Infamous Japan activist makes comeback

YOSHIAKI Murakami, Japan's most famous activist shareholder before he was convicted of insider trading in 2007, is once again pressing the nation's companies - and this time it's a family act.

Mr Murakami and C&I Holdings Co, an investment firm headed by his 27-year-old daughter, have built a stake in Kuroda Electric Co, and say the maker of electronic parts should return more to shareholders.

They want to put four outside directors, including Mr Murakami, on the board. As shareholders prepare to vote on the proposals at an Aug 28 extraordinary meeting, one former president of Kuroda Electric has already expressed support.