ITEM 1. REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
October 22, 2009
To Our Shareholders:
We present the Semi-Annual Report of Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) for the six months ended August 31, 2009.
The Net Asset Value per share (“NAV”) of the Fund increased by 38.1% during the six months. The Fund’s closing market price on the New York Stock Exchange was $7.95, representing a discount of 11.27% to the NAV of $8.96. The net assets of the Fund were $190,278,636 on August 31, 2009.
The Fund’s benchmark—the Russell/ Nomura Small Cap™ Index (“R/N Small Cap Index”)—increased by 43.2% in United States (“U.S.”) dollar terms. During the six months ended August 31, 2009, the Fund underperformed the R/N Small Cap Index by 5.1%. The TOPIX, consisting of all companies listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (the “TSE”), increased by 34.4% and the Nikkei Average Index, a price-weighted index of the 225 leading stocks on the TSE, increased by 46.0% in U.S. dollar terms for the six months ended August 31, 2009.
The Japanese yen (“Yen”) appreciated by 5.1% against the U.S. dollar during the period.
The Portfolio
Equity holdings represented 99.4% of the Fund’s net assets at August 31, 2009. The Fund held 146 portfolio companies, of which 129 were TSE First Section stocks, three were TSE Second Section stocks, eight were JASDAQ stocks and six were other smaller capitalization stocks, comprising 88.4%, 1.2%, 3.8%, and 6.0%, respectively, of net assets on August 31, 2009.
Performance
Stock attribution analysis shows that some holdings in the domestic demand related sectors, such as Jupiter Telecommunication Co., Ltd. in the Information and Communications sector, Moshi Moshi Hotline, Inc. in the Service sector, and Daibiru Corporation in the Real Estate
sector detracted from the relative return. Stock holdings from other domestic consumption related sectors, such as restaurant/ food service companies Hiday Hidaka Corp. and Doutor Nichires Holdings, Co., Ltd. also had a negative impact on the relative performance. Meanwhile, some holdings in the Electrical Appliances sector, such as Taiyo Yuden Co., Ltd., Daishinku Corp. and Yaskawa Electric Corporation contributed to the relative performance. Stock holdings from other sectors, such as Hitachi Chemicals Company, Ltd. and Hitachi Metals, Ltd. also added value during the review period.
Market Review
The R/N Small Cap Index gained 35.6% in local currency terms for the six months ended August 31, 2009. The R/N Small Cap Index outperformed the broad Japanese stock market, measured by the TOPIX, which rose by 27.6%.
The Japanese small capitalization market moved almost in parallel with the broad Japanese market over the period from February to August 2009. Japanese stock prices resumed their decline from February to March and most stock indices in Japan ended this period lower. A sharp rebound from the market low in the middle of March failed to offset losses incurred earlier. Amid the weakening global economy, ailing financial institutions in Europe and the U.S. reminded investors of the dire conditions in the credit markets by announcing massive losses. Meanwhile, economic stimulus policies and measures to stabilize the financial system appeared to lag behind market participants’ expectations, which were seemingly heightened by the inauguration of President Obama and his administration in the United States. Quarterly earnings announcements revealed substantial losses from leading Japanese companies, which were larger than consensus estimates and further undermined market sentiment.
In the April-June quarter, the Japanese stock market produced a strong rebound. Industrial production levels for various industry categories have bounced back from their first quarter lows, and the excessively pessimistic outlook for the global economy appears to have improved. Fiscal year end earnings reporting brought surprisingly solid guidance from firms within the economic sensitive sectors, helping to dismiss some of the more cautious market estimates. In addition, the absence of any negative surprises from the stress tests on government fund recipients in the U.S. Financial sector appeared to soothe the mounting concerns about the health of the financial system. Expectations of massive fiscal spending in many of the major economies also seemed to support investor sentiment. International and domestic individual investors both remained net buyers of
Japanese stocks throughout the review period.
After a temporary lull, the stock market recovery resumed during July and August, and Japanese stock prices began to catch up with the robust performance of the global stock markets as the quarterly earnings reporting season for Japanese companies commenced later in the month. Towards the climax of the earnings reporting season for the April-June quarter, the significant recovery in profit margins from the last quarter seemed to make investors wary of a potential overshoot in first half results.
Outlook and Strategy
Japan's economy appears to have bottomed out during the April-June quarter, and on several measures the subsequent recovery has managed to surpass earlier expectations. Several factors have contributed to the turnaround - primarily the fiscal stimulus policies implemented by governments worldwide, followed by the resulting turnaround in external demand, and the inventory restocking process. These are all expected to continue exerting a positive influence on the economy. Analysis of corporate production forecasts also suggests the rebound in Japanese production activity could continue over the coming months. In August, the Fund therefore made an upward adjustment to its real GDP outlook for Japan for FY2009 from -3.2% to -2.5%. The projection for FY2010 is unchanged at +1.1%. While the positive effects may have been sustained for longer than expected, the Fund upholds its view that the economic growth momentum will start to wane after the governmental policy support has been scaled back. Governments worldwide will eventually face constraints limiting their ability to maintain such aggressive fiscal stimulus policies.
Earnings upgrades were widespread at the latest quarterly results announcements. Along with the solid production recovery, massive cost reduction efforts and declining material costs have lowered corporate break-even points, particularly within the manufacturing sectors.
An unprecedented electoral swing saw the Democratic Party of Japan (“DPJ”) win a majority in the House of Representatives election on August 30th. Nevertheless, the shift in political power may have a limited impact on overall economic growth. Benefits from DPJ policies such as the removal of highway tolls and new childcare allowances will be largely offset by cuts in public spending and tax deductions. However, the early stages of a change in administration could also result in some confusion over the implementation of new policies.
Since the sharp rebound during the April-June quarter, the stock market has
failed to show any clear directional trend. Stock price volatility has been decreasing and the performance dispersion between sectors has narrowed. Under such an investment environment, bottom-up considerations are more crucial than the top-down strategy. Therefore, the Fund will continue to focus more on corporate fundamentals and explore the companies that have the potential to recover their previous peak earnings levels. The Fund will continue to pay close attention to relative valuations of stocks within each sector and select undervalued stocks with relatively steady earnings momentum.
We appreciate your continuing support of your Fund.
