Business trendsEarnings forecasts upgraded to record highs at Astellas, MitsubishiTotal net profit at major Japanese companies is forecast to reach a sixth straight annual record high. (Photo by Sae Kamae)KAZUKI KAWAHARANovember 14, 2026 02:00 JSTTOKYO -- Profits at big Japanese companies are expected to rise 20% to a sixth straight record high this fiscal year after a string of upgrades, with capital efficiency improvements benefiting companies like drugmakers that are not relying on the AI boom.