Trading Up with TRADERS

Actually, this is the first time for me to interview someone with as much knowledge and experience as you, Mr. Kanamaru—being 96 years old and having accomplished so much throughout your life. So first, I would like to ask about your philosophy and approach in leading this company. Your company’s FX trading system, “Minna-no FX,” has been widely recognized for its technological strength and impressive growth. Could you share how you came to lead and develop this company? What principles or missions have guided you in steering its course?

Well, it’s a complex matter. Over the years, I’ve seen many ups and downs. But as an old soldier, having been around for a long time, I have always believed that leadership requires adaptability. The industry we are in—foreign exchange and financial trading—is one of constant innovation. Japan’s financial landscape has evolved dramatically, and so have we. Originally, our business was rooted in commodity futures trading business like azuki beans and raw silk.. Over time, as the markets and technologies changed, we shifted from those traditional commodities towards foreign exchange, which is a truly global and market.

You mentioned starting with commodities futures like azuki beans and other products, then shifting to foreign exchange. What prompted that shift? Why move from those traditional commodities to currency trading?

As the trend toward globalization accelerated and regulations surrounding the commodity futures trading business changed, the commodity futures market in Japan began to shrink. Foreign exchange, however, represents the economic strength of entire nations. Currency trading reflects the industrial and political power of countries globally. While commodities futures were primarily domestic or regional, FX is inherently international. So ultimately, transitioning to FX was a natural and strategic progression.

Dealing Room Signage

To put this in historical context, your company was founded in 1999, shortly after Japan’s 1998 financial deregulation, known as the “Financial Big Bang.” Could you explain how this environment influenced your decision to start Traders Holdings?

Before 1998, foreign exchange trading was largely confined to banks and certain financial institutions. The 1998 Financial Big Bang deregulated Japan’s financial markets, allowing non-financial companies to participate in FX trading legally. At the same time, the Internet was beginning to proliferate both globally and in Japan, making it accessible to the general public at an unprecedented speed. Seeing these two factors—the legal opening of the FX market and the rapid spread of Internet technology—I realized this was the perfect opportunity to pivot from the limitations of commodity futures into the broader, more dynamic FX market. That insight led to founding Traders Holdings in 1999, 26 years ago.

Moving forward, your company has transitioned from commodities futures to FX and now deals with innovative new products like crypto-assets and derivatives. How do you envision the company maintaining value and ensuring sustainable growth amidst such rapid product diversification and technological progress?

At its core, we are brokers facilitating trades that reflect the strength of nations. The currencies we trade—Japanese yen, US dollar, British pound—represent each country’s economic power. So trading FX is essentially trading national strength. Our role is to provide a platform where investors can buy and sell these currencies, which fluctuate based on geopolitical and economic factors. The key to growth and maintaining value lies in how we expand the business while continuously delivering value through reliable technology, customer support, and market insight.

The secret is understanding that FX trading is about people first—people, assets, and capital. Among these, people are paramount. Without good people, even the best system or capital won’t succeed. This is a fundamental principle that applies universally.

Dealing Room

That leads nicely to my next question. Throughout your long career, who or what has had the greatest influence on shaping you as a leader? Are there specific individuals, events, or ideas that stand out as pivotal in your development?

It’s difficult to point to one person or event. I was born in 1928, during the Showa era, and have lived through many historic political and economic upheavals—two world wars, the rise and fall of Japan’s national power, shifts in economic ideologies including modern and Marxist economics, and the global changes that followed. I have been influenced broadly by history, economics, and literature. The constant debates between capitalist and Marxist philosophies, the emergence of China as an economic power—these have all shaped my worldview. So rather than a single person, it is the vast sweep of history, politics, economics, and culture over nearly a century that has influenced me deeply.

Recently, your company has also been teaching finance and econopmic-related courses at elementary, junior high school and University, passing on your knowledge and experience to the younger generation. What motivates you to engage in education and mentorship?

People are the foundation of everything. Education is paramount. Just as parents want the best education for their children to succeed in life, companies need to invest in nurturing the next generation of leaders.

I am not a politician and have no grand ambitions beyond my company. But I believe strongly in supporting young people to develop their skills and knowledge—whether in the humanities or sciences—so they can contribute to society and carry forward Japan’s future.

Financial and Economic Education (Job Shadowing)

Looking ahead, what kind of pride and goals do you hope your company and its employees will achieve? What do you envision for their future?

It is natural to want to become excellent in whatever you do. Since we specialize in FX, an international business, our employees must become experts in this field. Regardless of rank or gender, everyone should share this expertise and commitment. We want our people to be knowledgeable, skilled, and proud of their work, because currency trading reflects the economic power of nations. The strength of our employees is the strength of the company.

Market Division World Clocks

Regarding the many new products emerging in financial markets—crypto assets, derivatives, and so on—how do you see these evolving? Do you plan to expand aggressively into these areas, or will you maintain a focus on FX?

Our core business will remain FX because it reflects the economic fundamentals of countries.  Foreign exchange is a reliable market that reflects the strength of a country and supports our business foundation. On the other hand, with regard to new financial products such as crypto assets, we are developing a service called crypto assets CFDs, with an eye on future growth potential. We do monitor these innovations and are open to incorporating relevant products, but FX trading remains our specialty. We focus on providing robust systems, accurate information, and education to our clients so they can manage risk and build assets responsibly.

Thank you for such comprehensive insights. Finally, on a personal note, how do you maintain your stamina and energy at your age?

I’m just an ordinary man with ordinary strength. I do what I can with the time I have."

For more information, visit their website at: https://www.tradershd.com/en/