Japan Stock Podcast

Epizodes

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  Nexon (3659) Virtual Worlds And The Cash Fortress 14.08.2026 18min

  Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Tokyo, NEXON Co., Ltd. is a global leader in the production, development, and publishing of online games. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in December 2011, Nexon is a constituent of the Nikkei 225 index. The company operates a diverse portfolio of over 40 games, including iconic franchises such as MapleStory, Dungeon&Fighter, and Mabinogi, across multiple platforms including PC, mobile, and consoles in more than 190 countries and regions. By fully acquiring Sweden-based Embark Studios in 2021, Nexon continues to accelerate its global expansion and strengthen its creative capabilities to deliver immersive virtual worlds to players worldwide.Nexon is executing its "IP Growth Strategy," focusing on the vertical expansion of core franchises and horizontal creation of new pillars like ARC Raiders. Supported by robust performance, Nexon’s H1 2026 revenue grew 17.4% YoY to JPY 273.3 billion, backed by a JPY 842 billion cash balance and a JPY 324 billion ($2B) special dividend. For the nine-month period ending September 30, 2026, Nexon forecasts JPY 394.0 to 406.7 billion in revenue. Nexon aims to optimize capital efficiency, target an ROE over 10%, and strictly control costs.The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.
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  Fujikura (5803) Japanese Fiber Tech Controlling the Physical Bottleneck of Global AI 10.08.2026 19min

  Founded in 1885 and headquartered in Tokyo, Fujikura Ltd. is a leading Japanese manufacturer of optical fibers, cables, and electronic components. Driven by its DNA of "Proactive Spirit" and "Fujikura Technology," the company operates under the mission of contributing to society through its "Tsunagu" (connecting) technologies™. Fujikura's business spans telecommunications, electronics, automotive, and energy sectors. It enjoys a dominant global market share and reputation in optical packaging solutions for AI data centers, particularly with its ultra-high-density optical fiber cables (SWR®/WTC®) and fusion splicers. Through continuous technological innovation and strategic investments, Fujikura is dedicated to enhancing customer value and supporting global digital infrastructure.Driven by explosive AI data center demand, Fujikura’s operating profit grew from 135.5 billion yen in FY2024 to 188.7 billion yen in FY2025. The company’s focus is expanding SWR®/WTC® optical cable production capacity, commercializing superconducting wires, and investing in human capital like employee stock incentives. Backed by strong orders, Fujikura has significantly upgraded its FY2026 forecast to net sales exceeding 1.7 trillion yen and operating profit over 430 billion yen. The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.
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  AFC-HD AMS Life Science (2927) Japan's Wellness OEM Giant Going Global 10.08.2026 21min

  AFC-HD AMS Life Science Co., Ltd. is a leading Japanese company specializing in the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) production of high-quality health foods and cosmetics. Headquartered in Shizuoka, the company operates as a comprehensive conglomerate aiming to complete all operations internally, from R&D and manufacturing to retail sales, in close collaboration with its academic research institute. In addition to its core healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, the company has diversified into new areas including tourism, catering services, and real estate. Positioned for global growth, AFC-HD is actively pursuing international expansion in China and Vietnam, while running a Japanese language school to nurture foreign talent for local leadership roles to enhance its overall brand competitiveness.Over the past three years, the group's revenue grew steadily from 25.5 billion yen in FY2023 to 32.6 billion yen in FY2025. The company aggressively targets strategic diversification into tourism and real estate alongside global expansion. Backed by strong FY2026 Q1 sales of 8.54 billion yen, full-year projections estimate revenue of 34.1 billion yen and operating profit of 2.54 billion yen. Net income has been upwardly revised to 1.54 billion yen, highlighting robust and steady earnings growth for the group.The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.
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  Kirin Holdings (2503) Pivot from beer to health science 02.08.2026 22min

