#JapanTheWorldfolio Our World #TheWorldfolio Monday, July 31, 2017

This supplement to USA TODAY was solely produced by United WorldJAPAN Ltd., Suite 179, 34 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0RH – Tel: +44 (0)20 7305 5678 – [email protected] – www.unitedworld-usa.com The Rebirth of Japan Inc. Thanks to a strong showing from exporters, Japan has racked up five quarters of uninterrupted economic expansion; its best run since 2006. Its highly-specialized companies have found their footing once more in the global market, injecting a burst of newfound optimism into the economy

ince Prime Min- aware we are going to build ister Shinzo Abe a factory in their garden,” ex- returned to office plains Mr. Inoue. “Even just in December 2012, 30 years ago, if a Japanese implementing his company went to Thailand pro-growth policy dubbed they would start ‘mowing Abenomics,S corporate earn- the lawn’. They would make ings have surged, while U.S. a ceremony, put a Japanese and Chinese demand for flag and claim that territory Japanese products has driv- as theirs without reserva- en profits up by nearly 40% tion. I prohibited that. We from fiscal 2000 to 2016. are building our company in Japan, which experienced their garden so we should be breakneck economic growth low profile, and that’s why I throughout the postwar era appoint local people as man- only to plunge abruptly into agers. The Japanese are only recession in the early 1990s, advisors in this case. This is a is now showing encouraging principle I always keep.” signs of emerging from its Indeed, INOAC’s U.S. op- prolonged period of eco- erations are run by American nomic stagnation. Japan, chairmen and presidents with Inc. is back. Japanese advisors. “Our big- gest strength is localization, Growth through our ability to meet local mar- transformation ket demands, and to use lo- While Japan’s first economic cal manpower. We not only miracle was driven by the understand the importance boom of the domestic mar- of producing locally, but we ket as increasing wages cre- also take advantage of the ated consumer demand for unique Japanese high-quality domestic appliances and technology,” says Mr. Inoue. other goods, the next boom Combining this Japanese will come from tapping technology with local needs into new markets. Japan’s is what led to the company’s companies have long been 50:50 joint venture with Rog- household names around ers Corporation, a Connecti- the world – Toyota Land- cut-based specialty materials cruisers can be found on company listed on the NYSE. every continent, including “We are developing many Antarctica, while the ubiq- new applications together,” uitous Sony brand has domi- says Mr. Inoue, who points nated home entertainment to the protective cushions in- over the last few decades side Apple iPhone packaging. – but a new drive from cor- “Those products are made by porations to tap into high- our joint venture.” growth business segments The next step for this out- is seeing them transform ward-bound piece of Japan, from mere manufacturers Inc. is to ramp up its joint to global brands. R&D activities with Ameri- “Japan 1.0 was character- can firms. “America has a big ized by Japanese products chemical industry and many gaining world fame rapidly. leading companies use our Nowadays, we need to take Out with the old and in measure blood glucose in to compete with those com- ufacture of unique devices, products so we are really in- into account the increasing with the new diabetics using current flow panies in terms of volume, whilst America is on the cut- terested in doing more R&D number of competitors from Out with the old and in with caused by enzymatic reac- so we make higher quality ting edge of technology that activities to meet our custom- countries such as China and the new is almost a mantra tion. products instead. This is our then spreads worldwide. By ers’ needs and to keep a good South Korea as well as the for Japan, Inc. today. Re- “Today, they are the most specialty; we don’t compete combining the two, I truly relationship with chemical different desires that each ducing ties with monolithic accurate blood glucose me- with cheap materials or prod- believe that we will be able companies,” says Mr. Inoue, country has. That is why it is conglomerates allows for a ters, and represent more ucts. This means we don’t fo- to create something special, who is also scouting for sales very important to customize nimbler business approach, than 50% of the market share cus on producing volume or for the benefit of humankind,” channel partners to enable each product to its respec- as Hidehito Kotani, Presi- in Japan,” says Mr. Kotani. In sales. Our goal is to establish says Panasonic Healthcare’s INOAC to better serve the tive market,” says Yoshiharu dent, CEO and CTO of Pan- addition, the firm’s biomedi- a good brand and customer Mr. Kotani. “Japanese qual- vast U.S. market. Katsuta, President of Hita- asonic Healthcare explains. cal unit, which deals with re- relationship,” says Soichi In- ity and American innova- chi Maxell, a consumer elec- “Panasonic Healthcare has search and development such oue, Chairman and CEO of tion are the perfect match.” Made in America, by Japan tronics company that pro- a unique setup as Panasonic as cell culture, is placed sec- INOAC Corporation. His company is currently as- With a global shift toward duces among other products still owns 20% of our shares. ond in the world in its indus- Founded in 1926, INOAC sessing M&A opportunities protectionism, getting prod- batteries – the company’s The rest is owned by KKR try segment, behind Thermo has become a global sup- within the U.S. market. “We ucts into new markets and name is a contraction of Private Equity at 58% and Fisher. For Mr. Kotani, Japan’s plier to the automotive sec- want to collaborate with a competing with local firms “maximum capacity dry Mitsui at 22%. We are one of incomparable technological tor, making parts to meet company who has high tech- could pose something of a cell” – beauty appliances, first companies to be cut out prowess will be what drives American safety standards nical competences and most challenge. Hozumi Yoda, wireless charging solutions, of a big conglomerate, which the rebirth of its corporate for Japanese cars such as importantly who has a vision President of Nissei Plastic and a number of industrial means we now have our in- sector. “In the past, Japanese Toyota and Nissan, as well as in line with ours. Acquiring a Industrial, believes he has materials and energy prod- dependent operations and we companies were good at mak- for General Motors and Ford. company with the sole idea of the answer. “For us, America ucts. Its latest development, are growing very nicely with ing machines. Now, these It now counts over 100 facili- generating profit is not part is one of the most important an LED-based lantern that the support of KKR and Mit- machines are able to talk to ties operating in 20 countries of the Panasonic Healthcare markets and we are always generates electricity by us- sui. Our unique history and themselves, and drastically and over 20,000 employees. philosophy.” thinking about it. Americans ing water and salt, runs for business structure makes us improve our results. I be- The company, a world leader “The U.S. market repre- are always willing to pay the around 80 hours and is being one of the most innovative lieve these machines are the in the field of polymer chem- sents a big market for our price for a good product,” he marketed as an emergency companies in the country.” rebirth of Japan Inc.” istry, specializes in polyure- growth,” adds Mr. Inoue of says. In February next year, lamp for times of disaster He adds that “Panasonic thanes, plastics, elastomers INOAC. “If you look at the the company will invest $20 and power failure, as well is a great brand, but it’s not Quality is key and advanced materials for chemical industry, there million in opening a new as for leisure and outdoor a healthcare company. This Japanese companies’ success industries including infor- are many applications over factory in Texas, San Anto- activities. can confuse people, and we continues to revolve around mation and telecommuni- there. America is a very big nio. “We will be assembling After a change in holding want to transform people’s the monozukuri concept – cations, healthcare, cosmet- and important market for heavy machinery there and structure, the company will idea of our brand. We value loosely translated as the art, ics, industrial materials and us.” He adds that the com- selling it in the Midwest area drop the “Hitachi” part of its our history of starting with science and craft of making housing. pany has plants in Kentucky, around Detroit. We are going name later this year, which it Panasonic, and people can things and encompassing the Ohio and Michigan, as well to sell our products under the sees as an opportunity to re- relate to Panasonic. But we concepts of technology and Entering new as Canada. “We keep hiring label of ‘Made in the U.S.A.,’” launch its brand for the global are a new brand dedicated processes integrating devel- markets through global local engineers to work in our he says. market. “We want Maxell to to healthcare, a new brand opment, production and pro- collaborations plants, this means contribut- This new energetic, nimble be seen as a young, reliable dedicated to innovation.” The curement, as well as intangible Gone, too, are the days when ing to their market economy approach to doing business and fashionable brand,” says company’s key product is its qualities such as craftsmanship Japanese manufacturers and also to developing local boosted combined net profit Mr. Katsuta. blood glucose meters, which and dedication to continuous worked in silos, shielded from industry.” A careful focus on at Japan’s major listed compa- improvement. the rest of the world. Today, building good relationships in nies to a record level for the Quality control is the cor- collaboration is key, and it is new markets, rather than sim- fiscal year ended March 2017. A UNITED WORLD SUPPLEMENT PRODUCED BY: nerstone of the concept: “In to the American market, with ply copy-pasting the Japanese And the can-do attitude and Fabrizio Fitzgerald Farina & Jacqueline Vines, Project Directors. Southeast Asia there are its huge consumer base and approach into a foreign coun- focus on overseas produc- Livia Miron, Project Coordinator. Alexandre Marland & Alejandro many companies that don’t commercialization prowess, try, has been an important tion of Japanese businesses is Ruiz Luque, Market Analysts. use big machines, they can that Japan’s corporates are factor in INOAC’s expansion. driving a robust performance Special thanks to interpreters: Joseph Gabriella, Fumi work with raw materials mak- flocking. “Since we have many plants that shows no signs of slow- Toyotake, Yutaka Tano and Julian Victoria. ing foam very easily and in “Japan has always been a in various countries, I always ing down. Japan, Inc. is back; large volumes. We don’t dare world reference in the man- instruct our managers to be bigger and better than before.

