8 | The Japan Times | Tuesday, April 2, 2019 (Sponsored content)

Produced by: GLOBAL MEDIA POST www.gmipost.com KINDRED SPIRITS IN BUSINESS AND CULTURE hree years after celebrating the cultural exchanges and commercial Country Manager for Andrea 150th anniversary of bilateral re- business relations with the Japanese. Colombi recalled. lations, Italy and Japan have seen We are investing in medical research In Milan, one of the world’s most im- renewed vigor in their long-run- for aging populations and believe this portant fashion centers, textile manu- Tning partnership. While separated by is something we can work together on facturer Alcantara S.p.A. has thrived, much distance and distinct traditions, with our Japanese counterparts,” Mayor certainly helped by its proximity to in- the two countries share a common of Virginio Merola said. novators in design and technology. ground on which they built valuable That sentiment is shared by the “There is a mysterious link between partnerships — namely their deep re- head of the Japan External Trade Italy and Japan. They attract each oth- spect for culture and passion for inno- Organization (JETRO) in Milan. er and at a technological level, there vation. “There are a lot of Italian companies is a deep exchange,” said Alcantara “When you visit northern Italy, you with unique technologies. They are Chairman and CEO Andrea Boragno. will feel like you visited many coun- looking for cooperation with foreign Founder of the local firm Hands On tries because of the variety of cultures. companies and these partners could be Design agrees. “Italian creativity and There is a lot of tradition, technique and Japanese companies,” said JETRO Milan Japanese efficiency complement each technology. Culture is very important, Director General Kentaro Ide. other. Together, they create things and a new generation of Japanese and Because of its well-known work ethic that are both functionally beautiful Italians can benefit from that,” Consul and hardy attitude, northern Italy sur- and beautifully functional,” Hands On General of Japan Yuji Amamiya said. vived the economic crisis that rocked Design CEO and Art Director Kaori Like many of their foreign counter- the European Union a decade ago. Shiina said. parts, Japanese companies chose to Japanese companies did not aban- Apart from design, if there is an as- establish their operations in northern don their investments in a region they pect of life where Japan and Italy dis- Italy, the country’s traditional commer- found to be accommodating. play extraordinary reverence for, it is cial center and industrial heartland, A victim of the global economic food. Few people in the world are as CUORE SACRO DEL CATTOLICA UNIVERSITÀ as well as the home of Italy’s biggest downturn, Yamaha Motor Europe steadfast to their culinary traditions as Sharing a deep appreciation for high culture and excellent design, Italy and Japan have seen a growth of partnerships in a broad range brands such as Ferrari and Pirelli. N.V. suffered a huge setback in 2013. the Japanese and Italians. of areas, including the education sector. Enrolment of Japanese students in Italian universities have risen consistently over the years. And in recent years, Japanese and Instead of pulling out of Europe, the Protective of their artisanal heritage international expansion to build a sus- “We have had strong operations in of attracting more foreign investors Italian companies have found new Japanese company revised its regional and standards of quality, many Italian tainable business. Japan for many years. Since the begin- while supporting local businesses to spaces for collaboration, such as in tex- strategy and expanded its operations in food companies have chosen to remain And the “Made in Italy” brand has ning of our joint venture at the start of venture outside the country. tile development, automotive design, Italy. family-owned. These companies also served those home-grown companies the 1990s, Japanese consumers have “We have always felt a lot of affec- food and beverage and medical tech- “Yamaha in Italy has evolved a lot. comprise the country’s robust small and very well, among them Parma-based gotten to know our products for their tion for Japanese culture and life, and nology. We aligned our goals with Japanese midsized enterprises that, emboldened Barilla, whose products are found in quality. We also provide our food in we will warmly accept all entrepreneur- “There is a mutual respect and curi- management. The work was transpar- by the EU-Japan economic partner- many supermarkets and are used in Japan through gastronomical channels, ial initiatives and visits to our