Category: Japan

Cybersecurity, Japan, Progress

August Cole is an author exploring the future of conflict through fiction and other forms of “FICINT” storytelling.

Colin Henderson

L His talks, short stories, and workshops have taken him from speaking at the Nobel Institute in Oslo to presenting at SXSW Interactive to tackling the “Dirty Name” obstacle at Fort Benning. With Peter W. Singer, he is the co-author of the best-seller “Ghost Fleet: A Novel of the Next World War” (2015) and “Burn In: A Novel of the Real Robot Revolution” (2020). He is a non-resident fellow at the Brute Krulak Center for Innovation and Creativity at Marine Corps University and a non-resident senior fellow at the Brent Scowcroft Center on Strategy and Securityat the Atlantic Council; he directed … Continue reading August Cole is an author exploring the future of conflict through fiction and other forms of “FICINT” storytelling.

Economy, Japan

JAL imminent bankruptcy is yet another indication of a changing world economic landscape

Colin Henderson

I continue to be of the view that we are in the early stages of a revolutionary period and that the companys which survive will not be the ones that composed the DOW/ FTSE/ Nikkei indexes of the last 30 years. There is a shift occurring and the economic crisis is only a symptom, as global balances shift and move in ways we cannot even comprehend today. Anyhow, in related news, yet another bastion of the old economy is in dire straits. JAL (Japan Air Lines) began in 1951, first flew to San Francisco in 1954, and in 1987 became … Continue reading JAL imminent bankruptcy is yet another indication of a changing world economic landscape

Japan

Japanese exports beginning to slow less quickly

Colin Henderson

The slowing down of the slowdown continues everywhere, but still a long way to go.  We all rely on imports from countries such as Japan, and it seems we are beginning to buy again. April Curr Acct Surplus Shrinks But Export Fall Slows – Japan Japan’s current account, the broadest measure of the country’s trade with the rest of the world, logged in April a Y630.5 billion surplus, a decline of 54.5% on year, data released Monday by the Ministry of Finance showed. But in a positive sign that overseas demand is picking up slightly, exports fell less precipitously in … Continue reading Japanese exports beginning to slow less quickly

Japan

Bank of Japan announces improvement in Japanese economy

Colin Henderson

In a surprising statement Bank of Japan Governor Masaaki Shirakawa announces improvements in the Japanese economy.  It is surprising following several years of slow economy even before the economic crisis we are now in.  Click through for that, and a review of several economies including Canada. Japan raises outlook | Reuters WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Japan raised its economic outlook for the first time in three years on Monday, and an important measure of German business sentiment rose in May, in further signs the worst of the global recession may be over. Research and guest comments by Nobuyo Henderson: I look … Continue reading Bank of Japan announces improvement in Japanese economy

Japan, Uncategorized

Banks and insider trading in foreign countries to influence stock prices

Colin Henderson

This from Japan might be a forerunner of things we might see in North America. A Foreign bank (French) involved in manufacturing information, based on insider information to improve a stock price. With the predicted problems in commercial real estate to come, there will be increased pressure on banks with such investments. 焦点：破たんのアーバン増資に批判、金融庁もパリバをヒアリング BNP Paribas suspected of making false report on Urban Corp. deal+ TOKYO, May 8 (AP) – (Kyodo)—The Japanese unit of France’s BNP Paribas is suspected to have made a false report to the Financial Services Agency regarding trading of shares in Urban Corp., a now failed Japanese … Continue reading Banks and insider trading in foreign countries to influence stock prices

Economy, Japan

How much do we understand the meaning of less GDP now and forseeable future

Colin Henderson

The fall in GDP for Japan appears nothing short of catastrophic, yet on a visit there last week by Nobuyo, the effects of this change are not obvious to the everyday Japanese person. One change that was noticeable in Tokyo is less foreigners (Gaizin).  The area around Roppongi and Azabajuban is normally where one can expect to see many western faces in the restaurants and bars.  No more.  Companies such as Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, and AIG as well as numerous other western financial services companies had representation in Japan, however that is quickly shifting. This still does not appear … Continue reading How much do we understand the meaning of less GDP now and forseeable future

Business Models, Japan

Implications for banks and the degree of restructure required

Colin Henderson

Japan continues to lead in terms of making changes to accommodate the current economic climate.  While the English story here is March, the other is dated today. This is significant for the West in terms of understanding this economic situation is not going to be cured overnight, and when we speak of recovery, its important to consider what recovery means, and how long it might be before we get to return to anything like the economic levels of 2007. Toyota Cuts Exec Pay, Eliminates Bonuses AP) Toyota Motor Corp. is reacting to the slump in U.S. auto sales by further … Continue reading Implications for banks and the degree of restructure required

Japan

Lyxor plans 15 new ETF funds in Japan oferred online only

Colin Henderson

In keeping with watching for new and innovative shifts in banking, Societe Generale subsidiary Lyxor plans a big push with new ETF’s in the Japan market.  These are being offerred online only. Lyxor (Societe Generale) plans big push of global products in Japan | FT Rakuten Lyxor Asset Management is planning to expand its exchange traded product range in Japan and the rest of Asia as investors in the region gradually gain more knowledge about the funds. The subsidiary of Société Générale will introduce 15 new ETFs into Japan this year, and market them through online brokerages, Lyxor says. That … Continue reading Lyxor plans 15 new ETF funds in Japan oferred online only

Japan

Retail banking: Concerted effort to engage with the customer | Japan

Colin Henderson

It is interesting to watch how banks are looking to move beyond the banking crisis.  Here is an example in Japan, which is already highly focussed on their customers.  Sumitomo Mitsui Bank is initiating new processes and methods to generate even better customer focus. Retail banking: Concerted effort to engage with the customer | FT Loiter in a Tokyo branch of the Sumitomo Mitsui Bank and you will notice some changes. There is still a large closed-off area of bank officers shuffling documents, but there are now two counters, a high one at which to make deposits and transfer money, … Continue reading Retail banking: Concerted effort to engage with the customer | Japan

Japan

Strong Japanese Banks buy up weak American Banks

Colin Henderson

Lots of news coming out of Japan, as they take advantage of their relatively strong position to buy up American Banks. Nomura continues global push with Lehman’s European equities and investment banking businesses Tokyo, London, September 23, 2008 – Nomura, the pre-eminent Asian-based investment bank, today announced it had reached an agreement to acquire the European and Middle Eastern equities and investment banking operations of Lehman Brothers. MUFG, Nomura take advantage of financial turmoil to buy up U.S. strugglers Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. is applying the finishing touches to a plan to invest up to 200 billion yen in … Continue reading Strong Japanese Banks buy up weak American Banks