Founded in 1916 and established in 1950, Daido Steel Co., Ltd. is a world-leading manufacturer specializing in special steel. Headquartered in Nagoya, Japan, the company has a capital of approximately 37.1 billion yen and a consolidated workforce of around 12,000 employees. Operating globally, its business spans five core segments: Special Steel, Functional Materials & Magnetic Materials, Automobile & Industrial Machinery Parts, Engineering, and Trading & Services. Daido Steel supplies high-performance materials and precision components to a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, and medical sectors. Through eco-friendly manufacturing processes, the company is dedicated to supporting the realization of a sustainable society and continuous global development. Daido Steel is driving a business portfolio transformation focusing on growth markets like semiconductors and aerospace. For the fiscal year ended March 2026, the company reported sales of 578.1 billion yen and an operating profit of 42.1 billion yen. The goal is to increase the sales ratio of growth market products to 25% by FY2030, having already reached 15% in FY2025. Moving forward, the company targets an operating profit of over 60 billion yen and an ROE of over 9% for FY2026. The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.

Panasonic Holdings Corporation, founded in 1918 by Konosuke Matsushita, is a leading global electronics manufacturer. In April 2022, the company transitioned to a holding company system and adopted its current name. Guided by its mission to realize "an ideal society with affluence both in matter and mind," Panasonic operates across diverse sectors. These include consumer appliances, HVAC, electrical construction materials, supply chain software, electronic components, and batteries for EVs and data centers. Recently, under the "Panasonic GREEN IMPACT" initiative, the company has been accelerating its efforts to solve global environmental challenges and enhance the well-being of people and society, continually evolving to deliver sustainable and innovative solutions worldwide. * Key Focus Areas: The company is aggressively restructuring low-profit businesses and optimizing its portfolio, having divested its Automotive Systems (Dec 2024) and Housing Solutions (Mar 2026) businesses. Moving forward, it focuses on "Solution Areas" as growth engines, specifically energy storage for data centers, electronic materials for AI servers, and supply chain software. * Supporting Data: Panasonic generated 2.2 trillion yen in cumulative operating cash flow over three years (FY2022-2024), successfully achieving its 2.0 trillion yen mid-term target. The Industry and Energy segments are significantly driving performance, fueled by rapidly expanding demand related to generative AI. * Performance Expectations: Through structural reforms to reduce fixed costs, the company forecasts an adjusted operating profit of 600 billion yen for FY2026. By FY2028, Panasonic aims to transform into a highly profitable enterprise with a ROE of 10% or more and an adjusted operating profit margin of 10% or more. The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.

KOKUSAI ELECTRIC is a dedicated semiconductor manufacturing equipment manufacturer specializing in thin-film deposition and treatment processes. It holds the world's top market share in batch ALD systems and treatment equipment. Over the past three years (FY2024-FY2026), sales revenue reached 180.8, 238.9, and 235.1 billion yen, respectively. As for its future direction, the company will focus on expanding sales of high-value-added products to meet the growing demand for high-difficulty deposition caused by the increasing complexity, miniaturization, and 3D structures of semiconductor devices. Driven by this strategy, the proportion of high-value-added products will increase. The company forecasts its sales revenue will reach 280.0 billion yen and adjusted operating profit 60.5 billion yen in FY2027. The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.

Founded in 1935 to commercialize the magnetic material ferrite, TDK Corporation is a world-leading comprehensive electronic components manufacturer. Guided by its corporate motto, "Contribute to culture and industry through creativity," TDK operates in four core segments: Passive Components, Sensor Application Products, Magnetic Application Products, and Energy Application Products. With approximately 100,000 employees globally and an overseas sales ratio exceeding 90%, TDK provides innovative solutions worldwide. The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.

Japan Securities Finance Co., Ltd. (JSF), established in 1927, is Japan's sole licensed securities finance company, listed on the TSE Prime Market. While margin transactions remain its core business, its security finance segment (e.g., bond and stock repos) has driven recent rapid growth. Key financial data affecting performance forecasts show significant upward momentum. Following the Bank of Japan's lift of negative interest rates, rising lending rates and increased funding demand are expected to positively impact JSF's future performance. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Listeners should make investment decisions at their own discretion and risk.

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a global leader in advanced electronic components. Its flagship product, Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors (MLCCs), holds approximately 40% of the global market share. Recently, Murata's performance has been heavily influenced by smartphone and PC inventory adjustments, AI server demand, and foreign exchange fluctuations. In the fiscal year ended March 2024, revenue fell to 1.64 trillion JPY with an operating profit of 215 billion JPY due to sluggish demand,. However, aided by a weaker yen and AI-related growth, revenue for the year ended March 2025 recovered to 1.74 trillion JPY, with operating profit at 279 billion JPY,. In the latest fiscal year ended March 2026, driven by vehicle electrification, revenue reached 1.83 trillion JPY and operating profit stood at 281 billion JPY. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Listeners should make investment decisions at their own discretion and risk.

Founded in 1925, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. is a global comprehensive chemical company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company operates through five core business sectors: Agro & Life Solutions, ICT & Mobility Solutions, Advanced Medical Solutions, Essential & Green Materials, and Sumitomo Pharma. With overseas sales accounting for approximately 70% of its total revenue, Sumitomo Chemical possesses a robust global presence and network. The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.

