Nidec's third-party committee finalized its probe: accumulated net profit impact hit 161 billion yen (about $1 billion). Founder Shigenobu Nagamori's excessive pressure was identified as the root cause, marking a turning point for Japan's charismatic founder model. Compared with Toshiba and Olympus.
Elliott Investment Management has poured over $1 billion into Daikin Industries, the world's largest HVAC maker, demanding margin improvements, ¥150 billion in annual buybacks, and a portfolio overhaul. Unlike Elliott's usual Japan targets rich in real estate and cross-shareholdings, Daikin marks a strategic pivot toward operational activism, fueled by HVAC sector expertise gained from Johnson Controls.
Suntory Holdings is acquiring Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare, maker of Loxonin, Lulu, and Minon, for $1.55 billion. As Japan's youth abandon alcohol and the population ages rapidly, the beverage giant pivots to self-care. We analyze the deal, the booming OTC market, and what it means for global healthcare trends.
EssilorLuxottica has raised its Nikon stake to 19.61%, nearing the 20% regulatory cap. We analyze the strategic implications for smart glasses technology, Japan's national security screening process, and why foreign investors—from Buffett to European giants—are pouring money into Japan Inc.
Itochu Corporation launches a joint venture with America's largest e-recycler ERI to tap Japan's urban mines for rare metals. With Chinese lithium giants also eyeing the market, we break down the business battle over Japan's hidden treasure trove of 6,800 tons of gold and 60,000 tons of silver.
Seven & i Holdings postpones its North American 7-Eleven IPO to fiscal 2027 or later, citing market instability from Middle East tensions and sluggish US consumer spending. A look at the strategic calculus behind the delay and what it means for global convenience store competition.
Japan's two biggest music labels, Universal Music and Sony Music, have formed NINE BY NINE, a joint venture to produce Japanese music festivals across Asia starting 2027. Here's what this means for J-pop's global push.
Saudi investment firm EGDC has increased its Capcom stake from 5.03% to 6.04%, just three weeks after its initial filing. Combined with PIF's existing holdings, Saudi-linked capital now controls roughly 11% of the Monster Hunter maker amid record-breaking earnings.
UK activist fund Palliser Capital has become a top-25 shareholder of Ajinomoto and is demanding a 30%+ price increase for its ABF semiconductor insulation material. We explore how a food company holds near-100% global market share in chip packaging and what the activist wave means for Japanese corporations.
Maya Kawana, eldest daughter of SoftBank's Masayoshi Son, has become CEO of biotech startup Spiber after a private restructuring left roughly ¥36 billion in debt with the old entity. From Goldman Sachs to spider silk, we explore her rebuilding plan, the biomaterials race, and what this means for Japan's deep-tech ecosystem.
Calbee unveils its 'Accelerate the Future' growth strategy to lift overseas and new-category sales to 50% by 2036. The Japanese snack maker is targeting North America's $4B BFY market with Harvest Snaps, backed by an M&A budget of more than 100 billion yen.
Stellar Blade and NIKKE developer SHIFT UP has fully acquired UNBOUND, the new studio led by Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami. With both studios developing original AAA games for global audiences, we explore Mikami's career journey, the strategic partnership with Hyung-Tae Kim, and what this mega-deal means for the future of gaming.
Hong Kong activist fund Oasis Management has raised its KADOKAWA stake to 13.76%, surpassing Sony as the largest shareholder. We break down what this means for Elden Ring maker FromSoftware, the failed 2024 Sony acquisition, and the future of KADOKAWA's gaming empire.
Omron announced it will sell its founding electronic components business — relays, sensors, and connectors dating back to 1933 — to U.S. private equity firm Carlyle Group at an enterprise value of ¥81 billion ($540M). A deep dive into Omron's strategic pivot to industrial automation and healthcare, and what this means for Japan's electronics industry restructuring.
Japan's Rohm, Toshiba, and Mitsubishi Electric have announced merger talks for their power semiconductor businesses. If realized, the combined entity would hold ~10% global market share, ranking second only to Germany's Infineon. We analyze the Denso $8.3B counter-bid, EV and renewable energy demand, and what this means for global chip competition.
Hong Kong hedge fund Oasis Management has raised its KADOKAWA stake to 10%, matching Sony as a top shareholder. With Oasis also targeting Nidec over accounting fraud and ValueAct boosting its MoneyForward stake to 14.39%, activist investing in Japan is surging. We analyze the forces driving this wave and what it means for investors.
Japan's SMFG is reportedly preparing for a potential takeover of US investment bank Jefferies. We analyze why Japanese megabanks are accelerating overseas M&A, compare strategies with MUFG and Nomura, and examine the risks and rewards of Japan's push into Wall Street.
Toyota Group's ¥5.9 trillion ($39B) tender offer for Toyota Industries — the founding company of the Toyota empire — has been completed, making it Japan's largest-ever domestic acquisition. We explore the Elliott Investment standoff, two price hikes, and what this means for Japanese corporate governance reform.
Hong Kong hedge fund Oasis Management has acquired an 8.86% stake in KADOKAWA, parent company of Elden Ring developer FromSoftware, for approximately $265 million. We break down what this activist investor's entry means for the gaming industry, the Sony partnership, and Japanese entertainment M&A trends.
Elliott Investment Management has taken a significant stake in Japan's Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, demanding $2 billion in buybacks and a subsidiary relisting. We explore how activist investors are reshaping Japan's corporate governance amid TSE reforms and record foreign interest.