Japan represents one of the world's most compelling opportunities for constructive shareholder engagement.

 

I began my career as a trader at Goldman Sachs and later practiced law at Sullivan & Cromwell, giving me a unique edge—including leading a high-stakes proxy fight as a retail shareholder in a small Japanese public company. With just a 2.5% stake, I successfully replaced the entire board with over 68% shareholder approval and briefly served as CEO, fueling my passion for uncovering event-driven catalyst opportunities.

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For decades, Japanese corporate governance followed a distinct path—one characterized by cross-shareholdings, lifetime employment, and boards composed primarily of internal promotions. While these structures served their purpose during Japan's industrial ascent, they have increasingly become obstacles to value creation in a globalized economy.

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Our Japan activist advisory practice was launched on the conviction that change in Japan requires more than Western playbooks applied wholesale. It demands deep cultural understanding, patient relationship building, and strategic approaches calibrated to local realities.

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Our approach synthesizes international best practices with on-the-ground expertise. We understand that in Japan, the path to corporate transformation often runs through quiet persuasion rather than public confrontation—though we are prepared for both.

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Beyond activism, we have developed complementary capabilities in Private Company Rollup M&A and Local Proxy Services. These offerings emerged from client needs and reflect our commitment to providing comprehensive support for global investors and UHNWs operating in Japan.

 

The name "Zero Strategies" reflects our philosophy: start from zero assumptions, build strategy from facts and evidence, and pursue outcomes with clarity of purpose. We also have zero tolerance for mediocrity in everything we do.

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With regards,