NISSEI ASB MACHINE CO., LTD. was established on November 8, 1978, and its headquarters is located in Komoro-shi, Nagano.

The company's core operations include the development, manufacturing, and retail of “stretch blow molding machines” used to make PET and other plastic containers, along with molds, ancillary equipment, and parts, as well as providing after-sales services. As of September 30, 2025, the company has 2,177 consolidated employees.

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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.

GS Yuasa is a long-established Japanese manufacturer of energy equipment and batteries with a history of over 100 years. It was formed in 2004 through the merger of Japan Storage Battery Co., Ltd. and Yuasa Corporation. The company operates globally with four main business segments:

Automotive Battery Business:

Primarily manufactures lead-acid batteries for automobiles and motorcycles. In addition to its solid foundation in the domestic Japanese market, the company performs strongly in aftermarket sales in ASEAN countries (such as Thailand and Vietnam) and in Europe. This segment serves as a stable cash-generating “anchor” for the company.

Industrial Battery and Power Supply Business:

Provides backup batteries and power supply systems for social infrastructure. With the expansion of data centers, the renewal of aging infrastructure, and increasing demand for grid integration of renewable energy sources (such as solar and wind power), this segment has significant growth potential.

Onboard Lithium-Ion Battery Business:

This is the company’s high-growth business for the future. GS Yuasa has established a deep strategic partnership with Honda and formed a joint venture dedicated to the research, development, and production of high-capacity, high-output lithium-ion batteries for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

Specialty Batteries and Other Businesses:

Leveraging its irreplaceable proprietary technologies, the company supplies specialized batteries for advanced fields such as aviation, aerospace (including the International Space Station and artificial satellites), as well as national defense, including deep-sea, aviation, and defense applications.

[Basic Information]

• Company Name: Mitsui Kinzoku Company, Limited (formerly Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.)
• Established: May 1, 1950
• Headquarters: Gate City Ohsaki West Tower, 1-11-1 Osaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
• Representative: Takeshi Nou, President and Representative Director
• Capital: 42,289 million yen
• Number of Employees: 12,097 (Consolidated), 2,473 (Non-consolidated)

[Core Businesses] As a comprehensive materials manufacturer with a strong foundation in non-ferrous metals, the company primarily operates in the following segments:

• Engineered Materials Business: Development and provision of high-value-added advanced materials, including ultra-thin copper foil for semiconductor package substrates, battery materials for hybrid vehicles, exhaust gas purification catalysts, functional powders for electronic materials, and ceramic products.
• Metals Business: Smelting of non-ferrous metals such as zinc, lead, copper, gold, and silver, alongside an advanced resource recycling business (recovering valuable metals) that leverages its extensive smelting network. (Note: The automotive parts business, primarily automotive door locks handled by Mitsui Kinzoku ACT, was completely sold off in November 2025 as part of portfolio optimization.)

[Corporate Purpose] "By combining an exploratory spirit and diverse technologies, we bring smiles to the Earth." Drawing on its long-cultivated "exploratory spirit" and "fusion of diverse technologies," the company aims to realize a sustainable society by developing materials with a low environmental impact and contributing to a circular economy.

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.

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., founded in 1918 and incorporated in 1951, is a chemical manufacturing company headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. It is a member of the Mitsubishi Group and is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (stock code: 4182).

The company engages in the research, development, production, and sales of inorganic and organic chemicals, petrochemical products, synthetic resins, functional materials, and pharmaceuticals. Its business covers a wide range of areas from basic chemicals to high-performance materials. Its products are widely used in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, electronics, construction, and environmental industries.

The company emphasizes proprietary technological development and has maintained strong competitiveness in specific chemical sectors for many years.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Listeners should make investment decisions at their own discretion and risk.

Tokyo Seimitsu is a Japanese supplier of high-precision metrology instruments and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, holding an important position in the global manufacturing industry thanks to its ultra-high-accuracy measurement technologies and its key semiconductor tools, such as wafer dicing and wafer probing systems.

Casio Computer Co., Ltd. is a well-known Japanese electronics manufacturer with business operations spanning watches, electronic musical instruments, educational devices, and system solutions. Among these, its high-end watches represented by G-SHOCK enjoy exceptionally strong global brand power and serve as the company’s primary source of profits. The company is positioned as a mature and stable enterprise, placing emphasis on cash flow, brand assets, and long-term shareholder returns.