Our World Insert is produced by United World. Neither USA Today nor any other media participated in its preparation or are responsible for its content 2 Monday, July 31, 2017 Distributed by USA TODAY JAPAN Japan, Inc. bets on specialization to conquer the global market Japanese highly-specialized companies aim for success in every niche

lthough Japan’s and investing in upgrading Europe and Asia,” says Mr. multinational of machineries is important Ando. firms have as well, but it’s even more There are some pitfalls, turned “doing important that they keep run- however, to expanding from everything” ning continuously. At Nissei, a booming domestic niche into an art form, recent years we are always able to provide in Japan to the international haveA seen the growing suc- such machines and this is how market, as transportation cess of highly specialized, we can survive against the company Toyo Denki has niche players, who take the global competition.” discovered. “We are actu- spirit of monozukuri to the According to forecasts, the ally participating in a railway next level by concentrating injection molding machine project in Los Angeles. Half their manufacturing prowess market will grow by 2.2% of the employees that we are and innovation capacities into every year to $4.86 billion in employing there are Ameri- highly-defined industrial seg- 2021. According to Mr. Yoda, cans, and I must say it is not ments. Now, the focus is on this growth will come from easy because Japanese people exporting this know-how into three main areas. The first have a very particular way new markets. is the automobile sector, due of manufacturing. We have Nissei Plastic Industrial to the ever-increasing use of principles like monozukuri is one such niche company. lightweight plastics in manu- and that’s what sets us apart,” Established in 1947, it does facturing. The second is the says Kenzo Terashima, the one thing: injection mold- cosmetics packaging industry, company’s President. ing; and it does it exceed- as a ballooning middle class Celebrating its centenary in ingly well. So, well, in fact, drives consumer demand for 2018, Toyo Denki engages in that its production sites, in beauty products. The third is three core businesses: trans- Japan, China and Thailand, the health industry, where in- Highly-skilled Japanese firms are venturing out to make their presence felt in every single niche sector around the world portation systems, industrial make products for sale in 80 jection molding is increasing- systems, and information countries worldwide. ly used to provide researchers ent from country to country equipment systems, and is “The production process and doctors with precision because of the culture. Be- a leading manufacturer of of plastic materials is simple, equipment that is safe, sterile cause of this, there isn’t a com- electrical equipment for rail but the most important thing and disposable. pany that can dominate this vehicles. “Toyo Denki started is maintaining the machinery Knowing which area pres- industry globally,” says Norio operations in Yokohama and so as to keep the machine ents the greatest opportuni- Ichikawa, President and CEO has been the main leader in moving for a long time doing ties in each market his com- of Zojirushi. “The strategy to the train sector,” explains Mr. continuous work, which can pany operates in has been survive in the global envi- Terashima. Currently, there be quite challenging,” says Ho- key to Mr. Yoda’s success. ronment is just understand- are four major players serving zumi Yoda, President of Nis- “The sector with the highest ing that we have to keep the the sector: Hitachi, Toshiba, sei Plastic Industrial. “In the growth potential in the U.S. Japanese standards. When we Mitsubishi and Toyo Denki, case of other countries, for is definitely the automobile enter the foreign markets, we but what sets Toyo Denki example the ones in South sector,” he says. “It is much are looking at mid and top-tier apart is its specialization. East Asia, the machines sud- more stable than before, so markets. So, focusing on the “The other three companies denly break down and stop we are planning to expand quality is the way to survive.” are manufacturers for many due to lack of maintenance; through it.” The hybrid type He points out that while in the other industries, and we are this represents a lot of trou- molding machines used by American and Chinese mar- the only ones that are very bles for manufacturers. Our the company allow it to make kets, there is clear differentia- customized, and have a deep job is to be able to succeed in “very good-quality plastic tion in quality between lower knowhow and expertise in maintaining machines oper- merchandise through a more and higher tiers of products, trains. And because we have Norio Ichikawa, President and CEO, Zojirushi ating 24 hours. The quality efficient process,” he says, “in Japan, all the companies been concentrating only on adding: “That is where our have the same level of qual- this, we are very knowledge- advantage is.” ity: high quality.” able,” he says. “The quality and Another niche sector be- For Mr. Ichikawa, there is a In many sectors, Japanese investing in upgrading ing filled by a nimble Japa- balance to be struck between companies have the upper of machineries is nese firm is that of household figuring out what will work hand. For Mr. Terashima, important as well, but kitchen appliances, a segment well in foreign markets and this is because Japan has over it’s even more important which is forecast to grow by a adapting production to that; the last 70 years developed a that they keep running compound annual rate of 4.3% and simply taking a new, high- manufacturing industry that continuously. At Nissei, by 2023, reaching revenues quality product into a new creates everything, from the we are always able to of $150 billion, with North market and waiting for it to smallest part to the biggest provide such machines America being the largest be adopted. one, and can assemble all of and this is how we can market. “The household appli- them to create a final product. survive against the global Zojirushi, which began ances market is very differ- “In China, they don’t have all competition” operation in this niche more ent from country to country these companies that com- than 90 years ago with the because the culture is differ- plete the chain and build the Hozumi Yoda, launch of its first glass-lined ent, so it’s difficult to say we final product. And that’s why President, Nissei Plastic Industrial vacuum bottle, has gradually are going to start research we have a good position in the gained respect and influence or innovation in one area or market. It is a cultural thing. “The household in overseas markets – most other areas. We are going to We have lots of family-run appliances market is very notably in the United States, adapt and adjust to different businesses that have worked different from country which accounts for 10% of its cultures and countries as we Hozumi Yoda, President, Nissei Plastic Industrial very hard for many years and to country because the turnover – as a result of its at- expand internationally,” he know how to create each step culture is different. We tention to detail. says. However, he points to increasing greatly. The Japa- respond to that demand for of the chain.” are going to adapt and With products ranging the success of Japanese cars nese cars were smaller, and being so small, but we will try Taking that inbuilt capa- adjust to different cultures from coffeemakers to rice in the American market as a they were also fuel efficient. our best to satisfy the custom- bility, highly-skilled Japanese and countries as we cookers, the firm has set its sign that quality sells, no mat- The fact that Americans were er and deliver what is being re- firms are venturing out to expand internationally” sights on global expansion. ter what the format. buying cars that were very dif- quested,” says Tsukasa Ando, make their presence felt in ev- “One characteristic of this “Up to the 1980s Ameri- ferent from what they were President of Nippon Seiro. Norio Ichikawa, ery single niche sector around business sector, household cans only bought large cars. used to, shows you that as long The company, which man- President and CEO, Zojirushi the world. For example, Toyo appliances, is that it is differ- But sales of Japanese cars were as the quality is good you can ufactures and sells petroleum Tanso, which started mak- sell anything, anywhere.” waxes for use in paper, rub- ing isotropic carbon graphite The success of Zojirushi’s ber, candle and chemical ap- material in 1974 – the first vacuum insulated flasks and plications, generates annual company in the world to do bottles in the U.S. market is sales of 29.3 billion yen ($260 so on a mass scale – has had an another such example. “Ten million), and exports to cus- enormous impact on the re- years ago, the kind of bottles tomers in Asia and North newable energy sector. “Soon the American consumer America. “Big customers use after, with the development of bought were bigger and large volumes of wax. How- new technologies, we started heavier. Now, ours are becom- ever, some small customers collaborating with many dif- ing very popular in the U.S. need small volumes for spe- ferent industries like the so- This model was made for the cial applications. Sometimes lar panel one. Without Toyo Japanese market, but is the they approach the supplier in Tanso’s graphite products, one that is selling in the U.S. China and United States but solar panels couldn’t be made. because it’s more colorful, in these countries, companies Our company is a big part of smaller and better,” he says. are unable to deliver these the fourth industrial revolu- When Zojirushi America products. This is where Nip- tion,” says Takashi Konishi, was founded 30 years ago, pon Seiro comes into play, as President of the company. it mostly sold its rice cook- we have the ability to comply “Our main characteristic ers to the Asian American with all sorts of specifica- is that we are always looking population. Today, it has be- tions,” says Mr. Ando, who forward to challenges; we are come more mainstream, to adds that Nippon Seiro’s pro- trying to do things that other the extent that at the most duction quality is highly ap- companies do not do. This is recent International Home preciated by U.S. customers. the key to our success.” With and Housewares Show in The company is now spe- 60% of its sales now coming Chicago, Zojirushi occupied cializing even further, pro- from foreign markets and the center of the main area. ducing different products for 17 facilities and subsidiaries “Zojirushi is staying in power,” domestic and overseas mar- around the world, the com- says Mr. Ichikawa. kets. “In Japan, the trends are pany now has its eye on the With strong competition shifting towards the special automotive industry, with from other Asian manufac- wax market while the situa- Southeast Asia, Mexico and turing countries, Japanese tion overseas is different. We the U.S. seen as key targets. companies have to work hard are still exporting our wax to “We are always trying to im- to maintain their competitive the United States. Custom- prove and expand our opera- edge, offering that little bit ex- ers over there appreciate our tions, and one of the options tra to win clients. quality, and they can use our is definitely M&A,” says Mr. “China has big fast-paced wax to manufacture candles Konishi. “We are not only production. They have their and paper coating,” he says. implementing collaborations own demand inside the coun- Already number one in Ja- and cooperative efforts with try and they are also export- pan for wax manufacturing, other companies in the sec- ing to the United States. Their the company’s short-term tor, but we are also thinking of production batch size is very goal is to take the top spot other industries as well.” big. In our case, we choose to in the greater Asian market, With an aggressive ap- deal with more specific prod- and then the world. “Ten years proach to expansion and the ucts, and we can prepare small later, we will become a wax quality and know-how to back quantities. For example, if a supplier with a strong pres- that up, Japan’s highly-spe- customer requests just one ence worldwide in three big cialized firms have become ton, China will not be able to locations: the United States, a force to be reckoned with.

