Japan's shadow banking sector is sending warning signals. With nonbank financial risks growing, real estate lending surpassing $730 billion, and credit risks shifting under BOJ rate hikes, we analyze the parallels with China's shadow banking crisis and US commercial real estate risks, plus how Japan's regulators are responding.
Japan is executing its largest postwar industrial policy shift, committing over ¥10 trillion to semiconductors, achieving its 2% GDP defense target two years early (¥11T), and issuing ¥20 trillion in green transition bonds. From Rapidus's audacious 2nm chip bet to 29 niche companies with dominant global market shares, we break down the full picture — including fierce domestic debate and international reactions. What industries does your country treat as "national strategy"?
Japan's luxury tower mansion market shows signs of a potential bubble burst. Resale listings at Tokyo's Harumi Flag are stalling, Osaka tower condo inventory has doubled in two years, and banks are tightening mortgage screening against flippers. With over 40% foreign ownership in some buildings and a growing gap between sale prices and rental yields, experts predict a major correction within 2-3 years.
Japan and the US have agreed on the first tranche of a massive $550 billion investment plan, including a $600 million lab-grown diamond factory in Georgia. With China controlling over 60% of global production, synthetic diamonds are being called "the next rare earth." But with a controversial profit-sharing deal, is this a smart bet or a high-risk, low-return gamble for Japan?
Japan's Kioxia is set for consecutive record-breaking years, with revenue exceeding $14 billion for the first time. NAND production capacity for 2026 is already "sold out" as AI data center demand far outpaces supply. From a rocky IPO to the world's best-performing stock of 2025 with a 540% gain, we explore Kioxia's remarkable turnaround and what it means for Japan's semiconductor renaissance.
Dentsu Group posted a record net loss of 327.6 billion yen ($2.1 billion) for FY2025 after massive goodwill write-downs on failed overseas acquisitions. CEO steps down, dividends cut to zero. What went wrong with Japan's biggest ad agency's global ambitions?
On February 9, 2026, Japan's Nikkei 225 hit an all-time high of 56,363 after the LDP's landslide election victory. But 291 stocks actually fell. From KDDI's subsidiary fraud scandal to Fujikura's ignored record earnings and the struggling auto sector, here's a deep dive into the stocks that missed the historic rally.
Adobe reversed its decision to kill Adobe Animate just two days after the announcement. Behind the reversal: fierce creator backlash, a 5%+ stock drop, and outcry from animation studios worldwide including Japan's Science SARU. What does "maintenance mode" really mean for the future of 2D animation?
Fuji Media Holdings completed a $1.5 billion share buyback, ending a high-profile standoff with activist investor Yoshiaki Murakami. With plans to divest its profitable real estate unit, the Japanese broadcaster faces a pivotal transformation. An analysis of corporate governance and media industry shifts in Japan.
On February 3, 2026, the Nikkei 225 surged 2,065 yen to close at an all-time high of 54,720. We analyze the driving forces behind the 5th largest daily gain in history, including the semiconductor rally revival, US market momentum, yen weakness, and the "Takaichi Trade" ahead of snap elections.
The Bank of Japan has officially begun selling its massive ETF holdings worth ¥37 trillion ($240B) at book value. With annual sales of just ¥330 billion, this unprecedented unwinding could take over 112 years. Here's what it means for global markets and Japan's financial future.
An estimated 5 billion tons of gold are dissolved in Earth's oceans—20,000 times what humanity has ever mined. IHI's biosorption technology using algae has successfully extracted gold from hot springs and deep-sea vents. Could this breakthrough eventually set a ceiling on gold prices? We examine the science, economics, and challenges.
Japan's print book and magazine sales fell below ¥1 trillion for the first time in 50 years. Yet major publishers are posting strong profits through digital, IP licensing, and gaming ventures. Crisis or evolution? A deep dive into Japan's publishing transformation with Japanese public reactions.
Japan's major banks including SMBC and MUFG are lending $1.5 billion to Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Finance. This unprecedented loan targets water desalination and power infrastructure, opening doors for Japanese companies to participate in Vision 2030 megaprojects.
In January 2026, the Nikkei 225 closed above 54,000 yen for the first time in history. The "Takaichi Trade" reignites amid speculation of snap elections, with foreign investors buying large-cap stocks. Driven by yen weakness and expectations of expansionary fiscal policy, the index may reach 60,000. Explore Japanese reactions and market outlook.
Japan's beloved ikura (salmon roe) reaches record-breaking prices due to severe salmon shortages. Discover how climate change and declining catches in Hokkaido are transforming sushi restaurants and Japanese dining tables, and what this means for the future of Japanese cuisine.
Tanaka Kikinzoku sets gold price at record 24,414 yen per gram. Comprehensive analysis of gold, platinum, and silver price trends, underlying factors, and outlook for 2026.