Sincerely,
/s/ Shigeru Shinohara
Shigeru Shinohara President
BENCHMARK The Russell/Nomura Small CapTM Index represents approximately 15% of the total market capitalization of the Russell/Nomura Total MarketTM Index. It measures the performance of the smallest Japanese equity securities in the Russell/Nomura Total MarketTM Index. Currently, there are 1,092 securities in the Russell/Nomura Small CapTM Index. |
AVAILABILITY OF QUARTERLY SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. |
PROXY VOTING A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling toll-free 1-800-833-0018; and (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Information about how the Fund voted proxies relating to securities held in the Fund’s portfolio during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available. (1) without charge, upon request, by calling toll-free 1-800-833-0018; and (2) on the SEC’s Website at http://www.sec.gov. |
SHAREHOLDERS ACCOUNT INFORMATION Shareholders whose accounts are held in their own name may contact the Fund’s transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., at (800) 426-5523 for information concerning their accounts. |
INTERNET WEBSITE Nomura Asset Management U.S.A. Inc. has established an Internet website which highlights its history, investment philosophy and process and products, which includes the Fund. The Internet web address is www.nomura.com. We invite you to view the Internet website. |
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
FUND HIGHLIGHTS—AUGUST 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
KEY STATISTICS | | | |
Net Assets | $190,278,636 | |
Net Asset Value per Share | $8.96 | |
Closing NYSE Market Price | $7.95 | |
Percentage Change in Net Asset Value per Share*† | | 38.1% | |
Percentage Change in NYSE Market Price*† | 37.3% | |
MARKET INDICES | | | |
| | | |
Percentage change in market indices:* | | | |
| | YEN | U.S.$ |
Russell/Nomura Small Cap™ Index | 35.6% | 43.2% |
TOPIX | 27.6% | 34.4% |
Nikkei Average | 38.6% | 46.0% |
*From March 1, 2009 through August 31, 2009. | | | |
†Reflects the percentage change in share price. | | | |
ASSET ALLOCATION | | |
Japanese Equities | | |
TSE First Section Stocks | 88.4% | |
JASDAQ Stocks | 3.8% | |
TSE Second Section Stocks | 1.2% | |
Other Smaller Capitalization Stocks . | 6.0% | |
Cash and Cash Equivalents | 0.5% | |
Total Investments | 99.9% | |
Other Assets less Liabilities, Net | 0.1% | |
Net Assets | 100.0% | |
INDUSTRY DIVERSIFICATION | % of Net Assets | | | % of Net Assets |
| | | | |
Services | 12.6 | | Transportation | 4.7 |
Banks and Finance | 10.7 | | Iron and Steel | 4.0 |
Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals | 10.3 | | Wholesale | 3.4 |
Miscellaneous Manufacturing | 9.6 | | Telecommunications | 2.3 |
Electronics | 8.8 | | Information and Software | 2.0 |
Food Manufacturing | 6.5 | | Restaurants | 1.1 |
Retail | 6.3 | | Electric | 0.9 |
Machinery and Machine Tools | 5.3 | | Textiles and Apparel | 0.8 |
Real Estate and Warehouse | 5.2 | | Oil and Gas | 0.3 |
Automotive Equipment and Parts | 4.7 | | | |
| | | | |
TEN LARGEST EQUITY HOLDINGS BY MARKET VALUE |
| |
Security | | |
| | |
Fuyo General Lease Co., Ltd. | $4,006,291 | 2.1 |
Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd. | 3,683,464 | 1.9 |
The Musashino Bank, Ltd. | 3,409,135 | 1.8 |
Daibiru Corporation | 3,359,819 | 1.8 |
Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation | 3,183,878 | 1.7 |
The San-in Godo Bank, Ltd. . | 2,908,973 | 1.5 |
Adeka Corporation | 2,907,837 | 1.5 |
Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | 2,745,599 | 1.4 |
Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd . | 2,733,642 | 1.4 |
Nissay Dowa General Insurance Co., Ltd | 2,640,310 | 1.4 |
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
AUGUST 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
EQUITY SECURITIES | | Shares | | | Cost | | | Market Value | | | % of Net Assets | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Automotive Equipment and Parts | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Eagle Industry Co., Ltd. | | | 183,000 | | | $ | 1,963,446 | | | $ | 1,021,157 | | | | 0.5 | |
Valves and mechanical seals | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exedy Corporation | | | 74,600 | | | | 892,679 | | | | 1,591,167 | | | | 0.8 | |
Drivetrain products | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hino Motors, Ltd. | | | 321,000 | | | | 941,453 | | | | 1,331,305 | | | | 0.7 | |
Diesel buses and trucks | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Keihin Corporation | | | 88,400 | | | | 1,137,136 | | | | 1,472,222 | | | | 0.8 | |
Automotive and machinery parts | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | | | 105,000 | | | | 870,502 | | | | 1,396,908 | | | | 0.7 | |
Lighting equipment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd. | | | 53,600 | | | | 573,454 | | | | 975,228 | | | | 0.5 | |
Ball joints, camshafts, and gears | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nissin Kogyo Co., Ltd. | | | 75,200 | | | | 883,463 | | | | 981,821 | | | | 0.5 | |
Brake systems | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nittan Valve Co., Ltd. | | | 63,900 | | | | 787,456 | | | | 247,119 | | | | 0.2 | |
Engine valves | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Automotive Equipment and Parts | | | | | | | 8,049,589 | | | | 9,016,927 | | | | 4.7 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Banks and Finance | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Aichi Bank, Ltd. | | | 27,500 | | | | 2,558,514 | | | | 2,521,006 | | | | 1.3 | |
General banking services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Bank of Iwate, Ltd. | | | 29,000 | | | | 1,682,057 | | | | 1,702,575 | | | | 0.9 | |
General banking services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Chiba Bank, Ltd. | | | 265,000 | | | | 1,409,509 | | | | 1,672,843 | | | | 0.9 | |
General banking services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Hachijuni Bank, Ltd. | | | 268,000 | | | | 1,648,133 | | | | 1,541,657 | | | | 0.8 | |
General banking services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Iwai Securities Co., Ltd. | | | 137,200 | | | | 3,169,039 | | | | 1,254,797 | | | | 0.7 | |
Financial services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Kabu.com Securities Co., Ltd. | | | 432 | | | | 580,064 | | | | 539,825 | | | | 0.2 | |
Online brokerage | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Keiyo Bank, Ltd. | | | 377,000 | | | | 1,825,568 | | | | 2,050,899 | | | | 1.1 | |
General banking services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Matsui Securities Co., Ltd. | | | 50,300 | | | | 443,252 | | | | 467,075 | | | | 0.2 | |
Online brokerage | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Mie Bank, Ltd. | | | 499,000 | | | | 2,299,483 | | | | 1,800,765 | | | | 1.0 | |
General banking services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Monex Group Inc. | | | 1,270 | | | | 553,822 | | | | 538,344 | | | | 0.3 | |
Online brokerage | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements | |
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS-Continued
AUGUST 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
| | Shares | | | Cost | | | Market Value | | | % of Net Assets | |
The Musashino Bank, Ltd. Regional bank | | | 95,900 | | | $ | 3,521,527 | | | $ | 3,409,135 | | | | 1.8 | |
The San-in Godo Bank, Ltd. General banking services | | | 314,000 | | | | 2,742,460 | | | | 2,908,973 | | | | 1.5 | |
