Core Viewpoint - Japanese companies have reached a record high in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the first half of 2025, with a total amount of $214.8 billion, increasing 3.6 times compared to the same period last year, driven by efforts to enhance capital efficiency and pursue growth overseas [1][2]. Group 1: M&A Trends - The share of Japanese companies in global M&A has exceeded 10% for the first time since July-December 1990, marking a significant increase in their international presence [2]. - In the first half of 2025, global M&A reached $1.9792 trillion, a 30% increase, with Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan) seeing a 90% rise to $377.5 billion [1]. Group 2: Corporate Restructuring - Major Japanese corporations are increasingly engaging in internal restructuring to improve capital efficiency, with Toyota planning a TOB for Toyota Industries at approximately ¥4.7 trillion and NTT moving to fully acquire NTT DATA for ¥2 trillion [3]. - There is a growing pressure from activist investors in Japan to change the current situation where parent and subsidiary companies are both publicly listed, aiming to optimize resource utilization [3]. Group 3: Divestitures and Financial Capacity - The trend of "carve-outs" is on the rise in Japan, with around 270 cases reported in the first half of 2025, a 30% increase, marking the highest level since 2008 [4]. - Major Japanese companies have significant cash reserves, the third highest since the fiscal year 2007, enhancing their investment capabilities [4].