PRE-MARKET JAPANESE AND SOUTH KOREAN STOCKS NEWS: Japan closed for holiday

Honda Motor (7267 JT) – Carmaker diversifies semiconductor supply chain to reduce reliance on China, securing procurement from suppliers including Japan’s Rohm following disruptions linked to the Nexperia crisis, as Honda seeks to strengthen resilience in chip sourcing. On other news, the Co. is to debut its UC3 electric two-wheeler in Vietnam and Thailand this spring as it targets a consumer shift from gasoline-powered vehicles ahead of planned restrictions in central Hanoi, with production starting in Thailand and expansion to Vietnam, alongside deployment of charging infrastructure and use of a fixed lithium iron phosphate battery to lower costs and reduce fire risk. (Nikkei)

Nuclear stocks – Japan Government is to allow private sector use of three nuclear fusion R&D sites as it seeks to accelerate the commercialisation of next-generation clean power generation technology and strengthen collaboration between public research bodies and industry. (Nikkei)

SoftBank (9434 JT) – Co. is to debut an AI-equipped wireless network combining mobile base stations with artificial intelligence to enable faster, decentralised data processing, targeting high-demand areas such as offices and factories, with deployment to begin in 2026 and potential nationwide rollout depending on performance. (Nikkei)

Toyota Motor (7203 JT) – Automaker draws on its motor sports heritage to differentiate its brand, showcasing performance credentials and design individuality as it seeks to better connect with consumers and stand out in an increasingly competitive global auto market, Nikkei reports (Nikkei)

• Ishin party leader Yoshimura says he met with Japan PM Takaichi on Friday and states that he would not be surprised if the PM calls for a snap election. This comes following media reports on Friday that PM Takaichi was considering an early general election.
• Japan's Finance Minister said Japan needs to take away China's power to 'weaponise' rare earths. "We want to create a [rare earth] market of proper democracies and market economies." "If we don't take away China's means" of monopolising and weaponising the metals, "it will become a constant threat in areas with nothing to do with security."

Cryptocurrencies - South Korea is to allow companies to invest in crypto.

Hyundai Mobis (012330 KS) – DAOL Investment & Securities says the Co. should be revalued as a robot parts maker following CES 2026, maintaining a buy rating and raising its target price to KRW 550,000 from KRW 470,000, citing improved cash flow and potential contract manufacturing for the Atlas robot. (ChosunBiz)

LG Energy Solution (373220 KS) – Following its Q4’25 results, the Co. said a shift centred on energy storage systems (ESS) will serve as a pillar for FY26 results. (ChosunBiz)