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Insights
Re-framing the looming crisis in the Japanese logistics industry caused by labour shortages as an opportunity for consolidation, partnerships and improved sustainability.
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Insights
Coffee Break Column – Lean On Me - The Evolution of Robots from Production Tools to Emotional Companions
Katsunori Ogawa, Chief Portfolio Manager of Sakigake HA
Date: 3rd April 2025
In this article Chief Portfolio Manager Katsunori Ogawa examines the pivotal role that Japan is playing in the robotics industry as robots begin to fulfil humans' emotional needs in addition to more utilitarian use cases.
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Insights
Initiative on Work Style Reform at Itochu Corp: A Stewardship Perspective on Japanese Corporate Work Style Reform
Shinji Ayuha, Senior Stewardship Officer
Date: 13th March 2025
Here, we will explore the challenges related to work styles in Japan and the initiatives undertaken by Japanese corporations, with a special focus on the case of Itochu Corporation.
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Coffee Break Column – Hitachi: How the obstinate titan reclaimed favour
Katsunori Ogawa, Chief Portfolio Manager of Sakigake HA
Date: 5th February 2025
Once dubbed a "sinking giant" wrestling with substantial losses, Hitachi was awarded the scarlet letters of JTC- ‘Japanese Traditional Company’. In this article we will explore Hitachi’s remarkable transformation.
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Coffee Break Column – Discovering A New Tokyo Through Designer Toilets
Katsunori Ogawa, Chief Portfolio Manager of Sakigake HA
Date: 16th December 2024
Unveiling Shibuya’s Hidden Gems
Have you heard of the 'THE TOKYO TOILET SHUTTLE TOUR' in Shibuya? This tour takes about two hours, and participants visit eight to nine designer toilets. These destinations include unique public restrooms designed by internationally renowned architects and designers such as Tadao Ando and Kengo Kuma.
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Insights
Exercise of Voting Rights: Activist Investors and Takeover Defence Measures from an Asset Manager's Perspective
Shinji Ayuha, Senior Stewardship Officer
Date: 12th December 2024
Here we examine the evolving relationship between companies, asset management firms and activists in the context of exercising voting rights in the Japanese market.
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Insights
Japan Market Outlook 2025
Date: 5th December 2024
Letter from SuMi TRUST AM – Japan Outlook for the First Half of 2025
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Insights
Coffee Break Column – Japan to Showcase Green Transformation at the Horticultural Expo 2027, Yokohama
Katsunori Ogawa, Chief Portfolio Manager of Sakigake HA
Date: 25th November 2024
The Horticultural Expo 2027, Yokohama. This huge event is expected to draw 15 million visitors and showcase Japanese horticulture to the world. As part of this wider mission, we are keen to see how the Expo will spotlight green transformation (GX) at its Urban GX Village pavilion.
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Insights
Navigating the Chip Wars: Japan seizes its moment amid U.S.-China Tensions
Date: 5th November 2024
[External Link] Katsunori Ogawa, Chief Portfolio Manager of the Sakigake High Alpha fund at SuMi TRUST AM explains how Japanese semiconductor firms are poised for success.
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Insights
Coffee Break Column - Achieving Sustainable Inbound Tourism in Okinawa
Katsunori Ogawa, Chief Portfolio Manager of Sakigake HA
Date: 18th October 2024
As the number of foreign tourists coming to Japan swells and shows no signs of stopping typical destinations like Kyoto are feeling the strain. In an effort to support this ever growing industry, less well-trodden areas, like Okinawa, are improving their tourism infrastructure and attractions.