On April 23, 2026, the Nikkei 225 crossed 60,000 intraday for the first time in history. We compare this milestone with the 1989 bubble peak at 38,915 yen, examining USD-based performance, the foreign ownership shift from 5% to 32.4%, the PER drop from 60x to 16x, and the heavy concentration in just a handful of AI and semiconductor stocks like SoftBank Group, which surged 9.6%.
Japan's government blocked Korean PE firm MBK Partners' $1.7 billion takeover of Makino Milling Machine, the first-ever stop order under the revised FEFTA since 2017. Why did a non-classified machine tool maker trigger national security alarms? We break down both sides of the overreach-versus-reasonable debate.
Three weeks after the March 27 three-way merger announcement, Japan's power semiconductor reshuffle has accelerated. Denso declared its semiconductor-maker ambitions in CORE 2030, Rohm's CEO asserted leadership, Toshiba eyes re-listing, and Mitsubishi Electric opened a new Fukuoka plant. A timeline update.
Food tech is one of 17 pillars in Japan's new national growth strategy under the Takaichi administration, with a 30% global market share target by 2040. Beyond the obvious giants like Maruha Nichiro, Nissin, and Kikkoman, this deep dive spotlights 5 lesser-known but high-potential players: Regional Fish (gene-edited seafood), FRD Japan (closed-loop salmon), Chitose Bio Evolution (algae unicorn), UMITRON (aquaculture AI), and Oishii Farm (NY strawberry factory).
BlackRock, managing $14 trillion in assets, has taken a 5.28% stake in Komeda Holdings, the Nagoya-born coffee chain. Even in the AI era, people don't stop drinking coffee. We unpack why the world's largest asset manager is betting on Japan's food industry, looking at Komeda's unique franchise model and its global expansion story.
On April 16, 2026, the Nikkei 225 closed at an all-time high of 59,518, up 1,384 points. We break down the structural drivers: US-Iran peace hopes, S&P 500 crossing 7,000, BOJ April rate-hike odds collapsing from 55% to 30% after Finance Minister Katayama's rebuke, USD/JPY at 158, and a 16.5% surge from end-March. Plus the simultaneous rally in tech and regional bank stocks, DAX comparison, and the April foreign-flow anomaly.
EssilorLuxottica has raised its Nikon stake to 19.61%, nearing the 20% regulatory cap. We analyze the strategic implications for smart glasses technology, Japan's national security screening process, and why foreign investors—from Buffett to European giants—are pouring money into Japan Inc.
On March 31, 2026, Japan officially enacted a tax reform law introducing a flat 20% separate taxation on crypto assets — down from the previous maximum of 55%. However, the new rate only applies to 'specified crypto assets' traded through domestic exchanges, excluding overseas platforms and DEXs. Implementation is expected from January 2028. We compare Japan's new approach with crypto tax policies worldwide.
Japan's FSA is considering allowing foreign banks to join syndicated loans without establishing local branches. The reform aims to channel overseas capital into AI and semiconductor sectors, boosting Tokyo's competitiveness as a global financial hub.
Saudi investment firm EGDC has increased its Capcom stake from 5.03% to 6.04%, just three weeks after its initial filing. Combined with PIF's existing holdings, Saudi-linked capital now controls roughly 11% of the Monster Hunter maker amid record-breaking earnings.
Yuri Okina takes the helm of the world's largest pension fund GPIF ($1.7 trillion). Despite Middle East-driven market volatility, she affirms the current 25-25-25-25 portfolio can meet the 1.9% real return target. We compare GPIF's strategy with Norway's GPFG and Canada's CPP.
