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The EU Japan Centre is releasing a weekly press review covering Japan's economic and policy matters.

 

Economic News

 

 Supercomputer ‘ABCI 3.0’ to open new doors for AI research

21 Jan, 2025

Japan's ABCI 3.0, the nation's most advanced public supercomputer specializing in AI research, began full-scale operation on January 20. Installed at the AIST Kashiwa campus, it is capable of 6.2 quintillion computations per second, three times the performance of the Fugaku supercomputer. With an investment of about ¥36 billion, ABCI 3.0 is equipped with high-demand GPUs from Nvidia and will be used by universities, research institutes, and startups to advance AI, including multimodal generative AI and robotics. The new system offers seven times the AI computing power of its predecessor, ABCI 2.0.

Asahi: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15593572

 

 Japan November Machinery Orders Beat Forecast on Strong Factory Investment

20 Jan, 2025

Japan’s core machinery orders in November 2024 increased by 3.4% from the previous month, totaling ¥899.6 billion, exceeding forecasts. Orders from manufacturers rose 6%, while those from nonmanufacturers grew 1.2%. Despite a 14.4% drop in overall machinery orders, the Cabinet Office noted signs of improvement, upgrading its assessment of the machinery market.

Yomiuri: https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/business/economy/20250120-234039/

 

▶ Japan Plans for Private Sector to be Involved in Next Space Station; JAXA Will Not Be Point of Contact for ISS Successor

21 Jan, 2025

Japan's science and technology ministry is drafting a policy to involve the private sector in building and managing the successor to the International Space Station (ISS). The U.S. plans to have private companies handle the next space station, with Axiom Space leading the effort. Japan may build a module similar to the Kibo experiment module and plans to privatize its space operations, expanding the space business. The policy aims to double Japan's space industry market size to ¥8 trillion by the 2030s, with JAXA supporting private sector activities.

Yomiuri: https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/science-nature/technology/20250121-234031/

 

 Top diplomats agree to take U.S.-Japan alliance to 'new heights'

22 Jan, 2025

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance, trilateral ties with South Korea and the Philippines, and regional security. Iwaya highlighted Japan’s economic contributions and defense spending. They also addressed concerns over Japanese investments in the U.S. and the importance of continued cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Japan times: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/01/22/japan/politics/us-japan-rubio-iwaya/

 

▶ Japan to guarantee private-sector loans, investments in Africa

24 Jan, 2025

The Japanese government plans to offer guarantees for investments in Africa through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to reduce business risks. This move comes ahead of the 2025 TICAD conference, aimed at fostering business-government partnerships. Despite past political instability, more Japanese companies are planning expansion in Africa, with 57% of surveyed companies expressing interest. The TICAD conference will further encourage Japanese businesses to engage with the continent.

Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Japan-to-guarantee-private-sector-loans-investments-in-Africa

 

Business News

 

 Mitsubishi Corporation and JOGMEC Announce Investment in eFuels provider Infinium

17 Jan, 2025

Mitsubishi Corporation and JOGMEC have invested in Infinium Holdings, a leader in eFuels production. Infinium plans to build the world’s largest eSAF production facility in Texas. eFuels, which use green hydrogen and carbon dioxide, offer a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 90%. This investment supports Mitsubishi’s aim to expand eFuel supply chains in Japan and contribute to decarbonizing sectors like aviation and transportation. It is also JOGMEC's first eFuels investment following the 2022 amendment to its act.

Mitsubishi Corporation: https://www.mitsubishicorp.com/jp/en/news/release/2025/20250117001.html

 

 Japan's Sumitomo Forestry embarks on U.K. building renovations using wood

19 Jan, 2025

Sumitomo Forestry has launched an eco-friendly office renovation business in the U.K. using wood to meet stricter environmental regulations. Its first project involves renovating a five-story London office, adding a sixth floor and reducing CO2 emissions by 60%. The company plans to expand this sustainable approach to more office buildings in the U.K., capitalizing on future demand as rental regulations tighten by 2030.

Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Construction/Japan-s-Sumitomo-Forestry-embarks-on-U.K.-building-renovations-using-wood

 

 Marubeni and MOL Establish a New Company Venture in the Nature-based Carbon Removal Credit Business to “Open the Way to a Sustainable Future Through the Power of People and Forests”

20 Jan, 2025

Marubeni and MOL have launched Marubeni MOL Forests to create and trade nature-based carbon removal credits. Their first project will involve establishing 10,000 hectares of new forests in India by 2028. The initiative supports global decarbonization goals, with both companies focusing on sustainability, renewable energy, and carbon credit generation to combat climate change and promote environmental preservation.

