JANUARY 2016 VOL. 53, ISSUE 1 ¥800 JANUARY 2016

JOURNAL.ACCJ.OR.JP THE JOURNAL THE AUTHORITY ON GLOBAL BUSINESS IN JOURNAL.ACCJ.OR.JP

HAKUBA HIGH Foreign visitors, local entrepreneurs revive Olympic venue THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN JAPAN IN COMMERCE OF CHAMBER AMERICAN THE 毎月一日発行 第五十三巻 1 号 ジャーナル 二〇一六年一月一日発行 PHOTO BY FORWARD STROKE

Opening in January 2016 A sanctuary in a pulsating city

Oakwood Asia Pacific will be opening its th9 property—Oakwood Premier in Japan. Located near the Marunouchi district, the property is a 2-minute walk from Tokyo Station—the gateway to the whole of Japan.

Oakwood Premier Tokyo boasts 123 fully furnished apartments and is housed from the 6th to the 19th floor of a 19-storey multi-serviced complex. Complete with shopping and dining options to complement your stay, Oakwood Premier Tokyo is designed to offer an unbeatable combination of exclusivity, convenience and luxury.

Oakwood is celebrating 15 years in Japan

For details and reservations, please visit http://www.oakwoodasia.com/tokyo/oakwood-tokyo-marunouchi.php

BANGALORE BANGKOK CHENGDU GUANGZHOU HANGZHOU HONG KONG HYDERABAD INCHEON JAKARTA MANILA PUNE TOKYO

OakwoodPremierAd_v6.indd 1 12/8/15 9:50 AM CONTENTS

VOL. 53, ISSUE 1

4 FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS 22 SPORTS & HEALTH Hakuba High 5 EDITOR'S DESK Foreign visitors, local entrepreneurs Back in the Saddle revive Olympic venue John Amari 7 SOCIAL MEDIA Trending on the Web 28 ECONOMY 2016: Japan’s Year of 8 LEAD STORY Living Dangerously? Positive Education Anthony Fensom Universities may be at risk as learners ditch the classroom 31 PARTNER CONTENT Richard Smart Startups Put Energy-saving Spins on Supercomputers 12 EDUCATION Nikkei Asian Review From Classroom to Boardroom 33 J-MEDIA A lesson in business practices from Japan’s elementary schools Will Japan Turn Back the Clock on Housing? Teru Clavel translation of article in Keizaikai 16 ENTREPRENEUR Allison Baum: Leading 35 J-MEDIA the Education Revolution IoT and Your Health John Amari translation of article by William H. Saito 20 TECH IN ASIA Making Moneytree Expat-led fintech startup gets 45 ACCJ MEMBER NEWS backing from Japan’s top banks J. T. Quigley DISCLAIMER

Custom Media and the ACCJ will not accept liability for any damages caused by the contents of The Journal, including, but not limited to, any omissions, errors, facts or false statements. Opinions or advice expressed in the The Journal are not necessarily those of the ACCJ or Custom Media.

COVER IMAGE: John Amari THIS PAGE PHOTO: Nikkei Asian Review

–Page 31 TERU CLAVEL J. T. QUIGLEY ANTHONY FENSOM

“2016: Japan’s “From Classroom “Making Year of Living to Boardroom” Moneytree” Dangerously?” page 12 page 20 page 28

Hometown: New York, NY Hometown: Voorhees, New Jersey Hometown: Brisbane, Australia or Tokyo, Japan

FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS Languages: English, Japanese, Most memorable interviewee: French, Chinese William Saito. Unimpressed with the Languages: English and (average) generally risk-averse Japanese tech Japanese Favorite place in Japan: The area investors, William once told me that, around Tennoji in , where Years in Japan: 6 here, "VC" stands for "very cowardly." I spent my summers as a child Favorite place in Japan: Tokyo Favorite place in Japan: Asahikawa, Role model or mentor: . A snowboarder's paradise Role models: People who achieve Christian Amanpour with incredibly friendly locals and their dreams Favorite author: delicious local cuisine. Big enough Places of inspiration: Libraries, Gabriel Garcia Marquez to have fun at the drop of a hat, but bookshops, lookouts, scenic spots small enough to easily escape into the Social media handles: wilderness when you need to unplug. Currently reading: “The Ugly Game” www.teruclavel.com, I'm determined to retire here one day. by Heidi Blake & Jonathan Calvert Facebook: TeruClavelWriter, Twitter: @TeruClavel Favorite author: A tie between Chuck Social media: Twitter: @a_d_fensom Palahniuk and Haruki Murakami Currently listening to/reading: Secret skill: Craft beer fan Fareed Zakaria's weekly GPS podcast, Social media handles: Thoughts on print journalism: NPR's All Things Considered podcast, @jtquigley / jtquigley Journalism is alive and well, even if the Washington Post’s “The Answer Sheet” Secret skill: I was a choir boy and format may change. education blog, New York Times’ sang in a few garage bands, so I can “Motherlode” parenting blog hold my own in the karaoke box. Secret skill: moguratataki, identifying Thoughts on print journalism: architectural details I definitely prefer turning the pages Thoughts on print journalism: of a paper magazine over swiping a We must be constantly innovating, glass surface. parsing the data, and revisiting—like The New Yorker—to remain relevant.

Publisher Client Services Manager To advertise or subscribe: Simon Farrell Joy Fajardo [email protected] [email protected] Marketing Manager Editorial: President Megumi Okazaki [email protected] Robert Heldt Advertising Sales Director Custom Media Studio Manager DeWitt Mosby Publishers of The Journal for the American Chamber Paul Leonard of Commerce in Japan. Specialists in bilingual brand www.custom-media.com Account Managers strategy/visual communications, corporate bespoke Editor-in-Chief Kimo Blackmore solutions. Producers of Business in Japan TV. Brandi Goode Joshua Ellis Anthony Head Deputy Editor Alaina Naidoo John Amari Business Development Daiwa Azabudai Bldg. 6F Graphic Designers Director 2-3-3 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Michael Pfeffer Kotaro Toda Tokyo 106-0041 Ximena Criales Project Coordinator Tel: 03-4540-7730 Client Services Director Yoshiki Tatezaki Sam Bird © 2016 Custom Media K.K. Media Coordinator Kiyoko Morita

The Journal is printed on paper certified by the US Forest Stewardship Council with vegetable oil ink certified by the Japan Printing Ink Makers Association.

4 THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016 EDITOR'S DESK , is an (formerly magazine with a

n ) is a business ACCJ Journal ACCJ

A flagship publication of the American Chamber of of Chamber American the of publication flagship A Commerce in Japan (ACCJ), Journal The the 52-year history. We’ve had a call inWe’ve photos more for Happy holidays! in 2015, our cover storyin 2015, details(page 22) entrepreneurshow in Hakuba Valley are coping with a surge in tourists, both Japanese and foreign. WRITERS WANTED In the section ACCJ Journal The of we’ll look to continue passing the pen among chamber leaders and volunteers, spotlighting events hosted theby Chubu, Kansai, and Kanto chapters. Members are encouraged to send in ideas for stories, and new welcome writers—no we editorial experience required! Having a diverse set voices of Journal in The excellent reflectionof the diversity in the chamber itself. this section the of magazine,so expect lots shots of members of enjoying chamber functions. New this year is a regular section CSR, on showcasing the charitable activities the of chamber and its membership. The summary and spreadphoto from Charity the 2015 Ball reflect (page 48) bothof these updated features. It seemsIt the link between tech With Japan having posted record EDTECH BOOM EDTECH Our lead story charts (page 8) the rise in popularity massive of open online courses which make (MOOCs), university education accessible to students acrossthe globe. Most MOOC students are working professionals looking career for advancement. As our entrepreneur the of month Allison in theBaum United notes (page 16), States, percent students of “65 that are in grade school will with up end jobs existthat don’t yet.” and education will only grow whichstronger, could Japanese put elementary schools behind their global counterparts. As and a new mother, the aunt an of iPad-toting niece 7-year-old back Classroom home,found I “From to Boardroom” insightful. (page 12) It was surprising to learn that elementary schools do not, here generally, use tablet emailcomputers or instruction. for numbers for international visitors new faces and columns. alsoWe plan to focus specific on industries each month, to ensure broadcoverage across business sectors.January kicks off with the education industry, as well as health and sports.

. The had IN THE SADDLE IN BACK Journal Brandi Goode magazine (page 33). magazine (page 33). custom-media.com @ brandi Thisyear we will continue to deliver seeYou’ll many the of same authors original stories business on trends in Japan and the Asia–Pacificregion and US–Japan commercial ties, as well as partner and translated content from respected Japanese publications such as the Nikkei Asian Review introducedwe last as year, well as some just been born. issues With 10 now completed, the flagshippublication of the American Chamber Commerce of in has Japan successfully (ACCJ) established itself as “the authority on global business in Japan.” January issue includes a new regular feature, a translation of updates on recent activity in Japanese government ministries, which appears in the biweekly Keizaikai It feelsIt good be to back. When I went leave inon April the for birth of son,my the redesigned Untitled-1vol3_issue9_cov.indd 1 2 6/30/14 11:22 AM 9/11/12 6:30 PM NOW TRENDING ON THE WEB MEDIA SOCIAL

IN THE NEWS FROM JAPAN TOP HASHTAGS LINKEDIN Tweets from leading Tweets in Japanese This month: Popular tags Discussions from media outlets from people and media from the top 30 list global leaders

@forbes

Once again this year, the editors of Monocle magazine have published their annual Quality of Life Survey, ranking major cities.

http://onforb.es/228VQGd

@btrax @ArchDaily

Every year, btrax gathers the top The Japan Sport Council has emerging startups from Japan unveiled images of two designs to participate in our premiere now in the running for the new event—JapanNight. Tokyo National Stadium.

http://onforb.es/228VQGd http://onforb.es/228VQGd

Rank

NHKニュース 「今年の漢字」は「安」ことし１年の世相を漢字ひと文字で表す「今年の漢字」が、京都の 1 #MTVStars @nhk_news 清水寺で発表され、安全保障関連法案の採決に国民の関心が高まったことなどを理由に、 「安」という字が選ばれました。 http://nhk.jp/N4Mi4L2B 10 #GOT7

安 is the kanji (Chinese character) of the Year 2015. 18 #win At Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, 安, meaning peace or security, was chosen as the kanji character that best represents the events that happened in Japan in 2015.* 26 #1D * Translation of original content in Japanese 29 #news

Samuel Bleakly, Masaaki Hasegawa, Marketing manager at Cyest Corporation. Founder of CREATIVIDA/ professional coach OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOREIGN COMPANIES IN JAPAN - DIGITAL MARKET OVERVIEW YÛKA OISHI: ARTISTIC CHOREOGRAPHER Social media popularity has expanded in Japan, changing marketing strategies for business. We are seeing more and First of all, Yûka Oishi, thank more Japanese mass media following social media, such as you so much for giving us this popular YouTube and Line, introduced in the news. great opportunity to share your experience and wisdom with people around the world. Yûka Oishi is a choreographer and dancer having projects globally. As a professional ballet dancer, she became the first Japanese soloist of The Hamburg Ballet in 2010.

THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016 7 Back in 2012, the US writer Clay Shirky sounded That, however, does not mean MOOCs have no value. It is simply that Shirky overstated their threat to a warning to academics: pay attention to MOOCs traditional academia. or face the consequences. MOOCs are perhaps best considered separate to traditional academia. While they may influence university Massive open online courses, better known by their policies and teaching methods, their courses are aimed at acronym MOOCs, emerged in 2008, but were beginning a different customer base and more on-the-job-training- to go mainstream when Shirky warned of their impact on focused. While stressing life skills and critical thought more traditional education. “Once you imagine educating a less, at base they are designed to pursue profit rather than thousand people in a single class,” Shirky wrote, “it becomes knowledge. Shirky, however, has a point. clear that open courses, even in their nascent state, will be able to raise HEALTHY SPACE quality and improve certification faster Typical [MOOC] students... Today, companies such as Coursera than traditional institutions can lower are 30-somethings or and Udemy are going strong. cost or increase enrollment.” Japan has its own nonprofit council— Open courses, freely available online 40-somethings looking for JMOOC—looking to expand and for an unlimited number of students, career progression. change education here. And reality were to Shirky the latest in a line of has bitten: much of what we talk about Internet innovations that was set to when discussing MOOCs today is disrupt an industry. As the MP3 had facilitated massive simply online education. Many businesses have found that, changes in the way we listen to music, and the torrent had to make money, they need smaller class sizes and to be paid transformed the movie industry, the MOOC would force for their efforts. academic institutions to adapt or die, he argued. “The definition [of MOOCs] has been co-opted over time Many pointed out at the time that there were holes in to mean online education,” says Shannon Hughes, head of Shirky’s argument. Teaching 1,000 people comes at a cost of marketing at Udemy. Her company offers more than 35,000 quality. And students in such large groups are often expected courses and has 9 million students enrolled. to assess themselves. There is little time for the one-on-one “What we are seeing now—as we do more to localize mentoring and private consultations with academics that our product and get instructors who teach in local provide so much value to students. languages—is that markets just come online,” Hughes says.

POSITIVE EDUCATION Universities may be at risk as modern learners ditch the classroom

By Richard Smart Graphics courtesy of edsurge.com

8 THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016 LEAD STORY 9 JUL '15 2016

. “And we we . “And JANUARY

JAN '15 n

JOURNAL

JUL '14 THE JAN '14 In Japan, growth has been slower to take to been has slower growth Japan, In agree. Tokyo in working Academics think will there be faculty“I some MUTUAL BENEFITSMUTUAL has education industries, other in many As technology. with in a trade-off itself found their services offer to Coursera Universities three- reach: massive for in exchange 16 million than more its of quarters States. the United outside from are students in China, presence a has large company The its of 48 percent and Brazil, and India, world, the developing from are students improved and growth economic where opportunities. large mean literacy universities major of the many “While off. triedMOOCs, have will it probably in Japan the becomes norm,” that take a while before 500 Startups head of Riney, James says learning- independent “That said, Japan. may plays, style MOOCs, Udemy where sooner.” up pick the Japan for PR of director O’Neill, Ted believes Teaching, Language for Association on, MOOCsthat catch will eventually between competition the intense citing students. attract to universities put to who will be pressure under their MOOCstogether for advertising as Journal The tells he universities,” will MOOCs with see who experiment some being again.” a learner with experiment to

JUL '13

In his own field of interest—language—he feels MOOCs feels of interest—language—he field own his In in movement seeing is some Japan Nevertheless, have limited use. “I have used tools like this for learning learning this used for like tools have “I use. limited have emails write me help to going they aren’t and Japanese, see MOOCs I can’t “So says. he speak in meetings,” or up these with areas.” helping online education. courses in-house, instead partnering with major academic partnering major with instead in-house, courses from instructors great having think that “We institutions. to a powerful way is the teaching doing institutions great says. the company results,” educational achieve million JAN '13 400+ courses students 2,400+ universities universities 16–18 JUL '12 JAN '12 0 500 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 Number of courses . “I also worked at at also worked . “I s of

Courses started/scheduled “We had been impressed by the by been had impressed “We Typical students of these courses, of students Typical ways different have Other organizations content course of a lot to access “While The company, which charges students on a per-course on a per-course students charges which company, The The company, which last year received an endorsement an endorsement received year last which company, The Cumulative number of courses started/scheduled Growth MOOC opportunities in online video education, video education, in online opportunities a global was story it believers that were and the of founder McClure, Dave scale,” would Journal The told fund, became the friends with who later PayPal been always have and YouTube, of founders online combining for thepotential of a fan education.” video and 30-somethings are Hughes, to according career for looking 40-somethings or the latest with up keeping by progression in their industry. advances or technologies focus on to tends A smaller students set of skills learning in by personal development photography. or meditation as such areas people around of urgency “Thereis a lot job interviews for prepare to us to who come their careers,” advance to looking who are or people are there time, the same “At says. she their passions.” for Udemy on learning part their money. to with students getting of Coursera courses, for charges Udemy While students the certifications for charges completed they have need prove to may certain studies. for a fee pay to learners do ask we free, is and courses single both for certificates series that multi-course Specializations, “That’s definitely what we have seen in Japan as we have have we as Japan have seen in we what definitely “That’s the site.” on courses more attracted attracted has in-house, programs its creates and basis 500 Startups. as such funds capital venture from investment teach specific skills in depth,” according to Coursera. according specificskillsteach in depth,” has someone that of declaring is a way [certificate] “A examinations and all assignments completed successfully facial with verifying identity a learner's after a course, of analysis.” keystroke and recognition its produce does Obama, not Barack US President from

