This feature examines trends in foreign acquisitions of Japanese companies in Tokyo. An English-language series has begun on the bilingual news site Japan Forward, introducing views on the accelerating pace of foreign acquisitions and the revitalization of Japanese companies.
The English-language series "Japan Acquisitions: The Mission of the Baby Boomers" began on Japan Forward at the end of last month. Three episodes per week are scheduled to be published through February next year, as the series develops as a long-running English-language novel. With the cooperation of its author, Ushijima Makoto (牛島信), it depicts the realities of Japanese companies and the inevitability of foreign acquisitions, centered on romance among members of the baby-boomer generation.
On a Japan Forward program, Ushijima hosts "The Corporate Playbook," exploring the background to and responses to fraud and scandals at Japanese companies, as well as insights useful for future business. It examines topics including accounting fraud at motor-industry major Nidec and Nissan Motor's rejection of the appointment of an outside director candidate, while exploring the theme of "Japan Acquisitions" in depth.
Data indicates that foreign acquisitions of Japanese companies have increased in recent years, with both the number and value of transactions from January through September at record-high levels. From the perspective of yen depreciation and overseas investors, Japanese companies are seen as undervalued despite possessing technology, brands and assets, while the strength of foreign capital and the stability of the Japanese market are viewed as supporting acquisitions.
It has also been pointed out that cases are increasing in which Japanese companies have no choice but to sell to foreign capital at high prices because of circumstances such as a shortage of successors among foreign entrepreneurs. Views are also presented that foreign capital could fundamentally change the management of Japanese companies and contribute to the revival of the Japanese economy.
In conclusion, the article states that Japan has many companies with outstanding technology and that a perspective aimed at promoting revitalization and growth through the power of foreign capital is needed.