Japanese investors seek to increase assets amid low interest rates

Nomura said retail investors in Japan have been keen to gain exposure to foreign instruments through investment trusts, otherwise known as toushin.

A report from Reuters on Wednesday said Japanese retail investors have been net buyers of toushin for 14 straight months despite global market turmoil.

"It would not be surprising if toushin eventually makes up 10 percent of retail investments," said Kazutoshi Inano, chairman of Nomura Asset Management, Japan’s top money managing firm, on Tuesday.

Of the 1,500 trillion yen ($16.8 trillion) in personal savings held by Japanese individuals, about 60 trillion yen, or 4 percent, have been tapped for toushin. This may account for 10 percent of their assets, more than double current levels, Nomura said.

"Preparing for retirement in an environment of extremely low interest rates and an aging population is a common theme for many investors amid doubts toward the country's social security system," Inano said.

View the full story in Reuters.