LEAD STORY 11 5.4%

2016

17%

9.5%

10%

JANUARY

n 6.0%

Humanities Math & Stats Education & Teaching

JOURNAL

Health & Medicine Popular THE Social Sciences Social of 2014 n Most Introduction to Computer Science Computer to Introduction | Udacity Virginia of via University Management Project of Principles | Open2Study West via Polytechnic Developing Innovative Ideas for New Companies: Companies: New for Ideas Innovative Developing in Entrepreneurship Step First The | Coursera Park College Maryland, of via University Statistics to Introduction | Udacity University via Stanford to tools mental Learn: to Powerful Learning How subjects tough master you help | Coursera Diego San California, of via University

Course distribution by subject 4 5 1 2 3 as indicated by student interest Top 5 Top Courses 4.5% 12% For Hughes at Udemy, however, there is reason to believe to reason is there however, Udemy, at Hughes For 5.2% neighbor, China. In the first half of 2015, deals were signed of 2015, dealswere half the first China. In neighbor, technology million. $317 sector worth education in China’s the into moving the companies Coursera among is And in China institutions five partners with “Coursera market. 1 million [to 70 courses than more offer which, collectively, Global our of “Because says. the company students],” than more offer to able are we Community, Translator speaker or a native [led by in Chinese, either 125 courses subtitles]. with of plenty still have markets both the Japanese globalthat and newto learn skills “The is people needfor growth. for room “Thatis becoming says. she soon,” anytime away going not confident I’m being successful. for important increasingly time.” over change won’t that Science

Art and Design Art and 16% 14% Engineering Engineering Business & Management Computer Science & Programming & Programming . “I think will we . “I JMOOC, for Fukuhara, offers Japan a chance to improve to improve chance a Japan offers JMOOC, Fukuhara, for 2001, began around education open on work “Overseas, methods, rues pre-MOOC era teaching Fukuhara which educating, a new method of demand issues Such collaborations with in Asia, expand idea to is “Our has JMOOC. be for It enough not may alone Ambition a full-fledged to budget shoestring a relative from Moving “We still need to get more content,” content,” still more need get to “We to study whatever they want. Getting there earlier would be would earlier there Getting they want. whatever study to I expect years.” three will it take but about better, with standing its model and education traditional both its community. the international he says. in 2003,” available courses became the first and approach been has The a paradigm shift. there time, “Over being to being teacher-centric from gone has institutions of more put to learned how have Lecturers focused learners. on There too. learning, so they are their students, on emphasis activities. and communication of learn in terms to a lot is people the way need also to change we look to in Japan, So, been has revolution.” no there think. So far, to what students tells which the teacher to according others many him, and For do so. they simply and write to adapt to has education this article, interviewed for is change the pace of the modern of world: the realities be to likely 25 are of so the age skills learned increasing, at 45. of the age at little worth mean not does But, that believe MOOCs offer. many Coursera—which are and Udemy as such companies over edge an registered—have heavily fundedwell and Japan? as such in countries organizations says, Fukuhara Korea,” and South in Thailand in places in Japanese, by made are the courses that out pointing is our content of “The merit organization. his at Japanese, Japan made in are that Things in Japan. originates it that A lot does business. Japan the way into insights give can the and Asia, in Southeast located are factories Japanese of language Japanese study to want in thosepeople countries MOOCs with courses work on to So want we customs. and in those countries.” on reliant is and government, the from help financial no involved. institutions and companies from fees membership ¥500,000, while pay costs special sponsors Membership ¥5 million. larger Japan’s problem: also another has global competitor REVOLUTION COMING? REVOLUTION in office an has Fukuhara Yoshimi new swish Global University’s Meiji Surugadai its on building Front working is He in East Tokyo. campus learning online large-scale bring to his JMOOC. with So far, Japan to 102 courses helped has association attracted running, and and up get since 455,000 people from enrollment has Fukuhara in 2013. But launching ideas. bigger heJournal tells The 100 about have We though. there, get to up need get to We now. courses will be able then students so, 500 or From CLASSROOM A lesson in business practices from Japan’s elementary schools to BOARDROOM By Teru Clavel

An examination of a nation’s elementary schools meals. Meanwhile, in the United States, children can select their food from a cafeteria line or bring their own packed can offer insights into its business and cultural lunches from home. practices. In Japan, foreign executives may wonder, THE ROTE VS. THE CRITICAL “Why is decision-making such a multi-staged, Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & time-consuming process?” or “Why does it seem Technology mandates the curriculum and approves textbooks for the entire nation, while in the United States, learning that group consensus, achieving perfection, and materials and how they are taught can vary from school to preparing for every contingency are often the goals school, even from classroom to neighboring classroom. And while most questions asked by both teachers and of business meetings?” textbooks in Japan have a predetermined, fill-in-the blank, or multiple choice answer, US students are encouraged to think The answers to such questions can be found in core creatively to come up with a diverse range of answers and to elements of Japan’s elementary schools, when formal engage in a critical discussion. This teacher- versus student- compulsory schooling begins. centric pedagogy is evidenced by the arrangement of chairs and desks in rows facing the front blackboard in Japan, while THE GROUP OVER THE INDIVIDUAL desks are often arranged into groups in the United States, to In the United States there are accolades for seemingly any encourage group discussion and peer learning. achievement. In Japanese schools, individual competition is Similarly, in the Tokyo municipality second-grade shunned. While the 100-yard dash winner at a US primary Japanese language arts course, students read a Japanese school may be awarded a blue ribbon at the annual sports translation of Arnold Lobel’s short story, “The Letter” from day, for Japan’s sports day, children are placed into small the Frog and Toad series. They spend a month on this unit, groups with other children who run at the same pace. dissecting every sentence for syntax and grammar, and The individual win is valued solely for its contribution to reading and re-reading it aloud to perfection. In the United the student’s designated team. And though children may States, this illustrated 10-page story would likely have been recognize if they have been assigned to a fast or slow group, a week’s unit at most, teachers instead opting to cover more sharing of this information is discouraged. varied materials. They would go for more breadth and less Casting individual likes and dislikes aside, all Japanese depth, to captivate the individual interests of students. children eat the same school-served lunch and are expected to not only try but to finish everything that was prepared TEACHER HOURS AND CAREER EXPECTATIONS and served. Showing respect and appreciation for the food According to the 2013 OECD Teaching and Learning and its preparation is a learned value. Often, children who International Survey, teachers in Japan work an average of are slow or picky eaters miss after-lunch recess to finish their 54 hours per week—the longest of all OECD nations—while teachers in the United States report working 45 hours per week. For schools' sports day in Japan, children compete in teams Further, according to the OECD’s Education comprised of students who run at the same pace. at a Glance 2014, Japanese instructors teach 40 weeks per year; their US counterparts teach 36. And, while Japanese teachers work regular hours throughout the summer holiday, US teachers have their summers off. Unlike in the United States, where teachers’ desks are often in their classrooms, Japanese teachers, alongside the headmaster, work from a single teachers’ office. This is not to be confused with a teachers’ lounge for socializing, where instructors work together before and after the school day. US teachers typically go home

12 THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016 EDUCATION 13 2016

JANUARY

n

JOURNAL

THE When there is less difference in the classroom, there there classroom, in the difference less is there When the and technology adaptation States, the United In to the teachers with rests the onus while in Japan And, With 98.5 percent of Japan being racially and ethnically being racially and Japan of 98.5 percent With the in very is diversity there little homogeneous, to arethought elsewhere differences Though classroom. seen a necessary as are and enrich academic engagement, classroom in the Japanese innovation, of component bullying. attract unfortunately can out standing individualized more for be the necessity not may about have can classrooms while Japanese instruction. So, Asia—US practice throughout a common 35 students— 25. than fewer have typically classrooms NO TECH VS. ASPIRATIONAL ALL-TECH still used in high-tech Japan. are fax machines Yes, sort in the typical any of gadgets tech no Likewise, are there is parents with All communication classroom. Japanese diary between each written transferred a daily through letters printed five of a minimum teacher, his and student calls the house—not to telephone per and week, home mobile—phone. and parent-teacher all rage, are the classroom” “flipped via usually is email. communication TRANSPARENCY VS. PRIVACY Parents highly transparent. are schools elementary Japanese full-dayobservations for the classroom into invited are parent–teacher Face-to-face times perthree year. parent–teacher group and mandated, are conferences per trimester. once least at held are meetings in parents with rests often it families, with communicate States. the United HOMOGENEITY VS. HETEROGENEITY HETEROGENEITY VS. HOMOGENEITY UNITED STATES 45 36 25 Individuals Students can bring or select from school offering Differs from school to school, even classroom to classroom iPads, computers, other devices schoolscommon in Janitors and adult staff handle cleaning Voluntary stimulateEncouraged, to thinking students' creative August/September

JAPAN

40 35 54 Students eat same food cooked at school, must finish plates National government mandates Little to no tech classroomsin Students assigned chores cleaning weekly Mandatory one for year per child Can attract bullying April In groups In

Competition Lunch Curriculum, Technology classroom & School maintenance in involvement PTA elementary school Diversity in the classroom start year School textbooks Workweeks per year class size Average Teacher hours Teacher week per Usually, the only parents exempt from mandatory mandatory from exempt parents the only Usually, At school, they have a weekly assigned chore to help clean clean help to chore assigned a weekly they school, have At And while teachers in the United States typically remain remain typically States in the United whileAnd teachers PTA INVOLVEMENT PTA volunteer parents enthusiastic many States, the United In in Japan Parents (PTAs). associations the parent-teacher for serving to full per in elementary commit child year one must this experience, dread mothers Japanese Mostly, school. the specific about details discuss tedious to meetings where the leaving teachers to to be given in the bouquets flowers hours. last school can ill. expecting are those or a child who are are duty PTA attend, Otherwise, must mothers even full-time working the family. for the sole breadwinner even when they are MANDATORY VS. VOLUNTARY RESPONSIBILITY LIES WITH THE CHILDRESPONSIBILITY THE WITH LIES coddled. Japanese a bit beconsidered may US students for care their sleeves and up expected roll to are students They their classrooms. and their classmates, themselves, in grade starting one, their own school on from walk and to in the traditional carrying notebooks pencils and their own backpack. leather Japanese duty lunch on Students no janitor. is There their classrooms. serve then the cart classroom, each child, to the lunch bring trays serving and cart cleared with utensils the empty return the meal. of the end at when the school day is finished, and can complete their complete can and finished, is when theschool day work remotely. after year grade teach the same often school and in thesame be can municipality Japanese in the same teachers year, every school be to school to assigned and from year rotated grades. different InspiringInspiring StudentsStudents forfor OverOver aa CenturyCentury

FoundedFounded inin 1913,1913, CanadianCanadian AcademyAcademy isis aa private,private, international,international, co-ed,co-ed, dayday andand boardingboarding schoolschool inin ,Kobe, Japan.Japan. CACA servesserves 600600 students,students, agedaged 3–18,3–18, comingcoming fromfrom 3737 differentdifferent countries.countries.

AnAn IBIB WorldWorld School,School, CACA offersoffers outstandingoutstanding facilitiesfacilities thatthat includeinclude twotwo gymnasiums,gymnasiums, anan auditorium,auditorium, aa blackblack boxbox theatertheater andand turfturf fields.fields. GloucesterGloucester HouseHouse isis CanadianCanadian Academy’sAcademy’s on-campuson-campus dormitory,dormitory, whichwhich accommodatesaccommodates 2222 studentsstudents inin gradesgrades 8-12.8-12.

CACA graduatesgraduates gogo onon toto attendattend toptop universitiesuniversities inin NorthNorth America,America, Europe,Europe, AsiaAsia andand Australia.Australia.

CanadianCanadian AcademyAcademy isis pleasedpleased toto announceannounce thethe CACA MeritMerit ScholarshipScholarship programprogram forfor newnew studentsstudents inin GradesGrades 8–12.8–12. UpUp toto ¥600,000¥600,000 willwill bebe awardedawarded toto aa limitedlimited numbernumber ofof highlyhighly deservingdeserving newnew students.students.

CanadianCanadian AcademyAcademy inspiringinspiring minds,minds, nurturingnurturing compassioncompassion

4-14-1 Koyo-cho Koyo-cho Naka Naka x x Higashinada-ku, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Kobe, Japan Japan x x 81-78-857-0100 81-78-857-0100 www.canacad.ac.jpwww.canacad.ac.jp

1-41-4 advertisementadvertisement ACCJBCCJACCJBCCJ 2014.indd2014.indd 11 12/18/1412/18/14 4:094:09 PMPM LIVE LEARN LEAD

A recognized leader in international education since 1924, YIS provides a rich multicultural mix, inspiring learning environment and outstanding IB academic programs for children ages 3 – 18 on an attractive campus just half an hour from central Tokyo.

Every day our students explore, challenge themselves, serve others and develop as leaders within and beyond the classroom. Learning at YIS provides a catalyst for creativity, critical thinking and independent reasoning. Above all, we are a supportive and welcoming community where students and families of all backgrounds thrive.

yis.ac.jp | 045.622.0084 | [email protected] EDUCATION

LEISURE VS. LEARNING Schoolchildren first engage with the society at large in It has been argued that, in Japan, rather than being elementary school, making this exposure to cultural practices academic, much of what is learned in the younger and values highly impactful. Elementary school may be the elementary years is related to culture and discipline. first place where Japanese citizens learn that teamwork and Then, starting in grade four, students who are applying the institution are at a premium to individuality. for more competitive middle schools start attending This is also the time when students observe their teachers after-school cram schools, calledjuku , in the evening to working long hours and mothers contributing tirelessly to prepare for entrance exams. This trend continues when the fabric of the school. And though some may criticize applying to high school and universities. Japan’s educational institutions for promoting sameness over In the United States, elementary school children are creativity, the nation must be admired for producing some still expected to learn in the classroom and attend play of the world’s top literacy and completion rates as well as dates and leisure activities such as soccer, drama, and educational outcomes. n painting after school.

APRIL VS. SEPTEMBER START The Japanese academic year begins on April 1, compared with a start date around the end of August or beginning of September in the United States. While the Japanese school system is based on trimesters, most US schools have two semesters. Japanese school vacations are also relatively short compared with those in the United States: one week over winter, two weeks in spring, and six weeks in summer. With just two weeks off between academic years, there is little time for preparation or nostalgia when leaving high school for university. In the United States, where students often have 10 weeks of summer holidays, students and teachers alike have plenty of time to prepare for such transitions and the coming school year. Instruction in Japanese as a second language is provided in many wards. Ten years ago, Allison Baum would not have imagined that she would be an emerging star in the education sector. For Baum, education was synonymous with form-filling bureaucracy, conformity, and inefficiency.

