Investment Company Institute Welcomes New Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
Investment Company Institute's Statement on New Prime Minister
On October 21, 2025, Eric J. Pan, the President and CEO of the Investment Company Institute (ICI), issued a heartfelt statement congratulating Sanae Takaichi on her election as the new Prime Minister of Japan. The ICI, a leading global organization representing the asset management industry, expressed its optimism for continued cooperation with the Takaichi administration.
Pan extended his warmest congratulations, stating, “On behalf of the Investment Company Institute, I offer my warmest congratulations to Prime Minister Takaichi on taking office as Prime Minister of Japan. I look forward to continued dialogue and collaboration between the new Takaichi Administration and ICI.” His words reflect the organization’s hope for fruitful discussions and partnerships in the future.
ICI represents a collective of global asset management firms, and its members strongly endorse the Japanese government's commitment to fostering growth within Japan's asset management services. Pan emphasized, "We hope that, under Prime Minister Takaichi's strong leadership, Japan will continue to strengthen its position as an international hub for the asset management industry."
The statement also highlighted the importance of making asset management services more accessible to the Japanese citizens. The organization's commitment resonates with recent reforms introduced by the Japanese government, including enhancements to the Nippon Individual Savings Account (NISA) program and improvements to the defined contribution pension system. Pan noted, “These initiatives will allow more households to benefit from the diversified investment options offered by asset managers, helping them better prepare for retirement and other long-term financial goals.”
These reforms represent a monumental step towards enhancing the financial well-being of all Japanese citizens, and the ICI urges Prime Minister Takaichi to continue advancing these critical initiatives. Pan elaborated on their proactive role, stating that the ICI has been instrumental in formulating policy recommendations aimed at improving the outcomes for Japanese households through long-term investing.
For instance, ICI’s 2024 policy paper, which is accessible in both English and Japanese, provides insights to reinforce Japan's defined contribution pension system while also enhancing the NISA program. Furthermore, they recently unveiled a publication titled "The Untapped Potential of Target Date Funds in Japanese Retirement Accounts," examining the opportunities to broaden the usage of diversified investment strategies in retirement savings. This document is also available in both languages, further emphasizing their commitment to reaching out to a broader audience in Japan.
The ongoing dialogue between the ICI and the Japanese government represents a positive trajectory towards achieving a financially secure and prosperous future for the country’s citizens. As Prime Minister Takaichi embarks on her new journey in office, the ICI stands ready to assist in championing initiatives that will yield substantial benefits for Japanese households and deepen capital market functionality.
In conclusion, as Japan steps into a new chapter under the leadership of Prime Minister Takaichi, the commitment from organizations like the Investment Company Institute symbolizes a collaborative effort towards enhancing Japan's economic landscape and enabling individuals to secure their financial futures.