Japan’s Labor Force Has Enormous Potential
Approximately one-quarter of Japanese children grow up speaking both Chinese and English as well as their native language of Japanese. Other countries, especially those in Southeast Asia, look up to Japan as an example of a country with a strong system of education.
Also worth noting: Japanese convenience stores change what is on their shelves three times daily. Think about convenience stores in the United States trying to implement this. The Japanese have the required systems and controls in place to make what sounds like an impossible undertaking not only possible but routine.
Introducing a Two-Part Series: Japan on the Rise
We left the session so inspired that we wanted to share the themes of the discussion, so we’ll be writing a series of blog posts focused on the opportunity of Japan. Look for the other two in the coming weeks:
1) Why Companies Are Starting to Reinvest in Japan
2) Why It Would Be Great to Be Reborn as a 23-Year Old Japanese
1Source: Bloomberg.
2Source: “Japan Election: Voters Back Shinzo Abe as PM Wins New Term,” BBC News, 12/14/14.
Important Risks Related to this Article
Investments focused in Japan increase the impact of events and developments associated with the region, which can adversely affect performance.