  Kirin Holdings Company, Limited, established in 1907, is a world-leading global group headquartered in Japan. Under its corporate slogan, "Joy brings us together," the company leverages its foundational fermentation and biotechnology expertise to expand new joys of "Food and Well-being" and contribute to a joyful society. Kirin has built a unique business portfolio consisting of four core segments: Alcoholic Beverages (such as its flagship beer brands), Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, and its rapidly growing Health Science business, which fully integrates acquired leaders like FANCL and Blackmores. In fiscal year 2025, the Kirin Group delivered record-high financial performance, achieving consolidated revenue of 2,433.4 billion yen and a normalized business profit of 251.8 billion yen.Under the "Innovate 2035!" vision, Kirin aims to create a future for well-being. A key driver is its Health Science segment, which achieved profitability in 2025 with a business profit of 11.1 billion yen. Kirin plans to accelerate the Asia-Pacific expansion of FANCL and Blackmores alongside proprietary ingredients like LC-Plasma. For FY2026, Kirin forecasts revenue of 2,480.0 billion yen, business profit of 235.0 billion yen, and profit of 156.0 billion yen. The long-term financial targets seek high single-digit EPS CAGR, ROIC above 10%, and a market capitalization of 3 trillion yen.The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.
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  Nippon Coke & Engineering (3315) Survival Through Amputation 02.08.2026 17min

  Nippon Coke & Engineering Co., Ltd. is a leading Japanese resources and materials manufacturer specializing in the production and sale of high-quality coke essential for steelmaking. The company maintains a close strategic alliance with major partners Nippon Steel Corporation (holding a 22.6% stake) and Sumitomo Corporation (19.4%). Its diversified portfolio includes the Coke business, Fuel and Resource Recycling business (handling coal and PKS biomass fuels), and General Engineering business (developing advanced powder processing machinery). In FY2026, the company recorded consolidated net sales of 91.3 billion yen and returned to black with an operating profit of 0.6 billion yen. Nippon Coke is actively transforming its business structure to contribute to a sustainable society.Nippon Coke aims to transition to "stable profitability" under its 3-year plan (FY2026-2028). The primary focus is optimizing its coke business by shutting down aging facilities and concentrating production on two robust ovens (2A and 1A) to reduce fixed costs. For FY2027, the company forecasts a return to net profit with sales of 101.6 billion yen and net income of 0.5 billion yen. It targets an overall operating profit of 6.7 billion yen (including 3.5 billion yen from Coke) by FY2028.The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.
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  Mitsubishi Corporation (8058) Trillion-Yen Buybacks & Strategic Shifts 25.07.2026 19min

  Mitsubishi Corporation, established in 1954, is one of Japan's leading comprehensive trading companies. With a global network spanning approximately 76 countries, it operates across diverse sectors including environmental energy, materials, metal resources, social infrastructure, mobility, and the food industry. Recently, the company has transitioned its business model from traditional trading to proactive "business management," deeply engaging in the operation of its enterprises. Under its "Management Strategy 2027," the company utilizes an "Enhance, Reshape, and Create" mechanism to strengthen existing businesses and accelerate investments in growth areas like US shale gas. Building on strong recent performance, it forecasts a consolidated net income of 1.1 trillion JPY for FY2026. The strategic focus is on optimizing its portfolio to achieve an operating cash flow growth rate of over 10% and an ROE above 12% by FY2027, alongside enhanced shareholder returns.The audio and written content provided in this podcast are for informational and general reference purposes only and are intended to introduce publicly available information and basic business conditions of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, investment solicitations, or a basis for any investment decision. Investing involves risks, and all investment decisions should be made at the listener’s own discretion and responsibility.
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  FOOD & LIFE COMPANIES (3563) Overseas Profits Drive Sushiro’s Global Tech Pivot 18.07.2026 20min

