Foreign ownership of Japan stocks hits new record on AI boom

EquitiesImproved corporate governance draws attention of activist investorsMore than one-third of Japanese stocks were owned by overseas investors in fiscal 2025. (Photo by Tomoki Mera)MAYU NAKADAAugust 21, 2026 06:54 JSTTOKYO -- The share of Japanese stocks held by overseas investors hit a record for three consecutive years in fiscal 2025, with the greatest increases seen at AI-related companies and those held by activist investors.Read NextEquitiesJapan dividends heading to record high on chip, AI gainsCurrenciesJapan's foreign currency deposits log record growth on diversification pushSemiconductorsSamsung Electronics poised for $72bn shareholder return programEquitiesSoftBank comes out ahead in Japan Inc.'s race for retail investorsEquitiesForeign buyers warm up to Indian equities amid