More Japanese companies are optimistic about their earnings for the business year starting in April, despite uncertainty surrounding the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and rising oil prices. The conflict has resulted in the biggest-ever oil supply disruption, affecting Japan as it imports over 90% of its crude oil from the Middle East. About 11% of respondents expect their net profit to grow more than 10% in the new business year, while 29% anticipate single-digit growth and 44% predict profits will remain largely unchanged from the previous year. Some companies are already anticipating a significant earnings impact from the turmoil in energy markets. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's plan to suspend the sales tax on food for two years has received mixed support and some are unsure about its implications.