EWJ vs VEA
iShares MSCI Japan ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets Index Fund ETF Shares
Last updated: 2026-04-02
iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) is an exchange-traded fund that provides exposure to japan equity securities. It charges an above-average expense ratio of 0.49%. The fund offers a high dividend yield of 4.22%. Launched in 1996, the fund has a 30-year track record.
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets Index Fund ETF Shares (VEA) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Vanguard that provides exposure to equities in developed international markets outside the U.S.. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.03%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 2.88%. Launched in 2007, the fund has a 19-year track record.
Quick Verdict
VEA is significantly cheaper at 0.03% vs 0.49% expense ratio, saving you approximately $900 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. Both funds have delivered similar 1-year returns (26.8% vs 27.7%), tracking closely. Income investors may prefer EWJ for its higher yield (4.2% vs 2.9%).
Key Metrics
Performance Chart
Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)
Performance Comparison
Fee Impact Over Time
Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns
Risk Metrics
Based on 5 years of daily returns
Dividend Comparison
Top Holdings
1 of top 9 holdings overlap (11% overlap in top holdings)
EWJ Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Toyota Motor Corporation!tyo/7203 | 4.27% |
| Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.!tyo/8306 | 4.05% |
| Hitachi, Ltd.!tyo/6501 | 2.86% |
| Sony Group Corporation!tyo/6758 | 2.61% |
| Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.!tyo/8316 | 2.54% |
| Mitsubishi Corporation!tyo/8058 | 2.46% |
| Tokyo Electron Limited!tyo/8035 | 2.33% |
| Advantest Corporation!tyo/6857 | 2.23% |
| Mitsui & Co., Ltd.!tyo/8031 | 2.14% |
| Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.!tyo/8411 | 2.10% |
VEA Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.!krx/005930 | 2.18% |
| ASML Holding N.V.!ams/ASML | 1.77% |
| SK hynix Inc.!krx/000660 | 1.24% |
| Roche Holding AGROC1.L | 1.03% |
| Novartis AG!swx/NOVN | 1.00% |
| HSBC Holdings plc!lon/HSBA | 0.99% |
| AstraZeneca PLC!lon/AZN | 0.98% |
| Nestlé S.A.!swx/NESN | 0.86% |
| Toyota Motor Corporation!tyo/7203 | 0.80% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose VEA if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.
Choose EWJ if...
you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.