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Edition of Friday, 25 September 2026English edition
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The Geopolitician

Country risk, from the local press

Japan · Country watch

Yen Rises to 156, AI Data Center Scrutiny

The yen strengthens to 156 per dollar amid intervention fears, and Japan's regulator increases scrutiny on AI data center financing.

· · 4 articles read

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Business conditions in Japan are mixed today. The yen's rise to 156 per dollar affects importers, while increased scrutiny on AI data center financing impacts financial institutions. Stock market gains provide a positive counterbalance.

In this briefing Japan Financial Services Agency · AI data centers · Tokyo Electron · Kioxia · Yen · Japanese authorities · Tokyo Stock Exchange · Japanese banks

Regulation

  • Finance
  • Technology

Japan regulator boosts scrutiny on AI data center financing

aerial view of city buildings during night time
Takashi Miyazaki / Unsplash

Japan's financial regulator is increasing its scrutiny of financing for AI data centers, according to JapanTimes. This move comes as major financial institutions expand their exposure to this rapidly growing sector. The regulator aims to ensure that financial risks associated with these investments are adequately managed, given the significant capital involved in AI infrastructure projects.

Impact Financial institutions investing in AI data centers face increased regulatory oversight, affecting their risk management strategies.

Sources: JapanTimes ↗

Companies

  • Technology
  • Finance

55 Japanese companies to execute stock splits on October 1

Fifty-five Japanese companies, including Tokyo Electron and Kioxia, will execute stock splits on October 1, Business Insider Japan reports. This move aims to enhance stock liquidity and attract more investors. The list includes several AI-related firms, reflecting the growing investor interest in technology stocks. Analysts are closely monitoring these companies' fundamentals to assess the potential impact on their stock performance.

Impact Investors in 55 Japanese companies, including tech firms, prepare for increased stock liquidity and potential price adjustments.

Sources: Business Insider Japan ↗

Markets

  • Finance

Yen strengthens to 156 per dollar, intervention feared

The yen rose to 156 per dollar in the New York foreign exchange market on September 25, as traders sold dollars and bought yen, NHK reports. This movement has heightened concerns about potential intervention by Japanese authorities to stabilize the currency. The yen's appreciation comes amid ongoing market volatility and speculation regarding central bank actions.

Impact Importers and companies with dollar-denominated debts face increased costs due to the yen's appreciation.

Sources: NHK ↗

  • Finance

Tokyo stocks rise as bank shares gain on interest rate hike

東京証券取引所（東京都中央区）。
東京証券取引所（東京都中央区）。 — Kakidai, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Tokyo stock prices rose on September 25, driven by increased buying orders for bank shares following a rise in long-term interest rates, NHK reports. The interest rate hike has positively impacted financial stocks, contributing to an overall increase in market indices. This trend reflects investor confidence in the banking sector's ability to benefit from higher interest rates.

Impact Investors in Japanese bank stocks see gains as interest rates rise, boosting market confidence.

Sources: NHK ↗

Nothing significant reported today in Disruption · Internal tension · Safety & health · Trade · Politics.

Also today in the local press

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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