On May 29, 2000, the World Bank launched a JPY 20 billion 20-year Samurai Bond, its largest Samurai issue so far this fiscal year, following several successful issues launched earlier this year. The issue was sole-lead-managed by DKB Securities and was distributed to Japanese investors.
The World Bank issued its first Samurai Bonds over ten years ago. The market has recently become active driven by investor demand for Samurai securities.
"The World Bank expects to continue to access this market to accommodate investors' needs," said Mr. Shuzo Nakamura, Director of the World Bank's Tokyo Office.