region,” osity between the Japanese and Italian ent and it was about building a sustain- ship agreement that went into effect in several leading restaurants around the such as restaurants and chefs,” Barilla Lombardy Region President Attilio cultures. We would like to develop our able business,” Yamaha Motor Europe February, recognize the importance of world. Group Chairman Guido Barilla said. Fontana said. Likewise, in the land of pasta, In Turin, the home of automotive gi- Japanese soba is gaining new local fans. ant Fiat, the mayor wants to further “Italy is a market that appreciates consolidate its long-running ties with buckwheat noodles. We found great Japan. success in EXPO 2015 and conducted “In both the automotive and aero- two test marketing activities, the re- space industries, there is already a sults of which exceeded our expecta- strong relationship with Japan. We also tions,” said Sagami Holdings Corp. work at the local level with the Japan CEO Toshiyuki Kamada. Last year, the Business Forum and with Japan Week to Japanese noodle chain opened its first strengthen these connections. We have European outlet in Milan. had a strong relationship with the city In another sector, Italian universities of Nagoya since 2005,” Mayor of Turin welcome this internationalization. The said. number of Japanese students has risen And knowing its biggest strength, the and vice versa. city of Verona is determined to stay a “The world is becoming more glob- top tourist destination in Italy. al. We need to have more transfer of “We are investing our resources to knowledge across cultures,” Bocconi make the city a better place and to University Rector Gianmario Verona keep it clean for tourists. So, we are in- said. viting our friends in Japan and other And as northern Italy retains its posi- people around the world to visit us,” JETRO MAYOR THE OF OFFICE

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT THE OF OFFICE MAYOR THE OF OFFICE tion as the country’s economic engine, Mayor of Verona Federico Sboarina JETRO Milan Director General Kentaro Ide President of Lombardy Attilio Fontana Virginio Merola Mayor of Verona Federico Sboarina the region’s leaders face the challenge said.

ITALIAN PROSECCO GOES GREENER WHILE RAISING QUALITY BARILLA: BEST IN CLASS As a stamp of quality, Prosecco dessert, Prosecco DOC has Established in 1877, family- clients and consumers. DOC guarantees millions a versatility that goes with a owned Barilla has brought de- Today, Barilla reports more than $4 billion in turnover, 45 percent of aficionados around the myriad of menus, from the licious pasta, sauces and baked of which is generated in Italy and the remaining 55 percent out- world that they are drinking simplest to the most elaborate. goods to the world for more side the country. The company is growing around 2 percent every an excellent product, one But it’s not just about what’s in than 140 years. Based in the city year thanks to its commitment to the “Good for You, Good for the that bears a rich history and the bottle and on the market. of Parma, the company is now Planet” sustainability plan, which strengthens its relationship with the unique features of its The Prosecco DOC consortium run by its fourth generation, farmers and reduces salt, sugar and saturated fats, such as palm oil, geographical origins. Produced has embarked on a campaign faithful to its original commit- in its products. in nine provinces in the Veneto to raise awareness of the ment to quality, innovation and “Along the chain, we invest a lot in the quality of the product. We and Friuli-Venezia-Giulia regions, environmental issues facing sustainability. make small steps along the way and every year, we do something the secret of prosecco lies in the producers and their vineyards. “We are inspired by the val- better,” Guido Barilla said. Barilla has a presence around the world, area’s favourable climate, which Its members hope to create ues of the founders of the com- mainly in its largest markets through subsidiaries and factories that bestows an elegant and well- a system that will provide pany and invest heavily in tech- contribute to its supply chain. With its operations now split be- balanced avor. reliable environmental, social nology and product quality to tween pasta and sauces (55 percent) and baked goods (45 percent), Prosecco also undergoes a and economic data and help ensure the continuous growth Barilla wants to invest more to grow outside its home country. second natural fermentation them manage the vineyards and development of our prod- “We are extremely open to foreign markets. We have great re- that preserves the typical sustainably.

