JAPANESE ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: 10 - 16 October ,2026

The EU Japan Centre is releasing a weekly press review covering Japan's economic and business matters.

Weekly Japanese Economic and Business News (10 - 16 October, 2026)

Outline

1. Economic News

2. Business News

1. Economic News

▶ Japan to launch research study on rapid-response space transport

09 Oct, 2026

Photo Source: JIJI

Japan’s Defence Ministry will study rapid-response space transportation to quickly replace lost military satellites and ensure the Self-Defence Forces’ continued access to space. The initiative seeks private-sector expertise to develop internationally competitive Japanese systems, attract investment, and strengthen domestic rocket manufacturing and launch infrastructure amid growing space-related military competition.

Japan times: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/09/japan/politics/koizumi-space-defense/

▶ UK-Japan-Italy fighter plans Japan design center with '1,000' staff

11 Oct, 2026

Photo Source:Takako Fujiu/Nikkei

Japan, the U.K. and Italy plan to establish similarly sized development centers for the GCAP next-generation fighter program, with each specializing in different subsystems to accelerate development. The partners aim to deploy the fighter by 2035. Germany may join the project, potentially reducing costs but also requiring design changes and risking delays. The three governments remain committed to meeting the schedule.

Nikkei Asia:https://asia.nikkei.com/business/aerospace-defense-industries/uk-japan-italy-fighter-plans-japan-design-center-with-1-000-staff

▶ Japan targets 30 rocket launches a year by 2030s

15 Oct, 2026

Photo Source: Mana Kuroda/Nikkei

Japan plans to invest ¥76 billion ($480 million) to expand its four rocket launch facilities, aiming for 30 launches annually by the early 2030s. The new launchpads will support growing demand for security and commercial satellite launches. Japan also hopes to strengthen its domestic space industry, improve national security, and reduce reliance on foreign launch providers.

Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/business/aerospace-defense-industries/japan-targets-30-rocket-launches-a-year-by-2030s

▶ Japan, US launch $21 bil. chip project to boost economic security

15 Oct, 2026

Photo Source: Mainichi

Japan and the United States have agreed on a semiconductor investment project worth up to $21 billion in New York, led by GlobalFoundries. The project includes two new chipmaking facilities, with the first expected to begin production in 2029. It aims to strengthen the semiconductor supply chain, support industries such as automotive and AI, and create business opportunities for Japanese equipment and materials suppliers.

Mainichi:https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20261015/p2g/00m/0bu/019000c

▶ Efforts to Bolster Japan’s Production of Next-Generation Solar Cells Are Powering Up

15 Oct, 2026

Photo Source: Yomiuri

Japan is accelerating efforts to mass-produce perovskite solar cells, with government support and investments by companies including EneCoat, Panasonic, and Sekisui Chemical. Using domestically available iodine could strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on Chinese solar technology. However, Japanese manufacturers face strong Chinese competition, making cost efficiency, durability, and product differentiation key to capturing the growing global market.

Yomiuri:https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/business/economy/20261015-353908/

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2. Business News

▶ French defense contractor Thales to open Japan maintenance base

11 Oct, 2026

Photo Source: Reuters

French defence company Thales will establish its first dedicated maintenance and operational support base in Japan for defence equipment, initially serving the Maritime Self-Defence Force and later expanding to other branches. The company will also transfer technology to Japan Steel Works, with domestic production of its 2R2M heavy mortar system scheduled to begin next year.

Nikkei Asia:https://asia.nikkei.com/business/aerospace-defense-industries/french-defense-contractor-thales-to-open-japan-maintenance-base

▶ NTT to build first data center for Anthropic in Japan

13 Oct, 2026

Photo Source: Reuters and Hikaru Yagi/Nikkei

NTT Data Group is in final talks with Anthropic to build a data center in Osaka prefecture, potentially costing up to ¥1 trillion. With a power capacity of up to 500 MW, it could become one of Japan’s largest data centers, with partial operations expected as early as 2028. The project reflects growing demand for AI infrastructure in Japan, as the government aims to attract investment and strengthen its data center and cloud computing capabilities.

Nikkei Asia:https://asia.nikkei.com/business/technology/artificial-intelligence/ntt-to-build-first-data-center-for-anthropic-in-japan

▶ Fujifilm struggles to deliver on massive biomedical business bet

14 Oct, 2026

Photo Source: Kohei Yamada/Nikkei

Fujifilm is facing investor concerns over its ¥1 trillion investment in the bio CDMO business, which is struggling with weak demand, regulatory issues, and production delays. Operating losses are expected to widen, and its target for positive free cash flow has been postponed. While its semiconductor materials and office equipment businesses remain strong, Fujifilm must improve bio CDMO profitability to maintain investor confidence and financial stability.

Nikkei Asia:https://asia.nikkei.com/business/biotechnology/fujifilm-struggles-to-deliver-on-massive-biomedical-business-bet

▶ Mitsui Fudosan eyes Japan's first next-gen geothermal power site

14 Oct, 2026

Photo Source: Mitsui Fudosan

Mitsui Fudosan plans to develop Japan’s first commercial closed-loop geothermal power system with two partners, aiming to begin demonstration operations in fiscal 2028 and commercial deployment in fiscal 2029. The technology could expand geothermal power generation to areas unsuitable for conventional projects, helping strengthen Japan’s energy security and support regional economies. The project also aligns with the government’s efforts to promote next-generation geothermal technology and increase investment in renewable energy.

Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/business/energy/mitsui-fudosan-eyes-japan-s-first-next-gen-geothermal-power-site

▶ Japanese data analytics startup Solafune to launch AI satellite

15 Oct, 2026

Photo Source: Solafune

Japanese startup Solafune plans to develop an AI-powered Earth observation satellite with Tohoku University, targeting launch by the end of the decade. The satellite will process images in orbit, reducing data transmission costs and enabling faster detection of environmental changes, natural disasters and other risks. The project reflects Japan’s growing space industry and could create new commercial opportunities in environmental monitoring, resource management and disaster prevention.

Nikkei Asia:https://asia.nikkei.com/business/aerospace-defense-industries/japanese-data-analytics-startup-solafune-to-launch-ai-satellite

▶ MHI Delivers Three Replacement Steam Generators for EDF's Nuclear Power Plant

15 Oct, 2026

Photo Source: MHI

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has delivered three replacement steam generators to France’s EDF for installation at the Cruas Nuclear Power Plant. The delivery follows French nuclear regulatory certification, supporting the replacement of aging equipment and the continued operation of France’s nuclear fleet. MHI has received orders for nine units in total, with the remaining six scheduled for delivery from 2028 onwards, highlighting Japan–France industrial cooperation in nuclear power technology.

MHI: https://www.mhi.com/news/26101501.html