Toyo Keizai Revisits Its 2025 Scoops: JR East's Company Club and Private REIT Redemptions

# JR East# friend club# private equity REIT
Key Points
- Toyo Keizai revisits the exclusive stories its members read most in 2025.
- One alleges JR East cultivated a company friendship club to weaken labour unions.
- Another tracks redemptions at private REITs and what they signal about capital flows.
- Shifts in the consulting industry's pecking order round out the selection.
Analysis
JR East's 'Friend Club' aims to undermine union power, a trend that resonates with Taiwanese readers concerned about corporate labor practices. The club's growth signals a shift in how major Japanese companies interact with their workforce.
Private equity REITs facing payouts highlight underlying financial risks, serving as a cautionary tale for investors globally. This development underscores the importance of careful due diligence when evaluating investment products.