Norinchukin:Banking on China to build its market

In the wake of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, several Japanese banks realized that they had to rethink their approach to the global market if they were to survive.

Under the leadership of Deputy President and Co-CEO Yoshio Kono, the Norinchukin Bank weathered the financial turmoil by consolidating its foundation in Japan and diversifying its investment portfolio abroad. Kono is to be President and CEO as of April 1 to succeed his predecessor Hirofumi Ueno.

Kono, who had worked for the bank for 36 years, expanded the financial group's activities to include asset management through global investments in financial products such as specialized bonds and loan packages, private equity and real estate development.