Total Banks and Finance | | | | | | | 22,433,428 | | | | 20,407,894 | | | | 10.7 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adeka Corporation Resin products | | | 288,700 | | | | 2,766,924 | | | | 2,907,837 | | | | 1.5 | |
Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd Organic/inorganic chemicals | | | 568,000 | | | | 2,568,910 | | | | 3,683,464 | | | | 1.9 | |
Daiso Co., Ltd. Caustic soda | | | 110,000 | | | | 285,091 | | | | 316,385 | | | | 0.3 | |
Hitachi Chemical Company, Ltd. Semiconductor materials | | | 99,800 | | | | 1,738,143 | | | | 2,065,235 | | | | 1.1 | |
Koatsu Gas Kogyo Co., Ltd. High-pressured gases and chemicals | | | 199,000 | | | | 1,123,384 | | | | 1,221,911 | | | | 0.6 | |
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Pharmaceuticals and medical equipment | | | 22,500 | | | | 730,135 | | | | 1,013,142 | | | | 0.5 | |
Lintec Corporation Adhesive products | | | 96,100 | | | | 1,548,244 | | | | 2,019,725 | | | | 1.1 | |
Miraca Holdings Inc. Medical drugs and equipment | | | 33,100 | | | | 706,993 | | | | 957,379 | | | | 0.5 | |
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc. Xylene and methanol producer | | | 203,000 | | | | 1,093,690 | | | | 1,196,176 | | | | 0.6 | |
Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd. Synthetic resins | | | 156,000 | | | | 1,140,593 | | | | 1,477,152 | | | | 0.8 | |
Rohto Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. Pharmaceuticals manufacturer | | | 214,000 | | | | 2,427,766 | | | | 2,745,599 | | | | 1.4 | |
Total Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals | | | | | | | 16,129,873 | | | | 19,604,005 | | | | 10.3 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Electric | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mirai Industry Co., Ltd. Plastic molded electric materials | | | 182,400 | | | | 1,263,500 | | | | 1,727,131 | | | | 0.9 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Electronics | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Daishinku Corp Monolithic crystal filters | | | 434,000 | | | | 2,403,351 | | | | 1,804,632 | | | | 1.0 | |
Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. Semiconductors | | | 62,100 | | | | 1,712,839 | | | | 1,327,895 | | | | 0.7 | |
Hitachi Cable, Ltd. Cable and electronic equipment | | | 413,000 | | | | 1,222,122 | | | | 1,383,637 | | | | 0.7 | |
See notes to financial statements | |
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS-Continued
AUGUST 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | Market Value | | | | % of Net Assets | |
JVC Kenwood Holdings Ltd.† Home and mobile electronics | | | 1,646,000 | | | $ | 1,265,177 | | | $ | 922,030 | | | | 0.4 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Kanaden Corporation Components and devices | | | 26,000 | | | | 159,757 | | | | 156,286 | | | | 0.1 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Kuroda Electric Co., Ltd. Semiconductor devices | | | 32,900 | | | | 231,663 | | | | 462,861 | | | | 0.2 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Minebea Co., Ltd. Ball bearings Ball bearings | | | 233,000 | | | | 1,245,987 | | | | 1,084,305 | | | | 0.6 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sanshin Electronics Co., Ltd Semiconductors | | | 225,300 | | | | 2,575,850 | | | | 1,856,668 | | | | 1.0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd. Semiconductor packages | | | 80,600 | | | | 709,348 | | | | 1,507,289 | | | | 0.8 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Taiyo Yuden Co., Ltd. Electronic components | | | 201,000 | | | | 1,374,318 | | | | 2,403,426 | | | | 1.3 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tomen Devices Corporation Semiconductors | | | 58,500 | | | | 1,219,157 | | | | 1,071,313 | | | | 0.6 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Toshiba Tec Corporation Electronic equipment | | | 158,000 | | | | 470,535 | | | | 684,218 | | | | 0.3 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Yaskawa Electric Corporation Servomotors and industrial robots | | | 286,000 | | | | 1,807,713 | | | | 2,070,365 | | | | 1.1 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Electronics | | | | | | | 16,397,817 | | | | 16,734,925 | | | | 8.8 | |
Food Manufacturing | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Doutor Nichires Holdings Co., Ltd. Coffee and restaurant chain | | | 124,000 | | | | 2,117,658 | | | | 1,874,092 | | | | 1.0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fuji Oil Co., Ltd. Palm oil and coconut oil | | | 76,400 | | | | 877,680 | | | | 1,074,851 | | | | 0.6 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hokuto Corporation Mushrooms | | | 88,100 | | | | 1,747,544 | | | | 2,078,412 | | | | 1.1 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
J-Oil Mills, Inc. Cooking oil | | | 186,000 | | | | 704,546 | | | | 691,264 | | | | 0.4 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd.† Confectionery | | | 11,500 | | | | 440,852 | | | | 470,753 | | | | 0.3 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mitsui Sugar Co., Ltd. Sugar and related products | | | 95,000 | | | | 364,177 | | | | 351,018 | | | | 0.2 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd. Dairy products | | | 154,000 | | | | 591,512 | | | | 673,532 | | | | 0.4 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nichirei Corporation Frozen foods, ice, and meat products | | | 365,000 | | | | 1,454,902 | | | | 1,415,491 | | | | 0.7 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nippon Flour Mills Co., Ltd. Flour | | | 309,000 | | | | 1,417,943 | | | | 1,591,102 | | | | 0.8 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS-Continued
AUGUST 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
| | | Shares | | | | Cost | | | | Market Value | | | | % of Net Assets | |
Oenon Holdings, Inc.. Rice wine and spirits | | | 236,000 | | | $ | 559,161 | | | $ | 538,964 | | | | 0.2 | |
Q.P. Corporation Various food products | | | 66,100 | | | | 797,954 | | | | 712,054 | | | | 0.4 | |
Warabeya Nichiyo Co., Ltd. Prepared boxed lunches | | | 51,000 | | | | 648,251 | | | | 645,535 | | | | 0.3 | |
Yonekyu Corporation Processed meats | | | 26,500 | | | | 271,442 | | | | 262,345 | | | | 0.1 | |
Total Food Manufacturing | | | | | | | 11,993,622 | | | | 12,379,413 | | | | 6.5 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Information and Software | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Internet Initiative Japan Inc. Internet connection services | | | 34 | | | | 77,525 | | | | 81,530 | | | | 0.1 | |
NSD Co., Ltd. Computer software development | | | 49,200 | | | | 483,222 | | | | 523,111 | | | | 0.3 | |
Sato Corporation Automation recognition systems | | | 64,300 | | | | 589,726 | | | | 840,894 | | | | 0.4 | |
Works Applications Co., Ltd. Payroll software | | | 661 | | | | 504,703 | | | | 433,641 | | | | 0.2 | |
Yokogawa Electric Corporation IT solutions | | | 200,500 | | | | 1,362,347 | | | | 1,727,890 | | | | 0.9 | |
Zappallas, Inc. Mobile phones internet content | | | 130 | | | | 245,780 | | | | 247,453 | | | | 0.1 | |
Total Information and Softwar | | | | | | | 3,263,303 | | | | 3,854,519 | | | | 2.0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Iron and Steel | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hanwa Co., Ltd. Steel imports/exports | | | 375,000 | | | | 1,549,304 | | | | 1,482,549 | | | | 0.8 | |
Hitachi Metals, Ltd. Specialty steel and metal | | | 167,000 | | | | 892,313 | | | | 1,705,440 | | | | 0.9 | |
Neturen Co., Ltd. Induction hardening equipment | | | 255,200 | | | | 2,438,494 | | | | 1,976,611 | | | | 1.0 | |
Nisshin Steel Co., Ltd. Hot/cold rolled steel | | | 346,000 | | | | 737,001 | | | | 704,449 | | | | 0.4 | |
