2015 10
Yoichi Masuzoe Yoichi Government Metropolitan Tokyo
THE MAGAZINE OF THE EUROPEAN BUSINESS COUNCIL IN JAPAN / THE EUROPEAN (EU) CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN JAPAN (EU) CHAMBER OF COMMERCE / THE EUROPEAN BUSINESS IN JAPAN COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN THE MAGAZINE
Will Japan go cruelty-free? support SEN students testing Cosmetics on the rise in Japan in rise the on Special needs schoolsInternational Breast cancer Breast rates has screening Low
Governor The
ISSUE SEVENTY // OCTOBER 2015 istanbul_42x29.7cm (cıftsyf).indd All Pages 11/27/14 2:13 PM October 2015 1
istanbul_42x29.7cm (cıftsyf).indd All Pages 11/27/14 2:13 PM 12 8 Breast cancer Low screening has rates on the rise in Japan By Ian Munroe 20 Cosmetics testing Will Japan go cruelty-free? By Justin McCurry 22 Special needs International schools support SEN students By Gavin Blair
Cover photograph KAGEAKI SMITH
2 October 2015 18 22 48 40
COLUMNS
7 From the Editor 27 Event Report 43 LGBT Times EU-Japan symposium, Progress and challenges: 12 Q&A 25 September 2015. Same-sex dads with kids, in Japan. The Governor: Yoichi Masuzoe, Tokyo By Mike de Jong By Larry Bates Metropolitan Government. By Mike de Jong 29 Green Biz 45 Cellar Notes Timber power: Ehime’s new woody Champagne demystified: Breaking 18 EBC Personality biomass plant. By Rod Walters down the world’s favourite bubbly. Gavin Murdoch: People and logistics. By Allison Bettin By Mike de Jong 30 In Committee Construction: Building a level 47 Upcoming Events 25 Chamber Voice playing field. Events for the European business Hans van der Tang of the Netherlands By Geoff Botting community in Japan. Chamber of Commerce in Japan. By Mike de Jong 40 Culture Shock 48 Work Place Moving pictures: Award-winning Philip O’Neill, director of the McGill MBA 26 Executive Notes filmmaker focuses on western Japan. Japan programme. Dan Slater on big business, big crimes. By Rod Walters
The Mission of the European Business Council To promote an impediment-free environment for European business in Japan.
October 2015 3 Publisher Vickie Paradise Green European Business Council in Japan (EBC) [email protected] The European (EU) Chamber of Commerce in Japan Editor-in-chief Mike de Jong The EBC is the trade policy arm of the seven- [email protected] teen European national chambers of commerce Senior Editor David Umeda and business associations in Japan
Creative Director Paddy O’Connor Art Director Cliff Cardona Chairman Danny Risberg Illustrator DJ Vice-Chairman Carl Eklund Treasurer Erik Ullner Director of Sales Tapo J Mandal Executive Director Alison Murray Account Executives Delilah Romasanta, Policy Director Bjorn Kongstad Tamas Doczi Communications & PR Chantal Heiniger [email protected] Subscription is free for members of the EBC Production and distribution and national European chambers of commerce. Daisuke Inoue Subscription rates are: one year ¥9,000; two [email protected] years ¥15,000; three years ¥22,000; ¥800 per copy. Rates include domestic postage or surface postage for overseas subscribers. Add Kyo t o Published by Paradigm ¥7,500 per year if overseas airmail is preferred. 6F Daiwa Osaki 3-chome Bldg. Please allow two weeks for changes of address 3-6-28 Osaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0032 to take effect. Subscription requests should be As the former Imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto has nurtured its unique Tel: 03-5719-4660 Fax: 03-3492-1202 sent to [email protected] culture and industries to the present: 48 universities and colleges including www.paradigm.co.jp If you prefer not to receive this magazine, and Kyoto University; 12 Nobel laureates such as Shinya Yamanaka of Kyoto for all matters related to distribution, please University, known with his iPS cell study; and many global cutting-edge Published monthly in Tokyo. All rights reserved. send an email to [email protected] companies represented by Kyocera and Nintendo. Excellent fi nancial The views and opinions expressed herein support by local governments for R&D projects, business establishments (other than editorials by the EBC) are solely EURObiZ Japan welcomes story ideas from the opinions and views of their authors. The readers and proposals from writers and and local employment are also available. Kyoto is the perfect place to EBC is not responsible or liable for any portions photographers. Letters to the editor may be encounter something new. thereof. edited for length and style. Doing agriculture Join us and create new values. EURObiZ is now available onboard Turkish Airlines business class, We look forward to welcoming you to Kyoto! leaving Tokyo twice daily from Narita and once daily from Osaka. the right way: Contributors in Canada, the United Arab Emirates and our promise to you Kyoto Research Park (KRP) Ian Munroe examines Japan. the state of breast “While the incidence of breast cancer is KRP, the “Innovation Hub” of Kyoto, cancer screening in still relatively low in this country, it’s been is an urban research park hosting Japan, page 8. rising for around two decades and that 350 companies in ICT, Biotech, trend will likely continue. But a number of and the world Electronics, and so on. non-governmental players are clamouring to better protect women. They have important A Tokyo-based freelance journalist, ideas on how to make Japan’s breast cancer Ian Munroe has worked for newspapers, screening system more accessible and effec- magazines and broadcast news companies tive, and they deserve to be heard.”
Writing in and about Japan since 2000, Gavin Blair contributes articles to maga- Gavin Blair finds out Would you like to go beyond zines, websites and newspapers in Asia, how Tokyo international Keihanna Open Innovation Europe and the US on a wide range of schools serve students Center at Kyoto (KICK) topics, many of them business-related. with special needs, delicious and healthy? “Having imagined there was a complete page 22. KICK, located in Keihanna dearth of assistance for children with Try Daabon Organic Mountain range of products, not just for their full-bodied Science City, was established by special educational needs at international schools in Japan, it was heartening to Kyoto Prefecture as a location fl avour and nutrition, but also for all the other ingredients that are right for you hear that the situation has improved could probably learn much from taking a for R&D activities. significantly and a wide range of support look at what is being done here at their and the planet! is available. State-run Japanese schools international counterparts.” Daabon products can be found in stores throughout Japan, and on Amazon.co.jp. studies from the School of Oriental and Justin McCurry writes African Studies, London University. Among our extensive range of organic fresh produce is Colombian Santa Marta that, unlike in Europe, Kyoto Foreign Investment “Like many men in their mid-forties, I organic bananas, available at AEON, Nisseikyo, Radish Boya and other outlets. animals in Japan are have been forced to rethink my former Promotion Committee (KIC) still used for cosmetics aversion to anything that could be KIC has been co-founded by Kyoto testing, page 20. considered a ‘cosmetic’. These days, I am Daabon Organic Japan Co., Ltd. Prefecture, the City of Kyoto, Kyoto [almost] as likely to visit the pharmacy TGM Tama Bldg. 202, 3-14-37 Kami Osaki Chamber of Commerce and Industry, for a tube of face scrub as I am a pack of Justin McCurry is the Japan and Korea razors. While all cosmetics and quasi-drug Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0021 Public Foundation of Kansai Research Tel: +81-75-414-4840 correspondent for the Guardian and firms in the EU have dispensed with Institute, Kyoto Research Park Fax: +81-75-414-4870 Tel: +81 (0)3-6277-3096, Fax: +81 (0)3-6277-3098 Observer newspapers. He graduated from animal testing, some of their Japanese Email: [email protected] Corporation and JETRO Kyoto to the London School of Economics and later counterparts are still swimming against Email: [email protected] promote foreign investments in Kyoto. www.kic-kyoto.jp gained a master’s degree in Japanese the ethical current.” www.daabonorganic.com Doing agriculture the right way: our promise to you and the world
Would you like to go beyond delicious and healthy?
Try Daabon Organic Mountain range of products, not just for their full-bodied fl avour and nutrition, but also for all the other ingredients that are right for you and the planet!
Daabon products can be found in stores throughout Japan, and on Amazon.co.jp. Among our extensive range of organic fresh produce is Colombian Santa Marta organic bananas, available at AEON, Nisseikyo, Radish Boya and other outlets.
