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] Integrating the Abenomics framework with Kishida's new form of capitalism could foster a more balanced and resilient economic system for Japan. Fundfa
• [New] The biggest difference from the Abenomics of a decade ago could be on the monetary policy front with the Bank of Japan already on course for an increase in still-low interest rates. Japan Today
• [New] With inflation and rising import costs from a weak yen now, the bigger problem for Japan, any spending package will not directly be aimed at stimulating demand, analysts say. Japan Today
• [New] Japan will scrap its annual primary budget balance target and adopt a multi-year framework to measure fiscal progress, easing its commitment to consolidation. investingLive
• [New] Japan's Takaichinomics combines fiscal stimulus with conservative policies, reshaping 2025 investor strategies amid inflation risks and debt concerns. Ainvest
• [New] The expanded network, expected to go live in the second quarter of 2026, will connect regulated consumer and institutional payment platforms in Taiwan and Japan through a regional settlement framework. Fintech Singapore
• [New] Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, despite facing significant geopolitical risks due to its location, is leveraging its critical position to establish production sites in the US, Japan, and Germany, often with substantial government subsidies. The Pilot News
• [New] SB OAI Japan was formed as a joint venture to provide Crystal intelligence, which will transform the corporate management and operational practices of Japan's enterprises with AI. SoftBank Group Corp.
• [New] CoinCentral elaborates that Crystal Intelligence will feature full local integration, ensuring data sovereignty and compliance with Japan's Act on the Protection of Personal Information. WebProNews
• [New] By looking to unlock Japan's potential as a hotbed for ambitious growth stocks, we could see private equity continue to grow, delivering bold new opportunities for global investors looking for new options in the Asia-Pacific region. The Diplomat
• [New] Japan remains one of the few major economies in tightening mode - we expect the Bank of Japan to hike at least once more in the coming months. Pictet Asset Management
• [New] Japan Tobacco International has set out an ambitious plan to accelerate growth in its Reduced Risk Products portfolio, placing a particular focus on the Heated Tobacco Sticks. DFNI
• [New] In January, the Japanese government will start a demonstration test to retrieve mud including rare earths from a depth of 6,000 meters near the island of Minamitorishima. Bloomberg
• [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

Last updated: 15 November 2025