SoftBank Jumps 1.8% on Robotics Deal, Outperforms Japanese Market

SoftBank Group shares rose nearly 2% after unveiling a major robotics partnership, boosting sentiment across Japan’s technology sector. The Nikkei 225 extended gains as foreign institutional investors increased exposure to AI and automation plays, reflecting growing confidence in Japan’s innovation-driven recovery. Analysts said renewed interest in robotics and semiconductor ecosystems underscores Japan’s strategic positioning in the global AI manufacturing value chain.