Daabon Organic Japan Co., Ltd. TGM Tama Bldg. 202, 3-14-37 Kami Osaki Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0021 Tel: +81 (0)3-6277-3096, Fax: +81 (0)3-6277-3098 Email: [email protected]
www.daabonorganic.comOctober 2015 5 6 October 2015 FROM THE EDITOR Tokyo governor, Dutch prime minister and breast cancer awareness
Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe is pays a visit to Japan next month. In our some startling gaps in both funding arguably Japan’s second-most power- monthly chamber feature (page 25), and screening rates (page 8). Overall, ful politician. As head of government NCCJ president Hans van der Tang tells it’s not a pretty picture for a country for the world’s largest metropolis, us who will benefit most from such a that claims it is putting a new focus on Masuzoe has many responsibilities, not high level visit. women’s issues. the least of which is trying to restore On to healthcare, where it is safe to Tokyo’s appeal as a global financial say that many of us have been touched centre. Known to be straightforward, by cancer in some way, or know of Masuzoe is not afraid to speak his mind someone who has. In spite of medical on issues such as Olympic delays and advances, the disease remains a leading Errata: overspending. killer worldwide. According to the World In an article in the August issue entitled “Death This month, we scored a coup for Health Organization, there were 14 and Taxes”, we mistakenly referred to Ernst & EURObiZ Japan readers in getting a million new cases reported in the most Young Shinnihon Tax (E&Y). In fact, the company one-on-one interview with the gov- recent count (2012), and the number is called Ernst & Young Tax Co. in Japan. We ernor (page 12). Our conversation of new cases is expected to rise about apologise for the error. covered issues such as attracting more 70% over the next two decades. European investment, making Tokyo Breast cancer remains the number more foreigner-friendly, women in busi- one killer of women and, with this being ness and, of course, the 2020 Games. Breast Cancer Awareness month, we Mike de Jong We hope you enjoy the interview. commissioned Ian Munroe to exam- Editor-in-chief Another prominent politician, Prime ine the current state of testing and [email protected] Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands, treatment in this country. He found
Breast FOCUS cancer Low screening has rates on the rise in Japan
Text IAN MUNROE
hen Takako Organisation for Economic Co-operation Yamazaki was and Development countries, just ahead diagnosed a of Turkey. In some European countries, decade ago, the the rate is above 80%. shock of hearing The debate on how to improve the W situation is taking place amid a push by the word “cancer” reverberated like a gong. the prime minister to encourage greater “I couldn’t hear anything the doctor workforce participation by women. said,” the 54-year-old recalls. “I was Shinzo Abe has made this a key pillar of thinking, ‘When should I say gaaaan his programme to resuscitate the econ- (cancer) to the doctor to make him omy, as the workforce shrinks. But when laugh?’ I just wanted to make it a joke.” it comes to a major healthcare matter Yamazaki is one of a growing number such as breast cancer screening, Tokyo of women in Japan diagnosed with is a marginal player. breast cancer. Although the incidence “It’s not a major issue for the central of the disease is still comparatively low government,” said Dr Kiyoshi Namba, here, it has been on the rise since the director of the Breast Cancer Center at mid-1990s, and is the most common Hokuto Healthcare Group in Hokkaido, type of cancer affecting women. Nearly in a phone interview. “Right now, Prime 90,000 cases will be detected this Minister Abe is emphasising the recov- year, according to the National Cancer ery of the economy … so I think the Center. And 13,000 women will die from priority of breast cancer screening is the disease. very, very low.” Yet, the screening rate here remains In South Korea, the screening rate stubbornly low. Only 36.4% of women in rose to around 75% following the their 50s and 60s underwent testing in adoption of a national cancer-screening 2010, leaving Japan fifth-last among the programme in 1999. But Namba says
IT’S NOT A MAJOR ISSUE FOR THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
Dr Kiyoshi Namba
October 2015 9 Tokyo Run for the Cure®/ Walk for Life 2015
Hibiya Park and around Imperial Palace 5K run, 10K run & 5K walk Sat., 28th November 2015, 10:00-14:30
登録/Registration www.runforthecure.org/tokyo-run
10 October 2015 FOCUS
in Japan, the national health insurance Twenty-four states had passed laws on Ammunition to rethink breast cancer system is geared towards treatment the matter as of July, thanks largely screening may come from a group of and not prevention. One result is that to the work of Cappello and her Japanese researchers who have been local governments have been left to advocacy group. working on a randomly controlled clin- stitch together a patchwork of systems Dense breast tissue is much more ical study on the effectiveness of using to deliver breast cancer screening common among women in Japan than mammography together with ultrasound services. in the United States, meaning that screening. Results of the study — which In an effort to boost the screening techniques in addition to mammogra- is known as J-START and funded by the rate to 50%, the central government phy are needed for effective detection. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare — launched a coupon programme in That’s a message Cappello delivered in are expected to be published this fall in 2009 to help cover the cost of the pro- July to an audience of healthcare spe- the prestigious journal The Lancet. cedure. Yet that modest goal remains cialists at the annual Japanese Breast The findings could help spur more out of reach. And in the absence of Cancer Society conference in Tokyo. clinics to operate like the Breast Center greater leadership from Tokyo, patient Reached by email after the event, at Showa University Hospital in Tokyo, advocates and other non-governmen- which is one of a growing number of tal groups are seeking ways to better facilities in Japan that make use of both protect women from the disease. mammogram and ultrasound tech- Namba says one problem with the nology. The clinic’s staff even offers low screening rate is that mammog- genetic counseling to help patients raphy, the method most widely determine whether they are used in Japan, is unpopular Running for a cure at greater risk of getting the with many women here. They Various companies support initiatives to disease. may have qualms over radi- battle breast cancer including New Balance “Personalised breast ation exposure, he says. Japan. In 2005, the athletic apparel firm launched cancer screening is very, And the procedure can Pink Ribbon Activities, supporting a “Pink Ribbon very important,” said Dr cause “strong pain” when Smile Walk” organised by the Japan Cancer Society. New Seigo Nakamura, who compressing smaller Balance also sponsors a public event by a well-established runs the center and is breasts. NGO called “Run for the Cure®/ Walk for Life”. head of the Japanese While mammography Breast cancer screenings are provided for 100% of New Breast Cancer Society’s has a substantial body of Balance’s female employees as part of their annual phys- board of directors. “We clinical research behind it, ical. The company has also donated part of the profits need to clarify who needs other screening methods from its line of Pink Ribbon products to the Run for mammography and who have been developed in the Cure® Foundation, the mission of which is needs ultrasound. It’s a big the hopes of detecting more to help raise awareness about the disease. problem in our country and cases of invasive breast cancer also worldwide.” earlier on. Ultrasound, for exam- But for Yamazaki, the 54-year ple, is cheaper and less invasive. old survivor, Japan’s low screening Nancy Cappello has been pushing rate may have to do partly with a lack for ultrasound screening to be more of awareness about the disease, and widely adopted in her home country popular attitudes towards it. of the United States for years. Cappello Cappello said she was “stunned” to A veteran beauty journalist, she now was diagnosed with an advanced form learn that screening rates for the dis- volunteers to help cancer patients of invasive breast cancer in 2004, even ease were so low in Japan. She believes apply makeup so that no one will know though she had undergone annual a similar type of advocacy to what she they’re undergoing treatment. It makes mammograms for the previous decade. has championed in the US may be a big difference, she says, in helping She says the reason her cancer had needed to improve the situation. them “feel beautiful”. gone undetected at an earlier stage was “I did meet a group of advocates at At the same time, Yamazaki says the probably due to dense breast tissue, the conference who are committed to desire to hide the illness can have unin- which can make mammography much helping women in Japan. Perhaps a tended consequences for others. less effective. coalition of these groups, along with “Even if there are a lot of people Cappello later founded Are You medical technology manufacturers being diagnosed with breast cancer Dense, Inc., a non-profit group that and healthcare providers, could launch around them, they don’t realise it just has been campaigning for doctors a campaign to improve outcomes for because nobody is open about it,” she to inform female patients when they women and their families,” she wrote. says. “It leads to the idea that cancer have dense breast tissue, because of “Maybe there is an opportunity for gov- isn’t really related to me, so I don’t need the implications for cancer screening. ernment officials to join, too.” to be aware of it.”
October 2015 11 The Governor Yoichi Masuzoe, Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Text MIKE DE JONG Photos KAGEAKI SMITH
As head of government for the world’s largest city, Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe is a busy man. From preparations for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games to making his city a vital place for foreign investment and trade, Masuzoe has many ideas. He talks about these and other topics in an exclusive interview with EURObiZ Japan editor-in-chief Mike de Jong.
12 October 2015 Q&A 14 October 2015 Q&A
TRANSPARENCY IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE 2020 GAMES
machine with 27 simultaneous transla- tion systems. It worked very well. So this is another possibility for us to become a language-free city. And also, in Shinjuku Station, you cannot see in English which direction you have to go. So we gathered all the railway companies to You have a background as a student pharmaceutical companies have head have a unified explanation system. This and researcher in Europe. How vital is offices in Nihonbashi. I know that many will become the Shinjuku model of lan- European business to Tokyo? European pharmaceutical and medical guage-free stations. This model will be You know, we have a very close and device companies are strong, so these expanded to Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Shibuya, strong bilateral relationship with the kinds of efforts will help in opening our et cetera. United States. But as a global partner, country to the European market and Europe is very important for us. To take vice versa. You have expressed concerns over an example, you can buy a Boeing jet delays and cost overruns for the airplane or an Airbus. I really appreciate You have spoken about the ben- Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Are you confi- that we have two alternatives. This is efits of learning languages. dent the project will be completed on a very good reason how, and why, we How can Tokyo become more time and close to budget? have to keep close and better relation- language-friendly? I paid a visit to London last fall; and ships with European countries. Another One of the biggest obstacles for my even there where the Games were one is international finance. Twenty city to develop more is this language successful, at the outset, the mayor, Mr years ago … Tokyo was one of the three barrier. According to some research Boris Johnson, the government and headquarters on this globe with Wall institutes [looking at] the ranking order organising committee had some kind of Street and the City (London). But now, for big cities, number one is London, friction. But little by little, they over- unfortunately, Singapore is replacing two is New York, three is Paris, and four came it. We are in the same process: us as the financial hub of Asia. So we is Tokyo and fifth is Singapore. Except a national stadium, and the emblem would like to bring this back to Tokyo, Tokyo, in almost all — London, New York, and so forth — there are many prob- from Singapore. In that sense, European Singapore — the native official language lems. But one by one, we have to find bankers and the securities companies is English. So we are really behind these solutions and restart. Of course, the are very important for us to launch cities in terms of language, especially cost — the budget — is one of the most Tokyo’s global financial strategy. English-speaking ability. But the 2020 important things. But with our efforts Games are a big chance for us because and if Japanese people are unified into What is Tokyo doing to attract more people want to learn more. It takes time, one big force, we can do that. I’m really European investment? but by 2020, I hope the majority of the confident in our capability to do that. We have set up a global financial centre Japanese younger generation will speak And I have to add something. As far in the Nihonbashi area where you can fluent English. as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government find the Bank of Japan and many other At the same time, we have the tech- is concerned, I am responsible for all, banks. And we have already opened nology of simultaneous translation, and and I give all the directives. So I can a forum where you can go and get applications in that area. Last February, have the final word. The problem is, information. We have also focused many people from abroad participated for other organisations, this is not the on life sciences in the area, too. Many in the Tokyo Marathon. We had a case. So the minister should play a
October 2015 15 16 October 2015 Q&A
much more [important] role; and now coming and tourists can pay much companies in Japan, only 5 or 6% of Mr. [Toshiaki] Endo, a very old friend of money. Innovation is another import- high-ranking officials are women; and mine, is the minister in charge of the ant thing. For example, the “hydrogen in the national government, only two Olympic and Paralympic Games. So society”. Hydrogen cars and motors are or three positions. So for women, our each minister, the prime minister and now so fashionable, and we are on the government is the best place to work. Mr. [Yoshiro] Mori, head of the organ- first run of this new technology. This But I’d like to increase more the female ising committee, should have the final can make good business opportunities. numbers of high-ranking officials and word to clearly show the responsibility Like the Shinkansen 50 years ago at the award those companies who hire of the leaders. 1964 Olympic Games, for 2020, I’d like women successfully. Another important thing is transpar- to promote a hydrogen society that will And another thing, the so-called work- ency of the policy-making or deci- create another legacy for the economic life balance is very important. It’s not sion-making process. No one knows activity of my country. only women but also men who should why this emblem came out [or] why the change their working style. So I said cost of the national stadium soared like Recently, there was a controversy to [my staff]: “When the sun sets, you that. No one knows. The process is very where a female member was heckled have to go!” and “Go home and have important in a democracy. So regularly, in the asembly. What are you doing dinner with your family and never come we have to tell the truth. Transparency to ensure that women can contrib- here on weekends.” Another ambitious is one of the most important things for ute and advance in the Tokyo work dream of mine is — now we are working the success of the 2020 Games. place? five days out of seven — in the coming As a matter of fact, one-third of the years, in Tokyo, [work] only four days With the Olympics, the IOC wants the officials in my government are women. out of seven. We’d have three days’ hol- city to be smoke-free. Would you sup- And, concerning high-ranking posts, iday. You can work flexibly if you have port a ban on smoking in restaurants 15 or 16% are women. At private three days’ holiday. and bars in time for the Games? First, I don’t smoke. My idea is to separate the places where smokers can enjoy smoking, and also [maintain] areas where this is strictly forbidden. I’D LIKE TO ... AWARD THOSE The problem is there are small shops COMPANIES WHO HIRE WOMEN and restaurants where they welcome smokers and make money off that. So SUCCESSFULLY. the definition of public places is very important. If I say National Stadium, of course not, right? And a theatre, of course not. But very small [establish- ments] like English pubs … these I can’t, for the moment, force. The only thing that we are doing is that, [we ask restau- rants] to put a sign on the door saying if you can or can’t smoke. And we have to educate the people about how harm- ful smoking is to their health. To ban everything by law is, for the moment, almost impossible. And I am saying to the government or the national Diet, “Please, you decide. Make a law. Not only for Tokyo. But a ban everywhere.” Of course, the WHO and IOC want us to ban [smoking] completely. But frankly speaking, this kind of very rapid, dynamic and drastic measure will not suit the current situation of Tokyo.