PROSECCO DOC PROSECCO ucts in our business markets,” spect for Japanese culture and we look to the Japanese for inspi- complexity of the grapes and One of the first steps taken

BARILLA Barilla Group Chairman Guido ration on how to run a business and serve the customer,” Guido enhances its freshness and by the consortium was to Barilla said. Barilla said. fragrance, while maintaining a sober, balanced taste. promote the planting of hedges and woodland copses around the Barilla Group Chairman Guido Barilla first ventured outside “The linkage between Italian and Japanese culture is magical. The Prosecco DOC consortium’s mission is to protect and vineyards to encourage biodiversity and enhance the landscape. Barilla Italy in 1969, with the opening As much as we love the Japanese for their cuisine and capability promote the uniqueness of prosecco, widely appreciated for its Prosecco DOC oversees 11,391 farms that manage 24,450 of its commercial o ce in France. Then, in the mid-1990s, Barilla to produce good food and provide great tastes around the world, bouquet redolent in oral, fruity notes, its harmonious balance hectares of vineyards and 348 sparkling winemakers. opened its overseas operations in Japan. Ever since that strategic I believe the Japanese can also  nd a good o ering in Italian food and its trademark vivacity and lightness. www.prosecco.wine move to Asia more than 20 years ago, the company has found great and brands. They will  nd extreme joy,” he added. Both as a source of inspiration for new cocktails and a wine FB @ilprosecco / IG @proseccodoc / TW @DOCProsecco success in Japan and continues to strengthen its brand among its www.barillagroup.com that can be taken as an aperitivo (pre-meal appetizer) until #ProseccoDOC / #TasteProsecco / #ItalianGenio

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CBC PROCOS  A MERGER FOR THE FUTURE GLOBALLY TRANSPORTING LUXURY WITH AN ITALIAN TOUCH LEONARDO FIORAVANTI: Founded by two young chemists From the city of Alessandria in to and from Japan,” said Ferrari in 1945 in Cameri, Italy, Procos northwest Italy, Ferrari Group Group CEO Marco Deiana. DESIGNING FOR GOOD S.p.A specializes in developing, has transported jewelry and After almost five years scaling up and producing active luxury goods for many of the of activity, Ferrari Logistics “The car is the ultimate a fondness for Japan, having pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) world’s most famous brands Japan serves more than 150 expression of personal freedom.” worked with Honda, Toyota and advanced intermediates, as for the last 60 years. The family- active accounts in the jewelry, That sentiment has been and Lexus on their most iconic well as providing related services owned logistics company diamond and pearl industries, expressed by car a cionados so models. In creating new designs for the global pharmaceutical has earned the trust of their providing them with a wide many times, it can be brushed for cars, Fioravanti likes pushing industry. discerning clientele because range of value-added services. aside as a cliche. However, when materials to their limits. In 1952, Procos received its “Our job is to let brands focus heard from Leonardo Fioravanti, Recognizing Fioravanti’s

of its tried-and-tested security GROUP FERRARI first authorization to manufac- practices and customizable on the creation of their valuable the Italian engineer associated accomplishments, the Auto ture APIs and soon established a services. goods, while we solve their needs with Ferrari, the statement gains Galleria Luce in Nagoya solid reputation among the local Today, the London-based for movement and transport. more credence. organized an exhibit in his population for their distinctive holding Ferrari Group Limited Our Italian touch in business Responsible for designing honor in 2016, while the Museo products. The company ventured PROCOS coordinates a network of 80 means a different approach to several of Ferrari’s cars, including Nazionale dell’Automobile into the global market after it Procos CEO Enrico Zodio o ces in 50 countries, with two  exibility, fast reaction times and the iconic 365 GTB/4, fondly in Turin extended its “Rosso passed its first inspection by the to three years, so our focus is to branches in Japan, where it  rst solution-oriented results. This is known as the Daytona, Fioravanti Fioravanti” exhibition this year U.S. Food and Drug Administra- consolidate this growth and di- opened in 2014. the added value that Ferrari provides. We hope Japan continues to inspire many a car until next January. tion in 1982. versify our products. Having the “We started in Tokyo as a logistics hub for will become one of the leading countries for Ferrari designer with his passion for Not resting on his It wasn’t until after 2006 when possibility to work with and in- one client. After just four