EDITION
HOT SELLER THIS WEEK
- On 5 November, Japan’s Science and Technology Agency opened a joint research funding call with Germany for advanced fundamental research into next-generation energy technologies, with applications accepted until 14 January 2027 and no total funding ceiling disclosed. The programme creates opportunities for universities, research institutions and international education partners. HPC can support research partnerships, grant preparation and institutional collaboration.
- On 4 November, Tokyo Gas and Eneglobal began construction of a 25 MW high-voltage solar portfolio in Japan, with operations targeted from April 2027; the project investment value was not disclosed. The development creates opportunities in renewable-energy procurement and corporate decarbonisation. HPC can support ESG assessments, clean-energy feasibility studies and sustainable investment planning.
- On 6 November, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said additional proceeds from accelerated Bank of Japan ETF sales would help finance a new special account for economic-security and growth investment. The government has not disclosed the final allocation amount. HPC can support investment research, financial modelling and strategic capital-allocation advisory.
- On 6 November, Japan selected 28 priority products and technologies, including semiconductors and artificial intelligence, from 17 strategic fields for public- and private-sector investment exceeding ¥370 trillion. The government plans to prepare an implementation roadmap by year-end. HPC can support policy research, investment strategy and public-sector programme planning.
- On 4 November, Kyoto-based Quadlytics raised ¥600 million through a Series B financing round to develop wearable technology and software designed to identify warning signs before epileptic seizures. The funding will support research, clinical development and international expansion. HPC can support healthcare market research, technology partnerships and medical-sector investment analysis.
- Japan’s Statistics Bureau released September labour-force results on 30 October, reporting 68.96 million employed people, an increase of 330,000 year over year, while the unemployment rate declined to 2.4%. The figures highlight workforce demand and changing employment conditions. HPC can support workforce research, HR planning and recruitment-market analysis.
- On 5 November, Fact Base announced ¥4.5 billion in Series D funding led by Insight Partners, with participation from other investors, to support expansion of its industrial software business. The investment highlights demand for digital tools in manufacturing and factory operations. HPC can support industrial market research, supplier development and technology-adoption strategy.
- On 5 November, Sunpin connected its 45 MW / 180 MWh grid-scale battery storage project in Shiga Prefecture to the electricity grid, with commercial operation targeted for December 2026. The project creates opportunities for battery suppliers, grid-service providers and energy contractors. HPC can support infrastructure research, technical procurement and project coordination.
- From 1 November, Japan shifted its tax-free shopping process so eligible international visitors pay the consumption tax at purchase and claim refunds when departing the country. The standard consumption-tax rate remains 10%, and retailers must adapt their checkout and refund procedures. HPC can support regulatory reviews, tax-compliance assessments and business-process planning.
- On 4 November, Reuters reported that state-backed Japan Investment Corporation was planning a possible sale of semiconductor-materials company JSR to Mitsui Chemicals for more than ¥1.3 trillion. Mitsui said it was considering options and had not made a final decision, so the transaction remains unconfirmed. HPC can support acquisition research, valuation analysis and corporate due diligence.
- Data published on 2 November showed Japan’s manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index eased to 53.3 in October from 54.1 in September, indicating continued expansion but at a slower pace. Manufacturers reported stronger demand for semiconductors alongside rising input-cost pressures. HPC can provide industry analysis, competitor intelligence and manufacturing-market forecasts.
- On 4 November, Japanese digital media and creator platform OPENREC secured approximately ¥1.4 billion in financing from investors including Iyogin Capital and Japan Growth Capital Investment Corporation. The funding creates opportunities in online entertainment, creator partnerships and digital advertising. HPC can support media strategy, brand partnerships and investor communications.
- On 6 November, Japanese real-estate market reporting highlighted an investment exceeding ¥13.5 billion involving six hotels in Fukuoka’s Hakata area, with Hashtag participating in the investment. The transaction reflects continued investor interest in regional hospitality assets. HPC can support property research, hotel feasibility studies and real-estate investment analysis.
- On 5 November, mobility startup Nealle raised ¥2 billion in Series C funding led by Insight Partners, with participation from JPS Growth Investment, to support its business expansion. The round highlights investor interest in Japan’s mobility and transport-technology market. HPC can support fundraising strategy, investor research and startup business planning.
- On 6 November, Japan’s Growth Strategy Council identified artificial intelligence, semiconductors and other advanced technologies among 28 priority areas for more than ¥370 trillion in planned public- and private-sector investment. The implementation plan is expected by the end of 2026. HPC can support digital transformation research, technology assessments and strategic partnership development.
- A report highlighted on 3 November estimated Japan’s leisure market at approximately ¥78 trillion in 2025, representing 3.9% annual growth. Separately, Nippon Travel Agency announced a 5 November partnership with AFP to promote Japanese tourism content internationally; the partnership value was not disclosed. HPC can support destination marketing, tourism research and hospitality investment strategy.
Sector stories & insights.
Keio University extended the application deadline for its Autumn 2026 student research grant programmes to 6 November, covering student projects, fieldwork and research activities. Individual award amounts vary by programme and were not stated in the announcement.
The extension creates opportunities for academic advisers, research consultants and education-support providers. HPC can support research planning, grant applications and institutional partnerships.