Our World Insert is produced by United World. Neither USA Today nor any other media participated in its preparation or are responsible for its content Distributed by USA TODAY Monday, July 31, 2017 3 JAPAN A century of top-notch monozukuri Japan’s oldest companies continue to invest in quality and innovation to stay ahead of the pack

Satoshi Ichiishi, President-Chemical & Refining Company of Tanaka Precious Metals

apanese companies with sports (on underwater bear- more than a century of ings, propeller shafts, etc.) and history have become other devices (rotary printing household names all rolls) where water is available over the world. An- as an eco-friendly lubricant. Jchored by their deep roots in In 1973 Mikasa arrived in history, new generations of California. “True to our roots, innovators continue to seek we established our reputation solutions for the challenges in volleyball. But we didn’t of the century to come. stop there. We took this same drive and passion and applied Mikasa’s balls will be back in play when the Olympics are once again held in Tokyo in 2020 On the ball (Mikasa) it to basketball, soccer, foot- If you’ve played volleyball ball, water polo, rugby, teth- even once there’s a better erballs, kickballs, dodgeballs, “True to our roots, Tanaka for Tanaka’s customers is that tor, it was a great honor but no than fair chance the ball being and playground balls. While we established our It used to be that you would when acquiring ingredients great surprise. smacked back and forth over we made great inroads in reputation in volleyball. only have heard about them from scrap, there is generally “In 1933, Yanmar developed the net bears the Mikasa logo. both professional and Olym- But we didn’t stop there. in high school chemistry class, no need to go to the market- the first small diesel engine, However, few players realize pic sports, we never forgot the We took this same but changing times and tech- place. If platinum prices are which showed the world that that the pledge of reliability place where all sports began drive and passion and nological breakthroughs have trading up, the production our engineers can innovate and outstanding performance – the playground.” applied it to basketball, made so-called “precious met- process is not affected. in ways that people thought signaled by that logo is the re- With that in mind, Mikasa soccer, football, water als” like palladium, iridium or “Because of our experience were impossible. In 1960, we sult of a century of hard work. was able to spot an opportu- polo, rugby, tetherballs, indium essential for everyday in this industry we have con- developed in countries such “My grandfather founded nity when beach volleyball kickballs, dodgeballs, items such as automobiles, nections we can use and so as Brazil and Indonesia, and this company 100 years ago,” emerged as the fastest grow- and playground long-life storage batteries, need no help in terms of pro- in 1980 we expanded in the recalls Yuji Saeki, Mikasa’s ing sport among the colle- balls. While we made and cellphones. So-called curement. And since we deal U.S.A. Today, we are proud Chairman and CEO. “We giate public. The firm signed great inroads in both rare earths become even rarer with expensive precious met- to say that 51 % of our foreign were a simple ball manufac- a sponsorship deal with the professional and Olympic when laptops, circuit boards als, we can also provide leas- sales are in the U.S.A.” turer at first but due to our ef- fledgling National Volleyball sports, we never forgot and LCD displays reach the ing services for companies with It is a matter of no small forts we soon were recognized League (NVL) founded in the place where all sports end of their product life and limited funds,” says Mr. Ichiishi. satisfaction to Mr. Kanda that internationally. We had to be 2010, which styles itself as “a began – the playground” disappear into the ecosystem’s Last year it was announced engines manufactured by his outstanding, different from professional beach volleyball discard bin. Recovering, re- that Tanaka would be supply- firm already comply with the other companies. At that league built by players for all Yuji Saeki, claiming and recycling these ing the platinum electrode cat- EPA’s Tier 5 standards, which time soccer was popular but players, united in one mission: Chairman and CEO, Mikasa materials is how the 130-year- alysts for the stacked fuel cells will not take effect until 2019. he thought we should focus to create a sustainable future old Tokyo-based Tanaka Pre- in Honda’s brand-new Clarity In addition, they are within the on volleyballs since soccer for pro beach volleyball in the “In 1933, Yanmar cious Metals has made a name vehicle. Apart from the deal’s parameters of Switzerland’s had matured already.” U.S.” developed the first for itself as a major player. commercial impact, it repre- particle count legislation, When it came time to look small diesel engine, “One aspect that makes our sents a major step closer to which is tougher than the around for opportunities Meidensha which showed the world company unique is our cycle the “hydrogen-based society” European Union’s. “We can overseas, Mr. Saeki’s grand- Installing, maintaining and that our engineers can process – from procurement, that Tanaka is committed to therefore say that we are at the father decided to contact the upgrading the infrastructure innovate in ways that processing and selling to refin- help develop and proud to be forefront concerning emission FIVB (International Volleyball that delivers reliable electri- people thought were ing,” says the company Pres- involved with. regulations.” Federation). By the time that cal power usually takes place impossible” ident-Chemical & Refining In the nautical sector, Yan- volleyball was finally acknowl- behind the scenes, but the Company of Tanaka Precious Yanmar mar makes engines for sail- edged as an Olympic sport (at technical challenges involved Hiroshi Kanda, Metals, Mr. Satoshi Ichiishi. By Since 1912, Yanmar enterpris- boats powerboats as well as the Tokyo games of 1964), Mi- in ensuring that power is Representative Director, Yanmar way of example, he describes es has been widely known and propulsion and maneuvering kasa had become official sup- generated, transmitted and how engineers developed an respected for its global leader- systems used in heavy duty plier of beach and indoor balls distributed are still formi- Not least on the list are power exclusive process to efficient- ship at the forefront of power commercial marine opera- to the FIVB. Under a recently dable, especially when some transformers, increasingly be- ly extract platinum from light generation, and engine and ad- tions. Their range of state-of- signed deal, Mikasa’s balls are sited in a developed ur- ing replaced by more efficient bulbs and sell it to customers vanced machine tool technol- the-art construction equip- will be back in play when the ban context while others are and eco-friendly models in the for use in automobile exhausts. ogy, but when one of its diesel ment includes loaders, carriers, Olympics are once again held geographically much more strategic U.S. market, where At a later stage, Tanaka will engines was rated “Tier Four and excavators while agricul- in Tokyo in 2020. challenging. In the view of Yuji the company also hopes to repossess the discarded car compliant” in 2012 it caused a tural vehicles cover a range of “While making balls for the Hamasaki, however, a handful interest the big three auto- catalysts, extract the metal sensation in the industry; it was multi-purpose tractors that Olympics, we have always had of players are adapting to the makers in its integrated test- and purify it with an exclusive the first of its kind to meet the can be easily adapted for use good relationships and com- rapidly changing markets and ing systems for cars (engine smelting process before initiat- demanding U.S. government in grading, tillage andseeding. munication channels with performing well. It is his job as benches, chassis dynamom- ing the cycle all over again. standards which call for a 90% And at the present time, work players,” the company chair- chairman to see that Meiden- eters, operation measurement Collecting scrap from the reduction in NO2 emissions is underway on hybrid technol- man says. “We always listen to sha Corporation continues to control systems, etc.) companies they supply and phased in over a period of ogy that will allow for fully elec- players’ comments and official be one of them. Lately Mr. Hamasaki sees a recycling them is another com- years. To Mr. Hiroshi Kanda, trically powered construction requests in order to produce “We supply all types of elec- horizon of opportunity open- mon operation. An advantage the firm’s representative direc- equipment. better balls.” tric infrastructure on demand, ing up in the field of IoT, the The feeling is pretty much not only tapping into profit- so-called Internet of Things, mutual, if you go by FIVB’s able operations, but also con- which has been defined as current head, Dr. Ary S. Gra- tributing to society,” he says. “enabling advanced services ça. He has praised Mikasa for In 2015, the electric heavy ma- by interconnecting (physical “sharing the FIVB’s commit- chinery sector accounted for and virtual) things based on ment to providing the finest 10% of Japan’s share in terms existing and evolving interop- possible service to athletes of market capitalization but erable information and com- around the world. In sport, the fact that many potential munication technologies.” it is important to know that customers were subject to Mr. Hamasaki agrees with you are working with the very budgetary constraints had a that. “The customized net- best in the industry. Mikasa negative impact on the sector. work is the way to go now. are leaders in ball technol- “In 1901, our founder suc- An example for us would be ogy which helps us ensure a cessfully developed a three- connected and distributed more spectacular game every phase induction motor which power generation systems season. I look forward to con- became the first domesti- that include hydro, biomass, tinuing our great relationship cally produced motor of its solar, wind and other renew- with Mr. Saeki and his team for kind. He then diversified the ables,” he says. many years to come.” technology into the sector of “We are a 120-year-old very So many decades of manu- electric equipment. Currently, traditional corporation, but facturing sports balls also gave we have three main business we are eager to collaborate Mikasa an incredible expertise segments: social infrastruc- with new-generation compa- in all things concerning the key ture, industrial systems, and nies,” he adds. “The U.S. is a ingredient in those balls, rub- maintenance and service.” very important platform not ber. That knowledge was lev- Meidensha specializes in only in terms of technologi- eraged onto the balance sheet sectors such as water treat- cal advancement, but also for when the company branched ment plants and environ- the development of innovative out into rubber parts and ac- mental engineering, facility business models. Definitely it’s cessories for uses in nautical maintenance, and railroads. a win-win situation.”