According to its latest financial results, Casio is currently in a recovery phase following structural reforms. In the fiscal year ending March 2026, supported by a rebound in the watch business, both revenue and profits have shown a clear recovery, with profitability demonstrating a V-shaped rebound. The financial structure is extremely solid, with ample equity capital and an almost net-cash position, providing strong downside protection. Growth is mainly driven by the premiumization of G-SHOCK and expansion in emerging markets, while the development of a second earnings pillar remains a work in progress.

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 1939, Nittetsu Mining is a comprehensive resources company with over 85 years of experience supporting society through the stable supply of essential materials. The company’s strength lies in its balanced business model, combining a highly stable domestic foundation with a growth engine aligned to global decarbonization trends.

The cornerstone of Nittetsu Mining’s earnings is its non-metallic minerals business, centered on limestone. Limestone is indispensable to steel and cement production, ensuring steady, long-term demand. The company holds more than 40% of Japan’s steelmaking limestone market, supported by the Torigatayama Mine, the country’s largest limestone operation with a long mine life and stable profitability.

Growth is driven by the metallic minerals business, particularly copper. Global copper demand is expected to rise significantly due to electric vehicles, renewable energy, and power grid expansion. Nittetsu Mining operates the Atacama Mine in Chile and is developing the Arqueros Mine, scheduled to begin operations in fiscal 2026. Once operational, Arqueros is expected to increase copper-equivalent production to over 50,000 tons annually, nearly four times fiscal 2023 levels.

In addition, the company operates machinery and environmental, real estate, and renewable energy businesses that leverage mining expertise to diversify earnings. Supported by a strong balance sheet and disciplined capital management, Nittetsu Mining offers investors a combination of stability, growth, and long-term exposure to the global energy transition.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Listeners should make investment decisions at their own discretion and risk.

The Nissin Foods Group was founded in 1958, when its founder, Momofuku Ando, invented the world’s first instant noodles, Chicken Ramen. Guided by the belief that “peace in society comes only when people are well fed,” the Group operates under the vision of “EARTH FOOD CREATOR,” contributing to society and the planet through food.

The core of its business is instant noodles, with strong brand power both in Japan and overseas, led by Cup Noodles. The Group has also expanded into frozen and chilled foods, confectionery, and beverages, while strengthening overseas operations as its next growth driver.

In addition, under “EARTH FOOD CHALLENGE 2030,” the Group is promoting initiatives such as CO₂ reduction and the adoption of environmentally friendly packaging. By emphasizing food safety, health-conscious products, and human resource development, it aims for sustainable growth.

Below is the outlook for the second half and full fiscal year ending March 2026 (as of the second quarter):

• Second-half performance outlook: Traditionally, Nissin’s results have been stronger in the first half and weaker in the second half; however, for the current fiscal year, profitability is expected to remain solid in the second half. Specifically, performance is projected to progress steadily in the third quarter and recover significantly in the fourth quarter.
• Downward revision of full-year forecasts: Based on first-half results and the second-half outlook, full-year forecasts have been revised downward as follows:
• Revenue: ¥792.0 billion (down 2.2% from the initial forecast)
• Core operating profit of existing businesses: ¥68.5 billion (down 18.1% from the initial forecast)
• Net profit: ¥43.0 billion (down 18.9% from the initial forecast; improved from the previously expected 23.2% decline)

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) is one of the world’s leading comprehensive financial groups, comprising core subsidiaries such as MUFG Bank, Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking, and Mitsubishi UFJ Securities Holdings. With a global network spanning over 50 countries, MUFG offers a broad array of services including commercial banking, trust banking, securities, credit cards, consumer finance, and asset management.

The group distinguishes itself through a global strategic alliance with Morgan Stanley and a robust business platform in Asia, anchored by partner banks such as Krungsri in Thailand and Bank Danamon in Indonesia.

Under its corporate purpose, "Committed to empowering a brighter future," MUFG is currently pursuing a profound transformation to become a digital-driven and agile organization. The group integrates business growth with the resolution of environmental and social issues, such as its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality, thereby striving to enhance corporate value sustainably.

FANUC is one of the world’s largest industrial robot manufacturers, yet its true character is far more multifaceted than its public image suggests.

While the company upholds the management philosophy of “Rigorousness and Transparency,” an internal audit revealed long-standing regulatory noncompliance, exposing a gap between corporate ideals and organizational culture.

At the same time, FANUC’s average annual salary of around ¥12.5 million is exceptional for the manufacturing sector, highlighting its strategic investment in top-tier talent to sustain cutting-edge technology.

The company has also strengthened employee-centric policies, including generous benefits, health management, and diversity initiatives.

The coexistence of its traditional “narrow path” philosophy and bold innovations such as digital twins encapsulates both the company’s strengths and its challenges.