Podcast

Japanese Banks Chase Aggressive Profit Growth

For the latest episode of the Japan FinTech Observer podcast, we explore the positive outlook for Japanese banking institutions as they transition into new midterm strategic plans. Analysts highlight that major and regional banks are significantly raising their profitability targets, with a specific focus on achieving higher Return on Equity (ROE) through 2029. This optimistic shift is fueled by rising domestic interest rates, expanding loan spreads, and a national movement from traditional savings to active asset management.

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Japan Outlines 2040 Economic Outlook under New Growth Strategy and Annual JPY 10trn Fiscal Plan

Japan’s Cabinet Office has released its medium- to long-term economic and fiscal projections through fiscal year 2040. The report analyzes the macroeconomic impact of regular government outlays paired with a mechanical assumption of ¥10 trillion in annual real-term additional fiscal spending starting in FY2027. The calculations are

The Digital Yen Blueprint: Navigating Japan’s Multi-Stage Transition to a CBDC Ecosystem

The Ministry of Finance hosted the 11th "Expert Meeting on CBDC" on June 25, 2026, providing a moment of reflection on Japan's institutional readiness for a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). Between October 2020 and June 2026, the Bank of Japan (BoJ) and the Ministry of

Japan’s Bond Market Faces Behind-the-Curve Fears and Seasonal Inversion in Ultra-Long Yields

Japan’s benchmark 10-year government bond yield continues to hover at a elevated level of around 2.7%. Despite recent volatility triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, shifts in the Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) policy stance, and the fiscal direction of the Takaichi administration, yields have

Nomura Partners with Circle to Advance Blockchain-Based Digital Finance and Stablecoin Integration

Nomura Holdings has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Circle Internet Financial to develop and scale digital finance solutions across global markets, with a specific focus on Japan. The partnership will center on exploring the capabilities of on-chain finance—conducting financial transactions and settlements directly on blockchain networks.