Allison Baum:

By John Amari

16 THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016 ENTREPRENEUR

Efficiency-focused and business-minded, it made sense that the Harvard-educated economics graduate would choose a career on Wall Street, many miles away from the village of Burr Ridge, just outside , where she was raised. Joining a Goldman Sachs’ equity derivatives trading team, for years Baum thrived in a corporate culture that was full of smart, driven, Last fall, Allison Baum was a panelist at the Japan E-Learning Awards 2015, well rounded, and passionate people. where discussions included the future of EdTech products and services. But when the global economy went south in 2009 and the company began to shed staff, she found herself in an industry in the middle of unpredictable 50 percent of their day grading papers by hand. We think economic winds. What’s more, Baum was suddenly filled technology can do a lot to automate those processes. with a desire to do something where her skills and abilities The third area is improving outcomes. The traditional could have the greatest impact. educational environment is one where students are required to It was then that she interviewed with a number of tech learn at the same pace, because it used to be that the only startups in New York. Finding her feet at General Assembly, way you could transmit information is that you had a teacher she established and grew the company’s programs for standing in front of a room full of students. education, business, and design first in But now, with technology, you have the New York and then in Hong Kong. Most jobs these days ability to personalize information and Since 2014, Baum has been a managing delivery: students can learn at their own pace partner at Fresco Capital, an early have some sort of and in their own way, and get help on specific stage venture fund with a diverse mix tech-related outlet topics. That improves outcomes because of investments, including education students are able to learn better and faster. technology (EdTech) startups. The fourth is providing more job-relevant In a wide-ranging and exclusive interview with skills. If you look at the digital economy, most of the growth The Journal, Baum spoke candidly about Fresco Capital, is happening in the tech area—most jobs these days have entrepreneurship, startups, and being a woman in a male- some sort of tech-related outlet, but none of that is taught in dominated world of venture capitalists (VCs). traditional education environments. This is a US-centric statistic, but, right now, 65 percent of What is EdTech and how is it impacting education? students that are in grade school end up with jobs that don’t We define EdTech as any company using technology to solve exist yet—that’s how quickly technology is advancing. We need problems in education. Technology has impacted the way to be preparing people for those jobs: web development, digital that we live our lives in almost every way: it’s changed the marketing, and user experience design are examples. way we communicate, date, order food, or dress ourselves. But it has not even begun to affect education. What’s been your experience as a woman VC? So the education environment—from early childhood and I could talk about this for hours and say so many things that kindergarten all the way through higher education as well as I shouldn’t say. continuing education—is still based on a model that is part In the United States, there are clear, subconscious biases of the pre-technological era. We are going after companies against women entrepreneurs and VCs. This is because people that are part of that untouched vertical. want to invest in other people that look like them. There are four ways that we think technology can impact The idea is that, when you’re investing in someone, there is education. One is increasing access to content. You can read a lot of unknown [risk], so people invest in people that are like or learn almost anything, if you have access to the Internet. them because they know how they make investment decisions; The second is improvements through educational they know how they make choices; and they know how they businesses. Right now, a teacher goes to a school and spends will behave in the future. Leading the Education Revolution

THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016 17

ENTREPRENEUR It’s completely natural and people are not honest about “It’s kind of weird; and this is unusual,” but, at least, they their own biases. So in the United States, I think those things know very clearly that I am a managing partner. run under the surface. But there is a strong community of women entrepreneurs and VCs that is working actively to What can be done to increase the number of support each other. So the ecosystem for women there is women VCs? stronger than in other places. I think awareness-raising and role models are really As for Japan, in some ways it’s more refreshing here, important, including highlighting women that have been because my identity is that of a foreigner. If there are two successful. There also needs to be a larger re-structuring of levels of bias here—that against a woman and that against how women are portrayed and represented in the media. a foreigner—I’m able to identify myself as a foreigner as The conversations in the tech world are typically around: opposed to struggling with issues of being a woman. “How do we get more female entrepreneurs?” And I think Another thing that that’s really important, but the answer is having more female I think awareness- I think is interesting VCs. And similarly in the media: a lot of people are saying, [about being in Japan]— “How do we get more diverse faces on TV?” First, you need a raising and role models and that I appreciate—is more diverse writing room. You have to treat the disease and are really important that the structure of not the symptom. Japanese business very clearly establishes that I What is it like being a VC? am in a position of power within the company. I think it’s the best job in the entire world. I love it. I get When I’m in the United States or Hong Kong, people look to meet tons of interesting and passionate people that are at me and assume that I’m not a managing partner: they’ll taking risks and trying to change the way things are and look at me and think, “She’s a woman; she’s probably an creating a new future—and I get to be a part of that. associate; or she’s some lower level position.” I always say, and this is sort of true, that when I was on So I would end up having a meeting where people don’t Wall Street, I was functioning in a world that was 2D—it was even look at me or don’t speak to me and only speak to my pretty vibrant, but it was two-dimensional. male partner. They didn’t mean it, but they just assumed And then you go into startups, entrepreneurship, and that I’m not a decision maker. In Japan, because the business VCs, and you find yourself in a 3D world. The depth of structure is so structured—where I sit and what order I give conversations you have, the businesses you build, and the my business card matters—people know. They may think, type of people you meet is unparalleled here. n

For the article in full, please follow The Journal online: journal.accj.or.jp

Saint Maur International School Quality Education within a Caring Family Environment since 1872

Pre-K (Age 2 1 / 2 ) to Grade 12 - Coeducational ● Montessori ● International Primary Curriculum (IPC) ● International Baccalaureate (IB) ● International General Certificate of 83 Yamate-cho Secondary Education (IGCSE) Naka-ku, Yokohama ● Advanced Placement (AP) Kanagawa-ken 231-8654 ● SAT Reasoning Test Tel: 045-641-5751 ● SAT Subject Tests 50 years of big adventures Fax: 045-641-6688 ● PSAT/NMSQT ● Lions-Quest International Programme And countless life-changing [email protected] www.stmaur.ac.jp ● Trinity International Music Examination experiences

Ecole française élémentaire In fifty years we’ve learned a lot about what makes relocations de Saint Maur ONLY more successful for everyone.

F

r o With experienced and knowledgeable people on the ground in o y Ouverte depuis Aout 2007 m k C To more than 60 countries we equip you well for your relocation. en tral Accredited by the Council of International Schools & Tel: +81 3 5447 2301 New England Association of Schools and Colleges. [email protected] Registered as Gakko-Hojin by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Go knowing www.crownrelo.com/japan

ACCJ Journal Japan - resize.indd 2 12/5/2015 5:39:42 PM Making Moneytree Expat-led fintech startup gets backing from Japan’s top three banks

By J.T. Quigley

Starting a new business is hard. Starting a new Moneytree co-founder and CEO, tells The Journal. “Even post-raise, people still ask us where our headquarters is.” business overseas can be even harder. Starting a new business in an overseas country requiring THREE’S COMPANY Chapman, an Australian, has resided in Japan off and on that the venture be supported by most domestic for more than a decade. While an undergraduate at Monash financial institutions is near impossible. University in Melbourne—where he studied Japanese, business, and finance—Chapman co-founded and served as CTO of e-recruitment startup cvMail. It focused on legal For some expatriate entrepreneurs in Japan, language and professionals, a similarly conservative client base to his current cultural barriers are the least of their worries. Convincing venture. Chapman saw the company through to acquisition by local venture capitalists to back their idea, in a country Thomson Reuters in 2007. He later became an IT director and known for its corporate conservatism sales manager at en world, a recruitment and a general propensity to risk company based in Tokyo. aversion, is far more likely to keep a The Moneytree app has In 2009, along with American co- startup founder awake at night. founders Mark Makdad and Ross Sharrott, For Moneytree, founded in Tokyo more than 850,000 total the trio established a boutique iOS and in 2012, just being recognized as downloads to date. Android app development studio called a Japanese startup when its co- Long Weekend. Makdad and Sharrott are founders aren’t Japanese has been also long-term Japan residents, and all three an uphill battle, even after it secured landmark fundraising are fluent speakers of Japanese. from the country’s top-three megabanks: Mitsubishi UFJ, “[It] took about four years to be able to read a newspaper, Mizuho, and Sumitomo Mitsui. No startup, Japanese or including one and a half years living in Japan as a full-time otherwise, had ever brought the trio of direct rivals together student,” Chapman says. “Conducting business meetings and for the same financing round. investor presentations requires specialized language, and an “It’s very hard to convince Japanese institutional investors understanding of Japanese business rituals. Let’s put it this to invest in a startup run by foreigners,” Paul Chapman, way: we’re still learning.”

20 THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016 TECH IN ASIA 21 2016

JANUARY

n

n JOURNAL

characters. This, coupled coupled This, characters. THE The amount of Moneytree’s series A round remains remains round series A Moneytree’s of amount The total 850,000 than more has app Moneytree The focus solely MoneyForward and both Moneytree While Apart from the banks and Salesforce, the startup has two two has the startup Salesforce, the banks and from Apart be to so hard worked has that does the startup So, we’re and Japan, in opportunity still massive “There’s “Southern The servicean unspecified release in for is set investment from the trio of Japanese megabanks and US- and megabanks the Japanese trio of from investment Salesforce.com. giant software based enterprise in seed raised $1.6 million previously it undisclosed, but including investors, angel and DG from Incubation funding Stanley, Morgan MasterCard, from directors former and PayPal. a retention has it says Chapman and date, to downloads MoneyForward users. active among 70 percent of rate product, personal finance its boasts for users 2.5 million the November, of As version. enterprise its 400,000 for and of also a number has It users. total 3 million had company and UFJ Mitsubishi including industryfinancial investors, issuers. card credit biggest Japan’s of one Saison, Credit in English, offered is the former market, the domestic on the without data their financial to access expats giving difficult kanji need memorize to with Moneytree’s global mindset (half of the current 18 global the current mindset (half of Moneytree’s with in edge an it give could Japanese), non are members team markets. foreign penetrating when the time comes corner in its heavyweights additional for IBM’s partner fintech became the first scale.to Moneytree November, In in October. in Japan initiative Economy API Start Labs’ the MasterCard into also was accepted Moneytree selectedstartups fintech four just of one accelerator, Path applicants. of hundreds pool of international an from globally? expand to plans have Japanese recognized as Chapman new segments,” reach to ways for looking always designed was Moneytree one, day “That from said, says. a offers app The in mind. appeal and values universal with in be believe can we very set that competitive feature unique markets.” of a number this year. country later Hemisphere” Company founders (from left) Mark Makdad, Paul Chapman, and Ross Sharrott Ross and Chapman, Paul Makdad, Mark left) (from founders Company AND FUNDING AND — In 2012, Moneytree was born. Chapman took the role the role took born. was Chapman Moneytree 2012, In In the United States, Mint offers many of many offers Mint States, the United In direct most Moneytree’s MoneyForward, A premium feature for businesspeople allows users to to users allows businesspeople for feature A premium to had institutions financial this data, access to Of course, we us told people the started making app, we “When Chapman Apple, by recognized being after months Six The few iOS developers in Japan were largely focused largely were Japan in few iOS developers The IT’S A JUNGLE home rivals—both at without isn’t Moneytree abroad. and in Japan and services provides, the same Moneytree as meteoric 2006. Mint’s since been around it’s risespace in the personalculminated financial the Intuit, by acquisition a $170 million with is Mint TurboTax. and Quicken of maker States in the users United for available only and Canada. in 2012. It also was founded competitor, on series a $13.3 million C round announced its announced Moneytree that day the same Put simply, Moneytree helps iOS users get a snapshot of their of a snapshot get iOS users helps Moneytree simply, Put bank accounts, multiple input Theycan personal finances. into cards loyalty ubiquitous even Japan’s and cards, credit balances, account habits, visualize spending to the app set are points or due are alerts when payments receive and to expire. expenses, exportthen work as the app in the purchases flag their employer. to be to sent formats in a variety of data corporate aggregating for version enterprise an also There’s Japan. for a first as touts which the startup accounts, to access the startup give and Moneytree with work to agree data. customer highly sensitive Chapman the banks,” of the support without do it couldn’t Japanese a single not even said VC well-known “One says. the time we By us. with their accounts register would person in 2013, the banks had award the Year of App [Apple’s] won be to seen ready still not were take notice—but started to Moneytree.” with working Moneytree’s several whitelist started to banks had that says seeking were the time we “By IP address. fit a natural knew we the banks funding, were neededwe and because they needed fintech adds. he money,” RISE FAME TO of CEO, Sharrott became CTO, and Makdad dove into into dove Makdad and became CTO, Sharrott CEO, of SoftBankhad been the development. business and product that began selling the 4S early AU carrier until iPhone only development iPhone about skeptical were Investors year. phones— flip feature-rich on stuck was that in a market for phones) (Galapagos as gara-kei to referred affectionately used in phones mobile from independently evolved having the world. of the rest the enter to a chance saw the group and gaming, on whilethe technology) (financial sector, fintech domestic services banking online desktop-focused were country’s fragmented. and Hakuba Valley is back. That is the collective opinion of “But now, they’re talking about Hakuba being an outdoor mecca of Asia—or the Zermatt or Whistler hoteliers, restaurateurs, realtors, and adventure sports retailers of Asia. This little town is being compared to a lot of who spoke to The Journal when it visited them in December. famous ski resorts.” Evergreen is doing well. With 12 fulltime employees, the company sees its staff level swell to around 150 The numbers back them up—Hakuba, a snow paradise during the peak winter season. And, apart from two winter in , boasts five gondolas, 11 ski resorts, seasons when the company endured “slim pickings,” overall 108 lifts, 147 courses, 130 kilometers in trails, and a ski the business has ended each year in the black. area of 956 hectares. In addition, in-bound tourism to the Evergreen is well placed to enjoy the best that Hakuba has area, often referred to as the Northern Japan Alps, has been to offer. As explained by the company’s General Manager increasing year on year. And that has the local business and Lead Guide James Robb, there are a number of activities community excited. to be enjoyed in the area besides snowboarding and But Hakuba’s apparent rebirth is not without concern. For skiing, such as snowmobile tours, cross-country or Nordic years before its recent revival, visitor numbers were declining. skiing, snowshoeing, and snow-tubing (being pulled by a And the current turn in fortune begs a number of questions: snowmobile while on an inflated inner tube). can the small, close-knit community cope with the rapid Evergreen’s clientele is almost entirely non-Japanese increase in visitors? Are the warm but traditional mindsets during the winter season, Enright added, but that flips and the efficient but aging local infrastructure fit for purpose? around in the summer, when about 85 percent of its Hakuba may be back, but is it ready for the global economy? customers are Japanese. Enright and Robb are not the only outdoors entrepreneurs ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT with a foothold in Hakuba. Matthew Hampton, who hails Dave Enright thinks it is. An outdoor sports enthusiast from from the Snowy Mountains region of Australia, is the owner Canada, Enright has lived in the mountain village since 1994. of Rhythm Snowsports, a supplier of high-end retail and In 2000, he established Evergreen Outdoor Center, a guiding rental winter sports equipment. and instruction school for outdoor activities. “There is a lot to do in Hakuba,” said Hampton, whose “When I first came up with the idea of opening my shop set up in the valley three years ago. “But, of course, in business . . . there were a lot of pats on the back and responses winter the main thing to do is skiing, onsen [hot springs], like, ‘Well, that’s a quaint idea.’ ” and enjoying the food.” HAKUBA Foreign visitors, HIGH local entrepreneurs revive Olympic venue

By John Amari

22 THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016 PHOTO: COURTESY OF EVERGREEN OUTDOOR CENTER SPORTS & HEALTH

