Japan Active Engagement
Japan is the world’s third largest economy and its corporate landscape is undergoing dramatic change. Through our joint venture with Tokyo-based Nissay Asset Management (NAM), we invest in a small number of select Japanese companies that are not valued to their full potential due to factors we see as rectifiable. We then engage in order to act as an agent for the change required to unlock value.
A focus on fundamentally sound companies
The team will only invest when it has identified significant upside potential through active change management. All opportunities that we pursue must be in robust businesses with enduring characteristics.
Constructive shareholder engagement
We work diplomatically and sensitively with the boards of the companies we have invested in. We avoid more aggressive activist tactics, believing that a collaborative approach is a better route towards improved shareholder returns.
Japan – where’s the dynamism?
Despite a long period of economic decline, Japan retains some formidable strengths and world-beating excellence can still be found among its largest companies. In this report, we take a look at where the best medium and longer-term investment opportunities in Japanese equities may be found.
Meet the team
Shigeyuki is Chief Portfolio Manager of the Japan Stewardship Fund, a position held at Nissay Asset Management (NAM) since April 2025.
Yasuaki sits on the Investment Committee, having been responsible for the strategy as lead Portfolio Manager from March 2008 until June 2025.
Iori has specialised in engagement activities to increase corporate value in the last 2 decades.
Jimmy is Head of Active Ownership Strategies at Redwheel and a member of the investment committee of the Japan Stewardship Fund.
Chris joined Redwheel in 2021. His role focuses on stewardship and regulatory affairs relating to responsible investment.
Latest insights
In the Japan Active Engagement team's latest insight, they explore two developments that have piqued the interest of the dedicated Japan-watcher and more dedicated global asset allocator.
Is Japan back in fashion? Nicola Takada-wood, Redwheel portfolio manager, discusses why she thinks it is.
