Coronavirus pushes corporate Japan into a 'virtual' AGM season

Companies scramble to adapt as pandemic makes it hard for shareholders to meet

20200602 Toyota

Visitors to Toyota's annual shareholder meeting last year examine one of the carmaker's models. This year the company is urging its investors not to attend

JADA NAGUMO, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Japan is heading into its peak season for annual shareholder meetings with companies racing to implement safety measures and find effective ways for investors to meet and vote amid the coronavirus pandemic.

June is usually a whirlwind of annual general meetings across Japan. Large companies welcome thousands of investors to events that are part official business, part marketing opportunity, with shareholders enjoying corporate hospitality and the odd freebie.

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