PHOTO: COURTESY OF EVERGREEN OUTDOOR CENTER 23 2016

JANUARY

n

JOURNAL

THE For generations, people have been drawn to the valleyto been drawn have people generations, For vistas, awe-inspiring and fertile lands by Attracted new a relatively are activities in Hakuba Outdoor while ago, 100 years began about in the region Skiing Vast mountain ranges make Hakuba a snowy paradise. Vast moisture from the ocean that forms into clouds. Moving in Moving clouds. into forms the ocean that from moisture the Northern across sweep the clouds direction, a southerly the on snow releasing then cool, rise, and Alps, Japan Hakuba. around mountains Goryu Mt. peaks, which include snowcapped its and and (2,696 meters), Karamatsu Mt. (2,814 meters), (2,932 meters). Shirouma Mt. travelers and religionists, herders, farmers, of communities a is It in the area. a waypoint, or a living, found have outsiders. in the valley welcome tradition to thing, however. transport motorized took It 50 years. by it hiking predates resort ski sports—the first modern outdoor ideasand of railway the after years in 1929, three opened in the area skiprime as a off took really the area arrived—before built was Hakuba in gondola modern first The destination. in 1958. across the warm waters of the Sea of Japan, the winds suck suck the winds the Sea Japan, of of waters the warm across Skiing in Hakuba began about 100 years ago. Skiing in Hakuba began “There are some great restaurants here, and when you are are you and when here, restaurants great some are “There says Hampton himself, snowboarder and skier A keen a partner of Boots of Solutions, director Buckley, Ned ankle or foot modify has can a boot if a client “We his Australia, and time between his Japan Dividing

not on the mountains, Hakuba has a lot to offer, such as the such offer, to a lot has Hakuba the mountains, on not Yaen-koen].” Jigokudani [to tours Monkey Snow domestic and both the foreign been from has brisk business each year. in customers increase an with community, the same at Hakuba to Niseko from expanded that Rhythm a personalized service.boot-sizing company offers time, The a ankle conditions, and foot for medical care also provides ski mountains. most on service found rarely very it make comfortable. “to Buckley explained, problems,” makes it much better; skito customers This allows skiing effortless.” Hakuba to drawn Buckley origin, first was country of skiing.” powder and mountains big “amazing its because of WINTER WONDERLAND WINTER Siberia. Bringing in from blow winds cold winter, In they as less blow or Celsius -20 degrees of temperatures

PHOTO: COURTESY OF HAPPO-ONE TOURISM ASSOCIATION, HAPPO-ONE SKI RESORT SKI HAPPO-ONE ASSOCIATION, TOURISM HAPPO-ONE OF COURTESY PHOTO: PHOTO: COURTESY OF HAPPO-ONE TOURISM ASSOCIATION, HAPPO-ONE SKI RESORT SKI HAPPO-ONE ASSOCIATION, TOURISM HAPPO-ONE OF COURTESY PHOTO:

SPORTS & HEALTH 25 2016

JANUARY

n

JOURNAL

THE . “And we are promoting [our [our promoting are we . “And , a family-owned traditional Japanese inn with inn with Japanese traditional , a family-owned And the rings of the 1998 Olympics can still can be seen the 1998 Olympics the of rings And them. of one is Fukushima Yojiro native Hakuba from are guests our of season, 70 percent the winter “In A local like Fukushima, and of the same generation, generation, the same of and A local Fukushima, like season customers winter our of 2014, 75 percent “In inn for run has the award-winning family Maruyama’s Hakuba 47, Hakuba Happo-One, Hakuba Iwatake, Tsugaike Tsugaike Iwatake, Hakuba Happo-One, 47, Hakuba Hakuba Cortina. Hakuba and Norikura, Hakuba Kogen, which Happo-One, at including the valley, sprinkled around combined and slalom, giant super skiing, alpine hosted those Games. at events slalom THE GLOBAL MAP the of heyday its with and legacy, Olympic its of the wake In its of finding process is in the Hakuba it, ’80s firmly behind local of entrepreneurs—with new A generation again. mojo new to out reaching partners—is foreign of the support trying the locals time, the same are maintain to At markets. identity. the valley’s X (born between the Generation to belonging A Japanese sales international now is 1980s), he early 1960s and early Hotel. Tokyu Hakuba at chief executive product and Singapore,” and Finland, Australia, from mainly abroad, Journal The told Fukushima hotel’s offerings] in Canada’s eastern region now.” region eastern in Canada’s offerings] hotel’s the Shirouma- of manager the general is Maruyama Toshiro so ryokan modern sensibilities. strong repeat were the rest “and said, Maruyama foreigners,” were foreigners more and more Nowadays, customers. Japanese customers.” also repeat are chef— main its is mother his even today, and, generations, Hotel de la Neige Higashikan is a Japanese-owned clientele. foreign business looking to increase , Rowe said, “I’ve been in “I’ve said, , Rowe The introduction of ski lifts in the valley, moreover, led moreover, ski lifts inof the valley, introduction The and Olympic the 1998 Winter during was it But Despite gatecrashing the international consciousness via consciousness the international gatecrashing Despite 9,000, including some of a population has Hakuba Today, an is Rowe David Apartments Grand Hakuba of Manager Resorts in Hakuba currently comprise Jiigatake, Jiigatake, comprise currently Resorts in Hakuba

to a boom in snow- and mountain-based leisure activity, as as activity, leisure mountain-based and a boomto in snow- visitors annual of the number with a rise as well in tourism, in 1967. 1.6 million 336,000 in 1960 to from grown having a reaching peak in 1970s, the the into rise continued That in the ski days 2.5 million registering Hakuba ’80s, with late ’89–’90 season. shot Hakuba that Prefecture in Nagano Games Paralympic number of a resort site was the The fame. international to Hakuba is renowned for the quality of its snow, with 130 kilometers in trails and 147 courses. with 130 kilometers of its snow, for the quality Hakuba is renowned of Olympic competitions, such as ski jumping and alpine alpine and ski jumping as such competitions, Olympic of (downhill) skiing. Hakuba to visitors international inbound the 1998 Olympics, peakstruggledprevious reach Games the the to after time added that at the the rise Internet And of numbers. the valley about information online as the area, to value little in Japanese. mainly was them find their of many foreigners; of number a growing Others have sports industry. adventure in the outdoor niche entertainment or earned beverage in the their food keep and management. estate in real or sectors, Journal The Speaking to example. Nagano since 1994, and first visited Hakuba in the early ’90s. in the Hakuba early visited first 1994, and since Nagano good snow, mountains, big place, with valley][The is a great too big.” not it’s And beautiful scenery. and Goryu, Hakuba Sanosaka, Hakuba Yanaba, Kashimayari, PHOTO: COURTESY OF HAPPO-ONE TOURISM ASSOCIATION, HAPPO-ONE SKI RESORT SKI HAPPO-ONE ASSOCIATION, TOURISM HAPPO-ONE OF COURTESY PHOTO: Hakuba rose to fame as one of the sites of the 1998 Olympic WinterHakuba rose Games. RHYTHM JAPAN STOCKS THE LARGEST AND LATEST RANGE OF GEAR IN NISEKO AND HAKUBA

• Huge choice of skis and boards for hire, perfectly tuned every time • Massive retail range of premium skis, snowboards, and accessories • Highly qualified staff offering premium customer service • Professional custom boot fitting by Boot Solutions • Lavazza coffee brewed by qualified baristas • Fully stocked workshop offering Wintersteiger Crystal Glide tunes • FREE equipment storage

RHYTHM HAKUBA - NAGANO, JAPAN | RHYTHM NISEKO – HOKKAIDO, JAPAN VISIT | www.rhythmjapan.com

SHOP LOCATION: Wadano Visitors Centre, Hakuba | CALL +81 261-72-3288 | OPERATING HOURS - 7:30am to 8:00pm SPORTS & HEALTH SPORTS PHOTO: COURTESY OF SHIROUMA-SO RYOKAN Hakuba boasts a strong food culture. Shirouma-so ryokan has seen an increase in repeat foreign clientele.

the inn is known for its washoku (traditional Japanese Hotel de La Neige Higashikan is also a member. In an cuisine) offerings. But with that great tradition, Maruyama interview with The Journal, Sales and Marketing Manager acknowledged, come the challenges of living in a competitive So Yamaguchi said, “I hope we will have more foreign guests and global economy. than we did last year, and that they can enjoy a lot of powder, “We are very simple. Originally, we were just mountain communication with locals, and the food culture.” people. If a customer got lost in the mountains, we would Hakuba Valley, furthermore, is an organization that find them and bring them represents three resort towns in the area: Omachi back. That mindset has In a fast-changing City, Hakuba Village, and Otari Village. In an effort to not changed. But we need internationalize, the organization joined The Mountain to get better at promoting world, the pace Collective, a cross-promotional partnership involving the valley, becoming of change in the independent ski resorts across North and South America, competitive, and gaining a Australia, and Asia. global vision.” valley may be its Many in the valley share Achilles’ heel. BEYOND COMFORT ZONES Maruyama’s international Communities in the Hakuba region are pulling out all the outlook. It is little wonder, stops to make their offerings more foreigner-friendly and therefore, that a number of outward-looking organizations modern. In addition to shuttles to and from ski resorts and have sprung up. All of them have a goal of uniting the hotels, there are free local buses, roaming taxis, and rental ambitions and aims of the community. car services. Maruyama himself is the director of Happo-One Tourism Moreover, many hotels, restaurants, and resorts in the Association, a community-run entity. One of its main valley offer a range of dining options as well as services achievements has been to help increase the number of such as free Wi-Fi. Internet and telephony connectivity, foreigner-friendly service offerings in the valley. however, can be slow or patchy. Operators such as Evergreen, Fukushima’s Hakuba Tokyu Hotel, moreover, is one of 14 moreover, even offer daycare service for infants. hotels in the area that comprise Hakuba Tourism. Created Further, the local tourism office and community in 2005 by providers in the Wado area of the valley, the organizations have comprehensive guidebooks in English, organization has courted in-bound tourists from Australia, many of which can be found online. Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. In a bid to recapture some of its past glory, the greatest challenge to Hakuba’s revival may be the traditional attitudes of the local people themselves. In a fast-changing world, the pace of change in the valley—which some of the interviewees Some operators even offer acknowledged can be slow—may be its Achilles’ heel. daycare services for children. Despite the challenges, and the great effort that many in the small mountain community are making to bring about a revival, one thing will not change any time soon and will continue to draw people to Hakuba: the immense mountains and great powder. As Enright said, “It’s that wind against your face; the snow flying up in your face; the sense of control, no control; that sense of flying; that familiar adrenaline rush

PHOTO: COURTESY OF EVERGREEN OUTDOOR CENTER that you always want to go back to; that comfort zone with the edge you seek—that’s the great thing about skiing in Hakuba.” n

THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016 27 : Japan’s 2016 Year of Living Dangerously?

By Anthony Fensom

Higher interest rates in the United States, a slowing Nevertheless, in its latest outlook, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said the region’s developing economies would Chinese economy, and a near-recession in Japan expand by 6 percent in 2016, led by India, which is tipped point to a mixed outlook for this nation in 2016. to post 7.8 percent GDP growth this year. The official birth of the ASEAN Economic Community With the pressure mounting on Abenomics, how on December 31, 2015, should spur greater interregional will the world’s third-largest economy survive in trade, with estimates of a 7 percent boost to aggregate output by 2025. For Japan, Abe’s promises to up the the Year of the Monkey? ante on the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank with $110 billion of regional financing, together with the ADB, FOREIGN PRESSURE should ensure more orders for Japanese machinery and “2015 was the year of the China slowdown—now you don’t other exports. find a single corporation, whether it’s in Japan or the United States, expecting high growth in China,” said Jesper Koll, THE YEAR OF THE DOLLAR CEO of WisdomTree Investments Inc. The US Federal Reserve’s policy tightening announced China’s slowdown from its previous double-digit growth December 16 should progress further in 2016, spurring rate continued in 2015, with third-quarter GDP data capital flight toward dollar-denominated assets and putting showing a 6.9 percent annualized expansion, representing upward pressure on the dollar rather than the yen. the slowest pace since 2009. Chinese government However, not all expect the yen to weaken significantly, the State Information Center has predicted GDP growth of with Morgan Stanley predicting that the yen will actually only 6.5 percent this year. strengthen to ¥115 against the greenback by the end of But Koll says 2016 could actually be a better year than the year, compared with the median analyst forecast for expected for the world’s second-largest economy, should the Japanese currency to weaken to ¥126, according to Beijing deliver greater fiscal and monetary stimulus. Bloomberg News. “While 2015 was the year of revising down expectations, 2016 could actually become the USD / JPY exchange rate year of revising up, because the leadership in China is stimulating ¥130 the economy. You’re seeing interest

rate cuts and you’re very likely ¥120 also to see stimulative fiscal policy. Japan’s [Prime Minister Shinzo] Abe ¥110 and China’s President Xi Jinping actually have a lot in common in ¥100 the sense that they both are using monetary and fiscal policy to ¥90 stabilize their economies,” he said. Softer growth in China has also ¥80 weighed on Asia’s emerging markets, ¥70 with Southeast Asia expected to bear the brunt of the slowdown. 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

28 THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016 ECONOMY

Yet, should US wage growth start accelerating, economists “dynamically engage” all citizens in society, along with suggest the Fed could abandon its proposed gradual path funds to help farmers boost competitiveness following the for a quicker pace of rate hikes. Conversely, as a “safe haven” launch of the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact. currency, the Japanese yen is at risk of strengthening in any international crisis, such as a major terrorist incident or GROWTH UPTURN? geopolitical shock. While both the International Monetary Fund and OECD expect Japan to post a modest 1 percent GDP gain in 2016, CHEAPER ENERGY TO CONTINUE WisdomTree’s Koll says Japan could reach 1.7 percent, One shock not expected in 2016 is energy. Coal, gas, and oil driven by stronger housing and private consumption. prices are forecast to remain low this year amid continued “Twenty-fifteen was weaker than expected, primarily oversupply, delivering a further free kick to growth for because of business investment, with businesses continuing import-dependent Japan. to invest more overseas rather than returning to their home Brent crude slumped to a six-year low of $37.75 a barrel market,” he said. “A bright spot in 2015 was housing, and last August, amid estimates the global market is oversupplied housing investment has been increasing now for three by as much as 2 million barrels a day, helped by surging consecutive quarters . . . a very good leading indicator for output from both OPEC and non-OPEC members. stronger consumption into 2016.” Meanwhile, a glut in liquefied natural gas of an extra William Sposato, former Wall Street Journal and Dow 130 million tons per year over the next five years should see Jones deputy bureau chief in Tokyo, said signs have Asian gas prices sink even lower, according to researcher emerged of a change in inflationary expectations, including Wood Mackenzie. Coal prices also tumbled to 12-year lows such indicators as “core-core” inflation figures and a rising in 2015, delivering another headwind to Japan following the number of fixed-rate, compared to variable-rate, mortgages, shutdown of its nuclear power industry. which suggest home buyers think rock- Cheaper energy is expected to cut bottom interest rates may be on the rise. Japan’s trade deficit by around 2 percent Second-stage “Barring anything unforeseen, which of GDP, while lower prices should boost Abenomics Reforms would probably come in the military GDP for fiscal 2015 (ending March 31, sphere, I think we’ll see fairly good 2016) by around 0.5 percent, according to growth . . . of around 1 to 1.5 percent, the Daiwa Institute of Research. and [BOJ Haruhiko] Kuroda will get to where he wants to ABENOMICS 2.0 go, eventually. Japan’s near-miss with recession in 2015 gave So you’ll see solid growth, particularly in Abenomics critics plenty of ammunition, the big cities, and some turnaround in the although stronger growth is expected this year. countryside if foreign investment continues. In September, Abe announced a reboot for information Property prices outside the big cities are Abenomics that includes a growth target of technology incredibly cheap by global standards, and ¥600 trillion ($5 trillion) by 2020, maintaining Asians—not just Chinese but Singaporeans and a 100 million-strong population for the next 50 Taiwanese—are coming to realize this, and that years, and enhanced social security measures, could provide a nice tailwind,” he said. with a goal of expanding the labor force through Entrepreneur Hitoshi Suga, who is a special inclusion of more female and elderly workers. advisor to the president of Tully’s Coffee Japan Government ministers have pointed to record Co., Ltd. and a visiting professor at Akita corporate profits, rising wages, and the tightest International University, suggests Japanese medical and labor market in 23 years as evidence that the companies will enjoy an improved competitive healthcare anticipated virtuous cycle is finally kicking in, position in 2016. while rising tax revenue aids planned fiscal “The Japanese yen has weakened in recent consolidation efforts. years compared to the Chinese renminbi and The announcement of the second stage of [South] Korean won, giving a competitive Abenomics offered a raft of reforms, ranging edge to Japanese exports. Japan still has a from increased use of information technology, competitive advantage in the United States reform of the medical and healthcare industries, and Southeast Asia, and that may maintain and measures to attract more inward foreign more inward foreign the momentum of the Japanese economy, even direct investment. Tax reform is also on the direct investment though many companies are suffering from agenda, with Tokyo aiming to cut the corporate China’s downturn,” he said. tax rate to below 30 percent by 2018, even with One sector of Japanese business expecting a planned consumption tax rate increase to 10 gains in the Year of the Monkey is the percent a year earlier. underwear industry, which is promoting red Abe also bolstered the economy by underwear to bring health and good luck. announcing a ¥3.5 trillion supplementary Amid a cloudy outlook, Asia’s economic budget for fiscal 2015, with about one-third heavyweights of Japan and China might share a of that amount to be spent on measures to tax reform love for the same color in 2016. n

THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016 29 Experience Hakuba with Evergreen.