Osaka Steel Co., Ltd. Electric furnace steelmaker | | | 42,100 | | | | 611,855 | | | | 753,746 | | | | 0.4 | |
Yamato Kogyo Co., Ltd Railroad related products | | | 30,000 | | | | 1,088,275 | | | | 898,416 | | | | 0.5 | |
Total Iron and Steel | | | | | | | 7,317,242 | | | | 7,521,211 | | | | 4.0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Machinery and Machine Tools Kato Works Co., Ltd. | | | 321,000 | | | | 1,236,912 | | | | 781,493 | | | | 0.4 | |
Construction and industrial machinery | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS-Continued
AUGUST 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | Market Value | | | | % of Net Assets | |
Mimasu Semiconductor Industry Co., Ltd. | | | 156,800 | | | $ | 1,718,836 | | | $ | 2,168,816 | | | | 1.1 | |
Silicon and gallium | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Misumi Group Inc. . | | | 59,600 | | | | 734,819 | | | | 1,107,508 | | | | 0.6 | |
Precision machinery parts | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Modec, Inc. | | | 76,300 | | | | 1,357,370 | | | | 1,498,383 | | | | 0.8 | |
Extraction machinery for marine use | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NS Tool Co., Ltd. | | | 6,700 | | | | 359,556 | | | | 151,567 | | | | 0.1 | |
Industrial cutting tools | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
O-M Ltd. | | | 276,000 | | | | 1,384,822 | | | | 1,043,585 | | | | 0.6 | |
Automatic packaging equipment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Taiho Kogyo Co., Ltd. | | | 173,600 | | | | 2,034,521 | | | | 1,327,760 | | | | 0.7 | |
Metal forgings | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trusco Nakayama Corporation | | | 40,400 | | | | 560,591 | | | | 679,354 | | | | 0.4 | |
Industrial machinery | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tsubakimoto Chain Co. | | | 105,000 | | | | 326,957 | | | | 458,095 | | | | 0.2 | |
Power transmission equipment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Yuken Kogyo Co., Ltd. | | | 483,000 | | | | 1,758,317 | | | | 822,083 | | | | 0.4 | |
Hydraulic equipment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Machinery and Machine Tools | | | | | | | 11,472,701 | | | | 10,038,644 | | | | 5.3 | |
Miscellaneous Manufacturing | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fujimi Incorporated | | | 37,900 | | | | 712,545 | | | | 589,546 | | | | 0.3 | |
Silicon wafer polishing materials | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Furuno Electric Co., Ltd. | | | 170,100 | | | | 2,218,524 | | | | 963,833 | | | | 0.5 | |
Marine equipment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hokuetsu Paper Mills, Ltd. | | | 141,500 | | | | 839,439 | | | | 769,767 | | | | 0.4 | |
Paper and pulp | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Horiba, Ltd. | | | 44,300 | | | | 1,013,195 | | | | 1,006,927 | | | | 0.5 | |
Measuring instruments and analyzers | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Japan Digital Laboratory Co., Ltd. | | | 80,600 | | | | 1,002,776 | | | | 1,123,520 | | | | 0.6 | |
Computers for accounting and financial use | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Kansai Paint Co., Ltd. | | | 272,000 | | | | 1,503,923 | | | | 2,221,006 | | | | 1.2 | |
Paint | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Kitz Corporation | | | 126,000 | | | | 381,453 | | | | 574,146 | | | | 0.3 | |
Industrial valves | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mani, Inc. | | | 9,500 | | | | 585,503 | | | | 644,727 | | | | 0.3 | |
Medical goods and equipment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd . | | | 954,000 | | | | 2,216,731 | | | | 2,733,642 | | | | 1.4 | |
Non-ferrous metals | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nihon Kohden Corporation | | | 67,700 | | | | 883,487 | | | | 1,112,167 | | | | 0.6 | |
Medical equipment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements
JAPAN SMALLER CAPI TALIZATION FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS-Continued
AUGUST 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
| | | Shares | | | | | | | | Market Value | | | | % of Net Assets | |
Nippon Paper Group, Inc. Paper and pulp | | | 13,300 | | | $ | 376,264 | | | $ | 391,851 | | | | 0.3 | |
Nitta Corporation Processed rubber products | | | 57,200 | | | | 837,214 | | | | 916,260 | | | | 0.5 | |
Rengo Co., Ltd. Corrugated and paperboard containers | | | 46,000 | | | | 285,741 | | | | 287,407 | | | | 0.2 | |
Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd. Rubber and plastic products | | | 151,400 | | | | 2,377,694 | | | | 1,875,579 | | | | 1.0 | |
Toyo Tanso Co., Ltd. Carbon and graphite | | | 7,500 | | | | 541,568 | | | | 423,355 | | | | 0.2 | |
The Yokohama Rubber Company Limited Rubber products | | | 488,000 | | | | 2,078,521 | | | | 2,549,607 | | | | 1.3 | |
Total Miscellaneous Manufacturin | | | | | | | 17,854,578 | | | | 18,183,340 | | | | 9.6 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Oil and Gas | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd. Industrial products | | | 110,000 | | | | 437,278 | | | | 566,412 | | | | 0.3 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Real Estate and Warehouse | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Daibiru Corporation Leases office buildings, apartments and hotels | | | 371,300 | | | | 3,666,539 | | | | 3,359,819 | | | | 1.8 | |
Goldcrest Co., Ltd. Real estate management services | | | 27,260 | | | | 756,557 | | | | 800,210 | | | | 0.4 | |
The Sankei Building Co., Ltd. Leases office buildings and store spaces | | | 61,200 | | | | 377,895 | | | | 475,993 5 | | | | 0.3 | |
Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. Prefabricated residential housing | | | 296,000 | | | | 1,946,381 | | | | 1,894,043 | | | | 1.0 | |
Shoei Company, Limited Real estate operator | | | 52,600 | | | | 435,014 | | | | 424,970 | | | | 0.1 | |
Sumitomo Real Estate Sales Co., Ltd. Brokerage services | | | 33,740 | | | | 1,277,273 | | | | 1,457,475 | | | | 0.8 | |
TOC Co., Ltd.. Commercial building leasing | | | 304,500 | | | | 1,158,966 | | | | 1,462,965 | | | | 0.8 | |
Total Real Estate and Warehouse | | | | | | | 9,618,625 | | | | 9,875,47 | | | | 5.2 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Restaurants | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hiday Hidaka Corp. Chinese restaurant chain | | | 178,800 | | | | 1,637,153 | | | | 2,141,825 | | | | 1.1 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Retail | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Askul Corporation Office equipment | | | 18,500 | | | | 356,238 | | | | 369,681 | | | | 0.2 | |
Canon Marketing Japan Inc. Canon products distributor | | | 138,800 | | | | 1,980,774 | | | | 2,339,998 | | | | 1.2 | |
See notes to financial statements
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS-Continued
AUGUST 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
| | | Shares | | | | Cost | | | | Market Value | | | | % of Net Assets | |
Cawachi Limited | | | 20,700 | | | $ | 516,355 | | | $ | 445,977 | | | | 0.2 | |
Drug store chain | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Felissimo Corporation | | | 79,100 | | | | 1,830,600 | | | | 1,463,048 | | | | 0.8 | |
Catalog shopping | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fields Corporation | | | 268 | | | | 416,173 | | | | 402,159 | | | | 0.2 | |
Pinball machines | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ministop Co., Ltd. | | | 43,500 | | | | 667,525 | | | | 712,270 | | | | 0.4 | |