You have talked about Tokyo regain- ing its lustre as a world financial market. What do you feel are the keys to Tokyo’s growth strategy? The most important thing for Tokyo is how to make money. You can make money in tourism … many tourists are
October 2015 17 Gavin
rowing up in a land of longstanding sectarian Murdoch strife, Gavin Murdoch learned a thing or two G about human relations. The native of Belfast, Northern Ireland left his hometown at a relatively early People and logistics age, but says part of what he learned there stayed with him.
Text MIKE DE JONG Photo KAGEAKI SMITH “I guess it makes you more deter- mined not to let outside factors influence you, because life goes on,” says Murdoch, of his years in the often bitterly divided territory. “You know, even though there are terrible things happening around, for most people, life
18 October 2015 EBC PERSONALITY
MY BELIEF IS REALLY UNDERSTANDING INDIVIDUALS AND GETTING THEM ROLES THAT FIT
graduate school and work with other firms in retail and logistics, Murdoch was drawn back to DHL in 1996 (known then as Exel Logistics). On one occa- sion, he was sent to set up a joint venture in Turkey. “In the end, we bought out our JV partner and that business developed very nicely,” he says. “I stayed there just over two years.” Murdoch’s first stint in Japan came in Do you like natto? 2005. He stayed for four years before returning to the UK. Last year, DHL Time spent working in Japan: Lesson learned in Japan: Allow Supply Chain brought him back. Almost 25% of my career. more time for discussion and “I’m obviously back working with a Career regret (if any): I wish I had alignment before making any major lot of people I knew from my previous taken time out after university to change. time here,” he says. “I’ve spent the last work in a ski resort for a season. Secret of success in business: nine months getting to grips with the Favourite saying: “The pessimist Having the determination to suc- key issues in the business and trying to ceed and staying focused on safety, sees the difficulty in every opportu- understand how I make changes to put nity. The optimist sees the opportu- customers, staff and the targets. really good people into roles that play nity in every difficulty.” —Sir Winston Favorite place to dine out: Shin to their strengths. Churchill Hinomoto (Yurakucho). “My belief is really understanding Favourite book: The Da Vinci Do you like natto? Surprisingly Code by Dan Brown. I have not been offered natto yet! individuals and getting them roles that fit because, if we are a people business, Cannot live without: BBC World (nor have I gone looking for it, it is News (and of course my family). fair to say!) we will be successful if our people are better than our competitor’s people. “Fundamentally, our people make the difference,” he says. “They create the ideas, they create the relationships; and, goes on,” he adds. “And most people a staff of more than 1,000 employees. therefore, we’ve got to create the right don’t get caught up in terrible events. The firm operates across four sec- environment for them to succeed.” So you shouldn’t allow that to overtake tors: technology, consumer-retail, life Murdoch sees part of his task here your world.” sciences-healthcare, and automotive. as helping his industry survive Japan’s But Murdoch, now president and For Murdoch, it was an industry that daunting demographic changes. As the representative director of DHL Supply attracted him from an early age. new chairman of the EBC Logistics and Chain in Japan, jokingly shares the most “From around 16, I decided I wanted Freight Committee, he says attracting important lesson learned from his youth. to have a career in logistics,” he says. “I people in a declining workforce will be “I think avoiding any discussion of reli- had a real interest in shipping, aircraft a major issue for not just his company, gion or politics wherever I go is the key … whatever it might be. My father had but also its competitors. point,” he laughs. “Avoid the contentious a small business around Belfast port, “I’m not sure as an industry we’ve issues.” selling and hiring out forklift trucks. So I really got any of the answers yet,” he Murdoch’s ability to manage people guess it was in the family.” says. “We’re starting to understand is probably why he has risen to the top Murdoch actually got his first chance some of the challenges. We really of his industry. As country manager for to work for his present employer as a need to get our minds around how we DHL Supply Chain in Japan, he oversees university student. Although he left for address them collectively.”
October 2015 19 Cosmetics testing Will Japan go cruelty-free?
Text JUSTIN MCCURRY
Walk into any pharmacy in Tokyo, marvel at the array of products lining the shelves, and it comes as little surprise to learn that Japan is the second-biggest cosmetics market in the world.
The success European companies have campaign targeting firms that continue low among Japanese authorities. The had penetrating the Japanese market to make cosmetics and quasi-drugs EBC also called on Japan to honour its now means that household domestic (substances that provide mild treatment international commitment to animal names such as Kao and Shiseido com- and contain active ingredients) that welfare and the environment. pete with familiar foreign brands such involve testing on animals — and con- Official pressure has spawned a local as Lush and LVMH. sumers who use such products. grassroots Be Cruelty-Free campaign, For the past two years, European Although Japanese law does not led by the Humane Society International companies aiming to seize a bigger require most ordinary cosmetics to (HSI). In March this year, campaigners share of a market valued at ¥2.33 trillion undergo animal testing, neither are and firms took their message to the in 2014 have been able to add a key there regulations that prohibit such Diet, treating politicians to samples of ethical element to their marketing trials. Instead, companies are granted cruelty-free products from Europe as campaigns, and one that is beginning to carte blanche to carry out safety analy- well as Japan. resonate with Japanese consumers. sis of ingredients and finished products “For many Diet members, this was After two decades of pressure, cos- in any way they see fit. the first time trying out cruelty-free metics companies in European Union Having reportedly won an agreement cosmetics and talking with cruelty-free member states went completely “cru- from Japanese officials who signalled companies about the ethical and safety elty-free” in March 2013, bringing to an they were ready to abolish the current advantages of making beauty products end an incremental process that began notification system — a much-derided without animal testing,” said Be Cruelty- several years earlier. piece of red tape — for importers of cos- Free spokeswoman Sakiko Yamazaki, in According to the two-part ban, no metics and quasi-drugs, European firms a statement. cosmetic can be tested on animals in now hope a comprehensive agreement Claire Mansfield, Be Cruelty-Free’s the EU, while the sale of imported prod- on animal testing will form part of a free director from the research and toxicol- ucts that have been tested on animals trade agreement between the EU and ogy department at the HSI in London, — or, crucially, which contain individual Japan. says, ultimately, animal testing should ingredients that have been tested in In its 2014 white paper, the EBC in be removed entirely from the whole that way — are also banned. Japan included a demand for validated supply chain, from individual ingredi- Ensuring that Japanese products alternatives to animal testing, noting ents through to the finished product. are held to the same ethical standards that official recognition of data acquired “Analysis of testing taking place has sparked an energetic industry through non-animal methods remained throughout the supply chain is crucial
20 October 2015 in analysing any company’s claim to famously discerning consumers. are conducted with Japanese panellists, be animal testing-free: just because Along with the likes of Lush and The via a test agency,” she says. a company isn’t conducting the test- Body Shop, Pierre Fabre — a French “When they are planned to be ing themselves doesn’t mean they pharmaceuticals group that also sells launched on the Japanese market, aren’t purchasing or using newly ani- dermatological cosmetics — has come the products are additionally, specifi- FOCUS mal-tested ingredients,” she says. to regard Japan as a key market in its cally tested on Japanese consumers to The success of the EU cosmetics global strategy, since it launched here ensure that they match the very high industry following the ban is proof that 30 years ago. expectations of the local market.” animal testing can be avoided without “As a pharmaceutical company, Pierre But that kind of progressive thinking harming business interests, and while Fabre has always set very high stand- is not universal. Animal testing persists providing rigorous consumer protec- ards in terms of product quality and in part because, for all the misery it tion, adds Mansfield. evaluation,” says Audrey Irigoyen, qual- causes, it is still viewed by some as the The EU ban has spurred research ity and regulatory manager at Pierre most reliable way to ensure that cos- and investment in the development of Fabre’s Asian Innovation Centre. metics and quasi-drugs will not harm non-animal alternative methods. The “We carefully select our raw materials their human users. global in-vitro testing market, worth $4 according to European standards. Then, But the idea that animal testing billion in 2011, is expected to grow to in order to check the safety and the is integral to the production of safe almost $10 billion in 2017. Not surpris- efficacy of our products, we systemati- cosmetics is a myth, according to ingly, Europe commands the largest cally conduct in-vitro tests and clinical Mansfield. “Animal testing is not a share of the overall market. studies under dermatological control. prerequisite for cosmetics development. The ban in Europe had an immedi- Most of the time, these clinical studies Actually, some cosmetics makers have ate knock-on effect in Japan. Shiseido, never conducted animal testing at any the country’s largest cosmetics firm, time in their history, including The Body became the first to follow Europe’s Shop and Lush,” she says. lead, although an exception is made for It could only be a matter of time exports to China, which insists that final before Japan becomes part of the products be tested on animals before global community of countries that going on sale there. have implemented full-testing and Other well-known Japanese brands, marketing bans along the lines of such as Kao and Mandom those in the EU. That group — along with smaller firms now includes Norway and including Miss Apricot, D-fit India, while New Zealand has and Seikatsu no Ki — have imposed a testing ban. And adopted similar prohibitions. there are moves towards The kind of public pres- bans in the US, Canada, sure that altered attitudes at Australia and other countries. European cosmetics compa- Any failure to take similar nies has yet to take hold in action in Japan will inevitably Japan, but early indications harm domestic cosmetics are that consumers wish to firms, which will find their see domestic firms adopt new export options dramatically testing regimes that do not curtailed. involve animals. “The reality is that Japan According to a 2014 survey could pass a ban on cos- conducted by the Japanese metics animal testing and unit of the British firm Lush, the marketing of newly ani- only 30% of respondents mal-tested cosmetics tomor- were aware of the contro- row,” says Mansfield. versy over animal testing. “Cruelty-free cosmetics But 85% said they did not companies operate very want manufacturers to use successfully in Japan, and cosmetics ingredients the Japanese brands are already safety of which could not complying with [the] no-an- be determined unless they imal-testing requirements. were tested on animals. As with all countries, though, In a reflection of that view, there’s both an educational European firms in Japan process, and a legislative and appear to have little trou- regulatory process that will ble selling their cruelty-free need to be seen through to products to the country’s the end.”
