Japan’s stocks are expected to extend gains in 2026, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s aggressive fiscal plans building on the momentum of the past year.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has won the catchphrase of the year for her pledge to “work, work, work, work and work” for the country

Under the new budget, more than 970 billion yen ($6.2bn) is earmarked to enhance Japan’s “standoff” missile capabilities. This includes 177 billion yen ($1.13bn) for the purchase of domestically produced and upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missiles, which have an estimated range of about 1,000km (620 miles).

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reassures markets regarding her expansionary fiscal policy. Despite a hefty 122.3 trillion yen budget proposal, the cap for new government bonds remains under 30 trillion yen.

Japan is exploring another summit, concerned that Mr Trump is softening his position on China. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Japan has approved a record JPY 122.31 trillion budget for FY2026, marking a second straight year of unprecedented spending. The plan boosts welfare, defence and infrastructure outlays while relying on nearly JPY 29.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday urged Japanese firms to agree to pay raises above inflation in annual wage negotiations nex

The majority of respondents said her remarks on a Taiwan contingency have affected Japan’s economy. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.