In a surprising turn of events, a former comedian and a self-proclaimed “stock otaku” have joined forces to launch a new stock fund in Japan, blending humor with high finance. The fund, announced on Wednesday, marks the culmination of a two-year journey for Toshiya Imura, a former entertainer who turned his passion for stock research into a multimillion-dollar business.
Imura, 40, who gained a loyal following through his personal investment success, has been dubbed a “stock guru” in Japan. His portfolio, valued at 6.5 billion yen ($41.4 million), made him a celebrity in the investment world, with his name being closely associated with “Imura stocks” — shares that surged in value whenever he was listed as a major shareholder.
However, Imura had bigger aspirations. He envisioned a future where he could help more Japanese people profit from the stock market, aligning with the government’s push to encourage its citizens to invest some of the roughly $6.5 trillion in household savings into financial markets.
To help make his vision a reality, Imura partnered with Keizo Takeiri, a former Goldman Sachs analyst known for his obsessive passion for stocks. Takeiri, 38, had built a reputation in financial circles as a “stock geek” or “otaku,” due to his intense focus on market research and his unorthodox approach to investing. Imura, who met Takeiri in 2020, was immediately impressed by his partner’s exceptional memory and analytical skills.
“His knowledge was next-level,” Imura told Reuters in an interview this month, alongside Takeiri and an official from the fund’s operator, Fundnote. Takeiri’s expertise had previously caught the attention of Akira Katayama, a billionaire ex-gamer who invited him to work at his hedge fund — a further testament to his impressive financial acumen.
Takeiri’s unusual personality is as distinctive as his analytical abilities. A graduate of the prestigious Tokyo University, Takeiri spent more time researching stocks than attending classes, earning him the nickname “that stock otaku” from his colleagues at Goldman Sachs. Imura humorously describes Takeiri as a “high-spec weirdo,” noting that he often arrives dressed in worn clothes and with unusually long fingernails, seemingly indifferent to fashion.
Despite their differences, the duo has formed a strong partnership. Imura, known for his enthusiastic, sometimes scattershot approach, and Takeiri, with his meticulous, methodical focus, complement each other perfectly. Takeiri, in turn, appreciates Imura’s relentless drive, describing his partner’s research habits as “out of this world.”
The new fund, which will go on sale on January 10, is set to have an initial investment cap of 10 billion yen. The pair hopes that their combination of unconventional expertise and shared vision will attract investors eager to take part in Japan’s evolving financial landscape.
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