CompaniesAI investment and rising interest rates drive growth in tech and banking sectorsDemand for office space in central Tokyo remains strong, lifting the earnings of real estate companies. (Photo by Rie Ishii)CHIAKI NAKATA and MAYUMI KUZEMay 17, 2026 02:11 JSTTOKYO -- Listed companies in Japan expect record high profits for a sixth straight year, with semiconductor makers benefiting from demand for artificial intelligence and banks buoyed by higher interest rates.