Japan’s net external assets hit a record 471.31 trillion yen ($3 trillion) in 2023, as a sharp drop in the yen inflated the value of foreign stocks, bonds and other holdings in yen terms, while increased direct investment overseas by Japanese firms also gave the total a boost, government data showed Tuesday. The nation’s gross assets increased 51.31 trillion yen, or 12.2 percent from 2022, posting a record high for the fifth straight year. Japan was the world’s largest creditor for the 33rd straight year in yen terms, ahead of Germany and China, according to the International Monetary Fund and…