# 10月20日（火）国内初「森林ファンド」1000億円投資、
データセンター・クラウド 国が安全認証へ

- Show: ながら日経
- Published: 2026-10-19
- Canonical: https://podc.club/en/episode/1627014612_d7168aeff667.html
- Audio: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/NRBC8020423277.mp3
- Source: Edited from a machine transcript of the first 30 minutes of the episode. Not an official summary.

Japan's first domestic forest fund, led by investment firm Advantage Partners, is set to launch as early as spring 2027 and will invest ¥100 billion over five to seven years to consolidate and monetize private forestry rights. The government announced plans to introduce a national security certification system for data centers and cloud services that would effectively bar operators under Chinese or Russian influence. Hanshin Tigers infielder Sato Teruaki (佐藤輝明), who won the Central League batting Triple Crown this season, was cleared by the club to pursue a Major League Baseball transfer via the posting system.

## What this episode answers

### How does Japan's first domestic forest fund work, and who is participating?

Led by major domestic fund Advantage Partners, the fund will draw in more than ten firms — including financial institutions, trading companies, and general contractors — to invest ¥100 billion over five to seven years, consolidating forestry rights with private capital in what is Japan's first initiative of this kind, with a launch targeted for spring 2027.

### What is the purpose of the government's new data center and cloud security certification system, and who would be excluded?

The system will encourage companies handling sensitive personal data in sectors such as finance and healthcare to use government-certified services; companies under the influence of China, Russia, or similar states are expected to be effectively unable to obtain certification, addressing national-security concerns over digital infrastructure.

### What is the goal of the joint venture between Mitsubishi Electric and a Taiwanese company in the EV sector?

The joint venture combines Mitsubishi Electric's motor-control technology with Hon Hai Precision Industry's development speed to produce EV drive units, positioning the Japan-Taiwan alliance to compete against rapidly rising Chinese rivals.

### Why is Sumitomo Electric opening a subsea power cable factory in the United Kingdom?

The United Kingdom's expanding offshore wind market is driving strong demand for grid reinforcement despite high construction costs; Sumitomo Electric will produce low-loss, long-distance subsea power cables locally to challenge established European competitors.

### What is the background behind the Hanshin Tigers allowing Sato Teruaki to use the posting system?

The club cited Sato's Triple Crown performance this season and his three league championships over six years with the team, with General Manager Shimamura Riichi (島村里市) praising those contributions and supporting his bid to reach the majors at age 27.

## Article

## Japan's First Forest Fund to Invest ¥100 Billion in Consolidated Forestry Rights

Major domestic investment firm Advantage Partners plans to launch a "forest fund" as early as spring 2027. More than ten companies — including financial institutions, trading companies, and general contractors — have joined the framework, with a combined plan to invest ¥100 billion over five to seven years. The initiative aims to aggregate dispersed forestry rights using private capital and generate returns from them, making it the first fund of its kind in Japan.

## Government to Create National Security Certification for Data Centers and Cloud Services, Effectively Barring Chinese and Russian Operators

The government will establish a new certification scheme covering the safety of data centers and cloud services. Companies that handle sensitive personal information in sectors such as finance and healthcare will be encouraged to use only government-certified services. Companies under the influence of China, Russia, or similar states are expected to be effectively unable to obtain certification under the framework. The overarching goal is to strengthen the security of Japan's digital infrastructure.

## Three Industry Stories — EVs, Subsea Cables, and Plastic Feedstock

**Mitsubishi Electric × Hon Hai Precision Industry: Japan-Taiwan Joint Venture to Develop EV Drive Units** Mitsubishi Electric and Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry announced on the 19th that a jointly established company will develop drive units — a core component of electric vehicles. The partnership combines Mitsubishi Electric's motor-control expertise with Hon Hai's rapid development capability, positioning the Japan-Taiwan alliance to compete against rapidly rising Chinese rivals in the EV space.

**Sumitomo Electric: New Subsea Power Cable Plant Opens in the United Kingdom** Sumitomo Electric Industries opened a new subsea power cable factory in the United Kingdom on the 19th, a market where offshore wind power is spreading widely. Despite high construction costs, grid reinforcement continues to drive market growth, and by producing low-loss, long-distance cables locally, the company aims to challenge the European players that currently lead the sector.

**JFE Engineering × Mitsubishi Gas Chemical: Domestic Plastic Feedstock from Household Waste** The two companies will begin a large-scale pilot to produce methanol from household garbage. Methanol is a raw material for plastics and synthetic fibers and is typically derived from natural gas; with procurement made unstable by conflict in the Middle East, the companies are aiming to establish domestic production.

## Hanshin's Sato Teruaki, Central League Triple Crown Winner, to Pursue MLB

The Hanshin Tigers announced on the 19th that they will allow infielder Sato Teruaki (27), who won the Central League batting Triple Crown this season, to seek a transfer to Major League Baseball via the posting system. General Manager Shimamura Riichi praised his record — "This year's Triple Crown is a remarkable achievement. He contributed to three league championships in six years with the club" — and described the club's decision as one made to support Sato's challenge.

## Announcer Terashima on University Baseball and the NPB Draft

Host announcer Terashima Keita (寺島恵太) visited Jingu Stadium the day before yesterday (Sunday) to call a Tokyo Big6 Baseball League game. The match he covered — Keio vs. Meiji — was one in which a Keio win would have clinched the autumn league title, but Meiji rallied from a deficit to win, leveling the series at one win apiece. Meiji then won again the following day, taking the series two wins to one and claiming the league point. The title race is now narrowed to three schools — Keio, Meiji, and Rikkyo — with all three idle this weekend; the outcome is expected to be settled in the Meiji vs. Rikkyo games on October 31 and November 1, followed by the Keio vs. Waseda games on November 7 and 8. Terashima sent a message of encouragement to the players: "For the fourth-years, this is their final tournament. I hope they finish on a note they can be proud of." He also looked ahead to the NPB Draft scheduled for this Thursday, highlighting the lottery draw used when multiple teams select the same player in the first round and the waiver-order system used in the second and third rounds, and discussing the strategic considerations facing each club.

## Takeaways

- Advantage Partners will launch Japan's first forest fund in spring 2027, with more than ten participating firms targeting ¥100 billion in investment over five to seven years.
- The government will establish a security certification scheme for data centers and cloud services that effectively excludes operators under Chinese or Russian influence.
- The Hanshin Tigers confirmed they will allow Central League Triple Crown winner Sato Teruaki to pursue MLB via the posting system.