(Feb 20): Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi vowed to repeatedly “hit the button” on economic growth and adopt a bolder diplomatic stance without spooking markets during a speech setting out her policy vision. “We will ensure the pace of increase in our debt is within the range of Japan’s growth and steadily lower the ratio of public debt to gross domestic product. Takaichi also said that Japan’s growth would be spurred by two key pillars — risk management industries that include energy and cybersecurity, and growth industries that span artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and shipbuilding. Takaichi also called for a bold stance not only on the economy, but also in diplomacy and defence as well. Revisions are already underway for the three security documents underpinning Japan’s defence posture that pertain to security strategy, defence strategy and a programme for building defence capabilities.

Source: The Edge Markets February 20, 2026 04:12 UTC