October 2015 21 Special needs
International schools support SEN students
Text GAVIN BLAIR
chools in Japan don’t enjoy deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at different schools weren’t networking a stellar reputation for to autism, each of which can feature with each other and outside specialists, special educational needs a broad spectrum of challenges. The she adds. (SEN) provisions; a prob- educational field has been making pro- Aoba-Japan was certified this summer lem many might assume gress in the way it approaches children for the International Baccalaureate (IB) S who need more support, becoming at its primary and high school, and is extends to the country’s international schools as well. However, large steps in significantly more inclusive and flexible, hoping to complete the accreditation the right direction have been taken in though most specialists would point out process for its middle school by the end recent years at schools catering to the there is still a long way to go. of this year. international community. A combina- “When I first came to Japan six years “As learning support teachers we tion of advances around the world in ago, I didn’t know of any international modify and adapt the IB curriculum, SEN and growing cooperation among schools that were providing services which is a rigorous programme, so that international schools here means an for students with mid- to high-level children can demonstrate their under- expat posting to Tokyo with a special needs,” recalls Stephanie del Rosario, a standing of the concepts being taught needs child is no longer the daunting learning support teacher at Aoba-Japan in the classroom,” explains del Rosario. prospect it once was. International School in Tokyo. “Our main goal is for them to be able to The term SEN covers a range of The provisions that were available cope without us.” diagnoses, from dyslexia to attention were very limited, and the programmes Aoba-Japan has catered for needs
22 October 2015 IT NEEDS TO BE A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN US
AND PARENTS FOCUS
David So
including dyslexia, dyscalculia (math plan the support programme the child Islascox of ASIJ’s high school learning dyslexia), dysgraphia (deficiency in may need. If, for example, they need a support programme. ability to write), Down syndrome, visual speech or occupational therapist, the “Additionally, we provide learning impairment, attention deficit disorder school has to locate these resources support in some general classrooms,” (ADD), ADHD and autism, though like and book them. This depends on availa- she adds. its counterparts, there are limits to the bility, as other schools also utilise them. “The strategies the learning support students the school can accommodate. “It needs to be a partnership between teacher may bring can [also] be benefi- “Part of being inclusive is knowing us and parents,” he says. cial for others,” adds Hooper. who you can help; if you have an open Cost is also a factor, with the fees for Most of SEN are rendered redundant door, but they don’t have a seat, what is extra help from outside specialists being by the flexible, multi-age group approach the point?” says del Rosario. added onto the price of regular tuition. to education at the New International As well as assistance provided “For expats, people should speak School of Japan (NewIS), according to in-house, many schools also turn to to their company and find out before its head, Steven Parr, who believes many outside specialists and share knowledge they are assigned what will be covered. behavioural and learning problems are through the Kanto Learning Support A session with a speech therapist, for caused by trying to squeeze students Network (KLSN), a group run through example, costs about ¥12,000 for 45 into rigid regimes and curriculums. TELL (Tokyo English Life Line) Japan. minutes. Over the course of a year that “We had a child who was thrown out Both Aoba-Japan and Saint Maur adds up to a large amount; parents of another international school because International School in Yokohama are don’t always calculate that from the he used to get up and walk around the active members of KLSN, which they start,” notes So. classroom; he was gifted and is now at call an invaluable resource. The American School in Japan (ASIJ) Keio University,” says Parr. For children with the greatest needs, also brings in outside help, though it The school does arrange occasional such as severe visual impairment has seven teachers trained in learning visits by Applied Behaviour Analysis or physical disabilities, though, the support and two speech-and-language (ABA) specialists if a student is very extremely costly route of full-time home pathologists on its staff. A typical ele- disruptive. It has taught a number of schooling may be the only option — mentary school programme might con- students with various degrees of autism that is, if a specialist who speaks the sist of 45-minutes assistance per day, — which ABA is used effectively for — child’s language is even available. in lieu of Japanese-language lessons, some of whom have made significant The situation in Japan for SEN, according to Betty Hooper of ASIJ’s educational progress through secondary though, is better than in many other elementary learning support team. school and successfully graduated from countries in Asia because the relatively Early intervention is something advo- year 12, explains Parr. There is also cur- large number of expats here means cated by everyone in the field. rently a student with Down syndrome. there are bilingual specialists available, “Around 10 to 14% of our students Parr says avoiding “trying to make a according to David So, director of stu- receive some kind of support in our child fit the school” removes the neces- dent learning support at Saint Maur, the elementary programme, with far fewer sity for traditional SEN classifications oldest international school in Japan. doing so in middle school and high and approaches. One problem that schools report school. The biggest impact we can have “It doesn’t matter if a child learns at a occasionally encountering is parents not is in our Early Learning Center and different pace; it’s more important not being forthright about their children’s elementary [school]; then students are to make them feel like there’s some- needs when applying for admission. often able to move on without us,” says thing wrong if they can’t do something “Sometimes, on the application form, Hooper. immediately. they will say their child has no diffi- Another trend is to avoid the “Nobody puts on their resume when culties,” adds So. “This often results in unnecessary separation of students they learned to multiply,” Parr con- the school being unable to adequately who require extra support, says Susan cludes.
October 2015 23 COUNTRY SPECIAL Netherlands
The first Dutch ship ever to arrive in Japan was the Liefde, on 19 April 1600. Official diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries were established in 1609. During Japan’s self-imposed seclusion period, only Holland and China were permitted to trade and have limited contact from 1641 to 1853. Japan remains an important economic partner for the Netherlands in terms of trade (machinery, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, Randstad K.K. electronics, etc.), knowledge exchange and +81-(0)3-5275-1876 [email protected] investment, especially in the field of R&D. www.randstad.co.jp
With its roots in the Netherlands, Randstad’s global network covers 39 countries including 117 offices across Major cities: Coastline: Japan with revenues of €17.2 billion. As a global leader Amsterdam (capital), 451km with strong local knowledge and experience in Japan, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Randstad provides a premier level of HR service in Climate: supporting the best match between candidates and Utrecht. Temperate, marine, cool companies. Population: summers and mild winters 16,947,904 (July 2015 est.). Based on the corporate values, we focus on long-term Natural resources: and trusted partnerships, which has made Randstad Urban population: 90.5% Natural gas, petroleum, a global leader in recruitment and one of the world’s (2015). 40.12% 25-54 years peat, limestone, salt, sand most admired companies to work for. Randstad Japan’s (2015 est.). services cover permanent placement, executive recruit- and gravel, arable land. ing, staffing, outsourcing and outplacement across most Area: industries and functions. 41,543 sq. km
24 October 2015 CHAMBER VOICE
Hans van der Tang The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce in Japan www.nccj.jp
Text MIKE DE JONG
Preparing for state visits and network- “Briefing and Drinks”, where we invite We will see another high-level visit ing events highlight the activities of the one of the members to explain, usually next month when the Dutch prime min- Netherlands Chamber of Commerce in in their own premises, the operations ister comes to Japan. Are you excited Japan. Mike de Jong talked about the of their business in Japan. This time, we about that? on-going events with NCCJ President are going to the Shangri-La Hotel. We Yes, Prime Minister Mark Rutte will Hans van der Tang. will learn the various hotel procedures be visiting Japan in early November and also get some insights into what is and will bring with him represen- With the high profile royal visit happening behind the scenes. That, of tatives of various industries from and business delegation from the course, promises to be very interesting. the Netherlands. I understand that Netherlands, it’s been a busy year for This event will be held in the late after- participants in the trade mission will your chamber. noon, and the last part will be a visit to be mostly industries taking their first Yes, the past year was very special with the bar in the Shangri-La with informal steps and trying to expand into Japan, the state visit of the king and queen of drinks. and perhaps fewer of our member the Netherlands. That happened at the companies. Surrounding this visit, the end of October 2014, so it was a little So what do your members learn from Dutch embassy is organising a range while ago. We were invited for a trade that; from the individual companies? of activities with Dutch industries in dinner, together with all the guests of They basically get a better insight into, specific areas introducing themselves the business delegation who had joined. and an appreciation for, the company to counterparts in Japan. We had a good exchange of ideas, and we visit. The business part of things is we were also invited to many of the communicated along with the history of How vital are these visits to promoting separate events that focused on certain the company in Japan. It gives you an investment and trade in Japan? industries. For the rest, things were kind insight into how their businesses and I think they are important as special of normal. We have monthly events of operations function. efforts in a series of promotional a social or business nature, serving our activities. It puts the Netherlands and its members with information. And we are Is this also an opportunity for new industries on the map. Of course, with now planning and preparing to go for- firms to learn from those that are older, a high-level person such as the prime ward with this in the coming season. successful and more established? minister, it gets emphasis and opens doors. But I also think it is part of an Will this autumn also be an active Certainly, the companies introduce on-going effort from the embassy to quarter? themselves, and often part of their help Dutch firms get a foothold here. So Yes, we started in September with an presence in Japan has been a learning it’s a highlight in an on-going effort. informal event where members were process; overcoming hurdles or specific invited together with a club of the cultural elements of doing business The preliminary itinerary mentions Dutch community, the Dutch Circle in here. If that is the case, then that can “individual business matchmaking”. Kanto, which is a Dutch social organisa- be mentioned and discussed. Basically, What does that mean? tion, with some members overlapping. the president or managing director of It means individual firms from the We met informally in Shibuya and had the member company is in charge of Netherlands who join this trade mission, a great opportunity to see each other what he or she will communicate or through the efforts of the ministry and again after the long, hot summer. Also explain, and what they will keep at their the embassy, are meeting their counter- a table soccer tournament was held discretion. This summer, in June, we had parts. It creates opportunities to meet for which quite a few of our mem- the opportunity to visit BrandLoyalty, potential partners with whom you want bers generously donated prizes. That and got a very interesting insight into to do business. event will be followed by another one the organisation and the services this this month which is part of the series company offers.
