Invest in Your Business—and in Yourself

Finding the many paths to personal and financial success in Japan

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As we continue building entire issues of The ACCJ Journal around singular themes, this time we take a look at investment—specifically, investing in Japan. From individual entrepreneurs to large organizations, there are many opportunities to be had. There are also many needs to be addressed as the world continues to battle Covid-19 and look beyond the pandemic.

While we were putting together this issue, corporate Japan was in the midst of the 2021 annual general meeting season, and the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) Alternative Investment Committee hosted its third annual Shareholder Forum on June 16. Last year, the focus was on facing new challenges amid the pandemic. This year, with an eye beyond the crisis, the speakers talked about active engagement and stewardship, sharing how corporate governance and board diversity are changing as the Financial Services Agency’s reforms—launched in 2015—continue to reshape the landscape. Our coverage of the forum begins on page 10.

Expat Expertise

I had the pleasure of penning two tales of interest to individuals for this issue. Both involve real estate investments but one casts a wider net. A perk of my role as editor-in-chief of The ACCJ Journal is the chance to learn about a wide range of topics from experts. On July 1, I attended a presentation by Tokyo Family Stays Chief Executive Officer Tracey Northcott about minpaku (short-term rentals)—something many people instantly associate with Airbnb. The turmoil surrounding the market in Japan is well known, but, with rules now in place, there are great opportunities for investment. Northcott delivered a wonderful bit of insight into the business, and I recap it all starting on page 24.

For the second piece, I talked to experts from three companies about possible paths for expat investors in Japan, as well as some of the pitfalls which they must navigate. You’ll find their advice beginning on page 40.

Global Investment

One of the Japanese government’s goals is to position the country as a destination for companies looking to relocate their Asia–Pacific headquarters. But there are some obstacles to achieving this.

The ACCJ Financial Services Forum and Investment Management Committee have both recently released papers that recommend changes that could make Japan more attractive. Starting on page 34, we talk to the authors and committee leaders to learn more about these ideas for making Japan a top financial center.

Additional thoughts in this issue come from renowned economist Jesper Koll, who has again written an insightful column for us about the keys to successful investment in Japan. He notes that keeping those bits of headline-grabbing advice in perspective and staying focused on the fundamentals is a must. Find out what else he recommends on page 32.

Invest in Yourself

Lastly, I think it is important to remember that the word “investment” does not always have to be tied to money. It’s also important to invest in ourselves—through learning, taking on new experiences, and challenging our notions. To that end, it was a real pleasure to chronicle the leadership journey of ACCJ Chair and GE Japan President Eriko Asai. Her phenomenal and inspiring story that spans five countries and multiple industries provides a wonderful roadmap for those looking to build a career and reach the highest levels of success. She presented the journey as part of the ACCJ-Kansai CEO Series, and clearly outlined many actionable points that can make anyone a better leader. The story starts on page 16.

As we head into the heat of summer, watch the long-delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games take place, and continue to be encouraged by Japan’s vaccination campaign, I hope you will find a springboard in this issue from which to launch into a prosperous post-pandemic future.

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