Our World Insert is produced by United World. Neither USA Today nor any other media participated in its preparation or are responsible for its content 4 Monday, July 31, 2017 Distributed by USA TODAY JAPAN Japanese companies think green Japan, Inc. rethinks the way of doing business with innovations for a better environment and healthier lifestyle

ith a flurry of packaging industry, it broke world’s largest packaging ma- new global into the U.S. market in 1998, chinery show held in May this environmen- where it has an office in Me- year, the company unveiled its tal regulations quon, Wisconsin, and has phenomenally accurate com- and initiatives, since become a world leader puterized weighing machine, many in the corporate world in the weighing equipment the Dataweigh. “With Yamato Whave expressed concerns and systems industry. In ad- Scale’s accuracy and innova- about the potential impact dition, Yamato has expanded tion, we are able to reduce the on profits that the “greening” into the consumer market by excess weight by less than 1%, of operations would entail. developing new technologies so we can save our planet’s re- But for Japan, Inc., an envi- for home-use health manage- sources,” says Mr. Kawanishi. ronmental focus doesn’t just ment devices. By his estimation, implement- mean toeing the line of inter- “At Yamato Scale, profit is ing Yamato Scale’s solution national rules, but taking the not the main driver of our into the U.S. market could idea a step further, innovating business. We want to pro- bring about 147,000 tons of to generate profitability from tect, and most of all to inno- material saving per year, with sustainability. vate constantly,” says company the resultant savings in ship- Japan has proven its com- President and CEO Shozou ping, fossil fuel use, and costs. mitment to tackling climate Kawanishi. “The first factor It is not just in packaging change with its ratification of is the positive influence that that Yamato Scale’s solutions the Paris Agreement in No- our products have on the are having a positive impact. vember of last year. The agree- world, for example, the effi- Worldwide, fish is a major ment, which calls for drastic cient way of using resources, source of animal protein for reduction of greenhouse gases the conservation of our world millions of people, with the produced by social and eco- Japanese companies are working hard to optimize business processes in order to reduce waste and energy usage resources, and cutting down UN’s Food and Agriculture nomic activities in order to Organization (FAO) estimat- keep a global temperature this type of semiconductor is “In our business ing that between 15% and 20% rise this century well below that it has high electric power philosophy, the first factor of all animal proteins come two degrees Celsius, has seen consumption when compared is the positive influence from aquatic animals. But, as the involvement of both the to SiC ones.” He explains that that our products have on Mr. Kawanishi points out, the Japanese government and by using the SiC semiconduc- the world, for example, quality of marine products is the private sector, which have tor in applications such as the efficient way of still very subjective, as there implemented leading-edge electric vehicles, Toyo Tanso using resources, the is no way of measuring it in initiatives. But even prior to can reduce energy waste by conservation of our world numerical terms. To address the signing of the landmark 10%. “It’s groundbreaking.” resources, and cutting this, the company joined forc- climate deal, many of Japan’s Combining good environ- down the emissions of es with various universities corporations were already mental practices with a focus carbon dioxide. Without and the Fisheries Research working to combine environ- on healthy living is a key part a doubt, this issue is Institute to develop the Fish mental protection into their of the Japanese outlook for a a world issue, we are Analyzer, to promote quality business models. sustainable future. When de- just happy to help and control of fish by using tech- Once such example is in fining his company’s brand, contribute to get to this nology. “The way to identify the shipping sector. Amid Yoshisato Kikuchi, President goal” a good fish is by the amount increasing worldwide aware- of Tiger Corporation – a of fat it contains,” says Mr. ness of the contribution of the manufacturer of rice cook- ShozoU Kawanishi, Kawanishi. “The Fish Ana- industry to exhaust emissions, ers, stainless steel beverage President and CEO, Yamato Scale lyzer can measure the fat per- the international marine bottles, bento lunch kits, and centage of 14 fish types such transportation sector is facing home appliances – speaks the emissions of carbon diox- as mackerel, yellowtail, tuna tight regulations to curb air of health-consciousness and ide. Without a doubt, this is- and many others. It will tell pollution. The United Nation’s ecologically friendly practices. sue is a world issue, we are just you which fish contains the International Marine Organi- “We plan to work on the happy to help and contribute ideal amount of fat and sell it zation’s regulations governing health field to make innova- to get to this goal. It used to at the appropriate price.” He marine emissions, called IMO tive products for each market,” be a problem that everyone adds that this can help fishers Tier III, which came into ef- he says. “We can contribute to talked about, but now, each get a fair price for their catch fect on January 1, 2016, force society as a company because country is individually ana- at auction and the market. a reduction in nitrogen oxide health has always been one of lyzing the effect it has on its “The Fish Analyzer is a com- emissions (NOx) by approxi- our major concerns, whether own economy.” pact and easy-to-use device, mately 70% compared with for the domestic or the inter- He points out that the world which is essential to measure the previous Tier II standards. national market. We feel that is facing three major issues. fish quality.” While North American and there is a high demand for this “First and foremost, we need A further innovation from European firms scrambled to from those who are health to find out economically vi- the company has been in comply, Japanese diesel engine conscious and eat a healthy able ways to save natural re- health. A recent study, com- manufacturer Yanmar was al- diet.” sources. The second is energy piled by the Institute for ready a step ahead. When the company entered saving, and the third is CO2 Health Metrics and Evalu- “We have already developed the American market, which reduction. Everyone is talk- ation at the University of a Tier 4 compliant engine, so now makes up a quarter of its ing about global warming, Washington and funded by we expect our sales to grow overseas sales, it mostly tar- but in reality very little has the Gates Foundation, found considerably in the upcom- geted the Asian population, been done to tackle the prob- that more than 10% of the ing years,” says Hiroshi Kanda, who snapped up its range of lem. We continue to cause ir- global population is now representative director. This is rice cookers from retailers cessed rice and quinoa, which “We can contribute to reparable damage to the earth. obese, with obesity-related not the first time the company such as Target. But the vast is very popular in the U.S. “In society as a company We have a positive influence diseases now posing a threat has pre-empted environmen- U.S. consumer base present- each country the product because health has on the global economy, as we to communities around the tal regulations. ed a much wider opportunity looks exactly the same, but the always been one of our are helping other companies world. Yamato Scale has de- As well as striving to meet for the company than simply machinery operating inside is major concerns, whether to constantly get more effi- veloped an innovative human and beat international regu- the sale of rice cookers, and completely different. For our for the domestic or the cient in terms of use of their body fat scale that can be used lations, Japanese companies Tiger has moved quickly to rice cookers as an example, the international market... . resources.” in both measurement and are working hard to optimize position itself as a healthful program inside is completely Currently, the American To do this, the company has weight loss. “In 1998, we de- business processes in order kitchen appliance brand. To different as the rice used is dif- population is very health developed innovative applica- veloped a body fat scale that to reduce waste and energy make sure to create the best ferent in every country,” says conscious and we are tions for its weighing prod- presented a unique and very usage. “We have a goal to re- possible impact on consum- Mr. Kikuchi, who adds that as focusing on this field. Our ucts, which cut down on waste accurate way of measuring duce energy consumption by ers around the world, Tiger well as developing further in consumers are helping and optimize energy con- human body fat using a small 30% for activities related to has researched into the eat- the U.S. market, “it is crucial the environment” sumption. “With the increase electrical current in the fin- manufacturing,” says Takashi ing habits of other countries that the company continues to of the world’s population and gertips,” says Mr. Kawanishi. Konishi, President of iso- to ensure its products meet grow and expand in countries Yoshisato Kikuchi, global demand, the distribu- The scale then applies mul- molded graphite firm Toyo the mark, going as far as to that have the same culinary President, Tiger Corporation tion model has changed dra- tiple frequency methods to Tanso. The company plans to publish easy-to-follow reci- culture as ours, namely Asian matically. Hypermarkets have measure the entire body, us- achieve this through the use of pes for versions of American countries.” by our proprietary technol- replaced retail shops, and this ing waist size information in a silicon carbide (SiC) power favorites such as BBQ pulled While Tiger Corporation ogy and are light and easy has resulted in the growth of order to measure visceral fat. semiconductor. “Currently, pork and macaroni and cheese has grown into a manufac- to carry. They are more eco- fixed-weight packaged prod- Yamato was the first compa- many of the products in the for its slow cookers to ensure turer of electronic goods, this logically friendly compared to ucts,” explains Mr. Kawani- ny in the world to sell such a market use silicon semicon- customers feel right at home healthy, green outlook also the heavy and sturdy materi- shi. As an example, he gives a product. Because factors such ductors. They can be found using its products. What’s reaches down to its more als that other companies use. 500-gram packet of cat food. as race and environment have in smartphones or automatic more, Tiger has adjusted set- traditional items, such as its While some of our competi- “Regulations dictate that the an influence upon body size, driving cars internal chips. tings on its rice cookers to stainless steel bottles. “Our tors apply chemical coatings, package must not weigh less the original scale took infor- However, the problem with enable them to cook unpro- bottles are finely processed our company polishes with than 500 grams. Normally, mation from a database of the electropolishing to make the manufacturers input an excess population in order to define inside smooth, easy to clean, amount in case of scale error, whether a person is healthy free of odors and harder to so this package may in reality or not - data only available in stain. By using this process contain 507 grams. These ex- Japan. By applying multiple instead of adding chemi- cess seven grams are a huge frequency methods to mea- cals, we achieve a healthier, loss for the company.” Taking sure the entire body, the com- lighter weight product,” he this loss across the huge va- pany has been able to create says. Of course, the fact that riety of different products in a new product, launched In these stainless steel bottles the food sector that are packed 2014 which measures levels have near-infinite reusability by fixed weight such as snacks, of visceral fat, which is linked means that they can replace frozen products, vegetables, to increased risk for cardio- the use of disposable contain- cheese, rice, grains and other vascular disease and type 2 ers, too. “Currently, the Amer- products like cement and diabetes. A new algorithm, ican population is very health chemicals, the amount being which calculates the fluctua- conscious and we are focusing packed per year all around the tion of body fat compared to on this field. Our consumers world is enormous: in just the the body weight, enables the are helping the environment,” U.S. alone, there are 200 billion scale to be used by anyone, says Mr. Kikuchi. fixed-weight packs - excluding anywhere in the world. This drive toward green tobacco products - produced Spanning sectors as diverse living and wellbeing among per year. as healthcare, packaging, in- Japanese companies spans “However, the issue we are dustry and technology, the the whole gamut of industrial facing in fixed weighing is that Japanese companies of today segments, with the most envi- on average most products con- are not just meeting interna- ronmentally-friendly compa- tain more than 1% than is ac- tional standards on health nies found in the unlikeliest tually shown on the package, and the environment, but of sectors. Take Yamato Scale. which causes additional costs exceeding them in new and Established in 1920, it pro- for companies. Even for con- innovative ways, throwing duces weighing equipment sumers, the price is calculated open new markets and new and systems for the industrial based on the actual amount, opportunities for growth. and commercial markets, cov- making prices go higher.” This While others struggle to ering virtually any packaging has consequences on food se- balance regulatory burden application. Because of its curity and availability around with business growth, for Ja- success in providing innova- the world. pan, the future looks green, tive, high-quality combina- But Yamato Scale has the healthy and very profitable tion scaling solutions to the solution. At Interpack, the indeed.

