Japan's Comedian-Turned-Investor Launches Fund with Ex-Goldman 'Stock Geek'

In an unexpected turn of events, Japan's newest star investor, Toshiya Imura, has teamed up with a former Goldman Sachs analyst to launch a new stock fund. Imura, a former comedian and YouTuber, has gained fame and an enthusiastic fan base by turning his obsession with stock research into a 6.5 billion yen ($41.4 million) fortune as an individual investor. His reputation has led to significant share price increases for companies he has invested in, earning them the moniker "Imura stocks."



Imura's investment strategy revolves around identifying undervalued companies within promising sectors. He has a knack for drilling into financial statements and uncovering hidden factors that others may miss. This approach has led him to favor under-owned sectors like coal producers and regional banks, which have shown significant share price increases. Imura's deep dive into financial reports and sector analyses allows him to concentrate on a few choice stocks, rather than spreading funds thinly across many investments.

One of Imura's notable investments was in Sumiseki Holdings, a coal producer that had been overlooked by the market due to the focus on clean energy. By analyzing the company's financial statements, Imura spotted excess labor costs that could weigh on long-term performance. This insight allowed him to make an informed investment decision, ultimately leading to a significant share price increase.



Imura's approach to investing also involves nudging companies for change, as seen with Mitsui Matsushima. He advocated for a minor change in the company's earnings release time, demonstrating his commitment to long-term value creation. This proactive approach aligns with his value-investing strategy, focusing on undervalued companies with promising sectors and strong management.

Imura's new fund, announced on Wednesday, is a collaboration with Keizo Takeiri, a quirky former Goldman Sachs analyst known for his photographic memory and talent for analysis. Takeiri, who was previously invited to work at billionaire Akira Katayama's hedge fund, has a reputation for his analytical chops and geeky demeanor. The pair's new fund goes on sale on January 10, with an initial investment cap of 10 billion yen ($66.5 million).



The launch of Imura and Takeiri's fund comes at a time when the Japanese equity market is forecast to rally again in 2024, boosted by solid global economic growth and stock market reform. The TOPIX, an index of Japanese stocks, is projected to rise about 13% to 2650 by the end of 2024. This positive outlook, coupled with Imura's track record and Takeiri's analytical prowess, bodes well for the success of their new fund.

In conclusion, Japan's comedian-turned-investor, Toshiya Imura, has launched a new stock fund with former Goldman Sachs analyst Keizo Takeiri. Imura's investment strategy, focused on undervalued companies within promising sectors and his ability to drill into financial statements, has led to significant returns. The launch of their new fund comes at an opportune time, as the Japanese equity market is expected to rally in 2024. Investors looking for exposure to the Japanese market may want to consider this new fund as a potential addition to their portfolios.