Active Investing in Japan

Just picked up the following books:

The China Fantasy: How Our Leaders Explain Away Chinese Repression, by James Mann

Breaking Open Japan, by George Feifer

The book on China is short, about 110 pages, but is worth the read for the perspective, especially if you consume a lot of U.S.-based news.

Haven’t started the book on Commodore Perry and American imperialism, but what better time than now to read a new book on one of the most important periods in Japan’s history.

Check out other books on Japan and also about investing.

Japan market summary for Friday (Oct. 5)
Nikkei 225 Stock Average: -27.45 (-0.2%) to 17,065.04
Nikkei 225 futures Osaka: +10 (+0.1%) to 17,130, Singapore (SGX) +25 (+0.15%) to 17,110, Chicago (CME) *10/4 -25 (-0.15%) to 17,110
TOPIX: +1.31 (+0.1%) to 1,656.91; Advancers 810 x decliners 779 (unch. 133), New highs 22 x new lows 16
Jasdaq: +9.87 (+0.5%) to 1,884.55
Yen: flat against US$ last around 116.55 level late in Tokyo, slightly weaker against euro to 164.40-45 level
Notes: The emerging stock indices MOTHERS and HERCULES extended their rally, +4.0% and +2.6%, respectively. The A/D line for the Nikkei 225 is back over 100. A Kabushiki Shimbun market news report cites a U.S. brokerage who says Asia money is flowing into bank stocks and blue chips, while Western (US, EU) money is flowing into the small caps, explaining the recent strength in these segments. The Tokyo Stock Exchange is closed Monday, Oct. 8, for Health-Sports Day.