes. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Japan is facing persistent inflation, a weak yen, and global supply chain challenges, all of which threaten household purchasing power and economic stability. Modern Diplomacy
• [New] Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is preparing an economic stimulus package expected to exceed last year's ¥13.9 trillion ($92 billion). Modern Diplomacy
• [New] Joby Aviation, which develops electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, aims to begin operations in London, Dubai, the USA, and Japan by 2026. AEROHABER
• [New] Several economies will hit multi-year highs in 2025, including South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, and Japan. Insurance Business
• [New] The sustained growth in M&A activity may present opportunities for insurers seeking to expand through acquisitions, particularly in markets such as China, India, and Japan. Insurance Business
• [New] Japan is likely to demonstrate a leading CAGR through 2035 with advanced technology adoption, including the Ene-Farm program, integrating heat pumps with hydrogen energy systems, and government Green Innovation Fund subsidies for industrial applications. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Carrier could supply thermal cooling systems for power infrastructure and involve Japanese companies and Panasonic could build energy storage systems. Yahoo Finance
• [New] GE Vernova could build small modular reactors and supply power equipment with the involvement of Japanese companies. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Around 20 companies from Japan and the U.S. have expressed interest in projects that could contribute to Tokyo's commitment to invest $550 billion in the United States as part of a trade agreement. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Abenomics' three-arrow framework remains useful and, incorporated with Kishida's 'new form of capitalism' blueprint - targeting a rebalanced economic model of inclusive and sustainable growth - would form an economic programme that could improve Japan's economic resilience and security. OMFIF
• [New] Inflation has been above the BoJ's target for more than three years, real wage growth is close to zero, Japan's population is smaller and older, the downside risks related to climate change are larger, public debt is higher and external economic and political conditions are less certain. OMFIF
• [New] Rapid solar capacity expansion in China, India, Japan, and Australia is creating a future wave of decommissioned panels that will fuel recycling demand. openpr

Last updated: 08 November 2025