Natsumi Ishino

Part of Sumitomo Corp., Sumitomo Corp. The company is based in Tokyo, Japan. Global Research Co. Ltd. is a research and consulting arm of Sumitomo Corporation Group. The Japanese company conducts research and analyses on international, political, economic, industrial, and other issues, utilizing Sumitomo Corporation's vast network. The company delivers local "now" from Sumitomo Corporation Group members in various regions around the globe, including Africa, Oceania, and CIS. The company was founded in 2004. Hiroyuki Takai has been the CEO of the company since 2013.

Macquarie Capital Securities (Japan) Ltd. (MCS-J) is a securities brokerage firm and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Macquarie International Investments, which in turn is a subsidiary of Macquarie Bank Ltd. (SY: MBL), based in Australia. Established in 2004 following the acquisition of the Asian equity division of ING Groep NV (NYSE: ING) by Macquarie, MCS-J provides trading and financial analysis services to Japanese and overseas institutions as well as hedge funds. The firm specializes in Japanese equity, economic research, fundamental research at the company level, quantitative analysis, information on infrastructure funds and other funds, equity derivatives and structured products. They also act as intermediary for Macquarie Bank in the equity-linked notes private placement market. The firm's analysts research themes including Japanese reflation, global industries and Asian technologies. MCS-J is located in Tokyo, and operates in close cooperation with Macquarie sales teams in London, Geneva, Frankfurt, New York and Boston.