Takefuji

The Group's principal activity is the provision of consumer financial services, namely to the sub prime segment.

This market was previously viewed as an area of money lenders and crime related activities.

Once Japan's most profitable consumer finance company, Takefuji's reputation has been tarnished since founder and former chairman Yasuo Takei pleaded guilty in 2004 to charges he ordered illegal wiretaps on journalists.

Takefuji makes personal loans at some 530 branches across Japan, charging as much as 29% interest.

The company also owned Takefuji Bamboo, a professional women's volleyball team.