Oriental Land Co., Ltd., established in July 1960 and headquartered in Urayasu, Chiba, was founded to develop a large-scale leisure facility and contribute to Japan's cultural and social well-being. Operating under a long-term license agreement with Disney Enterprises, Inc. signed in 1979, the company successfully opened Tokyo Disneyland in 1983 and Tokyo DisneySea in 2001. Today, its core operations encompass the Theme Park segment, the Hotel segment, and other resort businesses including the Ikspiari shopping complex and the Disney Resort Line monorail. Guided by its corporate mission to "offer wonderful dreams, moving experiences, delight and contentment," the company continues to provide unparalleled entertainment and hospitality to millions of guests at Tokyo Disney Resort. The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.

Established in 1919 from the merger of eight celluloid manufacturers, Daicel Corporation is a leading global chemical company. The company operates globally across five business segments: Medical/Healthcare, Smart, Safety, Materials, and Engineering Plastics. Daicel is recognized as Japan's sole manufacturer of acetic acid and holds top global market shares for unique products such as cellulose acetate, automobile airbag inflators, engineering plastics, and chiral columns. The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.

Tokyo Electron Limited (TEL), established in November 1963 and headquartered in Akasaka, Tokyo, is a leading global manufacturer of semiconductor production equipment. Led by President and CEO Toshiki Kawai, the company has a capital of 54.9 billion yen. TEL specializes in the development, manufacturing, sales, and maintenance of semiconductor and flat panel display (FPD) production equipment. Its core product lineup includes coater/developers, etch systems, deposition systems, and cleaning systems. Notably, TEL holds a significant global market share in various equipment categories, especially in coater/developers. The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.

Established in 1999, SUMCO Corporation is a world-leading specialized manufacturer of silicon wafers, the essential substrate materials for semiconductors. The company boasts an integrated production system, from high-purity polysilicon to final wafer products. SUMCO holds the world's top market share in cutting-edge 300mm epitaxial wafers for logic semiconductors, which require highly advanced technology and stringent quality control. These products are indispensable for a wide range of applications, including smartphones, PCs, automobiles, and data centers. Guided by its vision to be the "World's No.1 company in technology" and to "ensure stable earnings even during economic downturns," SUMCO continues to meet the demanding needs of top-tier global semiconductor makers. Through relentless technological innovation, SUMCO significantly contributes to the evolution of semiconductors and the sustainable development of our digital society. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Listeners should make investment decisions at their own discretion and risk.

AMIYAKI TEI CO., LTD. is a Japanese restaurant chain company headquartered in Kasugai City, Aichi Prefecture. Operating as a "group of meat professionals," the company leverages its extensive knowledge and precise meat-cutting techniques to provide high-quality meat at affordable chain-store prices. The company primarily operates three core business segments: the Yakiniku (grilled meat) business, featuring brands like "Amiyaki Tei" and "Yakiniku Suehirokan"; the Yakitori (grilled chicken) business, including "Ganso Yakitoriya Minoji"; and the Restaurant business, which offers steak and hamburgers through brands like "Kando no Niku to Kome". To ensure freshness and cost-effectiveness, AMIYAKI TEI utilizes central kitchens in Aichi and Kanagawa prefectures to process and deliver fresh ingredients to its branches daily. Furthermore, the company has actively expanded its market presence and brand portfolio through strategic M&A, successfully acquiring companies such as Suehiro Restaurant System and New Look. The audio and written content of this podcast are intended to help listeners understand the general business conditions and publicly available information of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment solicitations.

Founded in 1915 and headquartered in Kitakyushu, Japan, YASKAWA Electric Corporation is a global leader in mechatronics. The company's core businesses include Motion Control (AC servo motors and inverters) and Industrial Robotics. According to the latest financial results for the fiscal year ending February 2026, YASKAWA achieved a consolidated revenue of 542.12 billion yen, representing a 0.8% year-on-year increase. This growth was driven by steadily converting new orders into sales. However, despite the increased value-added from higher sales, operating profit decreased by 5.7% year-on-year to 47.30 billion yen due to adverse foreign exchange impacts and rising overhead costs. Guided by its "technology-oriented" philosophy, YASKAWA continues to leverage its century-long expertise in motor control to provide innovative automation solutions that support and enhance the global manufacturing industry. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Listeners should make investment decisions at their own discretion and risk.

KUSURI NO AOKI HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, is a prominent retail company operating drugstores and dispensing pharmacies. Founded in 1985, the company's management philosophy is to "contribute to society through health, beauty, and hygiene". In recent years, the company has aggressively pursued a "Food & Drug" strategy by introducing fresh foods to its stores, offering customers a convenient one-stop shopping experience. Additionally, it focuses on increasing the ratio of stores with dispensing pharmacies to serve as trusted community healthcare hubs. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Listeners should make investment decisions at their own discretion and risk.

Olympus Corporation, established on October 12, 1919, initially aimed to domesticate microscope production in Japan. Today, headquartered in Tokyo, it has successfully transformed into a leading global MedTech company. Driven by its core purpose of "Making people’s lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling," Olympus is dedicated to advancing medical standards and improving patient outcomes. Since developing the world's first practical gastrocamera in 1950, the company has become a dominant force in the medical field, commanding approximately a 70% global market share in gastrointestinal endoscopes. Operating primarily through its Endoscopic Solutions and Therapeutic Solutions divisions, Olympus provides innovative medical devices centered on "Early Detection" and "Minimally Invasive Therapy". These technologies help improve patients' quality of life while reducing overall healthcare costs. With over 29,000 employees globally across 40 countries or regions, Olympus continues to leverage its advanced technologies to shape the future of healthcare. The audio and written content provided in this podcast are for informational and general reference purposes only and are intended to introduce publicly available information and basic business conditions of major listed companies in Japan. They do not constitute investment advice, investment recommendations, investment solicitations, or a basis for any investment decision. Investing involves risks, and all investment decisions should be made at the listener’s own discretion and responsibility.