Japan Inc. raises full-year profit forecast to 14% jump on AI and chips

CompaniesInfrastructure, component share leaders Hitachi, Ibiden expect gainsHitachi expects to earn greater profit with its high global share in power transmission and distribution equipment, which benefits from the data center boom. (Hitachi)TAKURO HOSODA and CHIAKI NAKATAAugust 18, 2026 04:21 JSTTOKYO -- Japan's listed companies expect net profit to rise 14% for the year ending March 2027, led by suppliers with high market shares in products for artificial intelligence-related infrastructure and manufacturing.