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] Japan: Frictionless retail infrastructure demand in Japan is expected to grow at 22.6% CAGR through 2036 due to increasing investments in retail robotics, smart vending systems, AI-powered convenience retail, and autonomous store automation technologies. FactMr
• [New] Like Germany, Japan is rearming, planning to increase military spending by two-thirds by 2027, while Australia is acquiring nuclear submarines with US and UK assistance under the AUKUS pact. Counterfire
• [New] Japan Airlines launched a humanoid robot trial at Haneda Airport for baggage handling, aircraft towing, and cabin cleaning through 2028. / Japan LinkedIn
• [New] TSMC plans new packaging campuses in Japan, but completion dates slip into 2027. AI CERTs News
• [New] Revenue in China will almost double from US$5.8bn in 2020 to US$10.6bn in 2026, while Japan's growth will double from US$2.1bn to US$4.3bn. C21media
• [New] Japan may need over 6.5 million foreign workers by 2040 to maintain growth. CNBCTV18
• [New] Predictive Analysis: Air Kamui will likely secure additional procurement contracts with at least one other branch of Japan's self-defence Forces beyond the Maritime component, given Koizumi's explicit policy framing around cross-domain unmanned integration. Drone Warfare
• [New] Predictive Analysis: Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force will likely expand its procurement contract with Air Kamui beyond the target drone role to include expendable ISR or decoy applications, given the Defence Minister's public endorsement and the established supply relationship. Drone Warfare
• [New] Japan Airlines will start using humanoid robots in ground handling tasks at Tokyo's Haneda airport from May, in a two-year trial it said is aimed at easing employees' workload. BBC News
• [New] Japan will need more than 6.5 million foreign workers in 2040 to reach its growth targets as the indigenous workforce continues to shrink. The Guardian
• [New] JAL and its partner in the initiative, Japan Airlines GMO Internet Group, hope the experiment - which ends in 2028 - will lessen the burden on human employees amid a surge in inbound tourism and forecasts of more severe labour shortages. The Guardian
• [New] Japan's famously conscientious but overburdened baggage handlers will soon be joined by extra staff at Tokyo's Haneda airport - although their new colleagues will need to take regular recharging breaks. The Guardian
• [New] In Japan, the evening economy was valued at US$ 150 billion in 2024, with projections rising to US$ 220 billion by 2033. Mixmag Asia
• [New] Japan Prioritizes Quality and Functional Packaging Japan is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.1%. openpr
• [New] Jewelmer said its fine jewelry pieces featuring South Sea pearls of exceptional size and luster are expected to enjoy robust demand in key markets in Asia, particularly China and Japan, alongside emerging markets across Southeast Asia. JEWELLERYNET
• [New] Japan is expected to grow at 8.2%, driven by advanced technology adoption, event security requirements, and smart city developments. FactMr
• [New] JMA Advisories: Japan's megaquake advisory system is relatively new; maintain awareness of elevated seismic risk periods. Through my Asian lens
• [New] Japan faces a significantly elevated long-term seismic risk that is unrelated to El Nino but compounds the 2026 disaster outlook. Through my Asian lens
• [New] A megaquake could cause catastrophic fatalities and economic losses exceeding ¥292 trillion (~ $1.9 trillion USD). / Japan Through my Asian lens
• [New] Japan Megaquake Risk: Independent of El Nino, Japan faces a 60-94.5% probability of a magnitude 8-9 earthquake along the Nankai Trough in the next 30 years, with a short-term advisory issued after a recent M7.7 event. Through my Asian lens
• [New] Key Outlook for 2026: The world faces a high-impact year marked by the likely onset of a strong El Nino event and a significantly elevated risk of a mega earthquake in Japan. Through my Asian lens
• [New] Japan unleashes massive yen interventions, burning billions to stem depreciation that now threatens carry trades unwinding globally. TheEye
• [New] U.S. pork shipments will continue to expand, supported by strong demand from Mexico, Japan, and key Latin American markets. Swineweb.com - Complete Swine News, Markets, Commentary

Last updated: 16 May 2026