Yasuda says companies that turn to management consultancies like his generally want two things.

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But translating desire to change leaves many of them stumped, says Yasuda Junichi, vice president at A.T.

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"Once these companies can set these targets and this kind of strategic framework, they can adjust by themselves, " Yasuda says.

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Now, Yasuda says, companies are learning to evaluate all their functions and operations based on how they add to shareholder value.

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Of these, two international banks Yasuda Trust and Daiwa would have reported capital-adequacy ratios of less than 4%, a trigger under the new legislation for instant nationalisation.

ECONOMIST: Japanese banks

She is a daughter of Saiko Yasuda McIvor and R.

FORBES: Drew University

Still, one motive for this week's announcement by Dai-Ichi and Yasuda (both affiliated to Mizuho banks) might be to show their intention to lead consolidation among Mizuho's other rag-bag of insurers.

ECONOMIST: Japanese insurers

Formerly great names like Sumitomo, Mitsui, and Mitsubishi as well as outfits less well known outside Japan like Yasuda, Furukawa and Nakajima have faded into the background on the international scene, outmaneuvered and outplayed by younger nimbler firms in Japan as well as by American and European companies.

FORBES: Panasonic Steps Up Its Solutions Game