Japan deep dive – are we on the cusp of a bull market?

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Archived article Tax, investments and pension rules can change over time so the information below may not be current. This article was correct at the time of publishing, however, it may no longer reflect our views on this topic.

We look at how Japan’s economy and stock market has fared, where the opportunities could be and how Japanese Wealth Shortlist funds are doing.

This article isn’t personal advice. If you’re not sure whether an investment is right for you please seek advice. If you choose to invest the value of your investment will rise and fall, so you could get back less than you put in.

11 July 2023

Once upon a time, Japan was the original Asian success story. It became the envy of the world during the 1980s as its stock markets surged, exports boomed, and the property sector went from strength to strength.

But how the mighty have fallen. Japan’s economic bubble burst in the late 1980s to early 1990s, resulting in recession and years of sluggish growth – a period now known as ‘The Lost Decade’. The impact of this period scarred many investors and left them wondering if they should ever invest in Japan again.

It’s been a long and difficult journey for investors ever since, and while there have been glimmers of hope over time, they mostly failed to gain any traction. As a result, the phrase ‘false dawn’ became commonly linked to Japan,