Japan's Corporate Confidence Rebounds on AI and Tourism Demand

Sep 11, 2026 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Business sentiment among Japan's large companies returned to positive territory in the July-September quarter for the first time in two quarters, supported by growing demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment and AI data centers as well as improving conditions in hospitality, restaurants and finance.

The Business Outlook Survey released by the Finance Ministry and Cabinet Office showed the business sentiment index for large companies across all industries at plus 5.3.

The index is calculated by subtracting the percentage of companies that said business conditions had worsened from the previous three months from the percentage reporting an improvement.

The index for large manufacturers stood at plus 7.6, helped by increased demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment and AI data centers.

Among large nonmanufacturers, the index was plus 4.2. Hotels and restaurants benefited from an increase in customer numbers, while financial institutions saw earnings improve as lending rates rose.

The index is forecast to climb further to plus 6.0 in the October-December quarter, suggesting the improving trend in business sentiment is expected to continue.

Source: テレ東BIZ

Tokyo Prison Revamps Meals as One in Four Inmates Is Foreign

Tokyo's Fuchu Prison is adapting its meals and living arrangements to a growing foreign inmate population, with about one in four prisoners coming from overseas and staff balancing religious, cultural and dietary needs against tight budgets and the demands of running one of Japan's largest prisons.

Cybercab Arrives in Japan

Tesla unveiled its Cybercab in Japan for the first time on September 11, showcasing an AI-powered autonomous taxi designed without a steering wheel or pedals.

China Raises Visa Fees for Japanese Travelers Sevenfold

China will sharply raise visa fees for Japanese nationals entering the country from September 14, with the cost of a single-entry visa increasing to 16,750 yen, about 7.4 times the current level.

Tada Shrine is First in Kansai to Go Bankrupt

Tada Shrine in Kawanishi, Hyogo Prefecture, has filed for protection under Japan's Civil Rehabilitation Act, becoming the first shrine in the Kansai region and only the third nationwide to enter bankruptcy proceedings, according to Teikoku Databank.

Japan Challenges World Map Showing Disputed Islands in Russia's Color

Japan has asked for changes to an Equal Earth world map that depicts the Russian-controlled Northern Territories in the same color as Russia, prompting the map's creator to say the Japanese-language version will be revised while the English version will remain unchanged.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Nikkei Drops 2.8% as Oil Shock and Rate Fears Hit Tokyo

Tokyo stocks fell sharply on September 11, with the Nikkei 225 closing at 63,442, down 2.8%, as oil prices above $108, renewed Middle East tensions, U.S. rate-hike fears and expectations for another Bank of Japan increase triggered a broad selloff led by artificial intelligence and semiconductor-related shares.

Japan Corporate Goods Prices Rise 7.6% in August

Japan's corporate goods prices rose 7.6% in August from a year earlier, remaining above 7% for a third consecutive month as escalating tensions in the Middle East pushed up prices for petroleum, coal and chemical products.

Japan's Corporate Confidence Rebounds on AI and Tourism Demand

Business sentiment among Japan's large companies returned to positive territory in the July-September quarter for the first time in two quarters, supported by growing demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment and AI data centers as well as improving conditions in hospitality, restaurants and finance.

Nikkei Falls More Than 2,000 Points in Friday Morning Session

Tokyo stocks fell sharply on September 11, with the Nikkei average at one point dropping more than 2,000 points as escalating attacks between the United States and Iran drove oil prices higher and intensified concerns about inflation and corporate earnings.

Tada Shrine is First in Kansai to Go Bankrupt

Protein Prices Rise on Weight-Loss Drugs and Weak Yen

Protein powder prices are rising sharply in Japan as booming overseas demand for whey, partly linked to the growing use of weight-loss drugs, combines with the weak yen to make the key ingredient increasingly expensive for Japanese buyers.

Kakaku.com Takeover Fight Escalates

The takeover battle for Kakaku.com, operator of restaurant review site Tabelog and price-comparison service Kakaku.com, intensified on September 11 after Swedish investment firm EQT raised its tender offer price to 3,680 yen per share, surpassing a rival proposal from a group led by LINE Yahoo.

Amazon Opens Kansai's Largest Logistics Hub

Amazon has opened its third logistics facility in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, creating the company's largest distribution hub in the Kansai region with capacity to handle up to 1 million packages a day.

< 2 3 4 5 >