Japan Business Activity Strongest Since 2023 on Takaichi’s Push

Japan’s manufacturing activity stayed expansionary for a third month on the back of solid output, signaling firmer corporate sentiment as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi prepares to promote her investment plans.

The au Jibun Bank manufacturing purchasing managers’ index climbed to 52.8 from 51.5, S&P Global reported Friday. With the services gauge advancing to 53.8, the highest since May 2024, the composite figure rose to 53.8 from 53.1.