The Kou in Japan: A Precursor of Modern Finance

Abstract

Various types of informal savings and credit associations have a long history in Japan, the main types being called kou or niWjn. Author argues that the kou and a strong influence on current day credit cooperatives and mujin-companies Imujin had in the country. Concludes that more attention should be given to informal finance by policy makers who want to provide more formal financiZ services for common people. THE KOU IN JAPAN: A PRECURSOR OF MODERN FINANCE