Japanese government bond yields have reached multi-decade highs, with the 10-year benchmark hitting levels not seen since 1996. This development, driven by BOJ policy normalization and spending concerns, has sparked debate among experts regarding their investability, with some advocating for them while others prefer European bonds.
Japan is increasing visa fees for the first time since 1978, with single-entry visas rising from 3,000 to 15,000 yen and multiple-entry visas from 6,000 to 30,000 yen, effective July 1. The move is seen as a response to inflation and yen depreciation, aligning Japan's fees with those of other developed nations.
Japan's planned 8% sales tax cut on food is delayed due to inflexible cash registers requiring a major overhaul, potentially taking up to a year, amidst funding concerns and accusations of delay tactics.
The Nikkei 225 index surged to a record high, surpassing 65,000 for the first time, driven by strong buying in semiconductor and AI-related stocks like SoftBank Group and Kioxia. Falling oil prices also contributed to the rally, while long-term Japanese government bond yields declined.
OpenAI announced plans to provide its new cybersecurity-focused generative AI model, "GPT5.5 Cyber," to the Japanese government and companies. Executives met with Japanese officials to discuss AI-driven security measures for critical infrastructure.
米オープンAIは、サイバー防御に特化した最新モデル「GPT5.5サイバー」を日本の政府や企業向けに提供する方針を発表。元米陸軍大将で同社取締役のポール・ナカソネ氏が、自由で開かれたインド太平洋（FOIP）における日本の重要性を強調し、早期提供に向けた政府との協議を進めると述べた。
Japanese government bond yields declined Wednesday after a strong auction eased inflation concerns. Meanwhile, the Nikkei stock index closed at a three-week low, led by SoftBank Group, as investors took profits on AI stocks.
Japanese authorities confirmed they did not pay Iran any toll for the passage of the Idemitsu Maru tanker through the Strait of Hormuz, with the vessel's passage made possible through government-level negotiations with Tehran. The tanker, owned by Idemitsu Kosan and carrying two million oil barrels, had been anchored off the Saudi Arabian coast since late February amid regional tensions following US-Israeli military operations against Iran.
Four Japanese government agencies have warned against the AML risks posed by crypto in real estate transactions, instructing industry bodies to enforce stricter compliance.
The Japanese Securities Clearing Corporation will test using Japanese government bonds as digital collateral on the Canton network with Mizuho, Nomura and Digital Asset.
