Japan ranks 2nd in record global wave of shareholder activism

EquitiesDaikin, Toto among companies facing calls for change in first halfMany activist shareholder proposals in Japan targeted capital efficiency and governance. © ReutersTAIZO WADAAugust 25, 2026 05:46 JSTTOKYO -- Activist shareholder activity hit a high in the first half of 2026, rising 20% on the year with a larger uptick in Japan, as investors pushed companies on topics including governance and artificial intelligence use.