Core Insights - The article discusses the strategic shift of Japanese companies, particularly Ajinomoto, towards local production and sales to mitigate currency risks and reduce reliance on the US dollar and Japanese yen [5][8]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Ajinomoto's popular seasoning product "Sazon" has been sold in Brazil for over 30 years, with production and sales primarily conducted in local currency, the Brazilian real [2]. - The proportion of Japan's exports to Asia priced in US dollars has decreased from over 50% a decade ago to 46% by the first half of 2025, while local currencies, especially the Chinese yuan, have increased in significance [5]. Group 2: Financial Strategies - Ajinomoto utilizes 20 to 30 different currencies for transactions, with a global finance department in Tokyo managing currency risks by minimizing discrepancies between foreign currency assets and liabilities [4]. - The company has adopted a "local production for local consumption" model over the past 40 years, which has strengthened its resilience against currency fluctuations [4][8]. Group 3: Historical Context - The strategic shift towards local manufacturing was catalyzed by the Plaza Accord in 1985, which led to a significant appreciation of the yen and a decline in exports, with export revenue dropping from 41.6 billion yen in 1984 to approximately 22.1 billion yen by 1988 [5]. - Japanese companies have learned from past currency volatility, leading to a business model that does not rely on either the US dollar or the Japanese yen [5][8]. Group 4: Local Financing Initiatives - The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) has been providing local financing to Japanese companies through partnerships with local banks since 2011, indicating a growing trend of local corporate development [7]. - Mitsubishi UFJ Bank's acquisition of a Thai bank in 2013 exemplifies the move towards establishing local credit mechanisms in emerging markets [7].