months, we provided Group in Asia,” Deiana said. simplicity, function and speed. achievements. Fioravanti is Procos was fully acquired by CBC side a Japanese group has been international shipments exporting and importing www.ferrarigroup.net Having also conceived cars for planning more projects, all Group that it experienced signifi- an exciting honor,” Procos CEO Fiat and Alfa Romeo, Fioravanti focused on innovating the world FIORAVANTI cant growth. As a wholly owned has built a reputation as one of of mobility and  rmly committed Enrico Zodio said. Leonardo Fioravanti and Sensiva subsidiary backed by more than “The combination of our the world’s leading designers. to functionality over form. 70 years of experience, CBC-Pro- mutual strengths is evident and AN IDEAL SCHOOL FOR JAPAN’S ITALY LOVING STUDENTS After leaving Fiat in 1991, Assisted by his two sons, Matteo “The love of cars keeps you cos has doubled its market share the results confirm the perfect Fioravanti joined a self-named and Luca, Fioravanti’s next young,” said Fioravanti, a self- in generic drugs over the last five synergy between Procos and CBC Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore across Italy — in Milan, Piacenza- architectural practice he founded project involves electric cars and avowed optimist (“The good men years, significantly expanded its Group. We are able to meld our is the perfect place for Japanese Cremona, Brescia and Rome. Its in 1987 while working in Tokyo, bikes. in the world always outnumber custom business while upgrading systems and cultures together. students who wish to experience students are able to choose from and focused his work solely on Fioravanti is optimistic about the bad”), who believes in its technological capabilities and There is clear power in regards to Italy’s la bella vita (the good life), while more than 100 programs taught prototypes, concept cars and the future, including its links technology’s power to make the expanded its research and devel- advantage and merit belonging acquiring a university education, both in English and Italian across 12 hybrid vehicles. In the course to Asia, particularly Japan and world a better place. opment and productions units. to a Japanese company,” he learning the language and gaining faculties. of his long career, the Italian China, where he, together with www. oravanti.it “The growth of this company added. work experience as an intern in one of Under the leadership of its rector, engineer has so far filed 30 Matteo and Luca, is working with has been vertical in the last two www.procos.it/en/ the school’s partner companies. Prof. Franco Anelli, 13 of the school’s international patents. The design Technicon Design in Shanghai. Its Accepting students from more disciplines were among the top 300 in studio is where he gets to live his work on hybrid models hopes to than 100 countries around the world, the QS World University Rankings by childhood dream. o er a solution to air pollution, the university offers exceptional Subject and among the top 110 in the “For me, it is always function a common problem in fast- OFFERING BETTER LIVES, NATURALLY customized services for Japanese. QS Graduate Employability Ranking. first,” said Fioravanti, who has growing cities in Asia. Over the years, the school has seen a With its strong international focus Founded more our strategy to growing number of students from its and genuine Italian characteristics, than 90 years ago, strengthen our Japanese partner institutions, Sophia the university is committed to Indena is a global local affiliate,” University and Ritsumeikan Asia strengthening its ties with Japan by ITALDESIGN: leader in botanical Giavini explained. Paci c University. welcoming not only more Japanese extracts for To further Founded in 1921, the university is the largest students but also visiting Japanese professors. A DRIVE TO PERFECTION pharmaceutical, strengthen its private university in Europe with four campuses www.ucscinternational.it nutraceutical and brand, Indena Based in Moncalieri, Turin, Italdesign combines personal care use has stepped up excellent engineering and distinctive creativity with a presence e orts to educate in its work for the global automotive industry. in Europe, the its customers YAMAHA MOTOR EUROPE: A PASSION FOR EXCELLENCE O ering a complete range of services, from styling Americas and Asia. and end-users to engineering, prototyping, testing and validation, The wholly-owned about the quality In the town of Lesmo, just outside become available worldwide,” the company employs the latest technologies to Italian company and uses of Milan, Yamaha Corp. operates Colombi said. develop integrated solutions to current and future invests heavily its products, within a single compound that INDENA Dealing with the fast-evolving issues in mobility. in research and through its The