KKR Chiefs Bet Aging Japan Will Fuel AI, Technology Investment

KKR & Co. says Japan’s aging population presents opportunities to invest in areas that tap artificial intelligence and other technologies to make the most of a shrinking workforce.

“We’re looking for ways to invest in businesses and industries that fundamentally improve the productivity of Japanese workers,” KKR Co-Chief Executive Officer Joe Bae said in an interview in Tokyo. If Japan doesn’t invest in areas such as automation, robotics and AI, “the aging population and decline will become a bigger and bigger challenge for its success as a nation.”

Joe Bae

Photographer: Akio Kon/Bloomberg

Bae is keen on technology or software companies that can help ...