Small Talk

Why is "human capital management" attracting so much attention from investors now? The key to improving the PBR (price-to-book ratio) and increasing a company's market capitalization lies in the "power of people," which is not reflected in financial statements. Based on the latest stock market indices and Asahi Group Holdings' unique indicators, this presentation will provide a clear and easy-to-understand explanation from a professional perspective of how human capital generates future profits (cash flow).

First, let's look at China, where the birth rate continues to decline. The government has introduced policies such as "two-child" and "three-child" programs and large-scale childcare allowances, but are these actually alleviating the financial burden on families? This article will organize the latest statistical data and the background of these policies, and clearly explain the key points necessary for success in supporting childcare in China.

With insurance premiums soaring and foreign investors taking a critical view, many companies are realizing that they can no longer rely on insurance companies. However, the majority of Japanese companies are still not accustomed to reviewing their own risks. Therefore, this time, we will discuss why risk management is so important now...

What is OfficeTech? We explain the latest office utilization techniques! We introduce trends in technologies that dramatically improve productivity, such as AI-powered meeting analysis and area optimization using location information. On the other hand, we also explain in detail the points to watch out for to avoid becoming "surveillance tech" that creates the stress of feeling "watched," and the key to success, "psychological safety." We explore the new way of working in the hybrid work era.

CyberAgent, which expanded from an online advertising company into anime production, has owed its success to its distribution strategy on ABEMA, the ecosystem built through M&A, and its free-spirited corporate culture. This article will explain in detail the secrets to their success in the IP business.

In the highly uncertain year of 2026, what is "progressive management"? This article explains CEO Masahiro Oka's management philosophy of focusing on the ground, domestic investment strategy, and pricing wisdom. It provides concrete know-how for companies to survive in an uncertain environment.

This article explains the enormous risks hidden in the energy strategies of AI data centers. It analyzes the cost and water scarcity problems associated with reliance on fossil fuels and reveals why a sustainability-focused approach creates a long-term competitive advantage.

Inspired by the rapid pace of EV development by Chinese companies, the automotive industry is seeing a dramatic reduction in new vehicle development cycles. This book explains five major changes, from parts standardization and digitalization to organizational reform, along with success stories and practical know-how on balancing safety. It also offers business lessons.

We explain the reasons behind Suntory’s unusual strategy of upgrading ‘Kinmugi’ to full-fledged beer, the impact of the revisions to alcohol tax legislation, and the broader trends within the industry. We provide a clear explanation of why the shift from ‘third-category beer’ to genuine beer is necessary, and how the general public is likely to perceive it. We also hope you will gain some insights into managing change in both business and personal life.

This article explains the impact of new lease accounting standards and revisions to goodwill treatment, scheduled to be implemented from fiscal year 2027, on business management, along with specific examples. It also discusses the ripple effects on asset values and performance indicators.