Why Japan invests a lot of money abroad? -

I ve read that Japanese investment is helping to improve the economies of several countries worldwide. Some even say that as long as Japan has this cash surplus, a specific country s economy will do well. Why is Japan driven to invest a lot of money (FDI and FII) in foreign countries?

Japan is driven to invest a lot of money through Foreign Direct Investments and Foreign Institutional Investor for the same reason China and India are: Increase profits and influence the financial and political position of their country and others. Venezuela owns Citgo; Nestle was founded in a foreign country, and its headquarters are in Vevey, Switzerland. The U.S. invests in other countries, too: China, Russia, India, England, etc., etc.

Political leverage. If I give you money, at a later time when you come to a crossroads, I remind you I gave you money to get this far, and thus you are obliged to take the path I choose for you.