Convenience stores | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nitori Co., Ltd. | | | 12,850 | | | | 699,821 | | | | 996,661 | | | | 0.5 | |
Furniture store chain | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Otsuka Kagu, Ltd. | | | 53,800 | | | | 407,012 | | | | 537,826 | | | | 0.3 | |
Furniture and interior dècor | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shimachu Co., Ltd. | | | 103,200 | | | | 2,432,871 | | | | 2,440,203 | | | | 1.3 | |
Furniture store chain | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Xebio Co., Ltd. | | | 76,500 | | | | 1,492,424 | | | | 1,668,776 | | | | 0.9 | |
Sporting goods | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Yaoko Co., Ltd. | | | 18,200 | | | | 498,190 | | | | 592,093 | | | | 0.3 | |
Supermarkets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Retail | | | | | | | 11,297,983 | | | | 11,968,692 | | | | 6.3 | |
Services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Asahi Net, Inc. | | | 213,000 | | | | 688,147 | | | | 647,054 | | | | 0.3 | |
Internet access | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
EPS Co., Ltd. | | | 185 | | | | 775,635 | | | | 763,277 | | | | 0.4 | |
Clinical testing | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fuyo General Lease Co., Ltd. | | | 178,800 | | | | 4,034,178 | | | | 4,006,291 | | | | 2.1 | |
Machinery leasing | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
GMO Internet, Inc. | | | 235,700 | | | | 1,085,568 | | | | 1,033,393 | | | | 0.5 | |
Server rental and internet domain name registration | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Kyoritsu Maintenance Co., Ltd. | | | 63,500 | | | | 1,148,978 | | | | 1,053,431 | | | | 0.6 | |
Student dormitories | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Moshi Moshi Hotline, Inc. | | | 129,150 | | | | 3,000,375 | | | | 2,518,168 | | | | 1.3 | |
Marketing | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NEC Networks & System Integration Corporation | | | 159,600 | | | | 1,976,991 | | | | 2,195,510 | | | | 1.2 | |
Communication systems | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nippo Corporation | | | 117,000 | | | | 840,528 | | | | 1,014,597 | | | | 0.5 | |
Heavy construction | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nissay Dowa General Insurance Co., Ltd. | | | 516,000 | | | | 2,479,683 | | | | 2,640,310 | | | | 1.4 | |
Automobile, fire, accident, and marine insurance | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
OBIC Co., Ltd. | | | 8,580 | | | | 1,383,327 | | | | 1,405,815 | | | | 0.7 | |
Computer system integration | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS-Continued
AUGUST 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | Cost | | | | Market Value | | | | % of Net Assets | |
Rakuten, Inc. | | | 4,347 | | | $ | 2,473,449 | | | $ | 2,631,707 | | | | 1.4 | |
Manages consumer websites | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ricoh Leasing Company, Ltd. | | | 29,300 | | | | 551,088 | | | | 637,574 | | | | 0.3 | |
Office automation equipment leasing | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
So-Net Entertainment Corporation | | | 170 | | | | 384,296 | | | | 340,256 | | | | 0.3 | |
Internet service provider | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Taihei Dengyo Kaisha, Ltd. | | | 142,000 | | | | 1,140,151 | | | | 1,678,057 | | | | 0.9 | |
Chemical plant engineering | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Yahoo Japan Corporation | | | 4,130 | | | | 1,567,623 | | | | 1,408,106 | | | | 0.7 | |
Internet | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Services | | | | | | | 23,530,017 | | | | 23,973,546 | | | | 12.6 | |
Telecommunications | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Daimei Telecom Engineering Corp. | | | 143,100 | | | | 1,379,023 | | | | 1,402,790 | | | | 0.7 | |
Wire installations and related works | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc. | | | 84,000 | | | | 496,617 | | | | 608,079 | | | | 0.4 | |
Wireless communication equipment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
MTI Ltd. | | | 411 | | | | 732,934 | | | | 961,199 | | | | 0.5 | |
Cellular services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Toei Company, Ltd. | | | 243,000 | | | | 1,162,123 | | | | 1,384,757 | | | | 0.7 | |
Movies, tv programs, and video software | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Telecommunications | | | | | | | 3,770,697 | | | | 4,356,825 | | | | 2.3 | |
Textiles and Apparel | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Workman Co., Ltd. | | | 118,300 | | | | 1,467,334 | | | | 1,503,760 | | | | 0.7 | |
Uniforms | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Transportation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Alps Logistics Co., Ltd. | | | 106,900 | | | | 1,170,521 | | | | 1,022,592 | | | | 0.4 | |
Trucking | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Iino Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd. | | | 200,600 | | | | 1,431,905 | | | | 1,043,734 | | | | 0.6 | |
Oil tankers | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Kintetsu World Express Inc. | | | 91,200 | | | | 1,955,542 | | | | 2,092,599 | | | | 1.1 | |
Distribution services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nippon Express Co., Ltd. | | | 274,000 | | | | 1,062,506 | | | | 1,227,879 | | | | 0.7 | |
Freight | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Seino Holding Co., Ltd. | | | 181,000 | | | | 984,978 | | | | 1,616,385 | | | | 0.9 | |
Comprehensive services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Senko Co., Ltd. | | | 480,000 | | | | 1,677,744 | | | | 1,897,662 | | | | 1.0 | |
Trucking and warehousing | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Transportation | | | | | | | 8,283,196 | | | | 8,900,851 | | | | 4.7 | |
See notes to financial statements
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS-Continued
AUGUST 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
| | | Shares | | | | Cost | | | | Market Value | | | | % of Net Assets | |
Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation | | | 157,800 | | | | 3,101,922 | | | | 3,183,878 | | | | 1.7 | |
Electronic components | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Kondotec, Inc. | | | 152,700 | | | | 1,368,770 | | | | 1,052,763 | | | | 0.6 | |
Construction materials | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nagase & Company, Ltd. | | | 113,000 | | | | 1,434,593 | | | | 1,352,397 | | | | 0.7 | |
Dyestuff | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ryoden Trading Company, Ltd. | | | 121,000 | | | | 912,400 | | | | 782,075 | | | | 0.4 | |
Electronic components | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Wholesale | | | | | | | 6,817,685 | | | | 6,371,113 | | | | 3.4 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY SECURITIES | | | | | | $ | 183,035,621 | | | $ | 189,126,508 | | | | 99.4 | |
INVESTMENTS IN FOREIGN CURRENCY Hong Kong Shanghai Bank-Tokyo | | Principal Amount | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-interest bearing account | | JPY 97,724,113 | | | $ | 1,049,595 | | | $ | 1,052,721 | | | | 0.5 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN FOREIGN CURRENCY | | | | | | | 1,049,595 | | | | 1,052,721 | | | | 0.5 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS | | | | | | $ | 184,085,216 | | | $ | 190,179,229 | | | | 99.9 | |
OTHER ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES, NET | | | | | | | | | | | 99,407 | | | | 0.1 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | | | $ | 190,278,636 | | | | 100.0 | |
† Non-income producing security. | | | | |
