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SoftBank⁤ Shares Drop 20% Amid AI Bubble Concerns

TOKYO ⁢- shares of SoftBank Group Corp. have experienced a sharp correction,falling ‍20% in the past ‍week,as ⁤investors express apprehension that the ⁣Japanese conglomerate’s recent stock surge was fueled by an artificial⁢ intelligence (AI)‌ bubble. The decline signals a potential shift in sentiment toward companies heavily invested in the AI sector.

SoftBank’s market capitalization had previously soared on the back of​ its meaningful investments in AI,‌ particularly its partnership with‍ OpenAI CEO⁤ Sam Altman in the‍ pursuit of artificial superintelligence. ⁢The recent pullback reflects⁢ broader market‌ anxieties about valuations in the AI ‌space and ‌whether current prices are lasting. This downturn impacts SoftBank’s investors and raises questions⁤ about the future trajectory of its AI-focused ventures. The​ company’s performance‌ is being closely watched as a bellwether for the overall health of the AI investment landscape.

The stock’s decline comes after a period ⁢of substantial gains, prompting ‍analysts ⁤too question ​whether the ⁢market had become overheated. SoftBank’s CEO,Masayoshi⁢ Son,has ​publicly⁣ championed AI as a transformative ⁢technology,and ​the company has made substantial financial commitments to the field.

As of November 11, 2025, the market is evaluating‌ whether SoftBank’s ⁢AI investments ⁤will deliver the expected returns ⁤or if the current valuations are unsustainable.

Subaru Scales Back EV investment, Prioritizes Hybrids in $9.7bn Plan

TOKYO – Subaru Corporation is recalibrating its 1.5 ⁣trillion yen ($9.74 billion) electrification strategy, reducing investment in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) ‌and redirecting funds toward hybrid technologies.‍ The move comes as​ automakers worldwide assess shifting consumer preferences and evolving government support for electric vehicle adoption.

the Japanese automakerS decision reflects a broader industry trend ⁣of tempering initial EV ambitions amid slower-than-expected demand growth in some markets. Subaru, notably ​sensitive to potential U.S. ⁢tariffs due to importing roughly half its U.S.vehicle volume from ⁢Japan,is adapting to a landscape where hybrids currently offer a more appealing balance of⁣ fuel⁣ efficiency and affordability ⁣for many buyers.

This strategic shift acknowledges the current market realities, where consumer demand for fully electric vehicles isn’t⁢ keeping pace with earlier projections. ​The ⁣company intends‍ to allocate more resources​ to hybrid technologies, which are gaining traction as⁤ a practical stepping stone toward⁤ full electrification. the revised plan aims to address ​both immediate consumer needs and long-term sustainability goals.

Seiya Ota of Nikkei Asia reported the news on November 11, 2023.

Dogo‍ Onsen & Kuma Skiland Launch Direct Bus Link to Boost Winter Tourism

MATSUYAMA, Japan – ⁢A new direct bus route connecting Japan’s historic Dogo Onsen hot spring with the⁢ Kuma Skiland ski resort will launch this⁤ winter,‍ aiming to capitalize on⁢ a surge in domestic ski tourism. The service, set to begin operations in December, will reduce travel time between ‌the two popular destinations to ⁤approximately one hour.

The initiative seeks to draw skiers adn snowboarders to Ehime Prefecture’s Kuma ‌Skiland while together offering onsen enthusiasts a convenient⁣ winter getaway.Approximately 40,000 visitors frequent Kuma Skiland each ski season.‍ The link is designed to broaden the appeal of both locations, creating a combined⁤ tourism ​experience and‍ perhaps extending the ‌visitor season beyond traditional ⁢peaks. Kuma Kogen Kaihatsu,⁢ the operator​ of Kuma Skiland, anticipates increased patronage with the improved accessibility. The bus ⁣route ‍is a key component of a broader⁤ regional​ strategy to attract visitors and stimulate the local economy.

