Daily brief
Japan has restarted the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the world's largest, after a 15-year shutdown following the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) is operating the facility, marking its first reactor restart since that event. The move is part of Japan's broader effort to revive its nuclear fleet to address energy security and reduce fossil fuel imports.
Sony will cede control of its Bravia television business to China's TCL (ongoing coverage).
The U.S. dollar declined amid a revived 'Sell America' trade, while the yen weakened due to fiscal concerns in Japan.
The Bank of Japan is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged ahead of a national election in February.
A concrete chunk was discovered in a Shinkansen bullet train tunnel, prompting emergency safety inspections.