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] In 2026, industrial connections between China, Japan, and South Korea drive the main economic risks in the Asia-Pacific region. SpecialEurasia
• [New] Internationally, advisors expect Italy, Greece and Japan to lead luxury travel demand in 2026, followed by Portugal, Croatia and France. International investments
• [New] Japan aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Mac Solar Index
• [New] Solar in Japan is expected to receive support in the coming years from Japanese corporations seeking to sign solar power purchase agreements to meet their corporate renewable energy goals. Mac Solar Index
• [New] The Japanese government has a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) of a 60% cut in emissions by 2035 and a 73% cut by 2040 from 2013 levels. Mac Solar Index
• [New] The Japanese government's subsidy support for solar energy will continue in the coming years through a feed-in tariff program for both residential and commercial-industrial projects. Mac Solar Index
• [New] BNEF expects a resumption of growth in 2025 and a compound annual growth rate of +7% through 2030. / Japan Mac Solar Index
• [New] As well as offering a compelling tactical investment case in 2026, Japanese equities can provide useful long-term diversification opportunities for Australian portfolios. BlackRock
• [New] The Japanese Financial Services Agency will revise its corporate governance code this year, with a focus on effective capital allocation and better use of cash for investment. BlackRock
• [New] Although rising goods prices have hurt real wages, Japanese unions plan to push for significant pay raises this year, with negotiation outcomes typically announced in March. BlackRock
• [New] Trip.com's 2026 Global Travel Trends forecasts a vibrant year of broad mobility and immersive experiences, with Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, and Turkey emerging as standout destinations with strong booking growth. Travel + Leisure
• [New] Japan Invests To Fire Up Geothermal Power As cutting-edge technologies unlock geothermal potential, Japan is channeling investments into powerhouse projects across the US, Indonesia, and New Zealand-priming its own reserves for a clean energy boom at home. JPT
• [New] With energy demands rising - especially due to new data centers powering artificial intelligence infrastructure-Japan aims to double nuclear's share to 20% by 2040 and reach net zero emissions by 2050. Grand Pinnacle Tribune
• [New] Japan talks of deterrence and alliance cohesion, yet hedges through diversification of supply chains, selective engagement with China, risk-spreading in energy and technology policy and incremental strengthening of defence capabilities. East Asia Forum
• [New] Japan plans to launch its Martian Moons eXploration mission to study Phobos and Deimos, collecting surface samples from Phobos and returning them to Earth in 2031, a first in planetary science. tovima.com
• [New] After years of public debate and safety upgrades, TEPCO's Kashiwazaki-Kariwa reactor will resume operations, testing Japan's resolve to balance energy needs with lingering Fukushima trauma. Grand Pinnacle Tribune
• [New] The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Martian Moons eXploration mission is scheduled to launch in 2026 on a trip to the Martian moon Phobos, where it will collect samples for return to Earth. Scientific American
• [New] Under Japan's current energy strategy, nuclear power is projected to account for around 20-22% of electricity generation by 2030, alongside renewable energy sources and thermal power. Economic Times

Last updated: 10 January 2026