Author: Lisa Du

A potential acquisition of Seven & I Holdings, which may lead to the sale of one of Japan’s most prominent brands, signifies a major turning point in Japan’s investor-friendly policies. Canadian retailer Alimentation Couche-Tard has expressed interest in purchasing the operator of 7-Eleven convenience stores, following the implementation of government guidelines urging companies to carefully consider takeover offers. After facing pressure from activist investors and unsuccessful foreign acquisition attempts in the past, this deal is now capturing attention both domestically and internationally. Howard Smith, a portfolio manager at Indus Capital Partners, views this as a critical test for Japan, one…

Hiroyuki Kubota’s boat party for Japanese government bond traders and strategists made a comeback last autumn after a hiatus, marking a significant milestone for the veteran group. The resurgence of interest in the group by top hedge funds was fueled by the Bank of Japan’s shift in monetary policy, leading to increased volatility in Japan’s government bond market. The gathering, comprised mainly of Japanese-speaking men in their 50s and 60s, was immersed in discussions about the market trends while enjoying sake and tempura. The Tokyo skyline served as a backdrop to their conversations, highlighting the camaraderie and expertise within the…