Our World Insert is produced by United World. Neither USA Today nor any other media participated in its preparation or are responsible for its content Distributed by USA TODAY Monday, July 31, 2017 5 JAPAN From chat app to one-stop shop: how LINE is evolving to meet (almost) every need

Launched in the wake A social platform pioneer another new offering from currently operates 11 LINE over two million visitors ev- with a dedicated Clova app of the Great East Japan In effect, LINE pioneered the company, which trans- accounts across different ery day, curious to discover and a smart speaker called earthquake as a reliable the business model its larger forms the app into a shopping entities, with Taipei City the 360-plus LINE FRIENDS WAVE. “We have to think communications service, competitors like Facebook gateway for over 100 brands and Pingtung County using products. The store sought about how people are going messaging app LINE’s and Snapchat have emulated and companies. Meanwhile, the accounts for flood notifi- to provide a chance for the to use and connect with the innovative development as they turn their apps into LINE’s newly-launched food cations and tourists enquires people in North America to different ‘things’ over the in- model has seen it platforms providing paid-for delivery service allows users respectively. feel and experience LINE in ternet; and what they will use expand into an online services. To ensure its future to easily order a wide range a personal way, and helped as the controller of Internet entertainment behemoth success, LINE now needs to of foods over the main LINE Beyond localization consolidate LINE’s brand of Things (IoT) products and with an ambitious growth win over new users, which app, wherever they might be. “We have succeeded in pen- image as a global messenger services. From our point of plan requires innovation and a “As people spend most of etrating markets that have app. Since then, the service view, we want to improve knack for customizing its their time in chats, we want previously rejected Western has grown, surpassing one the usability of the applica- ix years after the features to fit the local cul- LINE to become a gateway competitors, because we ap- billion users and achieving tion and make it the remote service launched ture. providing a smart type of proach the countries with a an MAU (monthly average controller for a wide variety in June 2011, LINE, To this end, the company communication,” he says. tailored strategy instead of users) figure of 214 million as of services,” says Mr. Ideza- Japan’s most popu- plans to harness the oppor- “Chat apps are also bots. offering the cookie-cutter of March 2017, with organic wa. For the company, which lar messaging ser- tunities thrown up by the Behind the scenes of bots, approach which would give growth coming from as far already offers users the abil- vice, has grown from cutesy global digital revolution to there is AI, which can create different markets the same afield as the United States, ity to become LINE “friends” chatS app to a platform that become an online portal Saudi Arabia and Mexico, with home appliances such offers its users and business to, well, everything. “The as well as the Asian market. as their refrigerator or vac- partners alike a wide-ranging Fourth Industrial Revolution uum cleaner, the WAVE choice of services. Now, with is an important shift that is LINE’s offline capability device is the obvious next flagship and pop-up shops connecting the Internet with provides diverse busi- step in facilitating people’s around the world and new physical manufacturers,” says ness portfolio interactions with the world offerings from AI to mobile Takeshi Idezawa, the com- Following the 2014 success, around them. Users can use payments, LINE is cement- pany’s CEO. “This is a big LINE is unveiling a perma- WAVE to play music, main- ing its dominant position in chance, but probably also the nent LINE FRIENDS offi- tain calendars and to-do lists, the Asia region while eyeing last, for Japanese companies cial store in Times Square talk with WAVE to get infor- other markets, as part of its to be at the forefront.” this August, the latest of mation about the weather corporate mission of “Clos- As part of this online-of- its 84 official and pop-up and other things they might ing the Distance” be- fline linkage, the company stores in countries around need throughout the day, and tween people and the kinds recently announced a flurry the world. The 4,628 square even control chat messages of services that the Internet of new features and concepts foot retail space will be lo- on the LINE app. WAVE also of Things (IoT) offers. designed to continue the cated at the prime location comes in a more casual ver- A look at the numbers evolution of the LINE app of 1515 Broadway, also home sion, CHAMP, in the form demonstrates the sheer beyond a communication to the renowned Lion King of popular LINE FRIENDS commercial might of LINE. tool, adding features and musical. The store open- characters. The app has seen runaway concepts to make people’s ing commemorates LINE LINE is currently studying success in both its home life more convenient, richer FRIENDS becoming the collaborations with major market – fully 44% of iPhone and more fun. A new “Portal” first Asian character brand tech companies for Clova. users in Japan have the LINE tab within the app will pro- to open a large-scale official One such tie-up is with Sony, app installed – and further vide weather, horoscopes, store in the U.S., and also whose Xperia Ear Open- afield, grabbing top market public transport times and the one year-anniversary of style concept proposes a new share in Taiwan and Thai- other key information, per- LINE’s listing on the New method of in-ear, hands-free land. While many social sonalized for each user’s life- York Stock Exchange. “The voice communication. Yama- platforms struggle to gen- style. The company also aims opening of our first store in ha Corporation is already on erate revenue, this growing, to establish the LINE app as a New York City highlights board, and will be develop- diversified business makes gateway for all purchases and the rapid popularity our be- ing AI-based music creation an annual $270 million in the payments – both online and loved characters are gaining using Yamaha’s VOCALOID sale of digital stickers alone. offline – with its LINE Pay not just in Asia, but in North voice synthesis technology That’s not all. LINE charac- service, which already boasts America and other countries and LINE’s Clova cloud AI ters, the figures which star 38 million registered global around the world,” the com- technology. The company in its stickers and are viewed users and over $709 million Takeshi Idezawa, CEO of LINE Corporation pany said in a release. To also has a partnership with as a more expressive version in gross merchandise value. further cement the brand’s Korean electronic appliance of emoticons, now have their A P2P version, where users a smart way of communica- services. We call it ‘cultur- entry into the U.S. market, maker LG. Meanwhile, LINE own TV show, and are avail- can send each other money tion bringing in more con- alization’ which is basically LINE FRIENDS participated has signed an MOU to ex- able to buy as merchandise without a financial institu- text and learning through localization at its deepest in the Las Vegas Licensing plore business opportunities from a number of physical tion middle-man, will be- the usage.” As an example of level,” says Mr. Idezawa. One Expo 2017, the world’s larg- using the Smart Device Link, stores in Asia and beyond. come available later on in this smart B2B usage, LINE example of this is its Thai est licensing trade show, in- a standard promoted by Toy- What’s more, ad revenues the year. This development has a delivery company in Ja- spin-off app LINE MAN, stalling the biggest indepen- ota and other companies that and tie-ups with big brands will give LINE the ability pan that utilizes chatbots for an on-demand assistant app dent booth in history as an connects automobiles with bring in a further 40% of its to tap into the half-billion- the user to specify the dates that offers a courier ser- Asian character brand, with smartphone and tablet apps. revenue, with another 30% dollar annual remittances they will be at home to re- vice, shipping service, mes- Licensing Source report- Initiatives like these repre- garnered from gaming, with market of money sent home ceive their package, cutting senger service and grocery ing that the brand caused sent the start of LINE’s goal 640 million total downloads by migrant workers around down on missed deliveries delivery from 7-Eleven. It “something of a stir, with a of creating a world in which for game titles by February the world. and reducing wasted trips for has also become Thailand’s number of execs looking to AI blends into every device 2016, among which the couriers. “Moreover, you can top food-delivery service find out more.” and every environment in puzzle game “LINE: Disney Embedded in daily life book flights through LINE,” to more than 500,000 users As LINE starts to pick up everyday life. And for LINE, Tsum Tsum” yielded over 13 Carrying out day-to-day says Mr. Idezawa. per month in Bangkok and a greater international fol- the upside potential is tre- million monthly active users business and personal activ- Interaction with public its surrounding areas. “LINE lowing, it is also rolling out mendous. “Going forward (MAU). In total, the compa- ity through a chat app may sector agencies is also a re- MAN is the first service that more daring initiatives that the interface of the future is ny makes around $1 billion seem counter-intuitive to ality through LINE, which is fully implemented by our it hopes will take the world more about voice commands every year, which helped in some, but for Mr. Idezawa, has entered into agreements local team for Thai consum- by storm. instead of smartphones. You some part to boost investor the proposition makes per- with the local governments ers,” said Ariya Banomyong, will be able to open your confidence in the firm as it fect sense. For instance, he of the cities of Shibuya, Fu- managing director of LINE Harnessing artificial emails, browse the internet launched the biggest tech points out that “search en- kuoka and Kumamoto to use Thailand in a statement. intelligence to facilitate with one word. Looking even IPO of 2016, raising $1.3 gines lose potential when the messaging app to send in- LINE’s appeal is not everyday life more forward in the future, billion from selling shares used through smartphones,” formation on childcare and limited to the Asian mar- The Clova cloud AI platform, we may communicate with that then gained a further whereas the LINE app pro- other government services. ket, however. In 2014, the unveiled at Mobile World each other using brainwav- 33% when they started trad- vides a native and intuitive LINE’s appeal to govern- company created a pop-up Congress 2017 in March, es,” says Mr. Idezawa; and ing on markets in New York interface to users. One such ment entities is growing: shop in New York’s Times looks set to become Asia’s LINE is expected to play a and Tokyo. example is LINE Shopping, the Taiwanese government Square, which welcomed answer to Amazon’s Alexa key role in that future.

