News

Japanese investors heavily sold foreign bonds, marking their largest weekly selloff since early February, driven by concerns of increased German state borrowing pushing Eurozone yields upward. Conversely, they took advantage of a stronger yen and lower stock prices worldwide to significantly increase their portfolios in foreign equities.

The Supreme Court of Japan's landmark decision clarifies the scope of patent protection in the digital age, emphasizing that companies cannot avoid patent infringement simply by hosting their servers abroad. This ruling has significant implications for online businesses, particularly those operating in the video-sharing space, and underscores the importance of respecting intellectual property rights regardless of server location.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba urged caution during peace negotiations on the conflict in Ukraine, warning against sending the message that "the status quo can be changed by force." He expressed hope for diplomatic efforts to lead to a resolution and emphasized the importance of G-7 unity in achieving a "just and lasting peace" in Ukraine.

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Japan's largest financial institution, has withdrawn from the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, citing concerns over potential antitrust violations and the resurgence of climate change skepticism under the Trump administration. Despite the withdrawal, the company maintains its commitment to climate action.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba urged solidarity among Liberal Democratic Party members to win two important elections this summer, after the coalition suffered significant setbacks due to recent scandals. Ishiba outlined economic, foreign policy, and political reform plans at the annual convention, calling for trust-building and engaging with public concerns.