Lehman creates Japan advisory board

As a signal of the investment bank's dedication to the Japanese market, Lehman Brothers has announced that it is establishing a Japan Advisory Board to expand the firm's relationship network within the Japanese business community and advise the firm on its strategic direction in Japan. The board will convene on a quarterly basis beginning this September.

There are three members sitting on the board, Taichi Sakaiya, economic critic and former minister of economic planning; Minoru Murofushi, chairman of Itochu Corporation; and Dr. Fumikatsu Tokiwa, former chairman of Kao Corporation (he will join in January next year).

"The experience and wisdom of these senior leaders will enable us to deepen our footprint in this market and increase the depth and breadth of service we can provide to Japanese clients," says Akio Katsuragi, president of Lehman Brothers Japan.