Reports

The Importance of Banking Functions in the Wealth Management Divisions of Major U.S. Financial Institutions

Leveraging Banking Functions is the Key to Growing the Wealth Management Business

Machinery Order Backlogs Reach a Record High: What Is Behind the Increase, and What Are the Implications?

Machinery orders have less meaningfulness as a leading indicator for machinery investment amid Concentration in Certain Types of Orders

Challenges in the Societal Implementation of Physical AI

Non-technical issues such as safety, quality, and the delineation of responsibility are emerging as a bottleneck

Japan’s Economy: Monthly Outlook (Apr 2026)

Rising Downside Risks From Escalating Middle East Tensions Are Likely to Postpone the April Rate Hike

Challenges Lurking Behind the Record-High Current Account Surplus

As Japanese companies increasingly earn income abroad, investment returns are playing a larger role

External Shocks Looming Over Inbound Tourism

Performance remains solid despite the decline in Chinese tourists, but caution is advised regarding the impact of escalating tensions in the Middle East

Can Japan Win in the Global Competition for Talent?

While a continued increase in foreign workers is expected, an economic downturn and a weaker yen are risk factors

Japan’s Economy: Monthly Outlook (Mar 2026)

While spring wage negotiations are expected to maintain a wage increase rate in the 5% range, the deteriorating situation in the Middle East is emerging as a new factor weighing on the economy

A 10% Reduction in Crude Oil and LNG Imports from the Middle East Would Push the Japanese Economy into Negative Growth

Japan and its major trade partners are heavily dependent on the Middle East and vulnerable to supply shortages of crude oil and LNG

Acceptance of Foreign Workers and Coexistence in an Era of Labor Shortages

Boosting Potential Growth by 0.4 Percentage Points per Year / The Key to Coexistence Is Japanese-Language Education