In the latest episode of the Cross-border Tax Talks podcast, host Doug McHoney, PwC's International Tax Services Global Leader, sits down with Shin Yamaguchi, a tax partner at PwC Japan and host of the English-language podcast Dial in Japan. They delve into Japan's current inbound and outbound investment climate, the impact of supply-chain diversification and energy security on Japanese outbound strategy, and why Japan's unique tax culture—notably its three-month corporate tax return deadline—is driving centralization in tax functions as Pillar Two implementation looms.
Yamaguchi explains that Japan's compliance culture, combined with the fast-approaching global minimum tax rules, is pushing companies to consolidate tax responsibilities. The conversation also covers the evolving inbound deals environment and the role of geopolitics in shaping investment flows, particularly around energy and critical minerals. For professionals navigating cross-border taxation, this episode offers timely insights into one of Asia's most dynamic economies.