  Established in 2015, FOOD & LIFE COMPANIES LTD. is a leading global food service company operating multiple brands, including the flagship revolving sushi chain "Sushiro," sushi izakaya "Sugidama," and traditional sushi brands "Kyotaru" and "Sushi Misaki". Guided by the vision "Discovering new tastiness, Sharing moments of joy," the company has expanded rapidly, reaching 1,263 stores worldwide by June 2026. The company focuses on delivering high-quality sushi at affordable prices while enhancing the customer experience through digital innovations like "Digiro" displays. Furthermore, it actively invests in sustainable aquaculture and supply chain optimization to ensure stable seafood procurement, bringing moments of joy to customers globally.Revenue grew rapidly from 301.7B JPY in FY23 to 429.5B JPY in FY25. Driven by strong recent performance, the FY26 revenue forecast was upgraded in May 2026 to 505.0B JPY, alongside an operating profit of 48.5B JPY. Key strategies include accelerating overseas expansion, store digitalization, and sustainable procurement. Notably, the company announced a new joint venture for aquaculture support in May 2026. Furthermore, a popular game collaboration in June 2026 sustained existing store sales at 100.4%, indicating a robust trajectory for continuous global growth.The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.
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  Aisan Industry (7283) Profiting from engines, transforming into a semiconductor player 12.07.2026 25min

  Established in 1938 and headquartered in Obu City, Aichi Prefecture, Aisan Industry Co., Ltd. is a global automotive parts manufacturer. The company specializes in the development and production of engine fuel and intake/exhaust system components, such as fuel pump modules and throttle bodies, with Toyota Motor Corporation as its primary customer. Renowned for its advanced environmental technologies and high-quality manufacturing, Aisan is currently expanding its portfolio beyond traditional powertrain components. The company is actively accelerating its transition towards electrification and clean energy solutions, developing parts for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). With a robust global production network, Aisan aims to contribute to a sustainable mobility society.Based on FY2026/3 results (Revenue: 330.8B yen, OP: 18.2B yen), Aisan heavily focuses on "electrification and new business expansion." For FY2027/3, forecasting 335.0B yen in revenue, they will proactively invest 24B yen in CapEx and 14B yen in R&D. A key strategy leverages M&A synergies (Trice and IMI) to develop new materials and components for EVs and semiconductors. Aisan aims to strengthen profitability and maintain a stable dividend payout ratio over 35%.The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.
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  Yamaha Motor (7272) Ruthless pivot to premium 12.07.2026 19min

  Founded in 1955 and headquartered in Iwata, Japan, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is a global manufacturer of transportation equipment. Guided by its corporate mission to be a "Kando Creating Company" and the slogan "Revs your Heart," Yamaha aims to provide experiences that exceed customer expectations. Its diverse business portfolio includes land mobility products like motorcycles and ATVs, marine products such as outboard motors and boats, as well as industrial robots and financial services. As a highly globalized corporation with overseas sales and production ratios exceeding 80%, Yamaha Motor continuously delivers excitement and enriches the lives of people worldwide. In Q1 2026, Yamaha achieved revenue of 730.1 billion yen (117% YoY) and operating profit of 62.6 billion yen (144% YoY), driven by strong motorcycle shipments and successful structural reforms in the US. Moving forward, the company focuses on premium motorcycles and large outboard motors, projecting full-year revenue of 2.7 trillion yen and 180 billion yen in operating profit. Additionally, Yamaha is advancing its sustainability strategy through a multi-pathway approach, including EVs and hydrogen engines.The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.
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  Shibaura Mechatronics (6590) High Stakes AI Packaging Pivot 04.07.2026 20min

  Founded in 1939, Shibaura Mechatronics Corporation is a precision equipment manufacturer listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market. Its main business segments include Fine Mechatronics (front-end semiconductor and FPD manufacturing equipment), Mechatronics Systems (back-end equipment and vacuum application equipment), and Vending Machine Systems. The company strongly focuses on Semiconductor Production Equipment (SPE). It boasts high global market shares with its Global Niche Top (GNT) products, such as single-wafer cleaning equipment, high-temperature phosphoric acid etching equipment, and flip-chip bonders for advanced packaging. By providing cutting-edge technological solutions to meet the growing demand for IoT and generative AI, Shibaura Mechatronics continuously contributes to the development of the global digital society.Over the past three years, sales grew from 67.5 to 88.0 billion yen, and operating profit increased from 11.6 to 15.2 billion yen, achieving record profits for four consecutive years. The key strategic focus is expanding Global Niche Top (GNT) products, driven by generative AI demand for advanced packaging bonders in back-end processes, and high-temperature phosphoric acid etching equipment in front-end processes. While expanding growth investments, the company forecasts continued growth in the next fiscal year, targeting sales of 99.0 billion yen and operating profit of 16.0 billion yen.The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.
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  Daido Steel (5471) Swaps Tonnage For High Tech 28.06.2026 20min