Our World Insert is produced by United World. Neither USA Today nor any other media participated in its preparation or are responsible for its content 6 Monday, July 31, 2017 Distributed by USA TODAY JAPAN From theory to practice: real applications of IoT and robotics To many, the Internet of Things, or IoT, may sound like a buzzword and robotics could evoke an image of a workforce dominated by humanoids. Is this the case? Japan Inc. companies have been at the forefront of these emerging trends and have developed real applications to increase efficiency and productivity

Japanese companies want robots to work hand in hand with human workers It is expected that there will be 30 billion connected IoT devices by 2020

here’s no doubt industry leaders and innova- the stores and how many en- formance. As companies in seen positive results, encour- “Our goal is not to that another tors from all sectors are well ter the stores. We can moni- the fashion retail space be- aging Japanese manufactur- replace men with robots. industrial revo- aware of and preparing for tor how customers move come increasingly criticized ers to maintain relationships We want to combine men lution is taking the demand of these kinds inside the store, and in front for overproduction, applying and concentrate on expan- with robots in order to place worldwide of services. of which shelves they spend this kind of technology has sion and investment oppor- increase productivity. An with the growing support in TSI Holdings is one of the more time. We can catego- the potential to save on cost, tunities, as well as exploring example of this would bringing to life of the Internet first companies to integrate rize the moving patterns of but also to help the environ- new technologies. “America be our driverless tractor, T the Robot Tractor, where of Things (IoT) and robots. IoT technology into the fash- the customers who end up ment. “With the application is the most suitable place for The convenience and nov- ion retail space. President buying and not buying. We of IoT and AI (artificial in- us to develop and test our the leading tractor driven elty of appliances that tell and CEO Tadashi Saito says, can also monitor how many telligence), we are able to technology,” says President by a man would plough you when to re-stock house- “There are two ways for the people touch and try on the reduce the markdown and of Nissei, Hozumi Yoda. the soil, followed by a hold commodities, climate fashion industry to apply IoT. products. Each of these de- therefore eliminate waste,” “One of our strategies is driverless tractor in order controls that manage energy One is to take advantage of cision making processes gets says Mr. Saito. related to IoT. We are work- to plant crops” consumption, and health and IoT in the store itself. IoT al- analyzed with the use of IoT.” He also explains, “The sec- ing on our capability to main- wellness tracking in fashion lows us to improve the mea- This kind of integration ond way we apply IoT and AI tain the machinery with less Hiroshi Kanda, are very quickly becoming a surement of our KPIs (key and analysis can lead to a is to increase our business people, doing it remotely. We Representative Director, Yanmar part of daily lives of citizens performance indicators). By better understanding of con- and sales strategy and reduce are developing a concept that all over the globe. With an installing highly sensitive sumer behavior, which then operational cost.” Through wherever you are and wher- expected 30 billion con- cameras, we can count the later affects the company’s testing simulations TSI has ever you go, you are able to dustrial robot companies’ nected IoT devices by 2020, number of people passing by overall efficiency and per- found that “AI could also do the maintenance.” products are developed to tell the number of inventory replace human workers with we should have in stock for Robotics robots. In Japan, the people certain items” and “can accu- Long-time leaders of the man- whose jobs were replaced by rately predict the volume of ufacturing sector like Yanmar, robots are now doing more the additional procurement,” which recently celebrated its value-added work, such as meaning less opportunity 105th anniversary in March continually improving fac- loss. While many people may of this year, are accustomed to tory processes. When people think that IoT technology is evolving with the market and and robots work together, just for connecting devices, are preparing for the future people are the masters, not it’s clear that applying it in with research and develop- the slaves of the machine. the fashion retail space, like ment that enhances their of- That’s the kind of society I en- TSI has done, has some im- ferings while keeping the end vision. Robots are tools. Hu- pressive benefits for business consumer in mind. Yanmar is man innovation can be used operations. perhaps best known for their to come up with new ideas IoT has potential in other engine equipment, most fre- and improve manufacturing arenas too, specifically when quently found in machinery processes. The synergy be- it comes to safety. Kenzo used for farming. tween human and robots is Terashima is the President “We are currently develop- the way forward for Japan.” of Toyo Denki, a leading ing smart farms, to handle is- Kawada Technologies is manufacturer of electrical sues such as energy consump- taking part in the construc- equipment for rail vehicles. tion. Also, we want to focus tion of the new national He says, “A very important is- on productivity. We want to stadiums and facilities for sue to consider always is safe- help farms develop solutions Olympic sports and also ty. And in the case of trains, for their soil, their harvest, all some of the projects for the this is crucial: arriving on the way to their trade place,” new hotels needed for the time and safe. With regards to says Representative Director influx of tourism that the IoT, we are linking each part Hiroshi Kanda. Helping farm- event will bring. The Japa- of the electric system of the ers, a cultural staple of many nese construction industry railway to the IoT. Trains are principles in Japan, is a prior- is expected to increase to a very important part of the ity, especially as technology approximately $637.2 billion Japanese economy. If in any continues to develop. by 2019 and industrial robot case the train gets delayed, “Our goal is not to replace revenue is forecast to reach the company doesn’t only men with robots. We want to $24 billion in 2020. As the have to fix the problem that is combine men with robots in field of robotics continues causing it as fast as possible, order to increase productiv- to develop, a divide is hap- but it also has to inform pas- ity. An example of this would pening amongst the types of sengers about the situation. be our driverless tractor, the robots being produced. And IoT is a very helpful tool Robot Tractor, where the Traditional, industrial ro- to monitor the situation and leading tractor driven by a bots are still in high demand, progress constantly and with man would plough the soil, especially for manufacturing accuracy.” IoT technology al- followed by a driverless trac- facilities for the automotive lows for the monitoring of tor in order to plant crops. industry, but service robots parts on the rail system indi- They would be working hand are also being integrated vidually as well, keeping real in hand to increase produc- into the workforce. They are time information available tivity,” says Mr. Kanda. designed to operate in less for technicians. Toyo Denki Their dedication to re- predictable and unstruc- will celebrate 100 years in search and development of tured environments where business in 2018 and has re- environmentally conscious they interact with people cently begun participating equipment makes them a in a number of applications in a railway project in Los leader in the industry, al- ranging from medical to Angeles. ready meeting standards for construction to agriculture. Other companies special- requirements that will be put Kawada is known for build- izing in parts and machinery, into place in 2019. The la- ing bridges and is doing this like Nissei Plastic Industrial, bor shortage in Japan means within the field of robotics are also implementing IoT making products more com- too. Their collaborative ro- and sustainability initiatives petitive in international mar- bots are a mix between the to increase the effectiveness kets is a must and to achieve industrial and service robots. of their products that are in this, robots are often used The NEXTAGE model is easy use around the world. Hybrid in order to accomplish pro- to install and deploy and dis- cars, for example, call for duction goals. But will robots plays the advantages of being motors that are increasingly replace the human workers safe, flexible, space saving made of plastic components completely? and mobile. and with more countries Tadahiro Kawada, Presi- The embracing of the ap- moving to energy efficient dent of Kawada Technolo- plication of robotics, IoT and alternatives, Nissei has op- gies, explains, “We don’t AI technology is present- portunities abroad. The com- want to cut jobs, but create ing Japan with opportuni- pany has plans to expand to productivity. And that’s ex- ties to once again showcase the United States soon. actly what we are doing right high-quality electronics and Partnerships with the U.S. now with the next generation manufacturing equipment automotive industry have robots. The mainstream in- on a global level.