Portfolio securities and foreign currency holdings were translated at the following exchange rate as of August 31, 2009. |
| | | | |
Japanese Yen JPY ¥ 92.830 = $1.00 |
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AUGUST 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
ASSETS: |
Investments in securities, at market value (cost—$183,035,621) | $189,126,508 |
Investments in foreign currency, at market value (cost—$1,049,595) | 1,052,721 |
Cash and cash equivalents | 333,302 |
Receivable for dividends and interest, net of withholding taxes | 95,722 |
Prepaid expenses | 27,386 |
Total Assets | 190,635,639 |
LIABILITIES: | |
Payable for investments purchased | 32,349 |
Accrued management fees | 157,473 |
Other accrued expenses | 167,181 |
Total Liabilities | 357,003 |
NET ASSETS: | |
Capital stock (par value of 21,242,170 shares of capital stock outstanding, authorized | |
100,000,000, par value $0.10 each) | 2,124,217 |
Paid-in capital | 236,536,143 |
Accumulated net realized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions | (54,737,350) |
Unrealized net appreciation on investments and foreign exchange | 6,095,542 |
Accumulated net investment income | 260,084 |
Net Assets | $190,278,636 |
Net asset value per share | $8.96 |
See notes to financial statements
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2009
(Unaudited)
INCOME: | | |
Dividend income (less $117,223 withholding taxes) | $1,596,288 | |
Interest income | 59 | |
Total Income | | $1,596,347 |
EXPENSES: | | |
Management fees | 807,148 | |
Custodian fees | 112,200 | |
Legal fees | 69,000 | |
Directors’ fees and expenses | 55,568 | |
Auditing and tax reporting fees | 50,080 | |
Shareholder reports | 40,760 | |
Annual meeting expenses | 16,192 | |
Registration fees | 12,880 | |
Transfer agency fees | 4,624 | |
Miscellaneous | 3,544 | |
Insurance | 760 | |
Total Expenses | | 1,172,756 |
INVESTMENT INCOME—NET | | 423,591 |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY: | | |
Realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions: | | |
Net realized loss on investments | | (8,927,253) |
Net realized gain on foreign exchange | | 68,806 |
Net realized loss on investments and foreign exchange | | (8,858,447) |
Change in net unrealized appreciation on translation of foreign currency | | |
and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency | | 2,860,235 |
Change in net unrealized appreciation on investments | | 57,993,755 |
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign exchange | | 51,995,543 |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | | $52,419,134 |
See notes to financial statements
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
| For the Six Months Ended August 31, 2009 (Unaudited) | | For the Year Ended February 28, 2009 |
FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES: | | | |
Net investment income | $ 423,591 | | $ 921,648 |
Net realized loss on investments | (8,927,253) | | (31,999,764) |
Net realized gain on foreign exchange | 68,806 | | 176,441 |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | |
and foreign exchange | 60,853,990 | | (29,741,461) |
Decrease in net assets derived from investment activities and | | | |
net increase (decrease) in net assets | 52,419,134 | | (60,643,136) |
FROM DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | | | |
Net investment income ($0 and $0.114 per share, respectively) | 0 | | (2,421,607) |
Decrease in net assets | 0 | | (2,421,607) |
NET ASSETS: | | | |
Beginning of period | 137,859,502 | | 200,924,245 |
End of period (Including undistributed/(overdistributed) net investment | | | |
income of $260,084 and ($163,507), respectively) | $190,278,636 | | $137,859,502 |
See notes to financial statements
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
August 31, 2009 (Unaudited)
1. Significant Accounting Policies
Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund was incorporated in Maryland on January 25, 1990 and investment operations commenced on March 21,1990.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund.
(a) Valuation of Securities—Investments traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at the last reported sales price as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued or, if none is available, at the mean of the bid and offer price at the close of business on such day or, if none is available, the last reported sales price. Portfolio securities which are traded on stock exchanges are valued at the last sales price on the principal market on which securities are traded or lacking any sales, at the last available bid price. Short-term debt securities which mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity at the date of purchase was 60 days or less, or by amortizing their value on the 61st day prior to maturity if their term to maturity at the date of purchase exceeded 60 days. Securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Directors of the Fund.
(b) Foreign Currency Transactions—Transactions denominated in Japanese yen (“Yen”) are recorded in the Fund’s records at the current prevailing rate at the time of the transaction. Asset and liability accounts that are denominated in Yen are adjusted to reflect the current exchange rate at the end of the period. Transaction gains or losses resulting from changes in the exchange rate during the reporting period or upon settlement of foreign currency transactions are included in operations for the current period.
The net assets of the Fund are presented at the exchange rate and market values at the end of the period. The Fund does not isolate that portion of the change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in the statement of operations arising as a result of changes in Yen rates at August 31, 2009 on investments and other assets and liabilities. Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses includes gains or losses arising from sales of portfolio securities, sales and maturities of short-term securities, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books, and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid.
(c) Security Transactions, Investment Income and Distributions to Shareholders — Security transactions are accounted for on
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
the trade date. Dividend income and distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are calculated on the first in—first out basis.
Distributions from net investment income and net realized gains are determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations, which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles. To the extent these “book/tax” differences are permanent in nature (i.e., that they result from other than timing of recognition—“temporary”), such accounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their Federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. Dividends and distributions which exceed net realized gains for financial reporting purposes, but not for tax purposes, are reported as distributions in excess of net realized gains.
(d) Income Taxes — A provision for United States income taxes has not been made since it is the intention of the Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code and to distribute within the allowable time limit all taxable income to its shareholders.
Under Japanese tax laws, a withholding tax is imposed on dividends at a rate of 15% and on interest at a rate of 15% and such withholding taxes are reflected as a reduction of the related revenue. There is no withholding tax on realized gains.