Evergreen Outdoor Center runs adventure-based With offices in Happo, Wadano, Iwatake and programs all year, in and around Hakuba. Cortina, we offer the highest quality tours During the winter we offer backcountry and and instruction with a focus on safety and off-piste ski and snowboard tours, guided unforgettable all-season alpine experiences. snowshoe tours and avalanche skills courses. Our team and programs are designed to fulfil your Our professional team at Evergreen International Hakuba holiday. Come and enjoy the Evergreen Ski School is the largest in the region and offers difference in a fun and safe environment with our professional English-language ski and snowboard friendly and experienced staff. programs for adults and children of all abilities.

• Race Programs • Yuki Club (3-6yrs) • Backcountry Tours • Avalanche Safety • Ski & Board Lessons • Hakuba Heroes (7-14yrs) • Resort Guiding • Instructor Programs • Group & Private • Daycare (from 18mths) • Snowshoe Tours • CASI & APSI Courses

HAKUBA VALLEY, JAPAN

Enquiries call 0261-72-5150 or 0261-72-3200 (Ski School) Visit us online at www.evergreen-hakuba.com or www.skischool-hakuba-japan.com PARTNER CONTENT PARTNER STARTUPS PUT ENERGY-SAVING SPINS ON SUPERCOMPUTERS

A superefficient supercomputer and sensors that a local power retailer to send surplus electricity generated during the day to grids for use at night. run on radio waves are just some of the latest The amount of power generated from natural energy energy-friendly technologies coming out of Japan. sources, such as sunlight and wind, varies greatly depending on weather conditions. Connecting electricity from unstable The government-backed Riken research center in Wako, sources to grids is a technological challenge. , is home to Shoubu, a supercomputer The experiment by Panasonic is aimed at establishing recently designated by US university researchers as the the technology and know-how for the efficient, world's most energy-efficient. Shoubu was developed in only community-wide use of solar power using "smart" storage one year by 23 engineers at Japanese venture companies Pezy batteries installed in homes. Computing and ExaScaler. Yoshihiro Kawahara, an associate professor at the Supercomputers are increasingly University of Tokyo's graduate used in such areas as weather school of information science forecasting and automobile and technology, in 2011 development. But they will not succeeded in operating a sensor become more widely adopted using a tiny amount of electricity unless their "energy restrictions" collected from radio waves are resolved, according to Pezy transmitted via the Tokyo Tower President Motoaki Saito. telecommunications tower.

PALM-SIZE POWERHOUSE COZIER HOMES The K supercomputer, which was In January, Kawahara established jointly developed by Riken and a venture business called Fujitsu and became the world's SenSprout to commercially fastest in 2011, consumes as much produce sensors powered by electricity as 30,000 households. this unexpected energy source. Shoubu's processing capacity is Initially, the company plans to one-fifth that of the K's, but its offer sensors to measure the energy consumption is one-two The Shoubu supercomputer in Wako, Saitama Prefecture amount of water in soil. hundred and fiftieth. Collected data will be sent This efficiency comes from advanced cooling technology wirelessly to a computer for analysis to help water land and and the unique circuit structure used for Shoubu's central crops more efficiently. processing unit. Its numerous cables are housed in five fluid- "We would like to sell our sensors in the U.S., India and filled boxes, each about the size of a washing machine. other countries struggling to secure water for agriculture," The developers aim to devise a palm-size supercomputer Kawahara said. that is faster and more energy-efficient than Shoubu within Nobuyuki Mizukawa, head of a nonprofit advisory for a decade. wooden homes in , has developed a Adam Smith, known as the father of economics, once heat-insulating material that is several dozen times more noted that land restrictions hamper economic development. heat-retaining than conventional products. The material is Just as pressing for today's more affluent world, however, is made by crushing cedar and bamboo and processing it into the problem of energy restrictions. a cotton-like material. This material helps maintain room Energy consumption has soared 240% over the past 50 temperatures after heaters are turned off, thereby reducing the years, and more than 1 billion people are expected to join the use of energy in the winter. ranks of middle-income earners, meaning they will be able With forests accounting to purchase cars, air conditioners, and other energy-hungry for more than 70 percent of ©2015 Nikkei Inc. amenities. One of the most urgent questions the world is the land in Yamaguchi, the Nikkei Asian Review facing is how to deal with this swelling demand for energy. prefectural government hopes is published by Nikkei Inc. In Australia, which leads the world in terms of household the new material will help All rights reserved. solar power use, Panasonic has begun a joint experiment with revitalize local industry. n

THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016 31 Clear thinking for a complex world MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Among today’s upcoming leaders, the critical thinking skills in high demand for analysis, problem solving, and teamwork are in short supply. Organizations worldwide choose Kepner-Tregoe programs to prepare employees for solving problems, making better decisions, and managing business-critical projects. Individuals credit our development programs for advancing their careers. Organizations track our programs to bottom-line savings year-after-year.

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

APRIL 13-15, 2016 MINATO-KU, TOKYO

The “gold standard in critical thinking skills”: this workshop introduces processes that bring precision and speed to problem solving, decision making, setting priorities, and managing risk and opportunity. Special ACCJ member rate for the inaugural English language session. Sign up at: www.kepner-tregoe.co.jp

Hakuba’s leading accommodation group with the best of Japanese hospitality. Locals with regional knowledge will be your perfect concierge for a picture-book ski holiday. J-MEDIA WILL JAPAN TURN BACK THE CLOCK ON HOUSING?

Translation of article in Keizaikai, Dec. 1 issue

still would fall far below the 2.07 or 2.08 needed to sustain a population. However, a ministry survey found that in addition to the financial burden of having children, 20 percent of women under 30 cited having to take time off work among the reasons they don’t plan to have as many kids as they’d like. A separate survey conducted by the Cabinet revealed that more than 30 percent of women feel they need help from parents and in-laws when it comes to childrearing. In June, the Liberal Democratic Party’s Headquarters for the Promotion of Women in Society presented Abe with a resolution calling for urgent consideration of measures to promote multiple generations living with or near each other. Japan is facing a demographic time bomb. After experiencing rapid The ministry is considering including this policy position in the growth in the 20th century, the population peaked at 128 million in basic housing plan for the current fiscal 2008 and has since been declining. The 2014 tally of 127.2 million year. Debate on these issues, including how to cope with the increasing people, down 0.7 percent from the year before, is expected to drop by numbers of abandoned houses and 50 percent or more in 60 percent of inhabited areas by 2050. Ten years the residential safety net, which seeks to ensure housing for people in later, there could be as few as 86 million people in Japan, and nearly financial and other forms of distress, 40 percent will be aged 65 or above. began October 26 at a Residential Subcommittee meeting of the Social Infrastructure Development Council. As Japan’s population continues to shrink and age rapidly, However, coming up with a detailed policy plan hasn’t been measures to support childrearing constitute one of Prime easy. Under the current system for subsidized homes run Minister Shinzo Abe’s three new policy arrows. To that by the semipublic Urban Renaissance Agency, households end, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport raising children can receive a 5 percent discount on rent for is promoting an old-fashioned concept: extended families five years if they have parents living within a two-kilometer living together or at least near one another. radius, and expanding support measures could affect In recent decades, Japan’s housing industry has developed management of the program. While some have proposed multi-family homes known as nisetai jutaku that afford both extending tax credits for loans used to finance renovations for proximity and privacy for different generations, but they multi-generation housing, current restrictions would prohibit have only accounted for about 5 to 10 percent of new houses such credits from being used at the same time as a mortgage built every year. tax credit. In late October, Keiichi Ishii, who was appointed head of “I really don’t have a clear idea of what the government the ministry in a Cabinet reshuffle earlier that month, held wants to do here,” one subcommittee member said in a a meeting of key figures at Abe’s behest. The government is pointed remark directed at the ministry. This discussion targeting a birthrate of 1.8 by 2025. This would represent will continue to draw attention as the end of the fiscal year a significant rise from the 1.42 figure logged in 2014, yet approaches in March. n

THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016 33 EURO MERICAN

Suits from $395 (¥47,000) Tuxedos from $595 (¥71,000) Overcoats from $650 (¥78,000) Blazers from $275 (¥33,000) Trousers from $135 (¥16,000) Ladies’ Suits from $395 (¥47,000) Shirts from $69 (¥8,300) – minimum four shirts Other superfine quality suits from $550 (¥66,000) to $2,600 (¥310,000) All prices in USD (excluding shipping); delivery within two weeks

Lakeland College Japan (LCJ) is a branch campus of an • Small Class Sizes American college conveniently located in Shinjuku. • Highly Quali ed, Caring Professors • Multicultural Student Body (40% International Students) Students can earn an Associate of Arts degree in Tokyo recognized • A Wide Assortment of Undergraduate Courses by both an American accrediting agency and the Japanese Ministry of As part of its community outreach, LCJ also offers non-degree Education. bearing courses in evening and Saturday Open College classes. Our program allows students to easily transfer as third-year students Among the courses being offered are: Japanese, Chinese, Korean, to competitive universities in America and around the world that they Spanish, Russian, Translation, Film Appreciation, Ageing, PowerPoint may not have been eligible to enter directly after high school. plus others.

Free Dial: 0120-30-5571 • Tel. 03-3325-0425 5-7-12 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022 http://lcj.lakeland.edu Email [email protected]

Apo No: 4793 Size: 1/2 page Date: 2 Sept. 2015 Repeat? Internal use Edit. www.paradigm.co.jp Client: Lakeland Artwork origin: - Proof version: Publication: EURObiZ Japan A/E contact: Tapo tel: +813-5719-4660 No Pub. fax: +813-3492-1202 Insertion date: September 2015 Studio contact: Cliff C

This PDF is for proofing purposes only. It is not high resolution artwork. J-MEDIA

Having attended medical school, I understand IoT and that the Internet of Things (IoT) offers health-management solutions beyond the medical devices used to address problems Your Health faced by an aging society.

My wife and I have a daughter who turned four last Translation of article in Diamond online year. When she was born, I got the notion that it would By William H. Saito be useful to attach various sensors to her crib to assist in her upbringing. At that time, IoT-related devices were @whsaito not as obtainable as they are now, so I scrounged around Tokyo’s Akihabara district for sensors that I linked to a personal computer to devise a makeshift IoT crib. When the baby cried, one device was set to assume that facilitate measurement of brain waves. For example, she wanted attention, so it would automatically activate a when adults sleep, they go through cycles of about 90 toy with a noisemaker. If she seemed cold, it would turn minutes in which deep sleep alternates with REM (rapid eye up the heater; when she wet her diaper, a dry replacement movement) sleep. To feel fully rested, one should awaken would be rushed to the scene. Now it has already become while in the REM state. If brain waves were monitored, it easy to find products and services that can deal with these would be possible to ensure a person awakes at the ideal time. sorts of problems. The commercialization of sensors could introduce a I’m not by any means advising everyone to attach sensors multitude of possibilities. Japan, the world leader in bidet- to their children’s cribs. But for many of us, both young and style toilets, may also popularize toilets that could perform old, the time is not that far off when the IoT will be utilized health checks, such as by measuring and recording levels of more actively to manage our health. uric acid or urinary sugar. Merged with nanotechnology, WEARABLES FOR FITNESS sensors could be introduced into the Already wearable terminals have Sensors could be bloodstream to monitor a patient’s been introduced, for such functions introduced . . . into paint physical condition, or even into as measuring one’s pulse rate or on the walls of a room to paint on the walls of a room to detect caloric intake. San Francisco-based ambient conditions. This is not a mad Fitbit, Inc., a marketer of fitness- detect ambient conditions. scientist’s pipe dream, but something related wearable goods that was that’s approaching reality. founded in 2007, was listed on the NY Stock Exchange last June. ANIMAL APPLICATIONS Physical fitness is just one aspect of wearable technology. It is now simple to set up a door at home so that a cat While they have yet to be commercialized, there are devices equipped with a microchip can let itself back into the house after prowling around the neighborhood. If such a chip were used for humans, house keys would become unnecessary. It has even come to the point that scientists are able to unravel some of the mysteries of the animal kingdom, by using sensors to track creatures such as whales to study their movements. When shipping valuable or fragile items, vibrations or temperatures could be recorded, with the potential to attach CREDIT: FITBIT CREDIT: chips to individual items. Data would be sent to both the sender and recipient. Since claims will likely be filed when goods are mishandled, delicate items would be handled with greater care. The IoT represents the amassing of new technologies and new ideas. In the near future, what innovation in products and services can we anticipate? How will they be disseminated throughout society? It’s fun just letting one’s imagination run wild. n Fitbit wristbands track wearers’ heart rate, physical activity, Full-length original article: and sleep patterns. http://diamond.jp/articles/-/81317

THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016 35 THE LEXUS EXPERIENCE Test-driving the new RX

ven before he stepped into the new Lexus RX, ENeil Cherry was impressed. An executive in the financial services sector, he took in its bold lines as the sun peered over the Tokyo skyline. With soft rays bouncing off the hybrid SUV’s crimson body, Cherry could barely contain his enthusiasm. “It's a gorgeous car,” he says. “It has a wonderful appearance from the front: sleek and incredibly elegant, and it looks very well finished.”

AGGRESSIVE MARKETING

Some people expect a smooth, core competencies of “super quality” comfortable, and quiet journey when and “omotenashi (hospitality),” Lexus driving a premier vehicle. Lexus provided distinguishes itself from other brands as just that—until 2012, when Japan’s a manifestation of traditional Japanese original luxury automaker embarked on a values, particularly a dedication to total rebranding. one’s craft. Lexus Brand Management Division “We pride ourselves on craftsmanship General Manager Atsushi Takada has and the Lexus lifestyle,” Takada says. been a leader in this new chapter for Defining this Lexus lifestyle, and the company. communicating with the new target market After launching in 1989, Lexus became of young, influential drivers, have shaped a challenger of the German trio of marketing activities in recent years. luxury auto marques. Established with “We maintain our core competencies, but wanted to make Lexus more emotional, more cool, more sexy, more aggressive— “Many people have noticed that Lexus has entered a new era.” –Atsushi Takada SPONSORED CONTENT okyo Nogizaka Stn. Nogizaka Stn. Nogizaka Stn. Nogizaka Stn. Nogizaka Stn. Nogizaka Stn. Nogizaka Stn. Nogizaka Stn. okyo Aoyamaicchome Stn. Aoyamaicchome Stn. Aoyamaicchome Stn. Aoyamaicchome Stn. Aoyamaicchome Stn. Aoyamaicchome Stn. Aoyamaicchome Stn. Aoyamaicchome Stn. Gaien-Nishi-doriGaien-Nishi-doriGaien-Nishi-doriGaien-Nishi-dori LEXUS International Gallery Aoyama LEXUS International LEXUS International Gallery Aoyama LEXUS International Gallery Aoyama Gallery Aoyama URL http://bit.ly/lexusiga URL http://bit.ly/iblexus

INTERSECT BY LEXUS-TOKYO INTERSECT BY INTERSECT BY LEXUS-TOKYO INTERSECT BY LEXUS-TOKYO LEXUS-TOKYO

Aoyama-dori Aoyama-dori Aoyama-dori Aoyama-dori 2-5-8 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, T 03-5786-2711 4-21-26 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, T 03-6447-1540 Gaienmae Stn.Gaienmae Stn. Gaienmae Stn.Gaienmae Stn. Gaienmae Stn.Gaienmae Stn. Gaienmae Stn.Gaienmae Stn. 2-5-8 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 03-5786-2711 4-21-26 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 03-6447-1540 2-5-8 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 2-5-8 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 2-5-8 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 03-5786-2711 03-5786-2711 03-5786-2711 4-21-26 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 4-21-26 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 4-21-26 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 03-6447-1540 03-6447-1540 03-6447-1540

http://lexus.jp/international/index.html http://lexus.jp/international/index.html http://lexus.jp/international/index.html http://lexus.jp/international/index.html Stn. Stn. Stn. Stn. Stn. Stn. Stn. Stn.