Third Point Builds Stake in Japanese Manufacturer Ebara

TOKYO – Daniel Loeb’s Third Point has initiated a position in Ebara Corporation, a Japanese precision machinery and‌ engineering company, the⁤ U.S.-based hedge fund ‌disclosed in a ​recent investor letter. The move signals third Point’s renewed ​interest in Japanese​ equities after a period of reduced activity in the region.

this investment comes as Third Point identifies potential ‌for Ebara, a key supplier to the semiconductor ⁢industry, to increase its market share and improve profitability. The hedge fund believes Ebara ‍currently trades at a discount compared to its American counterparts,​ presenting an​ opportunity for ​value creation. Ebara manufactures a range of products including pumps, compressors, and environmental equipment, with a growing focus on semiconductor manufacturing⁣ equipment. ​

Third Point’s return⁤ to⁤ Japan underscores a broader trend of activist ⁤investors targeting undervalued companies in the country, encouraged by recent corporate governance reforms. The fund’s strategy typically involves engaging‌ with ​management to​ implement operational improvements and ​unlock shareholder value.It remains to be seen what specific changes ‌Third Point will advocate ⁤for⁣ at⁢ Ebara, but the investment suggests an expectation of active​ involvement.

Malaysia Champions Regional Unity at ASEAN Defense Summit Amidst Great⁢ Power ​Competition

KUALA LUMPUR ⁤- Malaysia ⁣concluded its ⁣hosting of a two-day ASEAN defense ministers​ meeting on‍ Saturday,advocating for a⁢ prioritized “ASEAN first” approach to regional⁤ security as ⁢the United ⁤states,China,and other ‍partner nations participated in the summit.Defense Minister Mohamed⁢ Khaled Nordin spearheaded the call for ​greater regional solidarity, ​signaling ⁢a desire for ⁤the 10-member bloc to navigate increasing geopolitical tensions independently.

The push for an “ASEAN first” strategy comes as the region ⁤finds itself ⁢a key arena in the ⁢strategic competition between the U.S.​ and China. The summit provided ‍a platform for dialogue amidst​ these rivalries, with Malaysia ⁢positioning ASEAN as central to maintaining stability ‍and‍ addressing shared security challenges. The⁢ meetings⁢ underscore the ​growing importance of ​ASEAN’s role in shaping⁣ the ⁢regional security architecture and its efforts to remain neutral ⁤while fostering cooperation with⁤ major powers.

The meeting,held⁢ november 1-2,2024,brought together defense ‌leaders from across Southeast Asia,alongside representatives from countries including the U.S. and China, to discuss ⁢pressing issues such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, and⁤ humanitarian assistance.Nordin’s emphasis on ASEAN⁣ centrality reflects a broader ambition for the bloc to proactively address regional‌ concerns‍ and ‍avoid ​being⁣ caught in​ the crosscurrents of larger power dynamics.

GYEONGJU, SOUTH KOREA – Discussions at‌ the ⁣Asia-Pacific Economic ‌Cooperation‌ (APEC) summit‍ are‍ progressing ⁢toward consensus on a declaration, ‌though whether the ‍term “free trade” will⁤ be included remains uncertain, South Korean Foreign ⁢Minister ‌Cho‍ Hyun⁣ said Friday. ⁣South⁤ Korea is hosting APEC​ for the first time in two decades and‍ is mediating to ensure ⁤an agreement‌ on ‍the Gyeongju Declaration.

The ​summit comes ‍amid potential‍ disagreements ‍between the U.S. and​ other member economies ​regarding multilateralism in trade, according to analysts. “The point of contention is probably‌ that… there are many member economies which⁤ say ‘we should strengthen ‍the multilateral system ‌and bolster the multilateral framework,'” explained ⁣Lee Jae-min, professor​ of international law at Seoul National ⁢University School of Law. “However, the U.S.,along with some nations sharing a similar stance,may have reservations about‍ pushing it too hard.”

Alongside bilateral meetings, Chinese President⁤ Xi ​Jinping on Friday presented a five-point‌ proposal for promoting inclusive economic globalization and building an Asia-Pacific community, emphasizing safeguarding the multilateral trading system, fostering⁣ an open regional economic environment, ⁤stabilizing supply chains, promoting digitalization and green ⁤trade,⁢ and prioritizing universally beneficial development.

Leaders are⁤ currently engaged in a lunch with​ buisness leaders following a CEO summit held this week in Gyeongju. Spouses of the leaders were⁣ earlier taken on a tour of the city.