At February 28, 2009, the components of accumulated earnings on a tax basis were as follows:
Accumulated capital and other | | |
loss deferrals | ($45,782,433) | |
Unrealized depreciation on investments | ($55,279,045) | |
Undistributed ordinary income | $260,620 | |
Total accumulated deficit | ($100,800,858) | |
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended February 28, 2009 and February 29, 2008 were as follows:
| February-09 | February-08 | |
Ordinary Income | $2,421,607 | $74,318 | |
Capital Gains | $0 | $0 | |
In accordance with U.S. Treasury regulations, the Fund has elected to defer $8,955,608 of net realized capital losses arising after October 31, 2008. Such losses are treated for tax purposes as arising on March 1, 2009. The Fund has a capital loss carryforward as of February 28, 2009 of approximately $36,826,825 of which $8,728,309 expires on February 28, 2016 and $28,098,516 expires on February 28, 2017.
(e) Capital Account Reclassification — For the year ended February 28, 2009, the Fund’s accumulated net investment loss was decreased by $1,336,452, the accumulated net realized loss was increased by $1,336,452.
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
These differences were primarily due to the result of the reclassification of foreign currency gains and the tax treatment of passive foreign investment companies.
(f) Use of Estimates in Financial Statement Preparation — The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
(g) Concentration of Risk — A significant portion of the Fund’s net assets consists of Japanese securities which involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with investments in the United States. In addition to the smaller size, and greater volatility, there is often substantially less publicly available information about Japanese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers. Future economic and political developments in Japan could adversely affect the value of securities in which the Fund is invested. Further, the Fund may be exposed to currency devaluation and other exchange rate fluctuations.
(h) Indemnifications—Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising from the performance of their duties to the Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations which provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these agreements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
2. Management Agreement and Transactions With Affiliated Persons
Nomura Asset Management U.S.A. Inc. (the “Manager”) acts as the manager of the Fund pursuant to a management agreement. Under the agreement, the Manager provides all office space, facilities and personnel necessary to perform its duties. Pursuant to such management agreement, the Manager has retained its parent company, Nomura Asset Management Co., Ltd. (the “Investment Adviser”), to act as investment adviser for the Fund.
As compensation for its services to the Fund, the Manager receives a monthly fee at the annual rate of 1.10% of the value of the Fund’s average weekly net assets not in excess of $50 million, 1.00% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets in excess of $50 million but not exceeding $100 million, .90% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets in excess of $100 million but not exceeding $175 million, .80% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets in excess of $175 million but not exceeding $250 million, .70% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets in excess of $250
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
million but not exceeding $325 million, .60% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets in excess of $325 million, but not exceeding $425 million and .50% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets in excess of $425 million. Under the Management Agreement, the Fund accrued fees to the Manager of $807,148 for the six months ended August 31, 2009. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Manager informed the Fund that the Investment Adviser earned fees of $391,893 for the six months ended August 31, 2009. At August 31, 2009, the fee payable to the Manager, by the Fund, was $157,473.
Certain officers and/or directors of the Fund are officers and/or directors of the Manager. Affiliates of Nomura Holdings, Inc. (the Manager’s indirect parent) earned no commissions on the execution of portfolio security transactions for the six months ended August 31, 2009. The Fund pays each Director not affiliated with the Manager an annual fee of $10,000 plus $1,000 per meeting attended, together with such Director’s actual expenses related to attendance at meetings. Mr. Barker who had been designated by the Directors not affiliated with the Manager to serve as lead Director, is paid an additional annual fee of $5,000. Such fees and expenses for unaffiliated Directors aggregated $55,568 for the six months ended August 31, 2009.
3. Purchases and Sales of Investments
Purchases and sales of investments, exclusive of investments in foreign currencies and short-term securities, for the six months ended August 31, 2009 were $61,716,379 and $61,892,615, respectively.
As of August 31, 2009, net unrealized appreciation on investments, exclusive of investments in foreign currency and short-term securities, for Federal income tax purposes was $6,090,887 of which $21,429,090 related to appreciated securities and $15,338,203 related to depreciated securities. The aggregate cost of investments, exclusive of investments in foreign currencies of $1,049,595, at August 31, 2009 for Federal income tax purposes was $183,035,621.
4. Rights Offering
The Fund issued to its shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 21, 2005 transferable Rights to subscribe for up to an aggregate of 5,282,128 shares of Common Stock of the Fund at a rate of one share of Common Stock for three Rights held (“Primary Subscription”). During December 2005, the Fund issued a total of 5,282,128 shares of Common Stock on exercise of such Rights at the subscription price of $13.98 per share, compared to a net asset value per share of $15.09 and a market value per share of $15.51. A sales load of 3.75% was included in the subscription price. Offering costs of approximately $650,000 and the sales load were charged directly against the proceeds of the Rights Offering.
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
5. Fair Value Measurements
The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”), effective December 1, 2007. In accordance with FAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FAS 157 also establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Fund. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. Each investment is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below.
• | Level 1—quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
• | Level 2—other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
• | Level 3—significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of August 31, 2009.
Level | Investments in Securities | | Other Financial Instruments |
Level 1 | $189,126,508 -0 | | $1,052,721 |
Level 2 | -0- | | -0- |
Level 3 | -0- | | -0- |
Total | $189,126,508 | | $1,052,721 |
During the six months ended August 31, 2009, the Fund did not hold any instrument which used significant unobservable inputs (level 3) in determining fair value.
6. Accounting Pronouncements
The Fund adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”). This interpretation prescribes a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of the benefits of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Foreign taxes are provided for based on the Fund’s understand
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued (Unaudited)
ing of the tax rules and rates that exist in foreign markets in which it invests. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized capital gains and net unrealized appreciation, as applicable, as the income is earned or capital gains are recorded. If applicable, the Fund will recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in “Miscellaneous” expenses on the Statement of Operations. Management has evaluated the application of FIN 48 to the Fund and has determined that there is no impact resulting from the adoption of this interpretation on the Fund's financial statements.
In March 2008, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161 “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of gains and losses on derivative instruments and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The application of FAS 161 is required for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The Fund did not have any derivative instruments for the six months ending August 31, 2009 and as such, no additional disclosures have been made.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected per share data and ratios for a share of common stock outstanding throughout the period.
| For the Six Months Ended August 31, 2009 (Unaudited) | | For the Year Ended |
| February 29, | | | | | February 28, | | | Februarty 28, |
| | | 2008 | | 2009 | | 2007 | | 2006 | | 2005 |
Net asset value, beginning of period | $6.49 | | $9.46 | | $11.80 | | $15.24 | | $11.59 | | $9.40 |
Net investment income (loss)@ | 0.02 | | 0.04 | | (0.01) | | (0.03) | | (0.05) | | (0.06) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | | | | | | | |
on investments and foreign currency | 2.45 | | (2.90) | | (2.33) | | (1.75) | | 4.14 | | 2.25 |
Total from investment operations | 2.47 | | (2.86) | | (2.34) | | (1.78) | | 4.09 | | 2.19 |
Distributions from net investment income | — | | (0.11) | | — | | — | | — | | — |
Distributions from net capital gains | — | | — | | — | | (1.66) | | — | | — |
Fund Share Transactions | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dilutive effect of Rights Offering* | — | | — | | — | | — | | (0.22) | | — |
Offering costs charged to paid-in capital in excess of par | — | | — | | — | | — | | (0.22) | | — |
Total Fund share transactions | — | | — | | — | | — | | (0.44) | | — |
Net asset value, end of period | $8.96 | | $6.49 | | $9.46 | | $11.80 | | $15.24 | | $11.59 |
Market value, end of period | $7.95 | | $5.79 | | $8.97 | | $12.98 | | $15.75 | | $12.20 |
Total investment return† | 37.3% | | (34.4%) | | (30.9%) | | (6.4%) | | 29.1% | | 13.1% |
Ratio to average net assets/supplemental data: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (in 000) | $190,279 | | $137,860 | | $200,924 | | $250,604 | | $322,025 | | $183,717 |
Operating expense | $1.43%** | | 1.42% | | 1.31% | | 1.32% | | 1.32% | | 1.54% |
Net investment income (loss) | 0.52% ** | | 0.52% | | (0.08%) | | (0.19%) | | (0.37%) | | (0.57%) |
Portfolio turnover | 38% | | 76% | | 51% | | 86% | | 81% | | 86% |
@ Based on average shares outstanding.
