Shiro Sakamaki
Daiwa Securities Group
Shiro Sakamaki advances from runner-up, where he debuted last year, to third place. The Daiwa Securities Group analyst’s top recommendation is automatic-transmissions maker Aisin Seiki Co., which is headquartered in Aichi, on valuation and strong growth prospects, among other factors. Sakamaki is also bullish on tire manufacturers, including Tokyo’s Bridgestone Corp., Denso Corp. of Aichi and Kobe-based Sumitomo Rubber Industries, on expectations “that the price of natural rubber will continue to drop from $3 per kilogram to roughly $2 after Thailand’s government stops buying rubber” from local farmers, a practice that has artificially inflated prices. Sakamaki’s “Tire Monthly” reports are “required reading,” declares one client. Another praises the researcher’s customer service: “Sakamaki always responds very quickly to our requests.” — Paul Sweeney