TOKYO -- When Kentaro Okuda joined Nomura Securities in 1987, the Japanese company was poised to conquer the global investment banking industry.
Unfazed by that year's Black Monday stock crash, Nomura began remodeling the London's landmark General Post Office building into its European headquarters. The opening ceremony in 1990 was a lavish affair attended by Britain's finance minister and soon-to-be prime minister, John Major. The London Symphony Orchestra performed for guests including Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
