Japan

【北浜流一郎のズバリ株先見！】 ─ 腰を据えて国策テーマ株の押し目を狙う！

Yahoo Finance | Local Language | News | Jan. 19, 2026 | UndeterminedInvestor Sentiment

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent dissolution of the House of Representatives has significant implications for Japan’s stock market, particularly for sectors aligned with her administration’s “17 priority fields” intended to drive national economic growth. Investors are advised to focus on these national policy theme stocks and to adopt a steady, long-term buy-the-dip strategy rather than chasing short-term rallies. These fields include AI, semiconductors, nuclear fusion, defense, aviation and space, disaster prevention, and national land resilience, with rare-earth-related stocks currently receiving heightened attention.

The article emphasizes materials and resource-related stocks as prime candidates for investment due to global shortages in non-ferrous metals such as copper and aluminum, alongside rare earths. Recommended targets include major general trading companies—Sumitomo Corporation, which is highlighted as a leader in non-ferrous metals, Marubeni, Itochu, Mitsui & Co., and Mitsubishi Corporation—as well as Sojitz, which specializes in rare-earth trading. Other notable companies producing non-ferrous ore or related mining machinery include Sumitomo Metal Mining, Furukawa Machinery & Metals, Komatsu, Matsuda Sangyo, ARE Holdings, and Okamoto Glass, the latter of which is active in deep-sea exploration technologies linked to rare-earth sourcing.

The current rally in Japanese stocks is supported by expectations surrounding the Takaichi administration, but sustainable growth depends on the ruling party’s success in the upcoming election and the effective execution of its growth-oriented policies. While political and international tensions, especially with China, inject uncertainty, the prime minister’s firm stance is expected to garner public support, potentially boosting market confidence in the targeted sectors. Investors are encouraged to remain cautious but focused on strategic investment in these national policy themes for long-term gain.

Asahi Shimbun - E | English | News | Jan. 19, 2026 | Political Scandal or Corruption

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to five years in prison by a Seoul court for charges related to his December 2024 martial law decree. This ruling is the first verdict in a series of eight criminal trials stemming from Yoon's brief imposition of martial law, which led to his impeachment, arrest, and removal from office amid widespread protests. The court specifically convicted him of defying detention attempts, fabricating the martial law proclamation, and bypassing a legally required full Cabinet meeting.

The most serious accusation against Yoon is that his martial law enforcement constituted a rebellion, with an independent counsel seeking the death penalty. A decision on this charge is scheduled for February 19. Yoon has denied intentions to impose prolonged military rule, claiming his decree was meant to alert the public about parliamentary obstruction. However, investigators view his actions as efforts to extend his power illegally. The judge emphasized the need for a harsh sentence due to Yoon’s lack of remorse and impact on the legal system. Yoon’s defense team plans to appeal, criticizing the verdict as politically motivated and an oversimplification of presidential authority.

Experts anticipate that while a death sentence is unlikely due to South Korea’s moratorium on executions and lack of casualties during the martial law period, Yoon could face life imprisonment or lengthy sentences. Historically, South Korea has pardoned jailed former presidents for political reasons, suggesting a potential path for Yoon’s future. Despite facing multiple other trials involving charges such as inciting tensions with North Korea, influencing an investigation, and electoral bribery, Yoon reportedly maintains a defiant stance, possibly to preserve his political support with the hope of eventual pardon.

Yoon’s martial law declaration marked South Korea’s first such decree in over 40 years and triggered a significant political crisis without major violence but major ramifications for domestic politics, diplomacy, and financial markets. Following Yoon’s removal, his liberal opponent Lee Jae Myung won a snap election and appointed independent counsels to investigate Yoon and his associates for various alleged offenses.

NHK | English | News | Jan. 19, 2026 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

Taiwan's defense ministry reported that a Chinese reconnaissance drone violated airspace over Pratas Island, a remote island in the South China Sea that Taiwan effectively controls. The drone entered the airspace at 5:44 a.m. on Saturday and flew at an altitude beyond the range of Taiwan's anti-aircraft weapons. After Taiwan issued a warning, the drone exited the airspace four minutes later.

The ministry condemned the incident as a highly provocative and irresponsible act that undermines regional peace and stability. Taiwan stated it will continue patrolling and monitoring the situation around the island. In response, China's People's Liberation Army's Southern Theater Command defended the drone flight as normal and legal training activity. China has been increasing military pressure on Taiwan through flights by military jets and government ship movements near the island, where Taiwan’s coast guard and military forces are stationed.