Bank of JapanQuarterly survey upbeat on robust AI demand despite higher energy pricesAlthough rising costs stemming from Middle East tensions have pressured Japan's economy, robust global demand fueled by the AI investment boom is supporting external demand. (Photo by Toshiki Sasazu)October 1, 2026 08:55 JSTTOKYO -- Business sentiment among large Japanese manufacturers improved for a sixth consecutive quarter in the July-September period on the back of strong artificial intelligence-related demand, according to the Bank of Japan's latest survey released Thursday.