Japan–Australia Private Equity & Strategic Capital Forum

Japan’s international capital deployment is not cyclical — it is structural, underpinned by powerful and enduring forces reshaping how Japanese capital is deployed globally. This private forum will explore why this shift is accelerating, where Japanese capital is being directed, and how sophisticated investors and platforms can position themselves to participate.

Facilitator Stephen Good
Japan Specialist | Managing Partner, Bonum Advisors

The evening will be facilitated by Stephen Good, a Japan‑focused investment and capital markets specialist with deep experience working with Japanese corporates, institutional investors and alternative asset managers. Stephen has extensive Japan‑based and Japan‑related experience across investment banking, asset management and corporate advisory, and is fluent in Japanese. He brings a long‑standing understanding of Japanese capital markets, outbound investment dynamics and cross‑border investment strategy, supported by deep relationships across Japanese corporates and global institutional investors. Stephen is Managing Partner of Bonum Advisors and is widely recognised for his insight into how Japanese capital is being deployed internationally and the structural forces shaping its long‑term direction.

Key discussion themes include:

• Structural drivers of Japanese outbound investment, including Japan’s position as the world’s largest net creditor nation, with net external assets of approximately USD 3–3.5 trillion, and a significant pool of capital required to be invested offshore
• Persistently low domestic returns in Japan, driven by decades of low interest rates and subdued growth, compelling pensions, banks and insurers to seek returns internationally
• Demographic realities, with a declining and ageing population constraining domestic growth and accelerating the global expansion of Japanese capital and corporates
• Active government support, with organisations such as METI and JETRO prioritising the globalisation of Japanese corporates and the development of international partnerships
• Record balance sheet strength among Japanese corporates, driving increased offshore M&A, strategic investments and partnerships
• Priority sectors for Japanese capital, including energy, food security, advanced manufacturing and technology — areas closely aligned with Australia’s strategic capabilities
• Why Australia is a preferred destination, offering a trusted institutional framework, long-standing bilateral ties with Japan, and strong strategic alignment across energy, resources and agriculture
• Geopolitical diversification, with Japanese investors seeking to reduce concentration risk by increasing exposure to stable, like‑minded markets such as Australia

The session will position this theme clearly as a long-term structural shift, rather than a short-term or cyclical trend, and highlight the significant opportunity for platforms, sponsors and advisory capabilities that are well positioned to engage with Japanese capital.

Attendance is by invitation only.

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Host or Publisher The Hassett Group