On 4 November, Tokyo Gas and Eneglobal began construction of a 25 MW high-voltage solar portfolio in Japan, with operations targeted from April 2027. The project’s total investment value was not disclosed.
The development supports renewable-energy expansion and corporate decarbonisation. HPC can support ESG assessments, renewable-energy feasibility studies and sustainable investment planning.
On 6 November, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi discussed using proceeds from increased Bank of Japan exchange-traded fund sales to support strategic economic investment and growth sectors. The BOJ’s annual ETF sales target has increased from ¥330 billion to ¥860 billion on a book-value basis.
The policy creates demand for financial-market analysis, portfolio research and investment planning. HPC can support financial modelling, economic research and strategic investment advisory.
On 6 November, Japan announced a ¥10 billion emergency cybersecurity package following cyberattacks affecting companies and government agencies. The plan includes faster support for affected organisations and specialist teams to strengthen national cyber defence.
The package creates opportunities for cybersecurity providers, technology consultants and public-sector contractors. HPC can support policy research, procurement analysis and digital-risk advisory.
On 5 November, the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development opened several FY2027 research funding calls covering medical devices, clinical studies and patient-registry systems. The announcements did not specify a single combined funding amount.
The calls create opportunities for medical researchers, healthcare technology developers and clinical research partners. HPC can support funding research, project proposals and healthcare partnership development.
Japan Opens ¥1.2 Million Research Support Scholarship for International Researchers
Applications opened on 1 November for a scholarship supporting overseas postgraduate students and researchers undertaking basic medical science research in Japan. The programme provides ¥100,000 per month for 12 months, equivalent to ¥1.2 million per recipient.
The programme highlights demand for international research talent and academic workforce development. HPC can support recruitment strategy, research-team planning and international talent partnerships.
On 5 November, robotics company MUSE announced a funding round of approximately ¥1.75 billion, while industrial software company Fact Base secured ¥4.5 billion in Series D funding. The investments highlight continued capital flows into Japanese industrial technology.
The funding creates opportunities for automation suppliers, component manufacturers and industrial service providers. HPC can support supplier research, market-entry planning and industrial investment analysis.
On 4 November, ORIX announced a solar power project combining onsite and virtual power-purchase arrangements, beginning with a 2.2 MW installation at a Mazda logistics facility. The project’s investment cost was not disclosed.
The initiative creates opportunities in commercial solar installation, energy management and logistics infrastructure. HPC can support project feasibility, technical procurement and energy-sector research.
From 1 November, Japan introduced a revised tax-free shopping process under which eligible international visitors pay consumption tax at purchase and claim refunds when departing the country. The change affects qualifying purchases rather than introducing a new fixed tax rate.
Retailers and tourism operators need to adapt their point-of-sale procedures and customer guidance. HPC can support regulatory reviews, compliance planning and business-process assessments.
On 4 November, Reuters reported that Japan Investment Corporation was considering selling semiconductor-materials company JSR to Mitsui Chemicals in a transaction potentially worth more than ¥1.3 trillion. Mitsui Chemicals said it was considering options and had not made a decision, so the transaction remains unconfirmed.
The potential deal highlights consolidation opportunities in semiconductor materials and advanced manufacturing. HPC can support transaction research, valuation analysis and acquisition due diligence.
A Leisure White Paper 2026 report highlighted on 3 November estimated Japan’s leisure market at approximately ¥78 trillion in 2025, representing growth of 3.9% from the previous year.
The findings create opportunities for consumer research, tourism analysis and leisure-sector investment planning. HPC can provide market intelligence, demand forecasting and sector research reports.
On 5 November, Nippon Travel Agency announced cooperation with French news agency AFP to distribute information about Japanese tourism destinations and experiences to international audiences. The partnership’s financial value was not disclosed.
The collaboration creates opportunities for destination branding, international media exposure and travel-content marketing. HPC can support PR strategy, B2B communications and international promotional campaigns.
On 5 November, Japanese real-estate market reporting confirmed the sale of Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho for more than ¥300 billion, with plans for Japan’s largest-ever security token offering associated with the property.
The transaction highlights institutional interest in large commercial properties and digital real-estate investment. HPC can support property valuation, investment research and real-estate feasibility studies.
On 5 November, mobility startup Nealle secured ¥2 billion in Series C funding led by Insight Partners, with participation from JPS Growth Investment. The funding supports the company’s business expansion and mobility-sector development.
The investment creates opportunities for mobility technology partners and early-stage investors. HPC can support fundraising strategy, investor research and business-plan development.
On 6 November, Japan announced plans to establish a specialist cybersecurity team using artificial intelligence to identify network weaknesses and counter cyber threats. The government’s wider emergency cybersecurity package totals ¥10 billion.
The initiative increases demand for AI security solutions, digital infrastructure and cybersecurity consulting. HPC can support technology assessments, digital transformation planning and cybersecurity partnership research.
Japan’s Leisure White Paper 2026, highlighted on 3 November, estimated the domestic leisure market at ¥78 trillion in 2025, up 3.9% year over year. The report points to continued commercial opportunities across travel, entertainment and recreational services.
The market growth creates opportunities for hotels, tour operators and leisure businesses seeking expansion. HPC can support tourism research, destination marketing and hospitality investment analysis.