🇯🇵 Japan — Weekly Briefs

Japan Announces ¥1 Trillion AI Initiative Amid July Price Adjustments

Japan launched a major government-backed AI development program on July 1 targeting domestic foundation models and physical AI applications. The Nikkei 225 fluctuated near 70,000 points through the week following its recent highs. Expectations remain for steady Bank of Japan policy at the late-July meeting after the June rate increase to 1%. Broader price increases on thousands of consumer items took effect at the start of the month.