FinanceCommercial paper on books doubles over 2 years to 17-year highJapanese corporations are holding more commercial paper as a way to park their cash. (Source photos by Nikkei)SORA KITAJIMAAugust 16, 2026 00:23 JSTTOKYO -- Japanese companies are rapidly increasing investments in short-term corporate bonds known as commercial paper, with holdings doubling in the past two years to reach the highest level in 17 years.Read NextPolicy AsiaCan Takaichi's $2.3tn bet on industrial policy revive growth in Japan?Artificial intelligenceAI funding spree shows signs of strain: higher borrowing costs, SpaceX sell-offCurrenciesYen pares intervention gains as Asian tech shares surgeBondsJapan securities dealers to disclose more corporate bond tradesBank of JapanBank of Japan to keep key rate unchanged at next week's policy meeting: sourcesLatest on FinanceFinanceCiti, JPMorgan join Japan's $4.6bn financing of US gas power projectsFinanceJapan examines defense sector financing by top lendersFinanceIndonesian banks face tighter liquidity after strong profits