News

SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son aims to borrow $16 billion, potentially increasing to $24 billion, to fund significant AI investments, including backing projects like OpenAI and Stargate. These ventures, involving partnerships with Oracle and OpenAI, are intended to enhance U.S. competitiveness in the global AI industry.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called for unity within the LDP and pledged to "sacrifice himself" to win two key elections this summer, the Upper House election and the Tokyo metropolitan assembly election. The LDP faces an uphill battle to restore its strength after losing its Lower House majority in October due to a political fund scandal.

Japanese archaeologists have been granted unusual permission to visit the sacred fifth-century Emperor Nintoku Mausoleum, which has been largely off-limits until now. This landmark event provided new insights, although the actual burial chamber remains unexplored and the occupant's identity unconfirmed.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba asserted that Japan will determine its own defense budget, rejecting calls from the United States to increase spending. This statement comes amid ongoing debate about the appropriate level of defense spending for Japan, particularly in light of increasing security threats from China, Russia, and North Korea.

U.S.-based investor Artisan Partners criticized Seven & i Holdings' CEO succession decision and called for reconsideration of a $47 billion buyout offer from Canada's Couche-Tard. Artisan plans to oppose the newly named CEO Stephen Dacus and other committee members at the upcoming shareholder meeting.