Japan’s Ministry of Finance (MOF) reported that residents recorded net disposals of ¥161.6 billion in foreign long-term debt securities during Oct. 11-17, 2026, extending the selling streak to five weeks. The weekly amount was the smallest in that run.
The MOF series shows net disposals in each weekly period since Sept. 13-19. Adding the five weekly readings through Oct. 11-17 puts the total at ¥3.4334 trillion. The latest figure was down from ¥339.9 billion in the previous week.
Other flows moved in both directions. Residents recorded net acquisitions of ¥128.3 billion in foreign equity and investment fund shares, alongside net disposals of ¥156.9 billion in foreign short-term debt securities. Nonresidents posted net acquisitions of ¥1.4542 trillion in Japanese long-term debt securities and net disposals of ¥2.2361 trillion in Japanese short-term debt securities.
The MOF compiles the series from filings by designated major investors, including banks, financial instruments firms, insurers, investment trust management companies and asset managers. Its reporting convention treats positive figures as net acquisitions and negative figures as net disposals. The release does not explain investors’ motives, identify individual buyers or sellers, or trace where proceeds went.
Reuters characterized the run as the longest in four years and linked the selling to higher Japanese yields, which it said may make domestic government bonds more attractive. The MOF data do not establish that explanation or show whether proceeds from foreign bond sales went into Japanese bonds. Reuters also said investors were following life insurers’ investment plans that week, but named no scheduled decision.
The Life Insurance Association of Japan’s 2025 Fact Book put insurers’ total assets at ¥418.522 trillion at the end of fiscal 2024. Foreign securities accounted for ¥105.276 trillion, or 25.2% of the total; that category includes more than foreign bonds.
The MOF schedule lists Oct. 29 for the next weekly release, covering Oct. 18-24, though the schedule says dates may change.