October 2015 25 EXECUTIVE NOTES Big business, big crimes Corporate greed gives all a bad name
Another scandal, and more faith some as a wonderful candidate for opposite set of virtues. Japan and the eroded in the capitalist system. The president of the US because he is a UK both used to have highly regarded, recent behaviour of Volkswagen billionaire businessman. But it is baffling educated bureaucrats who were viewed (VW) reminds me of the poisonous to me that, just because someone has with fear and loathing by the business legacy left by bankers after 2008. The had a successful business career, they sector. And that was right and fitting. carmaker is accused of being unable should be seen as suitable for the pres- Bureaucrats should have a very differ- to meet emissions standards and idency. I also have a quibble with Carly ent code of honour: not profit above all resorting to cheating instead. Even Fiorina, another Republican contender else but, rather, an eagle-like vigilance VW’s high reputation for R&D has been with a career in the corporate world. over the crimes and misdemeanours of undermined by the scandal. It’s not that she has a spotty business the private sector — also, the aggression Everywhere we see businesses record, but it’s the idea that anyone to take them on fearlessly. behaving like robber barons. People running a business could possibly be a Bureaucrats should not have a love of talk about the “money sickness” in sound government leader. money and conspicuous consumption, China — but the West is often the but a bias towards personal and gov- same. Companies will do anything ernment austerity, a long-term view, and for a quick buck. Look at the anger COMPANIES the ability to keep away from lobbyists. unleashed by the hedge fund manager Bureaucrats should avoid putting GDP Martin Shkreli, who bought a drug that WILL DO growth first, in favour of their role as helps people such as AIDS patients, custodians and arbiters. Given it is obvi- and jacked up the price by 5,000%. ANYTHING FOR A ously futile to expect firms to regulate In Japan, intelligent pharmaceutical themselves — or even to manage risk executives at foreign companies have QUICK BUCK — we need a proud, independent public told me that they know such incidents sector more than ever. At the end of the are a catastrophe for their plans to push Successful business leaders today day, VW behaved very stupidly, possibly the Japanese healthcare system from too often demonstrate unlimited because nobody had the courage to a cost to a growth sector. Such a goal, greed, unbending resolve and refusal blow the whistle, or because everybody if it can be combined with better and to compromise — an unwillingness to was too locked into group-think to cheaper patient care, is laudable; and acknowledge reality (in VW’s case, that understand the real risk. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is heading they need to figure out how to meet Critics of corporate interests are often the charge. But men like Shkreli cannot emission targets) and a contempt for viewed as anti-growth and reactionary. seem to see that their short-term, prof- the democratic process exemplified by But until governments start controlling it-driven antics will make it far more dif- ruthless lobbying. The Economist had big business more effectively, such anti- ficult to gain the trust required to push an excellent article in late September trade and anti-capitalist movements will through such changes — thus harming about emission tests in Europe. These continue to grow. the pharma companies themselves. oversights are little more than a crude Like many of the former princes pantomime of what testing should be, of high finance, Shkreli does not just and demonstrate just how the lines seem to be ruthless and unpleasant; between the private and public sectors he seems to lack empathy and revel in have blurred. attention. A successfully managed national DAN SLATER is director of the In a roundabout way, this brings me economy does not need a CEO in Delphi Network to Donald Trump, who is regarded by charge. In fact, it needs a completely
26 October 2015 EVENT REPORT Sharing ideas EU-Japan Symposium, 25 September, 2015
Text and photo MIKE DE JONG
ith both economies EU parliamentarian lagging and their Romana Tomc of Slovenia societies facing disagreed, saying she similar concerns, didn’t like the idea of Japanese and quotas for female employ- W ees. “I would like to be European parliamentarians gathered in Tokyo to share ideas and try to find where I am because I am common solutions to economic prob- capable … not because I lems. Hosted by the European Union am a woman,” said Tomc. Delegation to Japan, the symposium On another issue, Tomc offered politicians a rare opportunity pointed out that pension to learn from each other. systems are becoming “It’s a well-known fact that EU-Japan “unsustainable” across relations are based on common values Europe, particularly in countries like her in the Czech Republic, just 1-in-10 can be and shared principles, including democ- own where they have “pay-as-you-go” part of the labour market,” he said. “So racy, open markets, respect for the systems. this asylum procedure is designed to be rule of law and human rights,” said EU “We are facing more and more pen- a humanitarian tool and cannot deliver Ambassador to Japan Viorel Isticioaia- sioners, and we don’t have enough of a people to fulfil gaps in the labour market, Budura in his welcoming address. labour force or enough young people,” in jobs where they are needed.” “While many decades ago, bilateral rela- she said. “I think we have to face, in the Many Japanese and European polit- tions were mainly focused on trade and near future, how to solve this problem ... ical leaders see free trade as impor- investments here, our ties now cover a because it is unsustainable in the long tant for their respective economies, wider spectrum of policy areas.” term and the short term. including Portuguese parliamentarian Isticioaia-Budura added that, along On the issue of the ageing population, Pedro Silva Pereira. Pereira, who is part with common values, Europe and Japan Japanese politician Masaharu Nakagawa of the EU EPA team, said a potential also face common challenges: energy of the opposition Democratic Party of Economic Partnership Agreement has security, climate change, ageing socie- Japan told the symposium that his coun- “huge potential”. ties and shrinking workforces. try needed a more “clear policy to deal “We are dealing with 30% of world One solution to these common chal- with the issue”. Immigration is a solution [trade] … so there’s a lot of room for lenges would be the promotion of more for some, but Nakagawa said Japan had improvement. And if we consider the very women in the workforce, as suggested “shunned the matter in the past” and the low level of foreign direct investment here by Japanese parliamentarian Yuriko country needed a “national strategy or in Japan we see there’s a lot we can do to Koike. Highlighting the Abe govern- consensus” on the matter. promote economic growth.” ment’s recent law requiring companies “We need to educate immigrants,” Pereira cautioned his Japanese to meet numerical targets for hiring he added, “and provide social services, counterparts not to consider an EPA female employees, Koike said it was which are currently not established. We with Europe as any less important than the “first step in utilising the energy of need to adopt a basic law to help estab- agreements currently being negotiated Japanese women”. However, she admit- lish a social system for immigrants.” with the US. ted the new law might meet resistance Nakagawa added that the current ref- “This is not about a race between the in some quarters. ugee crisis in Europe will be “extremely United States and the European Union “The establishment of the law requires useful to learn from” for Japan. for the Japanese market. We are dealing the realisation that there will be a certain On the refugee issue, Czech Republic with different agreements,” he said. degree of friction and resistance,” said parliamentarian Petr Jezek suggested “We all understand strategic priorities Koike, one of only 45 female members of that looking towards migrants to fill the for Japan. But it would be a mistake Japan’s House of Representatives (out of workforce might not be the best way to to think that we should deal with the 475). “[But] it is essential that enterprises solve demographic challenges. agreement between Europe and Japan and we leaders act with conviction.” “When it comes to refugees from Syria after the other major agreements.”
October 2015 27 Join + support
EBC members can not only learn about important changes taking place in Japan, but also play a critical role in infl uencing change themselves.
To join the EBC visit www.ebc-jp.com
For more information please contact the EBC Secretariat. Alison Murray, EBC Executive Director. Tel: 03-3263-6222. E-mail: [email protected]
Wolfgang Angyal
President & CEO, Riedel Japan
reads
28 October 2015 GREEN BIZ Timber power
Ehime’s new woody biomass plant
Text and photo ROD WALTERS
hime prefecture, located on the northwestern quarter of Shikoku island, is heavily forested with hinoki cypress and sugi cedar trees. Forests THIS IS A MAJOR STEP account for 70% of the prefecture’s land, total- E ling 41,000 hectares. But with a declining rural TOWARDS ESTABLISHING population, the forestry industry has suffered in recent years, and the commercial plantations established after FORESTRY AS A GROWTH World War II are now reaching maturity. In addition to the unused biomass from regular thinning, Ehime is expecting INDUSTRY IN THE to see a significant increase in the biomass available from PREFECTURE the trimmings when the timber is finally harvested. In anticipation of this bounty, Ene-Vision, a subsidiary of trad- Tokihiro Nakamura ing company Toyota Tsusho of Nagoya, set up Ehime Shinrin Hatsuden, under the leadership of Ene-Vision’s CEO, Takashi Morita. The new firm plans to build a large-scale electricity plant using the woody biomass as fuel. The plant will be built as well as the nearby accessibility to trees. Says Morita, “We on vacant land at an industrial estate in Matsuyama, the cap- had a very hard time finding a suitable site. Industry in this ital of Ehime prefecture. Work is planned to start this autumn, prefecture is highly developed, and there are consequently with completion projected for the end of 2017, and the start of very few sites available for building new plants. Eventually, we operations in January 2018. asked Matsuyama city for help, and they told us about this The plant will produce 12,500kW of electricity, which will be location.” sold to Shikoku Electric Power Company. The electricity will The project will be funded with ¥6 billion in subsidies from be sufficient to power around 24,000 homes, with a value the central government, and an interest-free loan of ¥1.4 billion of about ¥2.4 billion a year. A key factor in the decision to from the prefecture. About 11 people will be employed at the go ahead with the plan was the introduction in 2014 of a facility, and supplying the plant is expected to generate addi- fixed price for the purchase of renewable energy within the tional employment for some 50 people. prefecture. Also at the news conference, Matsuyama Mayor Katsuhito The new facilities are expected to consume 120,000 Noshi emphasised the city’s progressive approach to sustain- tonnes of woody biomass a year. Initially, 60,000 tonnes of ability. “Matsuyama has been pursuing a low-carbon policy wood from thinnings will be provided by the Ehime Forest and environmental business-creation policy since when Mr Association. The other half of the projected tonnage will be Nakamura was mayor. Matsuyama has been selected by the made up with imported coconut shells, until the trimmings central government as one of 20 model environmental cities from the harvested timber become available. out of 1,700 municipalities.” At a news conference to announce the plan, Morita The power-generation plant is regarded as a crucial element explained, “Other prefectures in Shikoku have forests, too, but in revitalising the forestry industry in Ehime, providing an biomass-generating plants are already planned, or in operation, additional source of profit from trees, while creating valuable elsewhere. A single prefecture can only support one or two energy from what would otherwise be a source of CO2 emis- generating plants at most.” sions from the decay of the unused wood. The plant itself will consist of boilers and steam turbines. The “This is a major step towards establishing forestry as a site was chosen for the availability of facilities for electricity growth industry in the prefecture,” said prefectural governor, transmission and the industrial water required for the boilers, Tokihiro Nakamura.