Address Tel Address Tel INTERSECT BY LEXUS-TOKYO INTERSECT BY LEXUS-TOKYO INTERSECT BY LEXUS-TOKYO INTERSECT BY LEXUS-TOKYO LEXUS International Gallery Aoyama Adress Tel Adress Tel LEXUS International Gallery Aoyama LEXUS International Gallery Aoyama LEXUS International Gallery Aoyama Adress Adress Adress Tel Tel Tel Adress Adress Adress Tel Tel Tel Find out more about INTERSECT BY LEXUS in the next issue about INTERSECT Find out more OmotesandoOmotesandoOmotesandoOmotesando ※ Discover the Lexus driving experience at Discover the Lexus Driving at International Discover the Lexus Driving at International Discover the Lexus Driving at International International Gallery Aoyama, explore the Lexus Gallery Aoyama, Explore the Lexus Life Style at Gallery Aoyama, Explore the Lexus Life Style at Gallery Aoyama, Explore the Lexus Life Style at lifestyle at INTERSECT BY LEXUS INTERSECT BY LEXUS INTERSECT BY LEXUS INTERSECT BY LEXUS OmotesandoOmotesando OmotesandoOmotesando OmotesandoOmotesando OmotesandoOmotesando “The change from one mode to another is incredibly However, the real kick came when he selected the Sport It was not just the drive that he found pleasing, but the As he pulled up at Gotanda Station to go to a meeting, “Before the test drive I was thinking, ‘I have a lot on this “I’ve always“I’ve thought of the Lexus as a superior car—that’s morning.’ But now I want to stay out driving,” he says. The sport steering wheel, complete with leather trim, provides for the ultimate drive. complete with leather trim, provides The sport steering wheel, REDESIGNED HYBRID Using the Drive Mode Select controls, the driver can choose between the AVS-enhanced Sport Eco, Normal, and S+, Sports S settings. smooth,” Cherry says. the delivery “And is amazing.” mode.S+ can “You hear it immediately,” he says. “It has a real grunt to it.” overall feel of the RX and its sophisticated interiors: love “I this finishing. It is extremely sleek. It feels as though it is handcrafted. There is nothing you can see to find fault.” Cherry reflected on his first Lexus test drive. always been my impression. And actually for me, it’s always been a bit of a mystery why I’ve never had one myself. That’s why delighted I’m to see what it’s like. It’s wonderful. And I can’t wait for my family to try it out.” “Before starting this change process, Finally, the third element of the With the product perfected, Takada many people saw Lexus just as a comfortable, says. silent Takada car,” expansion the is brand Lexus renovated of hybrid and other offerings. and the team then turned to marketing non-traditional, host of A communications. to launched were initiatives creative connect with the “early adopters” Lexus sought to woo. With one of the brand’s advertisementslatest attracting around 40 million views online, they are certainly on the right track. Since moving here, he has not owned The a car. last car Cherry was pleasantly surprised to learn that the RX is an At some two meters tall, Cherry, on stepping into the RX, It was then time to put the RX 450h Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter From Hiroo, Cherry drove towards Roppongi and He was, at first, struck by the difference between driving It was not just the glistening curves of the RX that caught “Many people have noticed that Lexus The Lexus reboot began with product Next, product specialists turned to the EXPERIENCING LEXUS Driving has always meant a number of things to Cherry. In his home country, the UK, it was his means for commuting. In Australia, where he spent years 15 before moving to itTokyo, was a way to enjoy long-distance trips in open country with his family. In Japan, it is his current mode of transport vacations. family for he hired was a high-end German marque, and he recalls it was hard to drive—especially compared to the RX. SUV built both for city driving and off the road or long- distance travel. TAKING THE TO ROAD While Cherry is no stranger to driving high-end models, this was hisfirst test drive of a Lexus. And he admits to drive. good a appreciating experienced his knees brushing against the steering wheel. But, with simple a adjustment of the new sports steering wheel, he fitted perfectly, leaving plenty of room to spare above his head. engineV6 to the test. The engine is the latest iteration of Lexus’s Hybrid Drive system that, when combined with an electric can motor, produce 300 horsepower. Shibuya, where most of the city’s sleepy streets were still to come to life. an American SUV and the RX. “It’s like chalk and cheese,” he says. Cherry’s eye, but also the new alloy wheels and eye- catching signature spindle grill that provides an elegant and air. futuristic overall, more fun to drive,” Takada explains. “This we can way, be a unique brand in the luxury market. has entered a new he era,” adds. new three featuring modifications, defining elements. First, the iconic spindle grill on the front of the car was enhanced. vehicle’s performance, aiming to make the driving experience more aggressive and fun, to capture the loyalty of a base. customer younger Hiroshi Matsumura: Making Healthcare Modern

SPONSORED CONTENT SPONSORED By Martin Foster

f your image of a dentist is of a trained professional Unlike other surgeries that are more Iproviding dental care to a single community for most of his likely to have dental components such life, then you haven’t met Hiroshi Matsumura! as implants produced by a technician From the top floor of the Tokushinkai Quartz Tower— in a separate location, Matsumura’s a brand-new, 12-story building in Shibuya—Tokushinkai seventh-floor surgery is adjacent to Chairman Matsumura plans to provide the best in dental and a technicians’ area. As such, they medical care to patients on five continents. can provide not only on-the-spot Matsumura dreamed big, and now sits at the helm of an treatment, but also immediate international organization comprising 70 bases in Japan and technical adjustments. overseas, with 1,200 staff. Real-time communication is also Opened in November 2015, the Tokushinkai Quartz Tower maintained between patients, dentists, Tokushinkai Chairman embodies Matsumura’s dream of providing cutting-edge and technicians, who in some cases are Hiroshi Matsumura dental and medical health, along with technical know-how, to located overseas, via a web-based 3D patients under a single roof. communication screen. That means Matsumura is proud of the Japanese universal health remote technicians can fine-tune implants to the needs of insurance system. Even in the early 1980s, however, he patients, while talking them through the process. rationalized that the falling population and resultant financial Tokushinkai maintains four technical teams in Japan, as well constraints meant that the system was heading for a breakdown. as teams in China, Myanmar, and the United States, that create “The test is how to reduce the burden on the state without dental components. increasing the burden on the patient,” he said. The eighth floor houses a medical center, including internal The majority of patients here are treated under the national medicine, orthopedic, and dermatology specialists, as well as health system, but a growing number of people are prepared a headache clinic. For patients from overseas, Matsumura’s to pay extra to receive special care, he added. Yet Matsumura clinic provides treatment in Japanese, English, Chinese, and stresses, “It is health care that I want to provide, not a health- Korean, and he is looking to add more languages in the future. care business.” While Japanese dental and medical treatment is generally The Tokushinkai Quartz Tower surgery caters to all types of excellent, the underlying system can sometimes be baffling patients. The fourth and fifth floors house a comprehensive to non-Japanese. Matsumura aims to achieve international dental center offering care under the national insurance recognition for his clinic by acquiring accreditation from the system, while the seventh-floor surgery functions under Joint Commission International (JCI), a US-based organization private health care. that “identifies, measures, and shares best practices in quality and patient safety with the world,” according to the website. Matsumura has created an entire floor that is compatible with JCI requirements, and hopes accreditation will make it easier for patients familiar with the organization and its rigorous requirements to visit his dental office. Although JCI accreditation has been granted to a number of hospitals in まつむらくんマークのみ まつむらくん + 医療法人徳真会ロゴ 医療法人徳真会ロゴ Japan, at present, no dental surgeries have been accredited. The tower’s fourth and fifth floors house a comprehensive dental center. With his eye on a truly international future for the Tokushinkai, Matsumura said, “I want to see us receive JCI � Tokushinkai Quartz Tower accreditation in the next year, 2-10-10 Shibuya 7F without fail.” n Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 03-6362-6687 www.quartztower.com Quartz Tower is a brand-new, Open 10:00 to 19:00 12-story building in Shibuya. SPONSORED CONTENT n

Start with evidence, proof, facts, data, and expert opinions, For example, caught “I up with our client CEO Ben Smith The speaker has mentally pulled listeners into the story, begins and attention, complete their has now speaker The Better to bridge to your conclusion—while others are already This prevents the listener from jumping in and cutting us off. They have to suspend judgment about the content. This enables us toexplain the reasoning, then bring up our around. way other the than rather recommendation, but wrap it up in a short story. This story should have a few defining guideposts: time, place, people, and emotion.We try to capture our audience’s attentionby helping them see the scene in their mind’s eye. in Tokyo after Thanksgiving. were We meeting in their wood-paneled boardroom, on the 46th floor of their office program the feedback on to listening Hills, Toranomon in and I was getting nervous.” That introduction takes about 10 seconds. No one is going to stop and “Greg, say, will you get to the point?” taking them to a place they either already know or can easily imagine. They can visualize the people and the scene. They are also hooked by curiosity—why was the speaker getting nervous, happened next, etc.? what explaining the issue at hand. They bring in strong evidence with reasoning and logic, rationale, experience, his lending context, action next the state step recommended. They story. the to This is done in one brief sentence, with the speaker chosen the taking of benefit the highlighting immediately action. Chances are high that listeners, on hearing the facts and context introduced, will jump right ahead of the speaker; they will race to the same conclusion, before the speaker even has a chance to articulate it. mentally agreeing with it—than having to fight a rearguard action from the start. This approach allows us to more easily persuade others to takethe action we are proposing. This is the real world of business, after all. it Try and enjoy the results. Bad Business Bad School Advice School void this advice at all costs: “State your conclusion first and then explain the reasoning behind I am it.” The Japanese language, like some others, offers a fix This, by the is way, when they are supposed to be If we put up our action recommendation before the the before action our recommendation up put we If “Conclusion first” sounds quite logical and reasonable, reasonable, and logical first” sounds quite “Conclusion The “conclusion first” advice is a natural reaction to for this problem. The verb is at the endof the sentence, so while we are absorbing content, we don’t know if the sentence is describing something in the past, present, or future. also We have no idea if it is positive or negative. absorbing your rationale. Instead, they are no longer negatives. on solely concentrating are and you to listening evidence, we are asking for trouble. When there is no context, the audience cannot judge fairly. bold, Your assault from instantly silent under comes conclusion naked a room full of armchair critics and skeptics. They now tune you out. They are totally focused on why what you just said is rubbish and won’t work. except it doesn’t work very well when it comes to persuading an audience. If you are just imparting information then it is probably fine, but if you are seeking agreement on a courseof action, then expect low rates of success. lengthy diatribes that wander aimlessly around business subjects, driving bosses crazy. The senior leadership are thinking, wish “I they would get to the So, the point.” standard advice is to state your conclusion upfront and then add the evidence. The written word is different, but here we are talking about oral business presentations. suremany have heard this dubious gem about how to persuade business audiences. It is well intentioned but atrocious advice. Driving this effort are the dual objectives of clarity and brevity, both admirable outcomes for any business meeting. However, if you actually want to dissuade people quickly, then go for it. A Tokushinkai Chairman Tokushinkai Matsumura Hiroshi Quartz Tower is a brand-new, is a brand-new, Quartz Tower 12-story building in Shibuya. BUSINESS INDEX | JANUARY 2016 Education Business Index—a monthly printed and digital industry company listing— can help with finding the right school, fulfilling your specialized recruitment needs, and much more! SPONSORED CONTENT SPONSORED journal.accj.or.jp/businessindex

Good schools are built on the The McGill MBA Japan We are devoted to our efforts of good people, and program brings together customers, who are looking I believe that our teachers and the best students from Japan to produce creative marketing students are among the very and abroad to develop their and elevate their salesforce to best. Why not come and judge career and organizations peak performance levels. for yourselves? We would be by studying the latest —Ryuzo Kuraku, president delighted to meet you. in management theory —Brian Christian, principal and practice. —Philip O'Neill, director

The British School in Tokyo McGill MBA Japan R & K Marketing, Inc. Since 1989, BST has developed a The McGill MBA Japan program is R & K Marketing, Inc. is a market reputation for high quality, holistic a weekend MBA offered by McGill research company and a distribution education (English National Curriculum). University’s Desautels Faculty of partner of Miller Heiman, Inc. in Japan. Our student body comprises more Management. The classes are taught We offer Miller Heiman’s well- than 900 students aged 3-18, from in English by professors who fly in known and proven sales training over 60 nationalities. from the home campus. programs, which are the gold standard for managing complex sales: Strategic Selling®, Conceptual Selling, and Large Account Management ProcessSM (LAMPSM).

03-5467-4321 03-3342-3430 03-5326-3147 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.bst.ac.jp mcgillmbajapan.com www.randkmarketing.jp TOKYO’S PREMIER MULTIDISCIPLINARY REHABILITATION CENTRE Club 360 is a multidisciplinary health and fitness centre, which offers physiotherapy, personal training, group classes, boxing and kickboxing.

• Assessments and treatments performed by a team of ✓ Sports injuries internationally trained, registered and experienced physiotherapists ✓ Musculoskeletal and spinal conditions (neck and back pain) • Private treatment rooms ✓ Ergonomic and postural assessments • Large, fully equipped rehabilitation gym • Central location, just a 3-minute walk from Roppongi Hills ✓ Gait assessments • Consultations available in English and Japanese ✓ Rehabilitation programmes

Address: B1 CMA3 Bldg. 3-1-35 Moto-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 6:00am–9:00pm; Sat & Sun 7:00am–6:00pm • Tel: 03-6434-9667 BUSINESS INDEX | JANUARY 2016 Education Business Index—a monthly printed and digital industry company listing— can help with finding the right school, fulfilling your specialized recruitment needs, and much more! SPONSORED CONTENT SPONSORED journal.accj.or.jp/businessindex

Here at MST we cultivate Nishimachi’s rigorous At OYIS, students appreciate an atmosphere of joy, academic reputation is their own cultural background wonder and appreciation recognized globally, and is and that of others. This is key for life. This is a place where based on our unique history, to fostering well-rounded children are encouraged to English-Japanese language and internationally minded become independent and programs, and multicultural individuals who make a valuable driven learners who can approach to learning. contribution to society. fulfill their potential. —Terence Christian, headmaster —John Murphy M.Ed., principal —Peter Juds, head of school

The Montessori School Nishimachi International School Osaka YMCA of Tokyo (MST) Tokyo Metropolitan Government- International School (OYIS) MST is a well-established approved, Japanese language OYIS was founded in September Montessori school offering a vibrant focus, WASC & CIS accredited, 2001 and remains the only WASC and fresh education for children up coeducational, kindergarten to accredited (PK-8), IB World School in to 14. MST is accredited and offers Grade 9, multicultural approaches, Osaka city center, making it the school core values of confidence, respect, small classes, non-sectarian. of choice for city residents. and compassion for your child.

03-5449-7067 03-3451-5520 06-6345-1661 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.montessorijapan.com www.nishimachi.ac.jp www.oyis.org

SPONSORED CONTENT

o

y

k

director o T

having fun. having 090-6480-4542 l

www.stalbans.jp Y a Montessori method.

