Recently appointed Associate Director of the Center on Japanese Economy and Business Ms. Alicia Ogawa will preside over Roles of Private Equity Investment in the Growing Japanese Economy, a lecture hosted by the Japan Society of New York.About the program:In recent years, private equity funds have won legitimacy in the Japanese business community.  As many Japanese companies began to reshape their fundamental strategies to compete in a changing environment, restructuring and disposition needs rapidly arose. Private equity funds became a viable alternative for them.  In addition, actions by shareholders, activist groups and unfriendly takeover attempts are beginning to contribute to the deal flow.  Private equity investment has entered into a second phase and is poised for growth.  John Ehara will discuss the investment opportunities that private equity firms expect over the next few years and the impact of these investments on the overall economy.  He will also touch upon challenges for those funds and the changing nature of private equity’s competitive landscape.