史诗级收割！美国10万亿“零元购”日本，用日本人的钱买日本公司

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant influence of American capital on the Japanese financial market in 2024, highlighting a strategy of acquiring Japanese assets using Japanese funds, amidst a backdrop of yen depreciation and a zero interest rate policy [3][5][19]. Group 1: Economic Context - The depreciation of the yen and the Bank of Japan's commitment to a zero interest rate policy have created opportunities for American capital to exploit weaknesses in the Japanese economy [5][7]. - By early 2024, the exchange rate shifted dramatically from 115 yen per dollar to over 160 yen per dollar, marking a historical low for the yen [5][7]. Group 2: Capital Acquisition Strategies - American capital utilized "Samurai bonds," which are low-interest bonds issued in yen, with a total issuance exceeding 2 trillion yen at a nominal interest rate of only 1% [7][9]. - The primary buyers of these bonds were Japanese institutional investors and the general public, allowing American capital to acquire Japanese savings at minimal cost [7][9]. Group 3: Mergers and Acquisitions - In 2024, American capital's total mergers and acquisitions in Japan reached 10 trillion yen, effectively using Japanese savings to purchase high-quality domestic assets [9][11]. - Following acquisitions, American firms engaged in asset stripping and profit transfer, extracting cash reserves and annual profits from the acquired companies [9][11]. Group 4: Economic Consequences - By the end of 2024, American capital had extracted 10 trillion yen in cash returns from Japan, completing a cycle of capital extraction that left the Japanese public largely unaware [11][19]. - Japan's government debt has reached 260% of GDP, limiting its ability to intervene in capital flows, while the short-term benefits of yen depreciation mask deeper economic issues [13][19]. Group 5: Inflation and Consumer Impact - Japan is experiencing high inflation, which is straining household budgets and reducing consumer spending, despite superficial signs of economic recovery [15][17]. - Major Japanese companies are facing challenges in overseas operations, with some, like Toyota, suing the U.S. government over unfair taxation, impacting their international investment rights [15][17]. Group 6: Future Outlook - The Bank of Japan may need to reassess its monetary policy in response to inflation, with expectations of interest rates rising to 0.75%, which could lead to capital withdrawal and increased market volatility [17][19]. - The article emphasizes the need for Japan to balance capital flow with national interests, as over-reliance on international capital could lead to economic instability [17][19].