Debt is not a dirty word

Japanese companies are now creditworthy and the banks are recapitalized but neither side seems keen to enter into loan transactions. But companies can see the long-term value of establishing access to capital markets. And lenders are keen to repackage and redistribute credit risk in new ways and define a new relationship with corporate customers. Peter Lee reports

Japan emerges from the shadows | A new generation embraces M&A | Nikkei heads for 24,000 by 2010… or soonerFunds get activist in JapanLiving in the past; paying with the future 

      Loosening up banking relationships 

      Risk appetite boosts FX market

IN THE FIRST weeks of 2006, it seemed that leading Japanese companies had engaged in some strange competition to outdo each other with announcements of ever more extravagant new investments.

Fujitsu unveiled plans to spend ¥120 billion ($1 billion) over two years to boost microchip production in central Japan.

Access intelligence that drives action

To unlock this research, enter your email to log in or enquire about access