St. Alban’s Nursery St. Alban’s

[email protected]

L r

t N

n O e by providing purposeful providing by structured, loving environment. loving environment. structured, —Gilma Yamamoto-Copeland, —Gilma Yamamoto-Copeland, 1872

and stimulating activities— stimulating and C offers each child opportunities for offers Our aim is to enhance each enhance to is Our aim atmosphere only five minutes from only five minutes from atmosphere opportunities to create, play, play, create, to opportunities learning and self-discovery in a safe, Small and intimate, in a leafy garden Small and intimate, in a leafy garden materials and activities based on the Focusing on the individuality of each child, we offer an extensive choice of child, we offer the Tokyo American Club, our nursery the Tokyo make friends, and learn, while friends,make and child’s individual development, development, individual child’s From t since men 2016 nviron Coeducational - 12 amily E Montessori International Primary Curriculum (IPC) (IB) International Baccalaureate International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Placement (AP) Advanced SAT Reasoning Test SAT Subject Tests PSAT/NMSQT Programme International Lions-Quest Trinity International Music Examination JANUARY JANUARY F | rade ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● G 045-641-5751 ng a Caring to www.stmaur.ac.jp [email protected] Education n

2 / 1 allowing them to thrive. thrive. them to allowing Established in 1872, the school Our education is based is on Our education an appropriate curriculum, appropriate an from the international and French the international and French from Saint Maur International School the belief that each student each student the belief that is an individual with unique unique with individual an is —Catherine O. Endo, school head to whom the school provides the school provides whom to 2 ) abilities, strengths and talents talents and strengths abilities, community of the greater Tokyo area. Tokyo community of the greater withi (co-educational, 2½ years to Grade 12) continues to meet the needs of children continues to meet the needs of children de Saint Maur BUSINESS INDEX -8654 (Age Ouverte depuis Aout 2007 ama Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. ucation 231 e-K n Ed Pr New England Association of Schools and Colleges. New England Association of Schools Accredited by the Council of International Schools & Accredited by the Council of International Schools wa-ke ality Ecole française élémentaire amate-cho a-ku, Yokoh Qu journal.accj.or.jp/businessindex www.stmaur.ac.jp Registered as Gakko-Hojin by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Japanese Ministry of Registered as Gakko-Hojin by the listing— digital industry and company printed monthly Index—a Business [email protected] Saint Maur International School Saint Maur International 83 Y Nak Kanaga Tel: 045-641-5751 Fax: 045-641-6688 03-5791-2105 [email protected] can help with finding the right school, fulfilling your specialized recruitment needs, and much more! much and needs, your specialized fulfilling recruitment school, the right finding with help can International School international activities. Poppins Active Learning Yebisu Garden Place. Place. Garden Yebisu Aiming to awaken in in awaken to Aiming www.poppins-palis.jp/en/ rather than rote memorization, rather than rote Poppins Active Learning Active Poppins 11 months to five years. We foster 11 months to five years. through authentic, interactive, and through High quality education for children High quality education for children is beautifully located within within located beautifully is —Betty Shimozaki, school manager International School (PALIS) School (PALIS) International creativity and problem-solving ability, ability, and problem-solving creativity children a passion for discovery, discovery, for children a passion CulturalCultural

SPONSORED CONTENT ExplorationExploration ASIJ’sASIJ’s newestnewest facilityfacility providesprovides aa bridgebridge to to JapaneseJapanese cultureculture

Why do people eat mochi at the end of the year and Why do people eat mochi at the end of the year and how do you make it? What is the significance of the how do you make it? What is the significance of the kimono worn for the Shichi-go-san celebration? kimono worn for the Shichi-go-san celebration? How do you make modular origami that turns into a How do you make modular origami that turns into a flying disc? What kind of animal skin is used to make flying disc? What kind of animal skin is used to make shamisen and what does one sound like? These are just shamisen and what does one sound like? These are just some of the questions students have explored in some of the questions students have explored in The American School in Japan’s new Japan Center. The American School in Japan’s new Japan Center. The Japan Center, which is housed in ASIJ’s award- winningThe Japan Creative Center, Arts which Design is housed Center, in offers ASIJ’s a award-wide rangewinning of programs Creative andArts activities Design Center,that support offers the a wide school’srange of Japanese programs curriculum. and activities Built that on asupport foundation the of dailyschool’s Japanese Japanese language curriculum. classes Builtin elementary on a foundation school of anddaily a spectrumJapanese languageof courses classes that extend in elementary to AP Japanese, school Elementary students were amazed by the performance studentsand a spectrum now have of the courses opportunity that extend to dig to deeper AP Japanese, into of NihonElementary Buyo, students a traditional were dance amazed form, by giventhe performance by localstudents culture now and have learn the from opportunity visiting experts. to dig deeper into mastersof Nihon Hanayagi Buyo, Noriyuki a traditional and danceHanayagi form, Kinchiyo given by Fromlocal culturehigh school and artlearn classes from participating visiting experts. in a tea frommasters the country’s Hanayagi largest Noriyuki school and of Nihon Hanayagi Buyo. Kinchiyo ceremonyFrom high and school then artcreating classes their participating own tea bowls, in a tea from the country’s largest school of Nihon Buyo. toceremony middle school and then social creating studies their students own exploringtea bowls, Theto middle Tale of schoolGenji in social traditional studies scroll students format, exploring the Center providesThe Tale opportunities of Genji in traditional to explore scroll Japan’s format, rich culture. the Center provides opportunities to explore Japan’s rich culture. Creating connections with our local community is alsoCreating an important connections role playedwith our by thelocal Japan community Center, whichis hasalso already an important established role connectionsplayed by the with Japan the Center,Yomiuri which Shimbun,has already Yamano established College connections of Aesthetics with and the Tokyo Yomiuri TechShimbun, High YamanoSchool to College name a offew. Aesthetics Nearby Studio and Tokyo Ghibli willTech also High collaborate School towith name students a few. in Nearby the coming Studio months, Ghibli and ASIJ will host a series of exclusive screenings of will also collaborate with students in the coming months, their Oscar-winning animations for students, including and ASIJ will host a series of exclusive screenings of Q&A sessions with production staff. their Oscar-winning animations for students, including Q&A sessions with productionNursery staff. through grade 12. Accredited by WASC. For completeNursery admissions through grade information 12. pleaseAccredited call: by WASC. For 0422-34-5300complete admissions ext. 720 information or pleaseemail [email protected] call: www.asij.ac.jp0422-34-5300 ext. 720 or email [email protected] www.asij.ac.jp Cultural

Exploration CONTENTS 1 VOL. 53, ISSUE 1

ASIJ’s newest facility 47 PRESIDENT Building on Success provides a bridge to Christopher J. LaFleur

Japanese culture 48 CSR EVENT Big Night in the Big Easy Barbara Hancock

Why do people eat mochi at the end of the year and 50 ACCJ EVENT how do you make it? What is the significance of the Japan’s New Diplomacy in Asia kimono worn for the Shichi-go-san celebration? Bryan Norton How do you make modular origami that turns into a ACCJ EVENT flying disc? What kind of animal skin is used to make 2 51 shamisen and what does one sound like? These are just Cold, Hard Facts of Human Capital in Japan some of the questions students have explored in Roy Tomizawa The American School in Japan’s new Japan Center. 52 CHUBU The Japan Center, which is housed in ASIJ’s award- : Global City in the Making winning Creative Arts Design Center, offers a wide Jonathan Hobbs range of programs and activities that support the school’s Japanese curriculum. Built on a foundation of 53 CHUBU daily Japanese language classes in elementary school Diversity Matters and a spectrum of courses that extend to AP Japanese, Elementary students were amazed by the performance Summit offers concrete solutions students now have the opportunity to dig deeper into of Nihon Buyo, a traditional dance form, given by to workplace challenges local culture and learn from visiting experts. masters Hanayagi Noriyuki and Hanayagi Kinchiyo Erin Sakakibara From high school art classes participating in a tea from the country’s largest school of Nihon Buyo. ceremony and then creating their own tea bowls, 56 EVENTS 3 to middle school social studies students exploring The ACCJ in pictures The Tale of Genji in traditional scroll format, the Center provides opportunities to explore Japan’s rich culture. 1 ACCJ Executive Director Laura Younger (left) presented former President Jay Ponazecki with an original print by Toko Shinoda at Creating connections with our local community is the Leadership Forum, held at The Place of Tokyo on December 16. also an important role played by the Japan Center, which 2 Leaders, committee members, and award recipients at has already established connections with the Yomiuri the 4th Annual ACCJ Kansai Awards Ceremony, held at the Hyatt Regency Osaka on November 27. Shimbun, Yamano College of Aesthetics and Tokyo Tech High School to name a few. Nearby Studio Ghibli 3 The inaugural ACCJ Diet Doorknock Conference was held on December 8 to commemorate the 20th anniversary will also collaborate with students in the coming months, of the ACCJ Diet Doorknock. Attendees included Marie and ASIJ will host a series of exclusive screenings of G. Kissel (right), ACCJ vice president; and William Bishop (second from right), ACCJ Healthcare Committee chair, their Oscar-winning animations for students, including who also moderated a seminar at the conference. Q&A sessions with production staff. 4 Darrell Harris (left), chair, ACCJ External Affairs Committee-Chubu, and Asa Hutchinson, governor of Arkansas, at the Hilton Nagoya Nursery through grade 12. 4 Accredited by WASC. For for a lunch event on November 18. (PHOTO BY STEPHEN CARTER) complete admissions information please call: 0422-34-5300 ext. 720 facebook.com/The.ACCJ twitter.com/AmChamJapan youtube.com/user/AmChamJapan linkedin.com/company/ american-chamber-of-commerce-in-japan or email [email protected] www.asij.ac.jp

THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016 45 There were

times when

someone

like this would

get your man.

Executive Search in 50 Countries. In Japan since 1976 http://www.intersearch.org

Wouters & Associates Inc. (InterSearch Japan) Triplex Yanagiwara Bldg. 001, 6-16-50 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032 TEL 03-3423-7491 FAX 03-3423-7492 [email protected]

IntersearchAd_v3.indd 1 12/18/15 5:14 PM PRESIDENT Building on Success Christopher J. LaFleur

am deeply honored to have been elected president of the periodic “Town Hall” meetings, open to all members, American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) for where we can discuss major issues facing our organization. I 2016. I send my heartfelt congratulations to those who have been elected to serve with me next year, and look forward to � Women in Business: Our next objective this year should be working with them and the incumbent members of the Board meeting the challenge of appointing and electing women to of Governors. 30 percent of ACCJ leadership positions by 2020. I have been serving the chamber in various roles since 2008. Since then, the ACCJ has surmounted numerous challenges, � Advocacy: We have exciting new opportunities to engage following the global financial crisis and the March 11 with the Japanese government and industry organization disasters. We have recently achieved new heights, including counterparts to advance our advocacy agenda. We need a new high point in overall membership (30 percent of to ensure our committees and chamber staff have the whom are women), a record number of Corporate Sustaining resources to take full advantage of these opportunities. Members, and engagement in an unprecedented array of advocacy programs. � TPP: Negotiations have been completed, but approval of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement will require LOOKING FORWARD a major effort by leaders in Tokyo and Washington. The I am fortunate to assume the presidency at a time when we chamber has an important role to play in encouraging have the scale and energy to take on fresh challenges and the U.S. Congress to act—especially during our next to further strengthen our member service, advocacy, and D.C. Doorknock. We also need to closely follow Japan’s TPP networking opportunities. Let me share some areas on which implementation plans and to identify issues not addressed I intend to focus: in the TPP that require ongoing US-Japan dialogue.

� Membership: As the chamber has grown, our membership � External Communications: The newJournal is off to a has become more diverse. From large subsidiaries of great start. Going forward, we need to also enhance the major global firms to one-person start-ups, we need to chamber’s social media presence. We must also focus on find new ways to better identify and serve the interests of ways to further improve accessibility to online member all segments of our membership. In particular, small and services and increase opportunities for feedback. medium-size businesses merit even greater attention. OUR STRENGTH LIES IN OUR MEMBERS � Networking: With greater diversity also comes a greater The chamber derives its strength from its members and need for communication. We should ensure that current depends on their leadership, activism, and participation. I look leaders are effectively communicating with members and forward to working with you to address these challenges in the explore new ways to engage. For example, I plan to hold year ahead, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so. n

THIS MONTH’S FEATURED VIDEO:

PAUL KRAFT’S ACCJ EXPERIENCE

As CEO and representative director of Honey Baked Ham Japan, Paul Kraft discusses entrepreneurship, the unique story behind the launch of his company, and how the ACCJ helps members navigate Japan's business landscape.

Also, don’t miss the recently updated playlist with 22 videos from the ACCJ Kansai Women in Business Summit.

Visit https://www.youtube.com/user/ AmChamJapan and subscribe today!

THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016 47 CSR EVENT

Big Night in the Big Easy

By Barbara Hancock

ith 330 members and guests in attendance, the 2015 ACCJ Charity Ball, themed “A Night on Bourbon Street,” W was a smashing success. A New Orleans-inspired dinner, fine wines, and authentic hurricane cocktails were enjoyed that evening. Guests were treated to Cajun entertainment as they wined, dined, and danced the night away! In addition to all the fun, over ¥8 million was raised through ticket sales and auctions as well as raffles at the event. The chamber is grateful to our sponsors and attendees for helping reach this goal. The funds raised will make significant contributions to our designated charities: the Mike Makino Fund, the ACCJ Community Service Fund, THE YMCA-ACCJ Ohisama Camp for Handicapped Children, Lighthouse Japan, the Taylor Anderson Memorial Fund, and Living Dreams. n

Barbara Hancock is director and vice president at MediaSense K.K. and chair of the ACCJ Charity Ball Committee.

48 THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016

ACCJ EVENT Japan’s New Diplomacy in Asia

By Bryan Norton

he American Chamber of She described four pillars for Japan’s Japan and South Korea since South Commerce in Japan welcomed future prosperity: freedom of speech, Korean President Park Geun-hye T the Honorable Yuriko Koike, a sustainable society, rule of law, and a entered office, appearing to signal the former minister of defense, to speak sound economy. possibility of rapprochement between on November 27 at an event titled, As a former news anchor for TV the nations. “Japan’s New Diplomacy in Asia.” Tokyo’s World Business Satellite, she is Meanwhile, Japan and China (and Koike began by asking the crowd aware of differences in the way news is the United States, to some extent) are if they wanted a formal or “frank and portrayed in different regions of Japan. grappling with their evolving national straightforward” presentation. The As an example of differing perspectives security frameworks, including audience showed support for the latter, on China, Koike showed articles from responding to China’s heightened after which she shared a picture of her Okinawan and national newspapers on maritime activities and claims in the standing among a group of foreign the same day, highlighting differences South China Sea. Koike posed some bodyguards wearing full body armor in their coverage of a US destroyer’s important questions for Japan, namely and carrying automatic rifles. She had October 27 entry into an area claimed how will Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recently been invited to Iraq by the by China in the South China Sea. develop his relationships with the rest Iraqi parliament as chair of the Japan– While major national newspapers ran of Asia, and what are other countries Iraq parliamentary friendship group. the story on page one, an Okinawa in the region expecting of Japan now Now in her eighth term in the newspaper relegated it to page seven. that Abe’s national security legislation House of Representatives, Koike has Koike’s detailed discussion of has been passed? also served as minister of state for the complex relationships among The event was hosted by the ACCJ Okinawan and Northern Territories key Asian countries also included Globalization, Government Relations, affairs, minister of environment, comments on the Japan-China- and Women in Business committees. n and special advisor to the prime ROK (Republic of Korea) Trilateral minister on national security issues. Summit, which took place in Seoul Bryan Norton is chair of the ACCJ Interestingly, she is also chair of the on November 1. This was the first Globalization Committee and CEO of Japan Weightlifting Association. meeting between the leaders of T-Mark Inc. During her speech, she discussed the importance of bilateral relationships among Japan, China, and South Korea; the intrinsic connection between a nation’s security and economy; and the need to take climate change seriously.