October 2015 29 Construction//
Building a level playing field
Text GEOFF BOTTING
he issues listed by the insulation. The authorities are known to Construction Committee Construction wait before issuing a needed regula- have a lot in common tion — until all the companies in the with its EBC counterparts: Key advocacy points affected industry are already prepared calls for harmonisation, for it. T “Very often I find that the [Japanese] better regulations, measures to deal k Harmonisation – The EU and with Japan’s demographic squeeze, Japan should work together companies are organising themselves and so on. to harmonise their respective to be at a certain level, and when the However, the committee faces one standards for building materials government sees they are all [at] that structural barrier that overarches the and ensure this issue is covered level, then they will put in a regulation,” others: the highly idiosyncratic nature in the FTA/EPA. she says. of Japan’s construction industry. Some k Environment friendliness – That seems to explain why some basic practices and habits are not just The Japanese government needed regulations are long overdue. different from those seen in Europe, should introduce and promote Insulation is a case in point. Even regulations that enhance the United States and many Asian though it keeps houses warm during energy efficiency in buildings. countries, but they can also block out Japan’s chilly winters and cool in its Transparency of regulations – newcomers and foreign players. k scorching summers, insulation is used The central government should Construction Committee chairman sparingly by Japan’s homebuilders. In work to rationalise various local Valerie Moschetti cites the process by regulations to eliminate the years past, they didn’t use any at all. which new regulations are introduced. uncertainty over how these In contrast, their counterparts in Authorities elsewhere normally roll out rules are interpreted. Europe pile on thick layers of the stuff. new rules after independent studies on That’s because they have to. European health, safety or technical issues deem countries have binding standards that them necessary. When a new measure require houses to be highly energy-ef- hits the books, the industry players are has noticed the process can move in ficient. Japan does not, and it’s still forced to react by falling in line with the a distinctly different direction when it uncertain whether a proposal to make new regime. comes to Japan’s construction busi- insulation mandatory by 2020 will But Moschetti of Saint-Gobain Japan ness, particularly in her field of building become law.
30 October 2015 IN COMMITTEE
“Apparently, the MLIT [Ministry of overall deal for customers: higher Anticipating when the government Land, Infrastructure, Transport and quality products and services at more is going to roll out the next incentive Tourism] is a bit worried about the competitive prices. For foreign com- programme and how long it will last is consequences of mandatory standards panies, unbiased regulations can help tricky business. in the insulation sector,” says Moschetti. level the playing field. “That makes it really difficult to plan “They fear [that] the small builders “If you think that asking automotive your business,” says Moschetti. “But maybe cannot adapt to a new regula- companies to get together and come when you use regulations, you know tion [due to the extra costs].” up with their own safety guidelines, that in 2020 there will be a certain As fellow committee member well, something would be wrong with regulation, and in 2022 a certain other Fernando Iglesias sees it, regulators that,” Iglesias says. regulation. So you can plan for your and others in the public sector take a The Japanese authorities are business development, for production backseat, while allowing the major con- actually keen to become involved and new products.” struction companies to come up with in making the construction industry Even so, Japan’s construction market the rules to regulate themselves. more competitive and sustainable. But offers solid rewards, especially for those “They’ve let a group of companies get Moschetti says the problem with the with a bit of patience, according to together and decide the best practices government’s approach is that it seeks Iglesias, who is involved in supplying and guidelines for how to conduct busi- to achieve changes through incentives office partitions. ness,” says Iglesias, representative direc- that use subsidies rather than through “Our clients are educated regarding tor at Clestra in Japan. “It’s an unfair mandatory measures. the expectations they have for their system that allows gangs of companies One example would be pro- offices. They are fans of our products, to get together to check out what is grammes to promote “zero-energy” and some have been with us for 20 best for them in terms of standards as buildings, which produce as much years,” he says. Iglesias adds that pro- well as pricing.” renewable energy over a year as they jects here tend to proceed quickly and Standards, he says, should be decided consume. with very few hitches. by objective authorities whose deci- The problem with subsidies for such “It’s a fantastic country to operate in, sions reflect people’s wellbeing, the a project is they are finite: in time, but there are many things that can be environment and other factors. The the budgets run dry. And then what improved, and we need the help of the result of taking this approach is a better happens? That can be anyone’s guess. government to deal with them.”
October 2015 31 LOGISTICS SPECIAL
Handling success Logistics and warehousing keep up the pace
Text DAVID UMEDA
For most companies based in Japan, moves — and high expectations. Gian-Andrea Silvani, Representative the critical components of getting the “Our goal is not only to meet expec- Director at HABA-SPED. “We’re located job done and the products to end-us- tations, but to exceed them,” adds Olea. in Asia, India, Europe and the Americas; ers rest in the hands of third parties “This requires precise and timely com- and we offer personalised ‘Better entrusted to handle logistics and munications, and the best experienced Service’ in logistics and freight forward- storage. The exceptionally high expec- staff to manage all the processes, from ing services through a cohesive state- tations of doing business with Japan A-Z — behind the scenes — anticipating of-the-art communications system.” require that experts also anticipate their wants and needs.” Maersk Line is the Maersk Group’s clients’ needs and preferences. Nichirei Logistics is experiencing largest business unit and the world’s “The Nichirei Logistics Group invests an increasing handling volume in leading container shipping company. in facilities in major metropolitan areas the European region. “Utilising our “With more than 600 vessels and where logistics demand is firm and asset strength, we also offer ideas for a capacity of 2.9m TEU, Maersk Line focused on cargo booking,” explains distribution reform and high-quality transported 9.4m TEU in 2014,” explains Hiroshi Matsuda, President, Nichirei operational management,” points out Atsushi Kobayashi, Marketing Manager, Logistics Group Inc. “With logistics Matsuda. Japan branch, at Maersk Line A/S. centres and delivery hubs throughout Maersk Line is enabling global Japan, we provide a foundation to meet Worldwide growth with the total value of goods a wide range of logistics needs, includ- A globalised economy and the emerg- transported estimated at $650 billion ing the solid demand for storage and ing economies are exerting greater in 2013. cold chain logistics.” demands on logistics and warehousing “We have 32,600 employees, includ- According to Andrew Olea, Country capabilities. ing 7,100 seafarers, serving 75,000 Manager, Asian Tigers Mobility, “Our “As manufacturing and distribution customers worldwide,” emphasises clients are very sophisticated, and most needs are shifting into countries where Kobayashi. have been through the process of inter- infrastructure isn’t yet at expected In these years leading up to national moving many times as part of levels, having a trustworthy specialist the 2020 Summer Olympics and their globalised career path.” like HABA-SPED taking care of your Paralympics in Tokyo, logistics and Clients of Asian Tigers Mobility come merchandise and needs is essential for warehousing continue to play key roles with a lot of experience regarding their future growth of any company,” says in shaping Japan’s success.
32 October 2015
October 2015 33 RUNNING AHEAD for the drivers of tomorrow
The advanced technology and performance of our FUSO trucks and buses support drivers worldwide. We continuously strive to improve ourselves to offer the best product and service solutions. Find out about our exceptional efforts and innovative ideas at our FUSO booth in the East Hall at TOKYO MOTOR SHOW 2015.
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34 October 2015 BETTER SERVICE
Tailor-made Logistics and Freight Forwarding Solutions
Founded in 1990 in Switzerland, HABA-SPED has since grown into a global company with subsidiaries in Asia, India, Europe and the Americas.
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Our organisations in China, Vietnam, India and Eastern European countries are in the position to provide you with our trademark “Better Service”. RUNNING AHEAD Our offices across the globe are all connected by a single for the drivers of tomorrow state-of-the-art system ensuring a secure and smooth communications flow. The advanced technology and performance of our FUSO trucks and buses support drivers worldwide. We continuously strive to improve ourselves to offer the best product and service solutions. HABA-SPED Logistics Japan K.K. Find out about our exceptional efforts and innovative ideas at our FUSO booth in the East Hall at M&N Building, Office 103 TOKYO MOTOR SHOW 2015. 3-40-13 Sendagaya, Shibuya-Ku Tokyo 151-0051, Japan General Public Days: Tel: +81 3 6434 0446 Oct. 30 (Fri) – Nov. 8 (Sun), 2015, at TOKYO BIG SIGHT
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October 2015 35 Truly Global Solutions
Located in Rotterdam, the largest trade port in the world, we provide temperature-controlled logistics service for our customers throughout the whole of Europe.
Putting the know-how we have cultivated of domestic temperature-controlled logistics to use, we have over 25 years of experience in Europe. We currently operate our temperature-controlled logistics business on a massive scale, including throughout Asia, offering both domestic and international logistics of the highest quality.
Nichirei Logistics Group’s Logistics Services
Regional Storage Operations Foreign Operations
With our superior quality logistics and the best domestic refrigerated With over 25 years of achievements in Rotterdam, Europe, we are also currently storage, we work in close cooperation with the around 4,500 businesses expanding our temperature-controlled logistics services through joint ventures, that make up our customers. incorporation, and investment in China and Thailand, expanding our area of operations throughout the whole world.
