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Berkshire Hathaway is considering increasing its investments in Japan’s five largest trading houses, reinforcing the U.S. conglomerate’s long-term confidence in some of the country’s biggest companies.
CEO Greg Abel told the Nikkei in an interview published Thursday that Berkshire plans to further expand its holdings in Mitsubishi Corp., Itochu Corp., Mitsui & Co., Sumitomo Corp. and Marubeni Corp. Abel also expressed confidence in the companies’ future growth prospects.
Berkshire first invested in the five Japanese trading houses in 2019 under former CEO Warren Buffett. The investments became a significant part of Berkshire’s international portfolio as Buffett praised the companies’ financial strength, attractive valuations and diversified businesses. A weaker yen also made Japanese equities relatively appealing when Berkshire began building its positions.
The conglomerate has steadily increased its exposure since then. Last year, Berkshire raised its stakes in the five companies to roughly 9% to 11%. It also reached agreements allowing it to increase ownership beyond the previous 10% threshold.
Abel’s latest comments fueled investor optimism on Thursday, sending shares of all five Japanese trading houses higher. Mitsubishi and Sumitomo were among the strongest performers, with both stocks climbing nearly 5%.
Japan’s major trading houses, known as “sogo shosha,” operate diversified businesses spanning energy, commodities, infrastructure, manufacturing, food and other industries. Their broad global operations and ability to generate substantial cash flows have helped attract Berkshire’s attention.
By the end of 2025, Berkshire Hathaway’s combined holdings in the five companies were valued at $35.37 billion, according to its annual report. The investments also generated $862 million in dividend income during the year.
Mitsubishi remained Berkshire’s largest investment among the group. The conglomerate held a 10.8% stake in Mitsubishi worth approximately $9.21 billion.
Abel’s indication that Berkshire could buy more shares suggests the Japanese trading houses will remain an important part of the company’s investment strategy following Buffett’s tenure.