covers all the businesses it ITALDESIGN Indena Managing Director demands in the  eld of mobility, While keeping its focus on the automotive development, and Life Guardian ™ conducts in Europe — Yamaha Italdesign CEO Jörg Astalosch Daniele Giavini Yamaha Motor Europe believes industry, Italdesign, since the mid-1970s, has processes around label and short Motor Europe, Yamaha Research in the customer-driven direction expanded its services to new products, like trains, learn from them and from how they view their work 20,000 tons of raw materials health videos. and Development center, Yamaha of the company, which is always planes and sea crafts, as well as consumer products. as coordinated and holistic,” Italdesign CEO Jörg every year in  ve production sites “Our mission is to defend Motor Racing and Yamaha Music. ready to provide new solutions, The company recently launched a sub-brand, Astalosch said. in Italy, France and India. quality and to increase our o er Yamaha Motor Europe on any number of wheels, for Automobili Speciali, to showcase its capabilities in “The core of our brand is to deliver the perfect Indena Managing Director proposition so that at the end of Country Head for Italy Andrea any road surface. This focus on design, engineering and the production of its own service and therefore, the perfect product,” said Daniele Giavini has recognized the day, there is improvement Colombi is proud of the unique innovation and customer service ultra-limited series. Astalosch. the importance of Japan ever in the quality of life of Japanese setup and excellent synergy is what will build the company’s A winner of several design awards over the years, Having celebrated its 50th anniversary, Italdesign since the company launched its consumers,” Giavini said. that exists within the complex. extensive fan base. the company has nurtured a strong relationship remains committed to its rich design heritage and operations in Asia in 2000. Building on knowledge Reflective of its “Two Yamahas, “Yamaha is a leader in mobility with many famous Japanese car brands, such as open to future trends, motivated by the success of “It’s a market that  ts Indena gathered over nearly a century, One Passion” slogan, the location YAMAHA and we have all the weapons in Daihatsu, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Toyota and Lexus. its clients and partners, and con dent its employees because of the top standards and Indena remains inspired to serves not just as an o ce, but our line-up. While we have the Yamaha’s NIKEN line features a “We are proud of our relationship with Japanese will define the next generation of mobility their appreciation for top service. improve lives around the world, also as a space where employees new radical look with unique lean- best products, in the end, it’s companies as it makes us special. They challenge solutions. We see our future in Japan with harnessing the power of nature. collaborate with the musicians ing multi-wheel technology. the people that make the real us in a positive way. There is always something to www.italdesign.it optimism and we have designed www.indena.com and athletes the company has di erence,” Colombi said. partnered with. a global reputation in design, the In the years to come, Yamaha’s Despite the recent economic arts, culture and motorsports. compound in Lesmo will become turmoil, Europe maintained its “While the numbers may come a center that celebrates Italian LIFESTYLE AND SUSTAINABILITY FROM ALCANTARA MILAN BASED FIRM SETS SIGHTS ON JAPAN role as a tastemaker in the world from other regions, Europe and and Japanese design, with their of design. And Yamaha Motor Italy are interesting markets. We di ering sensibilities, but shared Established in 1965, Alcantara S.p.A.’s eponymous its global success today. Europe is capitalizing on its have been developing products passion for excellence. MBC is an international material may have a luxurious As CEO and an environmental location in Italy, where it has built in our centers that eventually www.yamaha-motor.eu business law firm based touch and an enduring usability, advocate, Boragno uses his in Milan comprising a but its most impressive quality is passion for sustainability to multidisciplinary practice of its ability to evoke deep emotion. drive Alcantara to become lawyers and tax accountants, FIRST CULTURE, THEN BUSINESS This unique characteristic is the Italy’s first carbon neutral with a diverse range of skills company’s biggest achievement company. In partnership and backgrounds. Its clients In 1999, when Italian lawyer 1961, it has assisted Italian and and the reason it has become a with Venice International Adriano Villa set up for Pavia e foreign clients in all areas of popular addition to numerous University, Alcantara held the are fast-growing and several MBC Ansaldo, the first-ever Italian business