June 2024 PMI data showed Japan’s manufacturing activity expanding for the fourth consecutive month, bolstering investor sentiment. Investing in Japan in this environment often means targeting mid-cap growth stocks in robotics and automation. Private equity still accounts for the biggest proportion of impact investments under management, but asset classes and strategies are evolving, according to Amit Bouri, chief executive and co-founder of GIIN. Nonetheless, Sanseito’s appearance provides an opportunity to debate what is one of the country’s most visible changes. That Newsweek article from 2003 glibly declared that Japan “handles immigration badly.” However, things look very different now: The de facto mass immigration policies of many Western nations is leading to public revolt, and Tokyo has been watching these mistakes as it in turn increases its foreign workers. Investing in Japan has recently attracted fresh global capital, as the Nikkei 225 broke past the 39,500 level in June 2024, driven by strong corporate earnings and a weaker yen supporting export-heavy sectors. Analysts expect continued momentum if USD/JPY stays above 155.