Eisuke Sakakibara, MR YEN: Japanese firms must localize and globalize to prosper

Eisuke Sakakibara is known as Mr Yen for the influence of his pronouncements on Japan’s currency and was Japan’s vice-minister for finance for international affairs from 1997 to 1999. An internationalist famed for making key policy speeches in English, he argues in this interview with Tetsuya Shibata that Japanese companies must become more outward-looking to prosper.

Are you worried about the possibility of increasing (US) economic protectionism harming Japanese interests?

What would yen appreciation mean forJapanese companies?

The Japanese financial industry has seemingly turned the corner of its bad debt problems. What’s their next move?

The economic growth of China and India in particular has been spectacular. What do Japanese companies need to do to compete?

Is there a strong anti-Japan sentiment in China that makes it difficult for Japanese firms to operate there?

Many foreign financial firms operating in Japan grant greater authority to their Japanese staff. What

Access intelligence that drives action

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

Eisuke Sakakibara, MR YEN: Japanese firms must localize and globalize to prosper

Access intelligence that drives action

Challenger banks redefine SME banking

Awards for Excellence 2025 winners celebrate in London

The world’s best bank 2025: DBS

CIB’s CEO Al-Arab on realism, reform and resilience