Global private investment giant KKR is holding its first-ever board meeting in Asia in Tokyo this week, underscoring the growing importance of Japan to the New York-based firm’s regional strategy, according to a report by Reuters.
Co-founders George Roberts and Henry Kravis, along with co-CEOs Joe Bae and Scott Nuttall, joined the two-day meeting, which began on Monday.
The milestone comes amid a surge in private equity activity in Japan, driven by corporate governance reforms, low interest rates, and strong investor demand. Private equity-backed deals in the country reached $29bn in the first three quarters of 2025, up 150% year-on-year, according to LSEG data.
Japan accounted for 36% of KKR’s Asia-Pacific investments – more than $20bn in fair value – as of February. Recent transactions include the acquisition of Hoken Minaoshi Hompo Group, a $4.1bn takeover of Fuji Soft, and a $2.3bn deal for medical equipment maker Topcon, alongside a state-backed partner. Earlier this year, KKR also exited supermarket chain Seiyu in a $2.55bn sale, delivering multiple returns.
