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] Beyond tourism, Japanese officials fear Beijing could escalate tensions by tightening exports of rare earth elements. The Asahi Shimbun
• [New] Japan aims to recycle 20% of battery metals domestically by 2030 under its Green Innovation Fund initiative. Mugglehead Investment Magazine
• [New] Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's suggestion that Japan could deploy its military in response to a Taiwan contingency has escalated diplomatic tensions and risks further damaging bilateral ties. Yahoo News
• [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

Last updated: 22 November 2025