Logistics Network Operations Engineering Operations Expanding our business over highway transportation services and regional delivery services, we provide effective transport and delivery with our We are constantly putting our specialist knowledge of refrigeration technology to network of around 4,000 rolling stock operating daily and a storage capacity use improving the quality of our service, as well as developing our environmental of around 1,400,000 tons. technology to meet the needs of the modern era.
36 October 2015 www.nichirei-logi.co.jp EDUCATION SPECIAL Learning what’s available
Meeting the special needs of students
Text DAVID UMEDA
The challenges of living overseas meetings, involving all relevant parties, members, school personnel, support- include providing a level of specialised also aid in tracking progress.” ers at care homes and managers in an services to which a family is accus- While the availability of special needs organisation.” tomed back home. Perhaps no single services is limited, points out Endo, “we A-JIS will continue to be a leading area of need is greater than the educa- still offer a range of support, which at international school by providing tion of children while living in Japan. times includes the services of external students with a rigorous international That is why knowing what is available professionals and tutors.” education in a safe and supportive envi- in Tokyo and other urban centres can As articulated by NewIS’s Parr, “We ronment conducive to learning. lead to more informed choices by can have very high standards without a “Learners’ needs are supported, their concerned parents. After all, no matter whiff of standardisation!” perspectives sought and respected, and how long, or short, your stay, it can BEC provides comprehensive behav- their unique qualities valued and nur- mean a lifetime to loved ones. ioural and educational services that tured,” points out Greg Culos, Guidance “‘Special needs’ as a category is gener- include home therapy; consultation at Counselor and Director of External and ally used in reference to children who do home, school, institution and company; International Programming. “Aoba- not, cannot, or will not fit into a particular as a school shadow; assessments; and Japan continues to cater to special system of education,” explains Steven workshops. needs students using a team of highly Parr, Founding Director/Head of School, “Our services are designed to max- qualified and experienced practitioners at New International School of Japan imise quality of life for individuals with in this important subset of educational (NewIS). “The multi-age and dual-lan- special needs, utilising the principles provision.” guage, highly interactive Vygotskian of Applied Behavior Analysis,” explains The more specialised the qualifications style of our school, combined with the Hiroaki Wemura, Executive Director of staff and resources, the better served Scottish curriculum and a thematic at BEC Behavioral & Educational are those with special needs. approach, broadens the parameters of Consulting. “We respect what is possible and makes for a genuine individual personalities celebration of diversity.” by considering all At Saint Maur International School environmental factors in Yokohama, their Student Learning and providing a Support Coordinator plans the support support network for each student, in close consultation to the individual’s with the Student Learning Support caregivers and Committee, classroom/subject teachers, supervisors, which and parents. include family “An Individual Educational Plan is created to track student progress and development,” continues Cathy O. Endo, School Head. “Frequent review
October 2015 37 Saint Maur International School Quality Education within a Caring Family Environment since 1872
Pre-K (Age 2 1 / 2 ) to Grade 12 - Coeducational ● Montessori ● International Primary Curriculum (IPC) ● International Baccalaureate (IB) ● International General Certificate of 83 Yamate-cho Secondary Education (IGCSE) Naka-ku, Yokohama ● Advanced Placement (AP) Kanagawa-ken 231-8654 ● SAT Reasoning Test Tel: 045-641-5751 ● SAT Subject Tests Fax: 045-641-6688 ● PSAT/NMSQT ● Lions-Quest International Programme [email protected] www.stmaur.ac.jp ● Trinity International Music Examination Ecole française élémentaire de Saint Maur ONLY
F
r o o y Ouverte depuis Aout 2007 m k C To entr al Accredited by the Council of International Schools & New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Registered as Gakko-Hojin by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
Maximise quality of life Individuals with Special Needs
BEC Comprehensive Behavioral BEC Behavioral & Educational Consulting® 4-1-3-3512, Asahi-dori, Chuo-ku, & Educational Services: Kobe, Hyogo 651-0095 Tel/Fax: (078) 242-5051 • Behaviour Therapy at home Email: [email protected] • School Shadow Office hours: Tuesdays, 10:00-18:00 (out in the field on rest of the days) • Behavioural Consultation at home, school, http://becintl.com/english/ institution and company • Functional Behavioural Assessment at home and school Developmental Disorders ABA 1st Book • ABA Workshop and Group Parent Training (in Japanese) • ABA Seminar (“Wemura-jyuku”) in Tokyo and Written by Hiroaki Wemura & Chifumi Yoshino Edited by BEC Behavioral & Educational Consulting® Kobe (Japanese language only) (October 10, 2010, Gakuensha)
38 October 2015 www.aobajapan.jp
Hikarigaoka Campus Meguro Campus Tel. 03-6904-3102 Tel. 03-5428-4488October 2015 39 Moving pictures ›
Award-winning filmmaker focuses on western Japan
Text ROD WALTERS
40 October 2015 CULTURE SHOCK
THE NEXT FILM WILL ALWAYS BE BETTER THAN THE LAST
f you have even the slightest “Japan is a place where I feel free,” get some rest. Some helpful soul came interest in Japan, chances are says Kremer. “Free to roam. Free to across it and pulled the plastic down you’re one of the more than create. And free to dream.” over the lens to protect it. It was kind of one million people who have Kremer’s freedom to create does not annoying.” viewed the eight-minute film come without risks and challenges. Earlier this year, Kremer was asked I Once, when he was hanging out the to produce a promotional video for the Hayaku by Brad Kremer on Vimeo or YouTube. Hayaku is a hypnotic mashup door of a helicopter in a harness, an Dogo Onsen Art project, which was of time-lapse and stop-motion shots, engine problem caused the copter to held in Matsuyama. Starting with an ani- filmed mostly in Ehime and Tokyo. The auto-rotate, taking Kremer on a wild ride mation tracing the origin of the onsen, stunningly beautiful cover shot is of a to the ground. While that was plenty “The Legend of Dogo Onsen” captures remote beach in Imabari on the Seto horrifying, another incident saw his the bustle and charm of Japan’s oldest Inland Sea. Another section features chopper plunge down a snowy slope spa. The movie won an Emmy Award Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in west- under a tree canopy. That was enough this year. ern Japan. to convince him that his days might be Now, Kremer is working on projects Despite its popularity, Hayaku was little numbered if he didn’t find safer ways to with an advertising and production more than a holiday project for Kremer, pursue his craft. company based in San Francisco and whose wife is from Dogo in Matsuyama. Creating his popular and visually Tokyo. And in January, Kremer will It was made with footage that the San compelling imagery is also challenging debut his collaboration with photogra- Francisco native gathered on visits to and time-consuming. And there are pher Michael Levin. Japan. The film reflects his transition to hazards to leaving high-tech camera “Over the years I have had many documentary films from action sports. equipment in public places to do its experiences and opportunities to grow An avid skateboarder as a youth, work. People tend to take an unwel- as a filmmaker,” he muses. Kremer began photographing and film- come interest in his cameras. “I guess more than anything I am a ing other boarders about 15 years ago. “When I filmed Ishizuchi, I had a very dreamer. And it’s this dream of being He ended up following the sport’s top narrow window of opportunity because a filmmaker that has kept me going all athletes around the world, including on of my schedule and the weather,” he these years. For a filmmaker is never visits to Japan. From his first visit here, says. “I set up the camera and wrapped truly satisfied. Kremer loved the country’s diverse it in plastic sheeting with just the lens “The next film will always be better geography, food and culture. uncovered, and went into my tent to than the last.”
October 2015 41 Tradition meets Modernity L ooking for a truly authentic yet extraordinary wedding ceremony with your special loved one? Well, look no further, as it is now time to start planning your trip to Kyoto, Japan! The Hotel Granvia Kyoto is now offering an exclusive traditional Japanese wedding for same-sex couples from around the world!