law. With o ces also in fashion lines, luxury cars and 5th International Symposium are leaders in their industry MBC Partners (left to right) Mascia sectors. law firm in Japan, he had Rome, Moscow, St. Petersburg consumer technology. on Sustainability, during which Cassella, Luca Masotti, Francesca Masotti A partnership between it highlighted the close link With established and Julian Berger already accumulated over and Barcelona, the law firm’s relationships with selected 13 years of local experience approach of putting culture and Japanese giants Toray and between its product and the Mitsui, Alcantara’s technological environment. law firms in important business centers across the United States, between postgraduate in-depth local knowledge first ALCANTARA Europe and Asia, MBC provides clients with a combination of in-depth studies and legal practice with has allowed it to excel in the breakthrough took shape in “The world now needs an Milan. The company’s brand and acceleration of decarbonization. Alcantara Chairman and CEO local knowledge and a unique global perspective. major Japanese law  rms. international arena. Andrea Boragno In 2005, MBC started o ering comprehensive international M&A When the Japanese This year, Pavia e Ansaldo values reflect the reputation We will focus on how to make services to clients when it invited Julian Berger, a corporate law government relaxed the celebrates its 20th year in Japan. of those two countries for changes,” Boragno said. increase production capacity practitioner with wide experience in top-tier international  rms, to regulations for the provision As the only Italian law  rm in the ANSALDO E PAVIA groundbreaking innovation and To find new applications for without compromising product join the  rm as partner. of legal services by foreign country, it has played a key role Pavia e Ansaldo Managing Partner re ned aesthetics. its product, the company plans quality. “It was when Julian joined the  rm that our international and M&A lawyers in the late 1990s, Pavia e in facilitating business relations Stefano Bianchi (right) and Adriano “It is Japanese technology to expand into rival markets, Now globally admired and segments grew very fast. We built our connections with law  rms in Ansaldo and Villa were ready to between Japan and Italy. Villa with an Italian heart,” Alcantara gradually building itself into a widely imitated, Alcantara England, Germany, France, the USA and China, which consolidated our take advantage of that decision “The Japanese are serious and maintain long -term, fiduciary Chairman and CEO Andrea lifestyle brand. remains a unique material, the international pro le,” Partner Luca Masotti said. and opened an o ce in Akasaka, competent. They evaluate their relationships with clients and Boragno said. “It’s the material of the future. full potential of which has yet to “Then, when corporate and commercial lawyer Mascia Cassella in the heart of Tokyo. investments carefully. We uphold reputable Japanese law firms,” Since the product was It is the material that matches be reached. joined us, we developed new areas of business — from compliance to Venturing beyond Italy’s this approach, backed by our Pavia e Andaldo Managing developed in 1972, the brand is fashion and emotion,” he said. www.alcantara.com safety and security, restructuring, privacy and anything to do with the borders and engaging in lawyers who have remarkable Partner Stefano Bianchi positioned as the intersection of Anticipating further growth energy  eld. We believe in a process of growth and to  ght through international business are not knowledge of both cultures and stressed. technology and art, a forward- in demand, the company will any struggle,” he added. new to Pavia e Ansaldo. Since markets. We want to build and www.pavia-ansaldo.it thinking identity that has led to expand its facilities in order to Today, MBC is developing new practices for the international market. “We currently work a lot in life science and hospitals in East Asia, including China. We also work with a very wide range of industries, from manufacturing and energy to fabric and plastics,” Cassella said. “Given our areas of competencies, we would like to make connections in Japan and work with an independent law  rm that is team-oriented and committed to clients with a strong sense of partnership,” she added. MBC is proud of the con dence it has built with its clients and the successes it achieved for them because of its extensive network and expertise. “We accept work in areas that we are con dent in. One-hundred percent compliance is our policy. Whatever deal comes our way, one of our four partners will always be sitting at the table next to the client. That’s our real priority; not to do the deal, but to keep the client,” Masotti said. www.mbclex.com

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