  Founded in 1916 and established in 1950, Daido Steel Co., Ltd. is a world-leading manufacturer specializing in special steel. Headquartered in Nagoya, Japan, the company has a capital of approximately 37.1 billion yen and a consolidated workforce of around 12,000 employees. Operating globally, its business spans five core segments: Special Steel, Functional Materials & Magnetic Materials, Automobile & Industrial Machinery Parts, Engineering, and Trading & Services. Daido Steel supplies high-performance materials and precision components to a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, and medical sectors. Through eco-friendly manufacturing processes, the company is dedicated to supporting the realization of a sustainable society and continuous global development.Daido Steel is driving a business portfolio transformation focusing on growth markets like semiconductors and aerospace. For the fiscal year ended March 2026, the company reported sales of 578.1 billion yen and an operating profit of 42.1 billion yen. The goal is to increase the sales ratio of growth market products to 25% by FY2030, having already reached 15% in FY2025. Moving forward, the company targets an operating profit of over 60 billion yen and an ROE of over 9% for FY2026.The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.
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  Panasonic (6752) AI data center battery pivot 20.06.2026 19min

  Panasonic Holdings Corporation, founded in 1918 by Konosuke Matsushita, is a leading global electronics manufacturer. In April 2022, the company transitioned to a holding company system and adopted its current name. Guided by its mission to realize "an ideal society with affluence both in matter and mind," Panasonic operates across diverse sectors. These include consumer appliances, HVAC, electrical construction materials, supply chain software, electronic components, and batteries for EVs and data centers. Recently, under the "Panasonic GREEN IMPACT" initiative, the company has been accelerating its efforts to solve global environmental challenges and enhance the well-being of people and society, continually evolving to deliver sustainable and innovative solutions worldwide.Key Focus Areas: The company is aggressively restructuring low-profit businesses and optimizing its portfolio, having divested its Automotive Systems (Dec 2024) and Housing Solutions (Mar 2026) businesses. Moving forward, it focuses on "Solution Areas" as growth engines, specifically energy storage for data centers, electronic materials for AI servers, and supply chain software.Supporting Data: Panasonic generated 2.2 trillion yen in cumulative operating cash flow over three years (FY2022-2024), successfully achieving its 2.0 trillion yen mid-term target. The Industry and Energy segments are significantly driving performance, fueled by rapidly expanding demand related to generative AI.Performance Expectations: Through structural reforms to reduce fixed costs, the company forecasts an adjusted operating profit of 600 billion yen for FY2026. By FY2028, Panasonic aims to transform into a highly profitable enterprise with a ROE of 10% or more and an adjusted operating profit margin of 10% or more.The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.
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  Kokusai Electric (6525) Dominates Semiconductor Batch ALD 12.06.2026 19min

  KOKUSAI ELECTRIC is a dedicated semiconductor manufacturing equipment manufacturer specializing in thin-film deposition and treatment processes. It holds the world's top market share in batch ALD systems and treatment equipment. Over the past three years (FY2024-FY2026), sales revenue reached 180.8, 238.9, and 235.1 billion yen, respectively. As for its future direction, the company will focus on expanding sales of high-value-added products to meet the growing demand for high-difficulty deposition caused by the increasing complexity, miniaturization, and 3D structures of semiconductor devices. Driven by this strategy, the proportion of high-value-added products will increase. The company forecasts its sales revenue will reach 280.0 billion yen and adjusted operating profit 60.5 billion yen in FY2027.The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.
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  TDK (6762) Swapped Cassettes for Battery and AI Hardware 07.06.2026 19min

