Suntory Holdings, marking a century of whisky-making, faces challenges in Japan due to a declining population and reduced alcohol consumption. The company, with ¥2.7 trillion in 2022 revenue, is the No. 3 spirits maker globally. CEO Takeshi Niinami and potential successor Nobuhiro Torii are focusing on innovation and global expansion, including potential acquisitions in tequila and India. Suntory aims for ¥3 trillion in revenue by 2030 and plans to remain privately held. The company has a history of strategic acquisitions and is known for its iconic whisky brands like Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Hibiki.

Shigenobu Nagamori, founder of Nidec, is advancing his succession plan following the departure of former CEO Jun Seki. Nidec, the world's largest maker of electric motors for hard disk drives, has seen a significant drop in share prices and operating profit. Nagamori, who resumed the CEO role in April 2022, will step down as CEO next April, with current president Hiroshi Kobe taking over. Five newly appointed executive vice presidents are in the running to become the next president, with the final decision to be made by the board's nomination committee. Nagamori will remain on the board and act as its representative.

Tadashi Yanai, Japan's richest person, saw his net worth increase by $11.8 billion, reaching $35.4 billion, due to strong sales from his company Fast Retailing, which owns the Uniqlo brand. In the six months through February 2023, Fast Retailing's revenue rose over 20% to ¥1.5 trillion, with significant contributions from international markets. Yanai plans to increase salaries in Japan by up to 40% to align with overseas operations and attract a global workforce, addressing Japan's labor shortage and competitive job market.

The upcoming U.S. midterm elections on November 8th are expected to see the Republican Party potentially regaining a majority in the House and possibly gaining an advantage in the Senate. A Republican majority could lead to a 'gridlocked' Congress, affecting the Biden administration's ability to pass legislation, including bills related to the debt ceiling and budgets. Skepticism among Republican members regarding U.S. security policies, including support for Ukraine, Japan, and NATO allies, may increase. The possibility of Biden's impeachment is also discussed, though it is deemed unlikely to lead to a conviction due to the requirement of a two-thirds Senate majority. Opinion polls indicate that inflation and the economy are the main concerns for voters, followed by crime, abortion, and threats to democracy, with the first three topics seen as advantageous for the Republican Party.

The article discusses the transformation of Teshima Island and its neighboring islands in Japan's Seto Inland Sea into a global art destination, thanks to the vision and investments of Soichiro Fukutake, former chairman of Benesse Holdings. Over three decades, Fukutake and his family have spent $250 million to revitalize the region through art, architecture, and museums, attracting tourists and boosting the local economy. The Setouchi Triennale, an international arts festival, has become a significant event, drawing visitors and contributing to the economy. Despite challenges from the pandemic, Fukutake remains optimistic about the future of tourism and the ongoing impact of art on rural rejuvenation. The article also touches on the family's future plans for the Triennale and the sustainability of the Fukutake Foundation.