Core Viewpoint - The article discusses Kansai Electric Power's plans to initiate geological surveys for the construction of new nuclear power units at the Mihama Nuclear Power Plant, marking the first concrete action towards new nuclear units in Japan since the 2011 earthquake [1][2]. Group 1: Company Actions - Kansai Electric Power announced on July 22 that it will start geological surveys necessary for the construction of new nuclear units at the Mihama Nuclear Power Plant in Fukui Prefecture [1]. - The company had previously initiated surveys in 2010, but these were halted after the 2011 earthquake [1]. - The new units are intended to replace the decommissioned Mihama Unit 1 and others [2]. Group 2: Government and Regulatory Context - The Japanese government has stated that new generation units will be built on the land of the decommissioned units [2]. - Kansai Electric's president emphasized the necessity of nuclear energy for decarbonization and the growing electricity demand driven by the rapid growth of data centers and the semiconductor industry [2]. Group 3: Financial and Operational Considerations - The reconstruction of nuclear units is estimated to require around 1 trillion yen [2]. - The company plans to utilize its own funds, loans, and part of the capital raised through a large-scale fundraising initiative set for 2024 [2]. - Geological and topographical surveys are the first steps in the construction process, which will take approximately 20 years from survey completion to operational status [2].

7月21日记者会后，石破茂离开会场（7月21日，自民党总部） 日本执政党自民党在参议院选举中大败，但石破茂仍表示将继续执政，称承担大选失败责任不是辞职， 为了不让国政陷入停滞，继续担任首相才是责任。自民党内出现批评的声音，"倒石破"动向也在暗中酝 酿…… 日本首相石破茂在参院选举次日（7月21日）的记者会上表示将继续执政。他列举的理由是日美关税谈 判和物价高涨"国难"。自民党内部已开始出现批评其继续执政的声音，"倒石破"动向也在暗中酝酿。如 果政权的根基发生动摇，石破茂的政策推进力也将随之减弱。 石破茂在自民党总部以总裁身份出席了总结参议院选举的记者会。他10次使用"责任"一词来解释继续执 政的想法。并平淡地表示，承担大选失败责任不是辞去首相职位，为了不让国政陷入停滞，继续担任首 相才是责任。 石破茂表示："今后的道路将荆棘丛生。将以更加真诚、认真的态度与其他政党深入讨论，怀着赤心报 国的信念投身国家政治"。 日本政府一名高官表示："当安倍在参议院选举中失利时，曾经那么迫切要求其辞职的人如今在众参两 院都失利后仍然继续担任首相是否真的合适，这样的想法是存在的"。 在社交媒体X上，"#石破総裁の退陣を求める（要 ...

日经GO 斯巴鲁推出新款EV，2026年在北美发售 原创 阅读全文 ...

Core Viewpoint - Proterial has developed a new type of magnet for electric vehicle (EV) motors that does not use heavy rare earth materials, addressing supply chain concerns due to China's export restrictions on rare earth elements [1][2]. Group 1 - Proterial has created two types of new magnets, one of which has begun providing trial samples from mass production facilities, while the other is a next-generation magnet with improved heat resistance, expected to start shipping samples around April 2026 [1][2]. - The new magnets are designed to replace traditional neodymium magnets used in precision instruments and electric vehicles, offering stronger magnetic power [1][2]. - The development of these magnets is crucial as the automotive industry faces supply disruptions, exemplified by Suzuki's suspension of production for its Swift model due to rare earth shortages [2].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence of a new type of thin and lightweight photovoltaic cell known as "brass mine photovoltaic cells," which are positioned as competitors to perovskite solar cells. Group 1: Industry Overview - Brass mine photovoltaic cells are characterized by their thickness of 0.6 to 0.7 mm, making them comparable to a thin plastic mat, with a weight density of approximately 0.7 kg/m², similar to regular corrugated cardboard [1]. - This type of photovoltaic cell was previously referred to as "CIS type" or "CIGS type," named after the compound semiconductors used, which primarily consist of copper (Cu), indium (In), gallium (Ga), sulfur (S), and selenium (Se) [1].

Core Viewpoint - The case of the Astellas Pharma employee being sentenced for espionage highlights the complexities of Sino-Japanese relations and the implications of China's legal system on foreign nationals [1][2]. Group 1: Legal Proceedings - The Beijing Second Intermediate People's Court sentenced the Astellas employee to 3 years and 6 months in prison for espionage, recognizing his actions of receiving compensation for providing information to a Japanese agency as espionage activities [1][2]. - The Chinese authorities encouraged the employee to confess, indicating that a guilty plea could lead to a lighter sentence, which reflects a judicial transaction in this rare case involving a Japanese national [2]. - The legal basis for the plea deal stems from the revised Criminal Procedure Law implemented in October 2018, which allows for reduced sentences in exchange for confessions [2]. Group 2: Background Information - The detained individual, over 60 years old, had served as a senior executive for Astellas in China for more than 20 years and was previously the vice president of the China Japan Chamber of Commerce [3]. - The employee was detained in March 2023 as he was preparing to return to Japan, indicating a strategic timing by Chinese authorities [3]. - The case is part of ongoing tensions between China and Japan, with the Chinese leadership closely monitoring relations with neighboring countries amid broader geopolitical dynamics [2].

