In this article, we discuss 5 best Japanese stocks to invest in 2022. If you want to read about some more Japanese stocks, go directly to 10 Best Japanese Stocks to Invest in 2022.
5. Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (NYSE:TAK)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 11
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (NYSE:TAK) engages in the research, development, manufacture, marketing, and out-licensing of pharmaceutical products. It is one of the best Japanese stocks to invest in. On October 5, the firm announced that the FDA had accepted their supplemental biologics license application for the potential expanded use of its Takhzyro injection for treatment of attacks from hereditary angioedema in children from age 2 to 12.
On July 19, Cowen analyst Ken Cacciatore upgraded Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (NYSE:TAQ) stock to Outperform from Market Perform with a price target of $24, up from $21, noting that current level of the shares provides attractive value.
Among the hedge funds being tracked by Insider Monkey, New York-based investment firm Renaissance Technologies is a leading shareholder in Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (NYSE:TAK), with 2.8 million shares worth more than $39.7 million.
4. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:SMFG)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 12
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:SMFG) provides commercial banking, leasing, securities, consumer finance, and other services. It is one of the top Japanese stocks to invest in. On October 7, the financial regulator in Japan told the banking firm to devise measures to improve compliance after banking and securities arms were found to have violated intra group firewall rules.
Among the hedge funds being tracked by Insider Monkey, Quebec-based investment firm Ramius is a leading shareholder in Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:SMFG), with 9.9 million shares worth more than $58.5 million.
3. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:MUFG)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 12
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:MUFG) operates as the bank holding company for MUFG Bank, Ltd. that provides various financial services. It is one of the major Japanese stocks to invest in. On September 19, the firm announced that it had entered into a deal with US Bancorp to exercise the right under purchase agreement for US Bank’s acquisition of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Union Bank’s core regional banking franchise to extend the termination date to December 31, 2022.
At the end of the second quarter of 2022, 12 hedge funds in the database of Insider Monkey held stakes worth $22.8 million in Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:MUFG), compared to 12 in the previous quarter worth $37 million.
2. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE:HMC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 14
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE:HMC) develops, manufactures, and distributes motorcycles, automobiles, and power products globally. It is one of the elite Japanese stocks to invest in. On October 11, the firm announced that it would partner with LG Energy Solution to invest $3.5 billion in a new joint venture battery plant in Fayette, Ohio. According to the companies, this joint venture will create 2,200 jobs pending final government approvals.
Among the hedge funds being tracked by Insider Monkey, New York-based investment firm Fisher Asset Management is a leading shareholder in Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE:HMC), with 8.8 million shares worth more than $213 million.
1. Sony Group Corporation (NYSE:SONY)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 26
Sony Group Corporation (NYSE:SONY) develops, produces, and sells electronic equipment, instruments, and devices. It is one of the premier Japanese stocks to invest in. On September 7, Goldman Sachs analyst Minami Munakata resumed coverage of Sony Group Corporation (NYSE:SONY) stock with a Neutral rating and a 12,200 yen price target, noting that the company’s near-term earnings will level off.
Among the hedge funds being tracked by Insider Monkey, New York-based investment firm GAMCO Investors is a leading shareholder in Sony Group Corporation (NYSE:SONY), with 1.8 million shares worth more than $146.5 million.
In its Q1 2022 investor letter, Aristotle Capital Management, an asset management firm, highlighted a few stocks and Sony Group Corporation (NYSE:SONY) was one of them. Here is what the fund said:
“Sony, maker of the PlayStation videogame console, was a leading detractor for the quarter. After a strong year in 2021, a shortfall in PlayStation 5 sales due to continued semiconductor shortages has dampened new console unit sales. Although there are likely to be continued limitations on the supply of components in the short term, consumer demand remains strong, and upcoming releases of major titles such as Horizon Forbidden West and Gran Turismo 7 are likely to further enhance demand. While Sony continues to manage supply-chain headwinds, the company has also again demonstrated its ability to build on the fundamental strength of its business across various segments. During the quarter, Sony acquired Bungie, a U.S.-based videogame developer known for the Destiny franchise and live game services; completed its initial equity investment in Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing, a foundry service subsidiary of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC); and acquired Brazilian music label Som Livre. Lastly, Sony announced a partnership with Honda Motor (NYSE:HMC) where the two companies expect to combine Honda’s expertise in manufacturing vehicles with Sony’s proficiency in imaging, sensing, telecommunication and network technologies to develop and commercialize electric vehicles. We feel these strategic actions demonstrate Sony’s ability to continue to improve on its market positions across its business segments with a long-term, forward-looking approach.”
You can also take a peek at 10 Best Stocks to Buy According to Angela Aldrich’s Bayberry Capital Partners and Top 10 Tech Stocks to Buy According to Billionaire Louis Bacon.