  Founded in 1935 to commercialize the magnetic material ferrite, TDK Corporation is a world-leading comprehensive electronic components manufacturer. Guided by its corporate motto, "Contribute to culture and industry through creativity," TDK operates in four core segments: Passive Components, Sensor Application Products, Magnetic Application Products, and Energy Application Products. With approximately 100,000 employees globally and an overseas sales ratio exceeding 90%, TDK provides innovative solutions worldwide.The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.
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  Japan Securities Finance(8511) Japan's Only Securities Finance Company Profiting from Higher Rates 02.06.2026 18min

  Japan Securities Finance Co., Ltd. (JSF), established in 1927, is Japan's sole licensed securities finance company, listed on the TSE Prime Market. While margin transactions remain its core business, its security finance segment (e.g., bond and stock repos) has driven recent rapid growth. Key financial data affecting performance forecasts show significant upward momentum.Following the Bank of Japan's lift of negative interest rates, rising lending rates and increased funding demand are expected to positively impact JSF's future performance.This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Listeners should make investment decisions at their own discretion and risk.
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  Murata Manufacturing (6981) Global MLCC Market Leader 30.05.2026 19min

  Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a global leader in advanced electronic components. Its flagship product, Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors (MLCCs), holds approximately 40% of the global market share. Recently, Murata's performance has been heavily influenced by smartphone and PC inventory adjustments, AI server demand, and foreign exchange fluctuations. In the fiscal year ended March 2024, revenue fell to 1.64 trillion JPY with an operating profit of 215 billion JPY due to sluggish demand,. However, aided by a weaker yen and AI-related growth, revenue for the year ended March 2025 recovered to 1.74 trillion JPY, with operating profit at 279 billion JPY,. In the latest fiscal year ended March 2026, driven by vehicle electrification, revenue reached 1.83 trillion JPY and operating profit stood at 281 billion JPY.This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Listeners should make investment decisions at their own discretion and risk.
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  Sumitomo Chemical (4005)'s high-tech microchip pivot 22.05.2026 19min

  Founded in 1925, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. is a global comprehensive chemical company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company operates through five core business sectors: Agro & Life Solutions, ICT & Mobility Solutions, Advanced Medical Solutions, Essential & Green Materials, and Sumitomo Pharma. With overseas sales accounting for approximately 70% of its total revenue, Sumitomo Chemical possesses a robust global presence and network.The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.
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  Oriental Land(4661) The Financial Fortress of Tokyo Disney 18.05.2026 17min

  Oriental Land Co., Ltd., established in July 1960 and headquartered in Urayasu, Chiba, was founded to develop a large-scale leisure facility and contribute to Japan's cultural and social well-being. Operating under a long-term license agreement with Disney Enterprises, Inc. signed in 1979, the company successfully opened Tokyo Disneyland in 1983 and Tokyo DisneySea in 2001. Today, its core operations encompass the Theme Park segment, the Hotel segment, and other resort businesses including the Ikspiari shopping complex and the Disney Resort Line monorail. Guided by its corporate mission to "offer wonderful dreams, moving experiences, delight and contentment," the company continues to provide unparalleled entertainment and hospitality to millions of guests at Tokyo Disney Resort.The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.
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  Daicel(4202) Pivot from film to airbags 09.05.2026 21min

  Established in 1919 from the merger of eight celluloid manufacturers, Daicel Corporation is a leading global chemical company. The company operates globally across five business segments: Medical/Healthcare, Smart, Safety, Materials, and Engineering Plastics. Daicel is recognized as Japan's sole manufacturer of acetic acid and holds top global market shares for unique products such as cellulose acetate, automobile airbag inflators, engineering plastics, and chiral columns. The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.
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  Tokyo Electron (8035): The Semiconductor Titan Investing 800M Yen Daily & Monopolizing Four Core Processes 30.04.2026 20min

  Tokyo Electron Limited (TEL), established in November 1963 and headquartered in Akasaka, Tokyo, is a leading global manufacturer of semiconductor production equipment. Led by President and CEO Toshiki Kawai, the company has a capital of 54.9 billion yen. TEL specializes in the development, manufacturing, sales, and maintenance of semiconductor and flat panel display (FPD) production equipment. Its core product lineup includes coater/developers, etch systems, deposition systems, and cleaning systems. Notably, TEL holds a significant global market share in various equipment categories, especially in coater/developers. The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.