efc9-0995_fmncsr.htm
 
 
UNITED STATES
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
Form N-CSR
 
 
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES
 
Investment Company Act file number: 811-05992
 
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
 
Two World Financial Center, Building B,
New York, N.Y. 10281
Nomura Asset Management U.S.A. Inc.
2 World Financial Center, Building B,
New York, N.Y. 10281
 
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (800) 833-0018
 
 
 Date of fiscal year end:   February 28, 2010  
     
 Date of reporting period:  August 31, 2009  
 
                                     
                       
 
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
  
Market
 Value 
 
     % of
Net Assets
     
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,
  
 
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


 

2
 
ITEM 2.  CODE OF ETHICS

 Not applicable to this semi-annual report,
 
ITEM 3.  AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

Not applicable to this semi-annual report.

 
ITEM 4.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Not applicable to this semi-annual report.
 

 
3
 
 
ITEM 5.  AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS

 Not applicable to this semi-annual report,

 
ITEM 6.  SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

The Registrant's investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of  8/31/09 are included in the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.
 
ITEM 7.  DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR  CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Not applicable to this semi-annual report.

 
ITEM 8.  PORTFILIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

(a)
Not applicable.
 
(b)
Not applicable.
 
 
ITEM 9.  PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
 

(a)
Not applicable.
 
(b)
Not applicable.
 
 
ITEM 10.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
Not applicable.

 
ITEM 11.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Registrant’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have evaluated the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days of the filing of this report and have concluded that they are effective in providing reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Registrant in its reports or statements filed under the 1934 Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
There were no changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this Report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
 
4
 
 
ITEM 12.  EXHIBITS

(a) (1)
Not applicable to this semi-annual report.
(a) (2)
Certifications of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 30a-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 are attached hereto as an exhibit.
(a) (3)
Not applicable.
(b)
Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are furnished herewith as an exhibit.

 
 
5

 

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund, Inc.
 
By: /s/ Shigeru Shinohara                                                      
Shigeru Shinohara, President
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
Date:  October 30, 2009                                                      
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
By: /s/ Rita Chopra-Brathwaite                                                      
Rita Chopra-Brathwaite, Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
Date:  October 30, 2009                                                      
 
 
 
 
6