In times of economic globalization and the associated development of multinational corporations and corporate networks, Japan is not only the home of globally operating multinational corporations, Such as NEC or Fujitsu, but also - especially since the 1990s - the destination of international economic players. Companies no longer procure capital from their Japanese national banks in the Keiretsu Association (a set of companies with interlocking business relationships and shareholdings), but procure funds from the international capital market. Multinational financial investors provide funds, but also expect Japanese companies to adapt to international accounting standards.

This conference shall examine the influencing effects of foreign capital and executives from abroad on the institutional structure of Japanese companies. Topics to be discussed at the event include: changes in accounting and accounting standards; transparency and how to deal with whistle blowers; questions of corporate governance and relations between employers and employees; and general aspects of financial and investment planning (long-term planning vs. short-term effects, shareholder value).

This conference is part of the “INCAS - Institutional Change in Asia” research network funded by the EU within the framework of the Marie Curie program, which, in addition to the Freie Universität Berlin, includes as members the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS, Paris) and the Said Business School of the University of Oxford.

Participation on invitation only!