Arcus Investment's co-founder: Japanese renaissance

2024 Japan outlook

For the first time in many years, Japan is starting to grab the attention of international investors. Particularly noteworthy was the April 2023 visit of Warren Buffett, who spoke enthusiastically about Japan’s future as an investment destination.

The 10% stakes he took in all five of Japan's major trading houses are by far his largest position outside the United States. Why Japan and why now? The reasons are diverse and complex, but they boil down to the fact that the long series of cultural and institutional changes that have taken place in the investment, corporate and monetary policy spheres are finally bearing fruit. Bank of Japan holds off on raising negative rates Most obviously, profit margins have more or less doubled in the last decade as underperforming business lines were cut and stronger divisions prioritised...