Browsing: Tokyo

Japan accelerates investment fraud detection with AI rollout in September 2026. The new artificial intelligence-driven system will process approximately 900,000 consultation records annually from Japan’s national consumer complaint database, PIO-NET, to identify warning signs at an earlier stage and target fraudulent schemes promising high returns. Authorities aim to enhance early warning capabilities and improve coordination among government agencies, financial institutions, and local consumer protection groups to combat investment scams effectively.

On Monday, Japan’s Nikkei 225 experienced a nearly 2% decrease during early trading as investor sentiment was influenced by mounting expectations of higher interest rates. The index declined 1.97% to 65,096.63 before further falling to an intraday low of 64,832.10. The initial decline was primarily driven by selling in technology and other rate-sensitive sectors in the morning hours. Meanwhile, the broader Topix index also declined early, dropping 0.84% to 4,111.71, but later recovered within the session.

Japan’s July trade reached record values as imports outpaced exports. The month of July marked the second consecutive record month for Japan’s import value. Crude oil played a significant role in this surge as Japan faced higher energy costs, with crude imports increasing by 5.5% compared to July 2025, ending three months of declines in year-on-year volumes. The total value of crude shipments soared 87.8% over the same period. Given Japan’s heavy reliance on imported energy, fluctuations in oil prices and exchange rates remain critical factors influencing its merchandise trade figures.

Japan core machinery orders rose 8.7% in April as private-sector equipment demand rebounded, with manufacturing and services both gaining.

Severe Tropical Storm Jangmi weakens after landfall but keeps Tokyo on alert with heavy rain, flight cancellations and rising rivers.

Japan’s economy expanded for a second straight quarter as Q1 GDP rose 2.1 percent annualized, supported by exports and domestic demand.

South Korea and Japan launch an energy framework covering LNG, crude oil, petroleum swaps and reserves after leaders meet in Andong.

Japan set fiscal 2026 defense spending near 2% of GDP as the Ministry of Defense expanded funding for missiles, drones and air defense.

Japan posted a $24.8 billion current account surplus in February as overseas income stayed strong, offsetting weaker trade momentum and a continued services shortfall.

A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck southern Ibaraki, shaking Tokyo and eastern Japan, while authorities said no tsunami warning was issued.