Growth beyond AI puts corporate Japan on track for 20% profit gain

Earnings forecasts upgraded to record highs at Astellas, Mitsubishi Total net profit at major Japanese companies is forecast to reach a sixth straight annual record high. (Photo by Sae Kamae)

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November 14, 2026 02:00 JST

TOKYO -- Profits at big Japanese companies are expected to rise 20% to a sixth straight record high this fiscal year after a string of upgrades, with capital efficiency improvements benefiting companies like drugmakers that are not relying on the AI boom.

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