Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the increasing interest in Japan's financial and real estate markets, particularly following Warren Buffett's investments in Japanese assets, which have contributed to significant gains in the Nikkei index over the past two years [2][4]. Group 1: Japan's Economic Recovery - Japan's economy is emerging from the "lost three decades," with inflation returning in 2024 and a notable increase in employee wages, which rose by 5.25% in the latest labor negotiations, marking the highest level in 34 years [4]. - The yield on Japan's 10-year government bonds reached its highest level since 2008 on July 23, 2024, indicating a shift in the economic landscape [4]. Group 2: Real Estate Market Dynamics - Following the burst of the real estate bubble, Japan's rental and sales ratios have become more attractive, with core cities like Tokyo experiencing a rise in real estate prices in recent years [5]. - The article mentions a previous successful research trip to Tokyo, which focused on various sectors including real estate, finance, and healthcare, leading to the current trip to Osaka and Kyoto to further explore these opportunities [5]. Group 3: Research Trip Details - The upcoming research trip from September 8 to 13, 2025, will include in-depth investigations into the real estate and cosmetics industries, featuring discussions with executives from notable companies like Ze Yu Group and TOA [12][16]. - Participants will also visit significant cultural sites and engage in activities such as experiencing Japanese whisky production at the Yamazaki Distillery and exploring the Panasonic Museum [37][35]. Group 4: Expert Guidance - The research trip will be led by experienced financial experts, including renowned economists who will provide insights into Japan's economic opportunities and asset allocation strategies [49][42].

Group 1 - The European Union (EU) is preparing to retaliate against the United States' tariffs, with a new countermeasure list that includes a wide range of American products valued at €72 billion [5][6] - The EU's countermeasure list is detailed and spans 206 pages, including items such as Boeing aircraft, automobiles, and bourbon whiskey [5] - Despite the EU's ability to retaliate with other goods, it has refrained from including major U.S. military products in its countermeasure list due to its reliance on U.S. military supplies [6][8] Group 2 - Brazil is also considering a response to U.S. tariffs, with President Lula announcing the formation of a cross-departmental committee to strategize on trade negotiations and countermeasures [10][11] - The actions of the EU and Brazil indicate a growing resistance among countries against U.S. tariff policies, which could lead to a broader international backlash if successful [13]

Group 1 - The EU is preparing a list of potential tariffs and export control measures against the US services sector as a retaliatory action following failed trade negotiations [2][3] - The EU Commission is compiling this list in response to President Trump's announcement of a 30% tariff on EU goods starting August 1 [3] - The proposed measures will target not only US tech companies but also include additional actions beyond the existing proposal against $720 billion worth of US imports, which includes tariffs on Boeing aircraft, cars, and bourbon whiskey [3] Group 2 - Barclays economists estimate that if the average tariff rate on EU goods reaches 35%, combined with a 10% retaliatory tariff from Brussels, it could reduce Eurozone output by 0.7 percentage points [4] - This reduction could deplete much of the already limited growth in the Eurozone and may lead the European Central Bank to further lower its deposit rate from the current 2% [4] - A previous estimate from the German Economic Institute suggested that tariffs of 20% to 50% could result in economic losses exceeding €200 billion for Germany by 2028 [4]

Group 1: Policy Impact - The "Big and Beautiful Act" introduced by Trump in 2025 poses significant challenges for UK companies, particularly through the imposition of up to 20% retaliatory tariffs on what are deemed "unfair foreign taxes" [3] - The automotive industry in the UK is particularly affected, with Jaguar Land Rover facing increased costs of several thousand dollars per vehicle due to a 25% tariff on imported cars, leading to a pause in expansion plans in the U.S. [3][4] - The Scottish whisky industry has seen an 8% decline in exports to the U.S. due to a 10% tariff, with market share being eroded by French cognac [3] Group 2: Investment Confidence - A dramatic drop in investment confidence is evident, with only 2% of UK executives considering the U.S. an attractive investment destination, while confidence in the domestic market has surged from -12% to +13% [4] - Foreign direct investment (FDI) in the U.S. fell to $52.8 billion in Q1 2025, the lowest since the pandemic began in 2022, indicating a significant capital withdrawal [4] Group 3: Industry Shifts - Energy-intensive companies are relocating production back to the UK or Europe due to the high electricity costs in the U.S., which are four times higher than in the UK [5] - The technology sector is experiencing a notable shift, with UK quantum computing startups being acquired by U.S. firms, prompting the UK government to invest £500 million in quantum technology over the next four years [5] Group 4: Post-Brexit Challenges - Post-Brexit, the UK faces dual challenges from Trump's policies and EU negotiations, with FDI projects declining by 12% in 2024, marking an 18-year low [6] - The UK is at a disadvantage in negotiations, having to accept "poison pill clauses" in trade agreements that exclude Chinese companies from key supply chains, further weakening competitiveness [6] Group 5: Strategic Capital Movements - UK companies are initiating a "de-Americanization" process, with firms like AstraZeneca and Stellantis shifting investments from the U.S. to Germany and Poland [7] - International capital is also reflecting this trend, with Canadian and Australian funds reducing U.S. asset exposure and increasing investments in UK renewable energy projects [7] Group 6: Future Outlook - The policy shifts and capital movements indicate a potential restructuring of global capital dynamics, with a focus on regional collaboration, technological sovereignty, and institutional resilience [8] - The ongoing changes may lead to the emergence of a new business paradigm that prioritizes stability over political risk, suggesting a shift in global investment strategies [8]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese craft beer company Panda Craft Brewery is venturing into the whiskey market, aiming to compete with established Japanese whiskey brands, highlighting the significant potential market size despite the challenges in production [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Panda Craft Brewery, founded in 2013 by Xia Yulin and Pan Dinghao, has achieved success with its craft beer brand and is now expanding into whiskey production [2]. - The company is located in Anshun, Guizhou Province, where it utilizes self-developed equipment to distill imported malted barley for whiskey production [1][2]. Group 2: Market Potential - The whiskey market in China is growing, with 40 local distilleries planned or under construction, aiming for a total distillation capacity of 80,000 liters [2]. - In 2023, China imported 32,600 liters of whiskey, indicating a rising interest in whiskey culture among Chinese consumers [2]. Group 3: Production Challenges - The production of whiskey is noted to be more complex than that of beer, with most domestic whiskey aging for less than two years, which may delay their market entry [1][2]. - The aging process in barrels is crucial, as it accounts for 70% of the whiskey's flavor, and the company plans to blend and release its whiskey after 3 to 5 years of aging [1][2]. Group 4: Long-term Strategy - Despite the current economic slowdown and challenges in the whiskey investment landscape, the company is focused on long-term brand development, even if it means short-term losses [3].