Japan's New Stock Fund: Unlikely Partners

By Mariko Katsumura
TOKYO (Reuters) – The duo behind Japan's newest stock fund may seem unconventional: a former comedian and a stereotypical "otaku" geek. Their fund, announced Wednesday, could be the Christmas gift fans of entertainer Toshiya Imura have awaited since his announcement two years ago.

Imura, 40, gained fame for converting his stock research obsession into 6.5 billion yen ($41.4 million) in assets. His presence as a major shareholder often led to stock surges as followers sought out "Imura stocks" to leverage his value-investment bets.

Imura's ambition is to help more Japanese profit from the stock market, a goal that matches the government's aim to guide approximately $6.5 trillion in household cash into financial investments. To achieve this, he sought out a partner, Keizo Takeiri, a quirky ex-Goldman Sachs analyst.

Imura was impressed by Takeiri's photographic memory and analytical skills upon their 2020 meeting. Takeiri, 38, caught the attention of billionaire Akira Katayama and was offered a position at his hedge fund due to his expertise.

Known to colleagues as "that stock otaku," Takeiri spent his Tokyo University years focused on stock research rather than grooming, leading to a uniquely casual style that amused Imura.

Takeiri reciprocated the sentiment, noting Imura’s intense communication habits followed by periods of deep analysis. Their fund will launch on January 10, with an initial investment cap of 10 billion yen.

($1 = 157.1000 yen)