Our World Insert is produced by United World. Neither USA Today nor any other media participated in its preparation or are responsible for its content Distributed by USA TODAY Monday, July 31, 2017 7 JAPAN An Olympic transformation As the countdown begins to the opening of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, Olympic fever has hit the Japanese capital, bringing with it a tremendous amount of development

ith just three years to go until the opening of the Games, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is alreadyW changing both the shape of the city’s skyline and its business environment. Companies across almost every sector are ramping up production to deliver Olym- pics-related goods and ser- vices, scrambling to ensure their brands become associ- ated with the Games. Mean- while, the face of Tokyo itself is being transformed with the unmissable Shinagawa New Station complex, its origami-inspired steel and glass roof creating a new rail gateway for the city, a $1.5bn new national stadium, and 45 new skyscrapers all being constructed within the city limits, will all contribute to cementing Japan’s Olympic 425 Park Avenue in the Plaza Shibuya Station Sakuragaoka legacy. District of Manhattan, New York Exit District Redevelopment” The result of this Olympics fever is enormous inward in- The face of Tokyo itself is being transformed with the unmissable Shinagawa New Station complex, a $1.5bn new national stadium, and 45 new skyscrapers all being constructed within the city limits

“We do not wish to which Japanese Prime Min- stable and continuous growth Japan’s companies to seek out participate in a transitory ister Shinzo Abe, dressed as in real estate. new opportunities. The op- development boom in the Super Mario, leaped off a clay Today, the company is en- portunities presented by the run-up to the 2020 Tokyo pipe. With four large redevel- gaged in the 425 Park Avenue American market to develop Olympic Games” opments around Shibuya Sta- project in New York, which dynamic partnerships serve tion, the company is working it was introduced to by its as an important pull factor. “We prefer to engage in to ensure that Shibuya will U.S. partner, GreenOak Real “Many Japanese companies efficient investment with a attract more attention as the Estate Advisors. “We had are still closed minded. When long-term horizon” 2020 Games approach, as a a strong business relation- we propose a collaboration, base of easy access to both ship with GreenOak, so they they often reply negatively, Hitoshi Uemura, the Tokyo Bay area and the brought this investment op- limiting our options for ex- Vice Chairman, Tokyu Land Corp. New National Stadium. portunity to us. Given the pansion,” says Yoshitake Ito, One of these redevel- sizable equity commitment President and CEO of Iwasaki opments, Sakuragaoka, is this project required, our par- Electric. Olympic Games and Para- positioned to be the most ticipation was indeed a water- The company, a worldwide lympic Games,” says Hitoshi important project among shed moment in the history supplier of lighting prod- Uemura, Vice Chairman. Be- on-going redevelopment of our U.S. business,” says Mr. ucts and industrial systems cause TLC pioneered real es- projects around Shibuya Uemura. The other partner in whose floodlights illuminate tate securitization in Japan, it Station. The company is up- this project is L&L Holding stadiums in Yokohama, Tosu has a solid balance sheet and grading urban infrastructure Company, a major devel- City, and beyond, is excited strong financial situation in the area, and developing a oper in New York. “The key about the potential that the which enables it to partici- business, residential and en- driving factors behind our Games brings in developing pate in a number of projects tertainment complex. “The investment were the unique new technological solutions simultaneously. Nonetheless, complex is designed to be location and our confidence in lighting for urban, resi- the Japanese corporate prin- friendly to our foreign resi- in our partners.” dential, commercial and in- ciples of prudence and sta- dents and visitors, equipped While the 425 Park Avenue dustrial applications. “Tokyo bility take precedence. “TLC with important facilities deal is the company’s largest in 2020 is a perfect opportunity is careful to strike a balance like multi-lingual medical the U.S. to date, It has not lost for our country to rethink between development risk services, kids’ support and time in building a portfolio of the way we see sports, and and our real estate leasing serviced apartments,” says smaller investments through- entertainment in general,” business, so that the com- Mr. Uemura. The new proj- out the country, including says Mr. Ito, adding that the pany can maximize profits ect also aims to transform multifamily and office invest- opportunities that the Inter- without excessive develop- the area into the foundation ments in New York, Califor- net of Things (IoT) offers to ment exposure. We do not of a Shibuya-based business nia and Texas, with two new the company are immense. wish to participate in a tran- sector, with the creation of investments expected to close Today, the company is open sitory development boom in support facilities for startups. before the summer is out. “Our to “all opportunities, whether the run-up to the 2020 Tokyo However, Mr. Uemura strategic focus, going forward, it be through alliances, joint- Olympic Games; rather, we points out that is important is to seek out value-add type ventures or other types of col- prefer to engage in efficient to note that after the 2020 investments in major markets, laboration.” For Iwasaki Elec- investment with a long-term Tokyo Olympic Games, there in partnership with strong local tric, the U.S. remains its most horizon,” adds Mr. Uemura. is a risk that demand for new operators, with a focus on office important market, and that is He shares Mr. Kawada’s op- development will dwindle. and residential properties. We where its strategic focus lies, timism about the overall im- “Furthermore, as our society continue to build our portfolio driven by its factory in Bos- pact of the Olympics on the ages, it seems obvious that the with an eye toward establishing ton. “Our competitive advan- Japanese economy, however demand for real estate will be a sound track record and a repu- tage isn’t the price, but rather his outlook is more cautious. shrinking in the mid-to-long tation as a trusted and capable the quality, the reliability, the “The construction of facili- term,” he adds. As a result, partner,” says Mr. Uemura. safety and the sturdiness. In vestment into the city as well “We are definitely ready ties will be completed when TLC is now looking to over- It is not just dwindling do- addition, we put a lot of em- as a chance for Japanese firms for the 2020 Olympics the Games start. Therefore, I seas markets where it foresees mestic demand that is driving phasis on customer service.” to hone their skills before tak- with new exciting expect the Japanese economy ing them out to the rest of the products... to somewhat slow down after world. Ever since the 1964 the event. Until 2020, I be- The enthusiasm is palpa- Tokyo Olympic Games, lieve the economy will grow ble. “We are definitely ready excluding Mexico City at a steady pace.” for the 2020 Olympics with 1968 and Montreal The Tokyu Group holds new exciting products,” says 1976, each Olympic more than 1 trillion yen Yuji Saeki, President and volleyball game was ($8.8 billion) of assets, and is CEO of Mikasa, a 100-year- played with Mikasa ranked third among Japanese old rubber manufacturer that balls” real estate companies, but it has made its name producing stands out due to its focus high-quality athletics balls, Yuji Saeki, on business diversification, from volleyballs to water polo President and CEO, Mikasa participating also in the man- balls. “Ever since the 1964 To- agement of resort facilities, kyo Olympic Games, exclud- senior housing and member- ing Mexico City 1968 and projects, such as the Shinaga- ship sports clubs. As a result, Montreal 1976, each Olympic wa to Nagoya linear maglev it has been able to benefit volleyball game was played that will be implemented.” from Japan’s recent econom- with Mikasa balls,” he says, The company, a major play- ic upswing in more than one adding that he believes the er in the bridge industry and area. “We can see some posi- Japanese team became better high-rise steel structures, has tive effects from Abenomics over the years as a result of a long history of involvement on TLC businesses, especially this homegrown brand being in the construction of dome the so called ‘inbound effect’ so prominently featured. This stadiums, and the upcoming in terms of foreign tourists. year, the company is sponsor- Olympics means new proj- Abenomics is, of course, a ing the Games, as well as en- ects and new contracts. “We set of domestic Japanese riching its relationship with will work on the new national economic policies, but they the FIVB (International Vol- stadiums and facilities for influence the currency mar- leyball Federation), to bolster the Olympic sports, as well kets and therefore have global its global position as a truly as on some projects for the effects. As TLC owns hotels Olympic Japanese brand. construction of new hotels,” and commercial facilities, the “The 2020 Summer Olym- adds Mr. Kawada. impact of the booming tour- pic Games will be a great driv- Nikkei 225-listed Tokyu ism industry driven by Abe- er for growth,” says Tadahiro Land Corporation (TLC), a nomics is definitely positive,” Kawada, President of Kawada comprehensive real estate Mr. Uemura says. Technologies, which designs company that operates ur- Among current domestic and builds bridges and steel ban development, residen- projects, TLC is currently structures as well as devel- tial, overseas and wellness focused on large redevelop- oping robots and unmanned businesses in a quest to cre- ment projects in its home- vehicles. “Although everyone ate beautiful living environ- town of Shibuya, the beating expects a dip in the aftermath ments, is in its element in heart of the city of Tokyo and of the Olympic Games, I feel the run-up to the Games. made famous most recently confident that the sector will “We have experienced steady after its image as the hub of keep growing steadily. We will growth in each of these busi- Japan’s information industry have demands to add more nesses, and have commit- was bolstered during the clos- Shinkansen lines and there ted to further expansion in ing ceremony of the Rio de are the new cutting-edge advance of the 2020 Tokyo Janeiro Olympic Games, in

