Japan's Corporate Confidence Rebounds on AI and Tourism Demand

Sep 11, 2026 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Business sentiment among Japan's large companies returned to positive territory in the July-September quarter for the first time in two quarters, supported by growing demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment and AI data centers as well as improving conditions in hospitality, restaurants and finance.

The Business Outlook Survey released by the Finance Ministry and Cabinet Office showed the business sentiment index for large companies across all industries at plus 5.3.

The index is calculated by subtracting the percentage of companies that said business conditions had worsened from the previous three months from the percentage reporting an improvement.

The index for large manufacturers stood at plus 7.6, helped by increased demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment and AI data centers.

Among large nonmanufacturers, the index was plus 4.2. Hotels and restaurants benefited from an increase in customer numbers, while financial institutions saw earnings improve as lending rates rose.

The index is forecast to climb further to plus 6.0 in the October-December quarter, suggesting the improving trend in business sentiment is expected to continue.

Source: テレ東BIZ

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