Japan's net external assets fall to third globally
As of the end of 2025, Japan's net external assets (the balance of overseas financial assets held by the government, enterprises, and individuals, minus assets in Japan held by foreign investors) amounted to approximately 56.2 trillion yen (about $353 billion), surpassing China, ranking third globally.
Finance Minister Katayama stated: "Japan's net external assets have reached 56.2 trillion yen, currently ranking third globally, behind Germany and China."
Data from Japan's Ministry of Finance shows that Japan's total external assets stood at 180.6342 trillion yen by the end of 2025. Driven by yen depreciation, increased overseas direct investment, and rising stock and bond prices, this figure grew by 8.5% compared to the previous year, marking the 17th consecutive year of growth.
Meanwhile, foreign investors have been increasing their holdings of Japanese stocks, leading to a continuous rise in Japan's foreign investment liabilities for seven consecutive years, reaching 124.3838 trillion yen.
After offsetting assets against liabilities, Japan's net external assets totaled 56.17504 trillion yen, maintaining an upward trend for eight consecutive years.
Before 2023, Japan had held the top position globally in net external assets for 33 consecutive years. After being overtaken by Germany at the end of 2024, it has now fallen to third place following China.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866225964094473/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.