[Koike] discussed . . . the intrinsic connection between a nation’s security and economy

The Honorable Yuriko Koike (left) and ACCJ former President Jay Ponazecki

50 THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016 ACCJ EVENT Cold, Hard Facts of Human Capital in Japan Forum connects CEOs with HR leaders

By Roy Tomizawa

ere are a few cold, hard facts about Japan, based on recent regional and H global surveys: n Only 2 percent of HR professionals and 6 percent of leaders in Japan view their organizations’ leaders as being of high quality n Only 17 percent of leaders in Japan are confident they are investing at the right level to attract and retain talent needed in Asia n For the past six years, Japan has been by far the Top leaders spend up to most difficult country in which to fill jobs 40 percent of their time Panelists (from left) Yukari Inoue, Fulvio Guarneri, To provide a forum for building and deploying talent. and Sachin N. Shah, with moderator Thierry Porté examining these issues at the highest level, the ACCJ Human Resources Management “I believe in the power of coaching,” as performance management, how Committee invited CEOs to the first said Inoue. “I have turned people HR can add greater value, branding CEO–HR Dialogue on October 23. around by coaching them.” In regards the employee value proposition, and More than 30 participants, primarily HR to developing female leaders, she said, talent development. leaders of multinational and Japanese “If we don’t promote women into “The group work following the companies, gathered at host MetLife commercial leadership roles, we will panel discussion was great, not only Insurance K.K.’s office for a half-day of never build a pool of women in Japan for networking but also for sharing insights entitled “Winning the Talent who can become CEOs.” ideas, making my own thinking more War in Japan.” Guarneri believes leaders have to robust,” said Yuka Shimada, HR and The highlight of the event was a spend time helping all employees GA director for Unilever Japan. discussion panel among distinguished think about their career and future. Keiichi Hotta, GM of global leaders, moderated by former CEO “Japanese employees don’t set career human resources for the Bank of Shinsei Bank and Morgan Stanley goals, but we need to help them of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, added, Japan Thierry Porté. The panel included understand they shouldn’t wait for “This was an extremely valuable Fulvio Guarneri, president and CEO of the company to take care of them,” he event, [enabling one] to meet and Unilever Japan; Yukari Inoue, managing said. “We can move the discussion two interact directly with CEOs and HR director of Kellogg Japan and Korea; and levels up, if front-line managers won’t heads in Japan. Personally, as I am Sachin N. Shah, chairman, president and engage with their direct [subordinates] dealing with HR strategies for both CEO of MetLife Insurance K.K. on career [discussions], for fear of Japanese and overseas operations, C-Suite leaders today must ensure losing them.” I found this event very insightful, their organizations have consistent According to Shah, “The longer looking at the Japanese market from internal and external branding to attract, people stay in a particular job, the different perspectives.”n develop, and retain talent. According to less valuable they are to the company. Bill Conaty and Ram Charan in their We need to look at our top talent to book The Talent Masters, top leaders move, before they feel they are ready.” Roy Tomizawa is vice-chair of the spend up to 40 percent of their time After the panel discussion, ACCJ Human Resources Management building and deploying talent. The participants took part in break-out Committee and head of Global Talent ACCJ panel of CEOs agreed. sessions to further explore such topics Management for Nikko Asset Management.

THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016 51 CHUBU Nagoya: Global City in the Making City government invites foreign residents to regular forum

By Jonathan Hobbs

agoya, in many ways, is the I was honored to receive an invitation TARGET ISSUES Chicago of Japan. The US and from the mayor’s office to be a council Some of the discussions at meetings N Japanese cities share many member last year. At the first meeting I center on retaining foreign exchange characteristics: both are centrally attended, the council discussed the city’s students. Many efforts have gone located in their respective countries, objectives and policy direction. The latter into establishing foreign-exchange their economies are by and large is three-fold, encompassing the tenets of programs, but there are few initiatives manufacturing-based, and their communication, living, and community. to assist students who would like population bases are comparable The overall objective is to create an to seek employment in Japan after in size. environment in which a diverse group completing their studies. The council As of 2014, Chicago was home to of residents work together to solve agrees this situation should 2.7 million, whereas within the city problems that arise related to the policies be addressed and rectified. limits of Nagoya, there are 2 million set forth by the city’s International Furthermore, the council believes residents. That figure grows to 8 Relations Department. Council members Nagoya needs more Japanese million when including residents of agree that a society that has a global language training institutions, as some the surrounding metropolitan region. perspective is a rich society, continually students need to travel one hour to Where it differs from Chicago is in creating new opportunities for all of attend Japanese classes. Despite its terms of diversity. its members. size, Nagoya has very few language According to Nagoya City Hall, there Tsuyoshi Ito, director of international training centers in city limits. Fluency are only 65,363 non-Japanese living in relations, Nagoya City Government, in Japanese—including speaking, the city, less than 3 percent of the total stated that, “The city’s goal is to realize reading, and writing—is a necessity for population. Typically, such a small, a society that is multicultural, where foreigners to not only take advantage of non-voting population is invisible to people of different nationalities and all that Japan has to offer, but also for government and other native residents, ethnicities can accept the differences them to contribute to its betterment. but this is not the case in Nagoya. in each culture and build equal In the coming months, the council Nagoya’s progressive mayor, Takashi relationships, living together in a will address a broad range of topics, Kawamura, has sought out and solicited vibrant community. In order for this including the 2020 Olympic and the opinions of the foreign population to occur, one must listen to the voice Paralympic Games, international in the form of an international relations of foreign residents. The Nagoya City business, tourism in Nagoya City and cabinet. The mayor’s International Foreign Residents meeting is important the greater Nagoya area, the potential Relations Council is a forum where for understanding foreign residents’ impact of the linear Chuo Shinkansen foreign residents consult with members opinions first-hand, and having (magnetic levitation bullet train) on the of the city government, and contribute the policies of Nagoya City reflect region, and foreign business exchange to the betterment of the community. those opinions.” programs, in addition to other topics. I am looking forward to engaging with the council on these diverse topics, The Chuo Shinkansen maglev train will debut in about 10 years. and as a representative of the American ”The city’s goal Chamber of Commerce Chubu chapter, I hope that the Council’s collaboration is to realize with the city through the Mayor’s office a society that is will benefit the community and society multicultural . . . ” at large. n

PHOTO: SARUNO HIROBANO Jonathan Hobbs Ph.D. is the founder of Hobbs & Associates and the treasurer of the ACCJ Chubu Chapter.

52 THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016 CHUBU

Diversity Matters Summit offers concrete solutions to workplace challenges

By Erin Sakakibara

nd it’s a wrap! The American Chamber of Commerce in The session concluded with lunch and another Japan (ACCJ) Chubu Women in Business Committee enlightening panel discussion on managing work and A has successfully completed the second Diversity family issues, such as caring for children or elderly Summit. Titled “Identifying Problems and Finding Solutions parents. A representative of Catalyst Japan facilitated for a More Diverse and Productive Workforce,” it was held this session, and panel members, representing both large on October 26. companies and small businesses, As with the Tokyo and Kansai inspired the audience with their summits, this year’s event focused These leaders demonstrate that real-life solutions. on concrete strategies and With the ACCJ portion of the solutions that are working for focusing on diversity is not only event completed, many of the both companies and individuals right, but also good for business. participants went on to attend in the region. afternoon sessions coordinated by The plenary session featured the Aichi prefectural government. the powerful voice of House of Representatives member We were pleased to have ACCJ member Harry Hill, Seiko Noda, who outlined progress made and areas where president and CEO of Oaklawn Marketing, on a panel of action is still needed from government and the private sector corporate leaders who are actively promoting diversity to reach some of the goals put in place by the administration within their companies. of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. These leaders demonstrate We were also fortunate to have Paul Amos II, president of that focusing on workplace Aflac, deliver a keynote address about how, with ingenuity diversity is not only right, and determination, his company has developed and but also good for business. maintained high levels of female participation, including in The event culminated with leadership roles. By allowing flexibility for both men and an ACCJ-Aichi government women workers, Aflac has been able to replicate some of the joint session of cocktails, practices utilized in its US office here in Japan. networking, and speeches Susan Ouzts, vice president of Lockheed Martin, then that showed the commitment shared her personal story and counseled the women in the of the region’s companies audience on key strategies for success. and political leaders to Finally, Natsuko Horii, vice-governor of , work together to continue spoke about the government’s plans to increase awareness of the conversation, and diversity issues and reach HR objectives. also take concrete steps to Following the plenary session, a panel discussion featuring improve work opportunities four dynamic women entrepreneurs demonstrated the for women. n power and breadth of talent in the Chubu region. We were grateful to EY Japan for providing support and facilitating this session. We were also pleased to welcome Mary Anne Erin Sakakibara is chair Jorgensen from the Kansai Women in Business committee, of the ACCJ-Chubu Women who delivered an interactive workshop on feminine in Business Committee and leadership skills and how to recognize strengths and was the 2014 Volunteer improve weaknesses. of the Year. Paul Amos II, president of Aflac

THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016 53

The ACCJ thanks its PRESIDENT Christopher J. LaFleur Corporate Sustaining McLarty Associates Member companies TREASURER Nancy Ngou Their extensive participation provides a cornerstone in the Ernst & Young Advisory Co., Ltd. chamber’s efforts to promote a better business climate in Japan. VICE PRESIDENTS

Aflac Kreab Andrew J. Conrad Aflac International, Inc. Leanne Cutts Mondele z Japan Ltd. AIG Companies in Japan Lenovo Japan Marie G. Kissel Abbott Amazon Japan K.K. Lockheed Martin Jonathan Kushner Kreab Eric W. Sedlak Jones Day Amway Japan G.K. McDonald's Company (Japan), Ltd. Christopher Zarodkiewicz (Chubu) Cezars International K.K. Baxalta Japan Limited McKinsey & Company, Inc. Japan Dr. Stephen A. Zurcher (Kansai) Kansai Gaidai University

Bayer Yakuhin, Ltd. Merrill Lynch Japan Securities Co., Ltd. ACCJ GOVERNORS Becton Dickinson Japan MetLife Alison Sayre Birch JPMorgan Securities Japan Co., Ltd. Bloomberg L.P. Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd. Tim Brett Coca-Cola (Japan) Co., Ltd. Britt J. Creamer (Chubu) Lockheed Martin TAS Boeing Japan K.K. Mondelez Japan Ltd. International Corporation Broadsoft Japan Monex Group, Inc. Rebecca K. Green ERM Japan Ltd. John D. Harris Cytori Therapeutics K.K. Catalyst Morgan Lewis A. Barry Hirschfeld, Jr. AIP Healthcare Japan GK Caterpillar Morgan Stanley Japan Holdings Tad Johnson Pratt & Whitney Aftermarket Japan KK Co., Ltd. Chevron International Gas Inc. Patrik Jonsson (Kansai) Eli Lilly Japan K.K. Japan Branch Morrison & Foerster, Ito & Mitomi George L. Maffeo Boeing Japan K.K.

Cisco Systems G.K. MSD K.K. Junichi Maruyama Citigroup Japan Holdings Corp. Arthur M. Mitchell White & Case LLP Citigroup Nanzan Gakuen Sachin N. Shah MetLife Insurance K.K. (Nanzan School Corporation) Coca-Cola (Japan) Co., Ltd. Yoshitaka Sugihara Google Inc. Northrop Grumman William J. Swinton Temple University, Japan Campus Colliers International Aerospace Systems

Cummins Japan Ltd. Nu Skin Japan Co., Ltd. PRESIDENTS EMERITI Debbie Howard (2004–2005) Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC Oak Lawn Marketing, Inc. Charles D. Lake II (2006–2007) Delta Air Lines, Inc. Oracle Corporation Allan D. Smith (2008)

Deutsche Bank Group Procter & Gamble Japan K.K. Thomas W. Whitson (2009–2010) Michael J. Alfant (2011–2012) Dow Chemical Japan Ltd. Prudential Financial, Inc. Jay Ponazecki (2014–2015) Eli Lilly Japan K.K. PwC Japan ACCJ EXECUTIVE STAFF en world Japan QUALCOMM JAPAN Inc. Laura Younger Executive Director EY Japan Randstad K.K.

Federal Express Corporation Robert Walters Japan K.K.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Saatchi & Saatchi Fallon Tokyo Tokyo Squire Patton Boggs GE Japan Corporation State Street Goldman Sachs Japan Co., Ltd. Teijin Limited GR Japan K.K. Information as of December 16, 2015 Teva Pharmaceutical H&R Consultants K.K. Industries Ltd.

Heidrick & Struggles Japan Thomson Reuters Markets K.K. The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan Godo Kaisha Toll Express Japan Co., Ltd. Masonic 39 MT Bldg. 10F, 2-4-5 Azabudai Hilton Worldwide Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan 106-0041 Toys”R”Us, Japan IBM Japan, Ltd. Tel: 03-3433-5381 n Fax: 03-3433-8454 United Airlines, Inc. n IMS Japan www.accj.or.jp https://japan.careerengine.org/accj/ The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd. Johnson & Johnson The ACCJ is an independent membership organization not affiliated with any government Family of Companies White & Case LLP or other chamber of commerce. The ACCJ is a member of the Asia-Pacific Council of American Chambers and values its relationships with Japanese, American and other KPMG Zimmer K.K. nations’ business organizations.

THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016 55 1 Yoshitaka Sugihara moderated a panel discussion EVENTS on “Cross-border Data Flow, Privacy and Security” at the inaugural ACCJ Diet Doorknock Conference, held at the First Members’ Office Bldg. of the House of Representatives on December 8.

2 Catherine O’Connell (left) and Carolyn Gaskins at the WILS Year End Breakfast Meeting, held at the Tokyo American Club on December 10.

1 3 Stephen Carter (left), vice-chair, ACCJ External Affairs Committee-Chubu, and Keida Ackerman, senior international investment specialist, SelectUSA, at the Hilton Nagoya for a breakfast meeting on October 22. (PHOTO BY ANDY BOONE)

4 Ray Proper (left), chair, ACCJ Business Programs Committee-Chubu, and Torben Jensen, divisional director, LEGOLAND® Japan Limited, at the Hilton Nagoya for “Coming to Nagoya: The LEGOLAND® Experience,” on November 5. (PHOTO BY ANDY BOONE)

2 5 At the Sport Nagoya for the ”2015 Bowling Bonenkai” on November 13 are (from left): Katsutoshi Ueda; with Ryan Locascio, secretary, ACCJ Aerospace Industry Subcommittee-Chubu; Rafael Dantas; and Erik Olson-Kikuchi.

6 Mie Kitano, Kansai Women in Business Committee co-chair, presents an ACCJ Certificate of Appreciation to Dr. Carsten Brunn, president of Bayer Yakuhin, Ltd., for his presentation at the first session of the ACCJ Kansai Leadership Series 2015 – 2016, held at the Ritz Carlton Osaka on November 17. (PHOTO BY MAIKO MOCHIZUKI)

7 The 6th Annual Kansai International Meishi Exchange was held at the Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka on November 11. (PHOTO BY YUKO NAKAOKA)

3 4

UPCOMING EVENTS

Please visit www.accj.or.jp for a complete list of upcoming ACCJ events or check our weekly e-newsletter, The ACCJ Insider.

• JANUARY 22 ACCJ Chubu Chapter New Year’s Party 2016

• FEBRUARY 4 Applying Creative Principles 5 6 to Decision-Making

facebook.com/The.ACCJ

twitter.com/AmChamJapan

youtube.com/user/AmChamJapan

linkedin.com/company/ american-chamber-of-commerce-in-japan

56 THE JOURNAL n JANUARY 2016 6 7

JANUARY 2016

JOURNAL.ACCJ.OR.JP Asia Strategy: Business Intelligence, Public Policy & Advocacy

Japan's leading political risk, policy research and business consulting company

Celebrating over 20 years of providing government relations, policy analysis, and business and political intelligence solutions in Japan to many of the world's best-in-class corporations and alternative investment funds with strategic stakes in Japan. ジャーナル 二〇一六年一月一日発行 定価八〇〇円（本体七六二円） ISSN 0002-7847 THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN JAPAN IN COMMERCE OF CHAMBER AMERICAN THE

Toranomon 40 MT Building, 9th Floor 5-13-1 Toranomon Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001 Tel +81-3-3438-0833 Fax +81-3-3438-0834 [email protected] www.asia-strategy.biz DEFINING THE INTERSECTION OF BUSINESS, POLITICS AND POLICY

© 2015 Asia Strategy