The Grant Williams Podcast Ep. 131 - Andrew McDermott
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Aug 28, 2026 Andrew McDermott, founder of Mission Value Partners and expert on Japanese industry and industrial value chains. He reframes Japan as an indispensable industrial power. Short takes cover yen moves masking strength. Talks about advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, robotics, defense production, and undervalued industrial firms.
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Yen Move Signals Bids For Japanese Industrial Capacity
- The yen move and BOJ intervention reflect broader strategic bids for Japanese industrial capacity, not just currency defence.
- Andrew McDermott ties recent deals across Philippines, Taiwan, India and others to bids for Japanese IP and capital.
Weak Yen No Longer Drives Corporate Profits
- Weak yen no longer meaningfully boosts corporate profits because Japanese multinationals localize production.
- Toyota's $10 billion U.S. investment shows companies match local production to revenues, reducing translation benefits from currency moves.
Political Backlash From Cheap Yen And Foreign Buyers
- Cheap yen creates political friction as foreign tourism and financial buyers exploit low absolute prices.
- McDermott cites Bain's deals and public anger that sacrifices of prior generations are being skimmed by foreign financiers.