†Based on market value per share, adjusted for reinvestment of income dividends and long term capital gain distributions, and capital
share transactions. Total return does not reflect sales commissions.
*Decrease is due to the Rights Offering. (See Note 4).
**Annualized.
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
Board Review of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements
The Board of Directors of the Fund (the “Board”) consists of five directors, four of whom are independent or non-interested, directors (the “Independent Directors”). The Board considers matters relating to the Fund's management and investment advisory agreements throughout the year. On an annual basis, the Board specifically considers whether to approve the continuance of these agreements for an additional one-year period. The specific agreements (the “Agreements”) consist of the Fund’s management agreement with Nomura Asset Management U.S.A. Inc. (the “Manager”) and the investment advisory agreement between the Manager and its parent, Nomura Asset Management Co., Ltd. (the “Investment Adviser”).
The Board, including the Independent Directors, most recently approved the continuance of the Agreements at a meeting held on August 19, 2009. In connection with their deliberations at that meeting and at a separate meeting of the Independent Directors held on July 23, 2009, the Independent Directors received materials that included, among other items, information provided by the Manager regarding (i) the investment performance of the Fund, performance of other investment companies and performance of the Fund’s benchmark, (ii) expenses of the Fund and the management fee paid by the Fund to the Manager and the advisory fee paid by the Manager to the Investment Adviser, and (iii) the profitability of the Agreements to the Manager and the Investment Adviser. The lndependent Directors sought and received additional information from the Investment Adviser. The Independent Directors were advised by, and received materials (including a detailed memorandum reviewing the applicable legal standards) from their independent counsel in considering these matters and the continuance of the Agreements.
In considering the continuance of the Agreements at the meeting held on August 19, 2009, the Board, including the Independent Directors, did not identify any single factor as determinative. Matters considered by the Directors in connection with their review of the Agreements included the following:
The nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Fund under the Agreements. The Board considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Fund by the Manager and the Investment Adviser and the resources dedicated by the Manager and the Investment Adviser. These services included both investment advisory services and related services such as the compliance oversight provided by the Manager.
lnvestment performance. The Board considered performance information provided by the Manager regarding the Fund’s investment performance over a number of time periods, including the one-year, three-year and five-year periods recently ended. In response to requests by the Independent Directors, the Manager provided information about the performance of the Fund compared to the Fund’s benchmark index, data on the Fund’s expense ratio and components thereof, and comparative fee, expense ratio and performance information for other funds investing primarily in Japanese stocks. In connection with their presentation, the Manager and the Investment Adviser noted that the Fund outperformed its performance benchmark for the period since the Fund’s inception but underperformed
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
Board Review of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements—Continued
the benchmark for the most recent one-year and certain longer time periods. The information regarding comparative performance furnished to the Board indicated that the Fund’s performance ranked third of four funds (including the Fund) with similar investment objectives for the most recent one-year period and second of three funds (including the Fund) with similar investment objectives for the most recent three-year and five-year periods. The Manager provided the Board with its analysis of the Fund’s underperformance of its benchmark and its recent relative performance, including the impact of market conditions and stock selection.
The costs of the services to be provided and the profits to be realized by the Manager and its affiliates from their advisory relationships with the Funds. The Board considered the fee payable under the Fund’s management agreement in connection with other information provided for the Directors’ consideration. The Manager and its affiliates also act as advisers to additional investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Board of Directors of the Fund compared the advisory arrangements and fees for these companies. The Board also considered information provided by the Manager regarding fees charged by the Manager and its affiliates to institutional accounts and other investment companies having investment objectives similar to the Fund’s investment objective. The Board of Directors of the Fund recognized that the nature of the services provided by the Manager and the Investment Adviser to other investment vehicles and separate accounts differed from the range of services provided to the two registered investment companies.
The Manager also provided the Board with information prepared by the Manager and the Investment Adviser indicating the profitability of the Agreements to these respective advisors. The Independent Directors reviewed this information with the Manager and requested and received certain supplemental information from the Manager and the Investment Adviser with respect to the methodologies used to charge and allocate expenses to the Fund.
Economies of scale. The Board also considered whether the Manager realizes economies of scale as the Fund grows larger and the extent to which any economies of scale are shared with the Fund and its shareholders. The Board noted that the management agreement contains six separate breakpoints in the management fee for net assets above $50 million, with the last breakpoint applicable to net assets in excess of $425 million. The Fund had net assets of approximately $184 million at August 19, 2009 (the date the Agreements were most recently considered).
Based on an evaluation of all factors deemed relevant, including the factors described above, the Board, including each of the Independent Directors, concluded that each of the Agreements should be continued through August 31, 2010.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
William G. Barker, Jr.
Rodney A. Buck
David B. Chemidlin
Shigeru Shinohara
Chor Weng Tan
OFFICERS
Shigeru Shinohara, President
Kenneth L. Munt, Vice President
Hiroyuki Nakano, Vice President
Rita Chopra-Brathwaite, Treasurer
Neil A. Daniele, Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer
MANAGER
Nomura Asset Management U.S.A. Inc.
Two World Financial Center, Building B
New York, New York 10281
Internet Address
www.nomura.com
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Nomura Asset Management Co., Ltd.
1-12,1-Chome, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku,
Tokyo 103-8260, Japan
DIVIDEND PAYING AGENT, TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
P.O. Box 43078
Providence, RI 02940-3078
CUSTODIAN
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
40 Water Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
COUNSEL
Sidley Austin LLP
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10019
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Ernst & Young LLP
5 Times Square
New York, New York 10036
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
TWO WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER, BUILDING B
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10281
This Report, including the Financial Statements, is transmitted to the Shareholders of Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund, Inc. for their information. This is not a prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase of shares of the Fund or any securities mentioned in the Report.
The accompanying Financial Statements, including the Schedule of Investments, have not been examined by the Fund’s independent accountants, Ernst & Young, LLP, and accordingly, they express no opinion thereon.
JAPAN
Smaller Capitalization
Fund, Inc.
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AUGUST 31, 2009