世論 What Japan Thinks

Here’s a quickie but interesting ranking survey from DISMDRIVE Research into if one had the cash to invest, what stocks might one like to buy.

Demographics

Between the 27th of February and 3rd of March 2008 7,345 members of the DIMSDRIVE Research monitor group completed a private internet-based questionnaire.

Before I go any further, I better make it clear that this is merely a translation of a survey, and I have no direct investments in the companies listed, I am not a professional, please do not make investment decisions based on this article, and other disclaimers…

I’m surprised, but then also not suprised, that JAL rates so highly, as they seem to be on dodgy financial ground, but they are the national carrier, so perhaps symbolism and patriotism outweighs financial due diligence.

It’s also interesting to note that there are few out-and-out technology companies and certainly no internet-focused companies on the list; Nintendo is perhaps the closest, but they sell hardware as much as software, Sony is mostly home electronics, and SoftBank is as much about infrastructure and handset resale as communication. Seven Bank, a new online and offline bank run by the same group that owns the 7-11 convenience store chain is perhaps the most revolutionary company on the list.
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Recently japan.internet.com reported on a survey conducted by goo Research into shareholder meetings.

Demographics

Between the 19th and 20th of April 2007, goo Research got 1,083 successfully completed replies to their private internet-based questionnaire. 52.5% were male, 24.8% in their twenties, 22.5% in their thirties, 21.8% in their forties, 20.7% in their fifties, and 10.2% in their sixties.

Share trading is something I have yet to do in Japan, despite having a company savings scheme, so I cannot really comment much on the results of this survey. Of course one cannot mention shareholder meetings in Japan without mentioning the 総会屋, soukaiya, yakusa-connected extortionists who seek payment in return for not disrupting the company’s AGM. Many companies hold their AGM on the same day to hopefully reduce the chance of being targeted by the mob.

I was surprised by almost one in five shareholders having attended an AGM or the like. Perhaps the more detailed survey results indicates why many people choose to attend. Do companies give away gifts or have food laid on for attendees?
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