Itochu CEO China Investment Strategy 2026: Finding Fortune in Stagnation
Itochu CEO Masahiro Okafuji outlines his 2026 China investment strategy, focusing on restaurants and sports goods despite the economic slowdown and succession planning.
While many are pivoting away from the world's second-largest economy, Itochu isn't ready to pack its bags just yet. Despite geopolitical friction and a frozen real estate market, Chairman and CEO Masahiro Okafuji believes there's still plenty of room for Japanese firms to thrive in China.
The Itochu CEO China Investment Strategy: Bet on Lifestyle
In a recent interview with Nikkei, Okafuji pointed out that the prolonged economic slowdown is actually creating niche openings. It's not about heavy industry anymore; it's about what people do in their daily lives. He specifically identified restaurants and sports goods as the primary areas of opportunity.
The logic is simple: even in a downturn, Chinese consumers haven't stopped eating out or focusing on their health. Itochu's subsidiaries are already moving aggressively, exporting premium frozen fruits to the US and other Asian markets, while leveraging deals in Taiwan to boost overlooked anime merchandise sales abroad.
Succession and Long-term Stability
Okafuji, a veteran leader in the trading house sector, also touched upon the company's future leadership. While he's eager to continue his tenure, he confirmed he has several potential successors in mind. This preparation aims to ensure that Itochu's strategic pivot toward B2C sectors remains consistent regardless of who sits in the chairman's seat.
Geopolitical volatility and Trump-era tariff threats remain the biggest headwinds for Japanese firms in China.
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