Japan's Nikkei average ended little changed at 63,484.10 on September 15, 2026, after opening down 0.5% at 63,190.37. According to Sina Finance, the index was dragged lower early by electronics and metals before recovering losses later in the session.
Japan's bond market fell sharply as expectations for higher defense spending rattled markets. According to Sina Finance, people familiar with the matter said Japan is considering setting its medium-term defense spending target at 3.5% of GDP to keep pace strategically with NATO and other U.S. allies.
Japan's Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said the government will review and cut redundant subsidies and tax breaks, and she rejected issuing new debt to fund a consumption tax cut. According to Sina Finance, she also said current tax revenue is expected to come in slightly above forecasts.
Japan's 30-year government bond yield rose 5.5 basis points to 4.12%, while the 10-year yield climbed 4 basis points to 3.025%.