Marubeni: https://www.marubeni.com/en/news/2025/release/00002.html

 

▶ Sojitz, BETA, Yamato HD, and City of Kitakyushu Sign Agreement for Joint Verification Testing of Air Cargo by Electric Aircraft at Kitakyushu Airport

20 Jan, 2025

Sojitz Corporation, BETA Technologies, Yamato Holdings, and the City of Kitakyushu have partnered to conduct Japan’s first electric aircraft cargo transport verification tests. Set for Summer 2025, the tests will assess the economic, operational, and technological efficiency of using BETA’s ALIA CTOL electric aircraft for cargo transport between Kitakyushu and Miyazaki airports. The project aims to advance decarbonization in logistics, improve regional connectivity, and support sustainable transportation solutions in rural areas.

Sojitz: https://www.sojitz.com/en/news/article/20250120.html

PDF: https://www.sojitz.com/news/news_file/file/250120e.pdf

 

  NTT Group Companies, Others Seek Business Opportunities in Land-Based Aquaculture; Plans to Utilize AI in Production

21 Jan, 2025

NTT group companies are entering the land-based aquaculture business, using ICT to improve fish farming efficiency. NTT Green & Food launched a shrimp farm in Shizuoka, while other subsidiaries focus on enhancing production. The method provides a stable seafood supply and supports food security in Japan, with other companies like SoftBank and JR Shikoku also investing in the sector.

Yomiuri: https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/business/companies/20250121-234089/

 

 Japan’s Yamagata, Akita Shinkansen Trains to be 20 Solar Powered; JR East, Tohoku Electric Power to Work Together to Provide Energy

22 Jan, 2025

Starting in April, Yamagata and Akita Shinkansen bullet trains will be 20% solar powered, thanks to a partnership between JR East and Tohoku Electric Power. Solar power plants in Akita and Aomori will supply electricity to sections of the Yamagata and Akita lines. The initiative will reduce CO2 emissions by about 16,500 tons annually, contributing to JR East's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Yomiuri: https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/business/companies/20250122-234264/

 

 Trump unveils $500bn AI investment by SoftBank, OpenAI and Oracle

22 Jan, 2025

SoftBank, OpenAI, and Oracle will invest $500 billion in AI infrastructure in the U.S., forming a joint venture called Stargate. The investment aims to enhance AI development and keep technology in the U.S. The companies initially pledged $100 billion, with plans to increase the total over the next four years. The first project will be a large data center in Abilene, Texas. This initiative follows Trump's focus on AI investment and deregulation. SoftBank's shares surged following the announcement.

Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Artificial-intelligence/Trump-unveils-500bn-AI-investment-by-SoftBank-OpenAI-and-Oracle

 

 World’s First Successful Transmission of Huge Volume Mission Data Using 1.5 μm Optical Inter-Satellite Communication

23 Jan, 2025

JAXA and NEC have successfully used the Laser Utilizing Communication System (LUCAS) to achieve 1.8 Gbps optical communication between the "DAICHI-4" satellite and a geostationary relay satellite. This high-speed transmission allows large amounts of data to be quickly sent, even in remote areas. LUCAS improves data capacity and security, advancing Japan’s space communication technology.

NEC: https://www.nec.com/en/press/202501/global_20250123_01.html

 

 Toyota creates roadside service vehicle to help EVs, FCVs

23 Jan, 2025

Toyota, with the Japan Automobile Federation, will test a new roadside assistance truck in 2025 to provide hydrogen and electricity to stranded electric and fuel-cell vehicles. The truck can supply hydrogen for 100 km or charge electric cars for 50 km. It will also offer traditional services like flat tire repair and fuel delivery, aiming to support the growing number of electric and hydrogen vehicles on the road.

Asahi: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15555167

 

Japan steel, ethylene production fall to multidecade lows on China glut

24 Jan, 2025

Japan’s ethylene and steel production has hit decades-long lows due to declining domestic demand and Chinese overproduction. Ethylene output fell below 5 million tonnes in 2024, while steel production dropped by 3% to 84 million tonnes. Both industries are implementing capacity cuts, with plant closures planned. The decline is driven by factors like labor shortages, inflation, and Japan's shrinking population. The outlook for both sectors remains challenging, with further consolidation expected.

Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Markets/Commodities/Japan-steel-ethylene-production-fall-to-multidecade-lows-on-China-glut

 

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