Our World Insert is produced by United World. Neither USA Today nor any other media participated in its preparation or are responsible for its content 8 Monday, July 31, 2017 Distributed by USA TODAY JAPAN New tourism attractions to discover Japan all year around A look at the authentic Japanese tourism experience

Shoho Hotel Matsumoto Castle Alpico Bus

s the Japanese Southeast Asia, but not quite in Meanwhile, its range of tour- one-month voyage operated by history and fascinating culture capital prepares the U.S. and Europe.” ism establishments provides NYK Cruises, which won an of which provides a patchwork to welcome the Given the opportunities pre- ample choice for visitors to the Award of Excellence at Japan’s of different experiences to any world at the 2020 sented by the outbound U.S. region. “We currently have five 2016 Cruise of the Year Awards, visitor bold enough to venture Tokyo Olympic tourist market and the large hotels and the sixth will be open is one such option. An early outside of the more familiar Games, another city in the coun- number of Japanese living on the this fall,” says Mr. Horigome. summer voyage circling Japan destinations. try,A Nagano, reminisces about West Coast of the United States, These include Hotel Shoho, and taking in a northern stop Such a visitor will be well- its stint as Winter Olympics Alpico is looking to beef up its which is set on the hills over- in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky rewarded. Masayuki Goto, host in 1998. The city, nestled promotional activities there, looking Matsumoto city. All of in Russia and a southern visit President and CEO of the Ja- in the Japanese Alps, boasts in partnership with American its rooms are furnished in the to Keelung, Taiwan, provides pan Racing Association (JRA), hot springs, snow monkeys – a agents as well as via a represen- ryokan style, allowing guests to a truly Japanese way of discov- is keen to see more foreigners type of macaque – and outdoor tative office. For Mr. Horigome, experience traditional Japanese ering the country and its sur- take in the country’s phenom- activities, from skiing to hiking. the tourism potential is endless. hospitality. The hotel also boasts roundings. NYK Cruises, which enally popular and extremely But like much of Japan, it is yet to “Japan is a very fascinating coun- the biggest size hot spring in the originally started doing business competitive horseracing. While be fully discovered as a tourism try from different perspectives. whole of Nagano prefecture. An- in the Meiji era in 1885, aims to Japan may not be the first coun- destination. It is blessed with nature, and other one of the company’s hotel, become a world reference for try that springs to mind when “What is lacking is a com- the Japanese have worked hard the Kamikochi Lemeiesta Hotel, luxury cruising. “Our advantage one thinks of the sport, the his- prehensive strategy to publicly to safeguard and maintain the is tucked away in the Kamikochi includes having the best hard- tory of horseracing in Japan can promote the whole of Japan. We “Japan is a very beautiful environment. There mountain resort and is ideal for ware in Japan,” says Hiroshi Hat- be traced to the beginning of the lack the brand image of Japan as fascinating country from are historical sites and facilities hikers. “We also have another tori, President of the company. eighth century, where it was held a whole country and we are not different perspectives. It such as castles, shrines, and Japanese style ryokan hotel, With three ships including the as a religious ceremony for the good at presenting it such way,” is blessed with nature, temples, and the modern influ- Sousen-no yado Suhaku, which Asuka II – the largest and most Imperial Court, before spread- says Yoshio Horigome, Chair- and the Japanese have ence from the West co-exists is the only ryokan in Kami Suwa luxurious cruise service in Japan ing throughout the country to man of Alpico Group. The worked hard to safeguard smoothly with Japanese tradi- with hot springs coming from by far – the company, which up the extent that horseracing ap- company, which is the primary and maintain the beautiful tional buildings. What is more, two different sources,” says Mr. until recently tended to serve pears frequently in the historical transportation company of Na- environment. There are the country is safe. I believe tour- Horigome. Rooms there have a solely the domestic market, is journals and literature of that era. gano Prefecture, offers services historical sites and facilities ists can enjoy this diversity, and breathtaking view of Suwa Lake, now increasingly welcoming “Every year since then, horserac- including buses connecting such as castles, shrines, come home feeling relaxed and which is the site of an interesting Americans and Europeans ing has been held each May at main cities through Japan, as well and temples, and the to some extent healed.” He adds natural phenomenon known as aboard. “We offer a bit of taste of Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto. Its as hotels and lodges, golf courses, modern influence from the that it is a near-travesty that the “The God’s Crossing”, where the the Japanese atmosphere. Asuka style and tradition has remained retail establishments and travel West co-exists smoothly Nagano Prefecture remains all- water’s natural hot spring com- II has onsens [hot springs] inside nearly intact since the 11th cen- and leisure services. It is current- with Japanese traditional but unknown to American tour- bines with the frozen surface in it, from where you can see the tury, lasting through the aristo- ly working hard to raise aware- buildings. What is more, ists. “Every season here presents wintertime to create foot-high sea; it’s a very relaxing experi- cratic and feudal eras of Japan, ness about cultural gems in the the country is safe. I its own beauty. We have pristine ice ridges. ence. We also have a tea room for more than 900 years,” says inland region, which counts nine believe tourists can enjoy water and delicious fruits, Sake The year 2020 marks the 100th with tatami,” he says. Inside the Mr. Goto. Today, horseracing of the 12 highest mountains in this diversity, and come breweries and Nagano is known anniversary of Alpico Group’s ship, the company offers the very in Japan has reached interna- Japan and a famous lake resort home feeling relaxed and for being a big producer of wine. foundation, which is coinci- best of omotenashi, or Japanese tional standards, with the in- at Lake Kizaki. to some extent healed.” Guests who come will take with dentally the same year in which hospitality, as well as some more auguration of the Japan Cup in “Japan has always focused on them an unforgettable memory Japan will host the Olympics familiar fare. “We serve French 1981 opening the competition sectors such as manufacturing, Yoshio Horigome, of our volcanic hot springs and Games. “This is therefore an aus- cuisine as well, that is probably to horses trained outside the trade and commerce and servic- Chairman, Alpico Group Japanese cuisine.” picious year for us to implement better than what you can eat in country. “We have observed an es. We did not realize the poten- The company’s strong local a new strategy and determine Paris,” says Mr. Hattori, who adds increasing trend of repeating tial of tourism until much later pilgrimage route that ran be- knowledge and long operating which path the company takes in that the company sometimes in- tourists,” says Mr. Goto. “Nor- compared to other countries. tween Nagano and Matsumoto history – it was founded in 1920 the future to make another 100 vites guest chefs aboard to serve mally the first time or even the There isn’t still much knowl- City. “In earlier days when we as Chikuma Railway Company years of breakthroughs,” says Mr. their cuisine. second time the tourist journey edge about how to get around, strategized the promotion of – has enabled it to put together Horigome. “This is how we came Such is the importance of on- is centered in the cuisine or in the where to stay at, or how to get Nagano, our focus was to show sightseeing routes to showcase up with our mid-term manage- board gastronomy to the com- shopping spree or other tourist to Nagano,” he says. “We must what distinguishes Nagano from to visitors the area’s many at- ment plan ‘Value up Alpico 2020’, pany that Crystal Cruises, the spots. However on their third emphasize and promote such the neighboring prefectures – tractions. with a mission to go public on American luxury cruise line set trip, foreigners want to experi- information as a whole nation, and it was ski resorts,” says Mr. “We are promoting sight- the stock exchange and increase up by NYK Cruises and owned ence the traditions of Japan or with private and public sectors Horigome. “The 1998 Winter seeing in Matsumoto but also the company’s recognition and by the company until its acqui- more local trends. We hope that working together.” Olympic Games made the Na- in wider areas by working with credit worthiness, along with sition by a Hong Kong buyer in the horseracing spectacle would To get the word out, the gano prefecture world-famous neighboring prefectures and the overall market value of the 2015, has a restaurant aboard be one of their venues.” company is combining tradi- as a place for winter sports and local transportation provid- company.” run by Japanese celebrity chef To this end, the company has, tional advertising with the global attracted many tourists for ski- ers,” says Mr. Horigome. “This For a slightly more sedate ex- Nobu. “We tied up with him and over the last decade, translated reach of social media, with an ing.” But for him, the focus on is the way to promote Japan to perience, visitors to Japan can he runs our restaurants on the its brochures and put in place ini- English-language Twitter feed winter alone misses the greater overseas visitors. We are pro- also take advantage of the grow- Crystal Cruise,” says Mr. Hattori. tiatives to make betting easier for that includes evocative photos year-round beauty of the region moting tourism collaborating ing cruise industry. In 2016, a to- Leisure companies around foreigners, as well as introducing of Nagano along with little- in summer and fall. “For the last with other prefectures, rather tal of 1.99 million tourists came Japan are keen to work together a tablet application for internal known facts about the prefec- several years, we’ve been pro- than doing it alone because we to Japan by cruise ship, nearly five and with the government to use to enable its employees to ture, such as the history of the moting these seasons, and we believe that can attract more times the level in 2014. The Circle promote the lesser-known as- communicate with tourists in Zenkō-ji Kaido mercantile and can see it’s becoming known in visitors.” Japan Grand Cruise, a luxurious pects of the country, the storied their own language.

Our World Insert is produced by United World. Neither USA Today nor any other media participated in its preparation or are responsible for its content