美国特朗普政府7月20日迎来了上台半年。对高关税导致物价急剧上涨和经济恶化的悲观论有所减弱， 减税和放宽限制等重视增长的政策正在推动企业投资。不过，根据市场压力、交易与谈判反复修正轨道 的危险并未消失…… 主要向美国特斯拉供货的松下控股决定推迟在美国投资建设的电池工厂的满负荷生产。有分析认为，随 着美国政府停止对纯电动汽车（EV）的支持，存在电池产能过剩的风险。 企业正在考虑以高关税长期持续作为前提的选项。日本汽车车灯巨头小糸制作所的专务董事、首席财务 官（CFO）大嶽孝仁指出，"不只是要在特朗普政权时期坚持下去"。 美国特朗普政府7月20日迎来了上台半年。对高关税导致物价急剧上涨和经济恶化的悲观论有所减弱， 减税和放宽限制等重视增长的政策正在推动企业投资。不过，根据市场压力、交易与谈判反复修正轨道 的危险并未消失，特朗普的政策运作仍在"走钢丝"。 最近半年来，特朗普政权接二连三出台政策。以来自中国的进口商品为开端，从2月起逐步提高关税，4 月公布了大规模对等关税。此外，还推进联邦政府的裁员，7月通过了大而美法案（OBBB）。 通过减税和放宽限制实现"小政府"和保护主义性质的高关税，都是为了促进民营企业的对美 ...

Core Viewpoint - The recent defeat of Japan's ruling party in the House of Councillors election has led to a cautious but stable reaction in the yen exchange rate, with market participants remaining vigilant about potential future depreciation due to fiscal expansion and high tariffs from the U.S. [1][3] Group 1: Election Impact on Yen - The ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito failed to secure a majority in the House of Councillors, which has raised concerns about the government's ability to pass legislation and budgets without relying on opposition parties [3][4] - Despite the ruling party's loss, the market reaction was relatively calm as the defeat was not as severe as anticipated, leading to some short-term buying of yen [3][4] Group 2: Fiscal Policy Concerns - The main opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party, has proposed expanding subsidies and temporarily reducing the food-related tax rate from 8% to 0%, which could lead to increased fiscal spending [3][4] - The likelihood of fiscal expansion is increasing, raising concerns about "malicious interest rate hikes" and potential long-term depreciation of the yen, with forecasts suggesting it could weaken to 150 yen per dollar [4][5] Group 3: Tariff Negotiations and Market Sentiment - Upcoming negotiations regarding a potential 25% tariff on Japanese imports are causing additional anxiety in the market, as Japan may struggle to secure favorable terms [4][5] - The uncertainty surrounding the political landscape and the potential for a no-confidence motion in the minority government could exacerbate market tensions [5]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights the ongoing negotiations between Japan and the United States regarding tariffs, with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida seeking to establish a favorable agreement post the upcoming Senate elections [1][2][3] - Kishida has had one face-to-face meeting and four phone consultations with President Trump since April, indicating a proactive approach to maintain dialogue and negotiate terms [1][2] - U.S. Treasury Secretary Basent emphasized the importance of achieving a beneficial agreement rather than rushing into one, suggesting that a mutual agreement between the two nations is possible [2][3] Group 2 - The Japanese ruling party faces significant challenges in the upcoming Senate elections, which may impact their negotiation stance, particularly regarding agricultural concessions [3] - Trump indicated on July 16 that Japan would adhere to the contents of his letter, suggesting that an agreement may not be reached before the August 1 deadline for new tariffs [3] - The automotive trade has been a major sticking point in negotiations, but recent U.S. focus has shifted towards market access for agricultural products, which could influence future discussions [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the intentions of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to continue his leadership role, emphasizing the responsibilities of being the largest party in Japan and the need for effective governance in light of recent electoral challenges [1][2]. Group 1 - Ishiba acknowledges the importance of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito maintaining a majority in the Diet, despite recent losses in the House of Councillors elections [2]. - He highlights the necessity of addressing issues such as wage increases that outpace inflation, regional revitalization, and disaster prevention as part of the government's responsibilities [1][2]. - Ishiba expresses his commitment to national interests, citing multiple discussions with U.S. President Trump regarding tariff negotiations [2]. Group 2 - The recent elections resulted in a significant reduction of seats for the LDP and Komeito, with both parties failing to secure over 50 seats in the House of Councillors [2]. - Ishiba points out that the government's cash distribution policy of 20,000 yen to combat rising prices has not been well received by the public [2]. - He emphasizes the need for careful consideration of the best methods to achieve policy goals, whether through coalition-building with opposition parties or seeking cooperation on specific policies [2].