On Thursday, Oct 9th 2025, we had the pleasure of attending the AIMA Japan & Visual Alpha Joint Seminar: “Navigating Business Expansion and Investment Opportunities in Japan for Global Asset Managers.” Divine Solutions Japan was proud to be one of the event sponsors, and our colleague, Alistair Ramsbottom, participated as a panel speaker.

The event was fully booked, with around 120 professionals from across the asset management and financial services community joining to discuss opportunities and challenges in Japan’s evolving market.

Throughout the panel discussions, speakers shared valuable insights on why global firms choose to establish a presence in Japan—highlighting factors such as strong government support, a stable business environment, and Japan’s unique culture and high-quality talent pool. At the same time, speakers acknowledged that building a successful business in Japan requires patience, local understanding, and a partnership-oriented mindset. The pace of doing business can be slower compared to Western markets, and long-term relationships are often key to success.

From a recruiting perspective, these themes are equally important. Companies expanding into Japan should allocate sufficient time to define the right candidate profiles, adjust compensation levels appropriately, and remain sensitive to local expectations and workplace culture. Aligning hiring strategies with these realities can make a significant difference in establishing a sustainable and motivated team.

The networking session that followed was an excellent opportunity to connect with professionals across the industry, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships within the investment management community.

We would like to thank AIMA Japan, Visual Alpha, and all the speakers and participants for an engaging and insightful event. We look forward to continued conversations on how international firms can successfully grow and invest in Japan.