PRE-MARKET JAPANESE AND SOUTH KOREAN STOCKS NEWS: Osaka Gas (9532 JT) is considering investing in up to five US power plants

JAPAN

Japan Post Insurance (7181 JT) - Co. has established its first overseas subsidiary in New York, the life insurer said Thursday. (Nikkei)

Osaka Gas (9532 JT) - Co. is considering investing in up to five US power plants. (Nikkei)

Tokio Marine Holdings (8766 JT) - Co. new strategic partnership with Berkshire Hathaway is expected to raise the ceiling on international acquisitions for Japan’s largest non-life insurance group. (Nikkei)

Other News - High oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East have taken a toll on Japanese corporate profits, with roughly 40% of major chemical and materials companies hit with earnings forecast downgrades for the year ended in March. (Nikkei)

SOUTH KOREA

Other News - South Korea revived non-residential-to-housing conversion plan, but supply impact is expected to remain limited. (ChosunBiz)