Companies & Industry

Six banks including SMBC and MUFG Bank lent $1.5 billion to Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Finance, with NEXI insurance giving it a quasi-government guarantee. Earmarked for water desalination and power, the loan is designed to open Vision 2030 megaprojects to Japanese companies.

Discover why methanol fuel ships are emerging as a game-changer in 2026. From Tsuneishi's world-first Kamsarmax bulker to Mitsubishi's pioneering RORO vessels, Japanese shipbuilders lead the decarbonization race. Learn about methanol's advantages, IMO regulations, and the future of green shipping.

Japan's winter ice cream market is booming — spending has doubled in 20 years, with 2024 sales hitting a record 645.1 billion yen. Discover how Morinaga's PARM success, 2000s manufacturing innovations, "kotatsu ice cream" culture, and winter-limited product strategies transformed an industry that once "burned through summer profits in winter."

Trump tariffs in 2025 caused Japan's top 7 automakers (Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Suzuki, Mazda, Subaru, Mitsubishi) to lose ¥1.5 trillion in just 6 months. Nissan, Mazda, and Mitsubishi fell into the red. Learn how Japan's core industry is adapting to this "new normal."

Kashima Rinkai Railway in Ibaraki Prefecture draws attention with its unique dual strategy of operating both passenger and freight services. Factory night tours on normally restricted freight lines have become popular, while the 2024 logistics problem renews interest in rail freight. Exploring a survival model for regional railways in Japan.

Prime Minister Takaichi asked Keidanren to diversify supply sources for critical materials. With China tightening export controls on Japan, Tokyo is pushing seabed rare earth mining trials at Minamitorishima alongside international partnerships. In July 2026 the recovered mud was reported to be about 54% medium and heavy rare earths.

NTT is moving to repurpose its nationwide underground communication conduits for hydrogen transport. Using 600,000km of existing infrastructure could cut initial costs to under half of new pipeline construction. Commercialization is targeted for 2028, with transport trials in Tokyo set for fiscal 2026.

Kyushu Electric's CEO predicts 20-30% power demand increase by 2034 due to TSMC semiconductor expansion and AI data center growth. Japan's 7th Basic Energy Plan emphasizes renewables and nuclear power to meet surging electricity needs.

In 2025, Japanese agricultural corporation bankruptcies hit a record 103 cases. Learn about the structural challenges facing Japan's farming industry: weak yen, soaring material costs, labor shortages, and succession crisis, all while food self-sufficiency remains at just 38%.