As I wrote yesterday, Japan is currently the best performing stock market this year, let's take a look at a few companies that dominate the market there and could be an interesting investment.
Sony Corporation $SONYSony+1.4%is an international conglomerate that specializes in electronics, entertainment products and game consoles. The company is known for its televisions, cameras, cell phones, game consoles and music devices. Sony also owns a studio, Sony Pictures, which is involved in film and television production. The company tries to keep up with technological innovations and invests in research and development of new products. The growth of the electronics and entertainment market, especially in Asia but also globally, could boost the company's future performance.
Sony
SONYToyota Motor Corporation $TM+0.1%: Toyota is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world and dominates the automotive industry in Japan. The company is known for its innovative technology, research and development of automobiles. Toyota has a strong market position in Asia, Europe and North America. Its portfolio includes passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as hybrid and electric cars. Strong demand for cars in Japan and internationally should contribute to the company's continued growth. However, it is also important to recognise the potential risks associated with competition in the automotive industry and changes in consumer preferences.
Keyence Corporation: is a Japanese technology company focused on the manufacture and sale of automation and industrial sensors, measurement equipment and image processing equipment. The company focuses on providing advanced automation solutions to industries. Its products are used in a wide range of industries, including automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and food processing.
Buffet and Japan:
Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has increased its holdings in Japan's five largest department stores.
Berkshire's holdings in Itochu, Marubeni, Mitsubishi Corp, Mitsui & Co and Sumitomo now average more than 8.5%.
The additional purchases are in line with Berkshire's long-term investment strategy and its plans to potentially increase its holdings to 9.9%.
Japan has a super market and economy, but it's because they are mega indebted. I've come to see them a little differently since I found out. I thought they earned everything and were at such a high technological level because they put it all in, but it's not quite like that. I think on a % basis they are even worse off than the US.
Just to add to SONY, besides the above mentioned, it is also a major player in the image sensor segment, where they have about 50% market share (e.g. the main supplier for Apple cameras).
Furthermore, in addition to the film studio where they produce their own movies (such as the very successful animated Spiderman), they also make content for streaming platforms (The Last of Us, The Boys, The Crown).
It also has a music studio, financial services (banking, insurance, VC fund) and to make matters worse, they are planning to produce EVs in collaboration with Honda;)