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www.granviakyoto.com 42 October 2015 LGBT TIMES
Progress and challenges Same-sex dads with children, in Japan
Personally and professionally, Japan apart in any given year because of a visa challenges. Not being Japanese citizens, has mostly been my home since 1989, renewal problem. And to make matters how will we effectively deal with the and has been an amazing place to live worse, health insurance and a host of inevitable issues arising at their school? and raise my family with my same-sex other legal rights derive from that marital Our children are currently in hoikuen spouse. While challenging at times, and visa status. I will never forget the (public day care), and we remain I have been encouraged to see the landlord who in the 1990s reneged on a inclined toward the excellent Japanese progress made for, and by, same-sex lease agreement signed by my employer public school system, to ensure they couples over the past two decades. on discovering that my partner was grow up speaking Japanese. But this The Tiananmen crisis in Beijing male; we had no legal recourse. demands extensive parental involve- prompted me to move here in 1989. I Also, because Chinese passport ment, a task typically carried out by a was working at a US law firm in China holders had more difficulty travelling mother in Japan. Although Paul and I and had to decide what to do next until recently, Paul could not easily visit both speak Japanese, how do we appro- with my career. Having spent a year my family and friends in the US. We priately engage in extra-curricular activi- studying Japanese in Tokyo while in thus spent four years apart when he ties and PTA meetings? We do not know law school, I felt Japan — at the height many peers in the LGBT community of the “bubble” — seemed like a better here facing a similar situation and must, choice than moving back to the US. as always, create our own path. However, truth be told, that’s only part JAPAN WAS But looking on the bright side, I never of the story. Japan was the only place DEFINITELY A would have imagined when I met Paul where my future husband Paul — whom I that we would be legally married in met in his hometown of Tianjin in 1988 — MORE WELCOMING the eyes of US law — even if not yet could get a student visa to leave China. Japanese law. Or, when we moved It was a big commitment on our ENVIRONMENT here, that I would one day be work- part, but Japan welcomed us, while my ing for a Japanese employer with an home country did not. At that time, I felt FOR US explicit equal employment opportunity I couldn’t say anything about our rela- provision covering sexual orientation in tionship at work and had to figure out emigrated to New Zealand to obtain its Code of Conduct. Or, most espe- how to manage our lives — and legal citizenship and a more mobile pass- cially, that we would have two beautiful status as a couple — independently. The port. I enjoyed some nice vacations children. emotional aspects of hiding one’s family in Australia and New Zealand, as an Paul and I have lived together as a aside, that was in stark contrast to unintended side benefit! couple for 28 years, and enjoy Tokyo as heterosexual couples, who could more Then came the special difficulties perhaps the greatest city in the world. easily negotiate arrangements with encountered when we sought to We are happy to call Japan home, their employers for their spouses and expand our family. We have two lovely yet know the road ahead won’t be family members. children: a son four years old and a easy. Looking back on how much has Even so, we both thrived in our daughter two, of whom we have joint changed — and looking ahead to what adopted home, but occasionally legal custody of in the US. But in the might change next — I am confident encountered difficulties relating to eyes of Japanese law (for purposes that, for our family and hopefully many the fact that same-sex couples are of immigration status, national health younger LGBT people, it will have been not legally recognised here (and were insurance eligibility, tax benefits, deci- worth the effort. not in the US either until 2013, even sions on education, medical care, and though we had been legally married in the like) are these wonderful human California in 2008). beings, whom I have been responsible The first challenge had always been for since birth, really deemed to be MY LARRY BATES is Executive immigration and renewal of visas. children as well as Paul’s? Unfortunately, Officer, Senior Managing Director and Chief Legal Without status as a married couple, we the answer is unclear, at best. Officer of the LIXIL Group always had to find independent reasons Socially, despite significant progress Corporation in Japan. He is also immediate past for living here. Imagine the stress that on acceptance of LGBT people, raising president of the ACCJ. arises when your family might be split kids presented another whole set of
October 2015 43 44 October 2015 CELLAR NOTES Champagne demystified Breaking down the world’s favourite bubbly
Where there’s a party, there’s usually producing the tiny bubbles that make Most Champagne consumers define Champagne. Yet, that’s where most Champagne, well, sparkle. a bottle by its maison, or house — people’s knowledge ends about the Once the yeast is finished with the Heidsieck, Veuve Clicquot, Moët & golden, bubbly concoction. Beyond sugar, it dies and settles at the bottom Chandon and so on. In reality, the region the big brands lies a world of tradition of the bottle. Here’s where the magic of Champagne is filled with tens of and quaint vineyards waiting to be begins. Champagne’s iconic toasty, thousands of individual vineyards, aver- explored. nutty, yeasty aromas and creamy aging just a few hectares each. Vineyard The first thing to know about texture are a direct result of continued owners can either sell their grapes to Champagne is that it’s not merely a contact with the dead yeast (or lees). the big maisons (for higher prices than beverage but a region, located about At this point, the bottles are laid to rest anywhere else in the world), or they can an hour’s drive east of Paris. Sparkling in the damp cellars of northeast France choose to make their own bubbly. The wines made anywhere outside this area, for a minimum of 12 months. Master of biggest difference is style: while the big such as in America or Spain, are not Wine Jancis Robinson says 18 months Champagne houses blend dozens of Champagne, even if they use the same of contact results in far richer flavours, wines to make a consistent, signature traditional production methods. something to keep in mind when pur- style year in and out, the small growers’ The traditional method of pro- chasing your next bottle. wines will vary dramatically due to dif- ducing sparkling wine is what gives After a winemaker decides the ference in plots and terroir. It’s all up to Champagne its rich, creamy texture — Champagne is ready to be sold, the the consumer whether to take a chance and steep price tag. The process begins sediment is removed and each bottle is on the artisans (whose bottles will be by filling bottles with a base wine made prepared for the final dosage. This hit of labeled with an RM), or choose the of a unique blend of Chardonnay, Pinot sugar is what gives Champagne its vary- consistency of the big houses (whose Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. Each ing levels of sweetness, indicated on the bottles will be labeled with an NM). bottle is then given a dose of sugar and label as extra brut (bone dry), brut (dry), Don’t forget that Champagne is not yeast before the bottle is sealed shut. As sec (dryish), demi-sec (medium sweet) the only region in the world that uses the yeast eats away at the sugar, con- and doux (sweet). After the winemaker the traditional method of production … verting it into additional alcohol, carbon chooses a certain dosage, the bottles there are many other fabulous spar- dioxide is released as a byproduct, are corked, foiled and ready to go. kling wines with their own history and culture. Cava, for example, is Spain’s pre- mium sparkling wine that comes with a friendlier price tag than its French Champagne Glass Evolution cousin. The important thing to remem- Champagne glass evolution ber is that Champagne is not just for special occasions — it can be paired with anything from caviar to oysters to foie gras — or even fried chicken and potato chips!
Every month, ALLISON BETTIN takes EURObiZ Japan readers on a trip 1973 1985 2014 2014 through the world of wine.
October 2015 45 Elio Catering recreates the same uncompromising quality genuine atmosphere of Elio Locanda can come to you! Elio’s offered at Elio Locanda Italiana. All dishes are prepared in Elio’s offers you many solutions, and the menu is chosen together, to Catering headquarters using organic and tested radiation-free match your dietary or culinary requirements. Several options, ingredients, and are delivered fresh to your event location. such as chef detachment and food delivery, are available to take Should you prefer to dine at home or elsewhere, the taste and care of your guests in the best way possible.
46 Telephone:October 03-5210-5701 2015 E-mail: [email protected] www.elio.co.jp EVENTS Upcoming events
» Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Japan CCIFJ Marketing www.blccj.or.jp Committee Event 25 November, Wednesday OCTOBER
Monthly beer gathering Speaker: Khalil Younes, EVP Marketing & S M T W T F S 19 October, 16 November, Monday, 19:00-22:00 New Business, Coca-Cola Japan Company Venue: Institut Français Venue: Belgian beer café in Tokyo 1 2 3 Fee: to be confirmed Fee: Pay for what you drink Contact: [email protected] 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Contact: [email protected] 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 » Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce Belgian Beer and Food www.ijcc.jp 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Academy in Osaka 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 October, Thursday, 18:30-21:30 Third Thursday Venue: Hilton Osaka, Umeda, Shinju Room Networking Event Fee: ¥16,000 (members and guests), ¥18,000 22 October, Thursday, from 19:00 (non-members) Venue: HUB Roppongi No.2 Contact: [email protected] Fee: Buy your own drinks and food NOVEMBER Contact: [email protected] S M T W T F S » British Chamber of Commerce in Japan www.bccjapan.com Ireland Japan Golf Challenge: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Breakfast: Who will win the Ambassador’s Cup 2015 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 31 October, Saturday, 08:30-17:00 21st Century - the continents 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 in competition Venue: Haruna no Mori Country Club Fee: ¥19,000 (members), ¥21,000 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 October, Tuesday, 08:00 to 09:30 (non-members) Speaker: Lord Christopher Francis Patten Contact: [email protected] 29 30 Venue: Grand Hyatt, 2F, Residence Basil Fee: ¥5,500 (members), ¥8,000 (non-members) IJCC Business Awards Contact: [email protected] Dinner 2015 Compiled by DAVID UMEDA 19 November, Thursday, from 19:00 (maybe 19:30) 2015 British Business Awards Venue: Roppongi Hills Club, Mori Tower, 51F 13 November, Friday, 18:30 to 22:30 Fee: to be determined Contact: [email protected] Speaker: to be confirmed SCCIJ Year-End Party 2015 Venue: Palace Hotel Tokyo, 4F, Yamabuki 20 November, Friday, from 19:00 Fee: ¥27,000 (members and non-members) » Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Contact: [email protected] Industry in Japan Venue: Hilton Tokyo, Kiku Ballroom, Shinjuku www.sccij.jp Fee: ¥13.000 (members & guests) [email protected] » French Chamber of Commerce and Contact: Industry in Japan SCCIJ November Luncheon www.ccifj.or.jp 16 November, Monday, 12:00-14:00 » Multi-chamber event Speaker: Juerg Schmid, CEO of Switzerland Stora Enso Cup CCIFJ Tokyo Gala Tourism 16 November, Monday, 18:00-23:00 Venue: to be confirmed Sweden-Finland Golf Fee: ¥6,500 Guests: Michelin-starred chef Emmanuel Challenge Renaut (Flocons de Sel Megève); French Contact: [email protected] 13 November, Friday, 09:00 to 17:00 indie-folk duo Brigette Venue: Taiheiyo Club Gotemba West, Venue: Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, Shibuya Shizuoka Prefecture Fee: seats from ¥35,000 to ¥55,000 Fee: ¥18,000 Contact: [email protected] Contact: [email protected] or [email protected]
October 2015 47 WORK PLACE
Philip O’Neill McGill MBA Japan
The McGill MBA Japan programme has been offering its inno- vative weekend MBA in Tokyo since 1998. It recently became a Japan Campus of a Foreign University, which makes it an even more compelling place to study. “The McGill MBA Japan programme is one of the top English- language weekend MBA programmes in the world and we are able to attract some of the best Japanese and international students,” says programme director Philip O’Neill. “Everyone has several years of experience, so there is a high level of engage- ment and real-world learning among our students.”
Photo KAGEAKI SMITH
48 October 2015 ニューバランスは、乳がんの早期発見を啓発する「ピンクリボン活動」をサポート。毎年秋に東京・ 日比谷公園で行われるラン＆ウォークイベント「Run for the Cure®/Walk for Life」に 協力するほか、ピンクリボン対象シューズを発売して売上の一部をNPO法人 Run for the Cure Foundationに提供しています※。 乳がんの正しい知識を広め、早期発見・早期診断・早期治療をアピールすること。 皆さまの健康を願うスポーツブランドとして誇りをもって「ピンクリボン活動」を応援しています。 ※2014年度は、NPO法人Run for the Cure Foundationに10,949,953円の寄付を行いました。 Your insights
Our strengths and expertise
Top-class protection around the world
You know your business inside out. You know your markets, your customers, your competitors. Above all, you know the risks facing your business. At Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, we have the capabilities and the fi nancial strength to meet the risk transfer needs of businesses worldwide. But that’s only half the story. Whether your risk is basic or complex, whether the solution is off -the-shelf or highly customised, we believe that there’s only one way to arrive at the right solution. And that’s to work together and combine your experience with our expertise and your strengths with our skills. Long-term relationships bring long-term benefi ts. We’re smarter together. swissre.com/corporatesolutions
Size A4 + 3mm bleed - set up as 4 color - fi le: ARM-14-04521-P1-CS_Generic_Swiss_Chamber_Commerce__Japan-7-2 Publication Date: July 2014