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Produced by: GLOBAL MEDIA POST www.gmipost.com CALSOFT SYSTEMS PROVIDES COMPLETE THE JAPANESE LIFELINE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HIGH PRECISION BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS n 1862, six years before it opened up to “Southern California is one of the primary and easy to run a business,” Japan Business the West, Japan sent its first diplomatic gateways to Japan for the United States not Association of Southern California Executive FOCUS FOR THE When starting Calsoft Systems delegation to San Francisco to open an only because of our geographical proximity, Director Yoshinobu Fukushima said. FUTURE 25 years ago, CEO Nem Bajra I foresaw the exciting potential embassy in the United States. The event but also because of our long history of support Those conditions also yielded long-run- ushered in the first wave of Japanese im- for the Japanese and their businesses. Our ning relationships, like that with Japanese If the global economy were a of technology and had a vision migrants, or Issei, to the West Coast. And by year-round pleasant climate, accessibility to lo- flag carrier Japan Airlines. jungle and companies were to contribute to society by “put- 1910, Los Angeles had the largest population cal Japanese and their long-established roots “No doubt that Southern California has the organisms inhabiting that ting humanity into IT.” Amid the of Japanese immigrants, many of them  lling help Japanese people decide to make the Los been a loyal business partner for Japan over environment, then the ability continuing rise of globalization, agricultural jobs that were abundant in the Angeles area their home away from home.,” the decades. Japan has also consistently re- to adapt is absolutely essential Bajra knew that every business region. Japan America Society of Southern California lied on this region to boost its tourism and for survival. Amid rapid global- would need cutting-edge tech- Still the home to majority of Americans of Chairman Douglas Montgomery said. inbound trade, resulting in a relationship ization and ongoing disruption nology solutions to optimize its Japanese descent, Southern California hosts Meanwhile, Torrance Chamber of between two nations that is strengthened of industries, entire business performance. nearly 900 Japanese companies, which ac- Commerce President and CEO Donna by a shared culture and history. There is not sectors have undergone irre- As a recognized Microsoft counts for more than 80,000 jobs and pays Duperron also pointed out: “Southern a more familiar and comfortable place for versible changes overnight be- AMERICA NORITSU Gold Certified Partner, Calsoft Noritsu America Corp. President Systems has built an impressive an estimated $6.1 billion in wages annually. It California has always been a hotbed of Japanese than Southern California,” JAL cause of the emergence of new CALSOFT SYSTEMS and CEO Go Yoshii reputation in the U.S. and around also remains the largest foreign investor na- Japanese business activity. Trade-related Vice-President and Southwestern Regional technologies and trends. The Calsoft Systems CEO Nem Barja tion in the area. businesses that came here in their initial Manager Kiichi Nakajima said. companies that adapted their our engineers, we offer profes- the world, particularly among “We believe that there is so much more stages are today highly successful in a wide While the northern area of the state may business models to the disrup- sional technical services to our Japanese companies expanding Bajra recruited technology expert that Japan can contribute to Southern range of essential industries, ranging from be more renowned for its IT sector, Southern tions emerged more focused, customers. We’re very success- to global markets, as a reliable Bo Shao, who is now company California, such as in the area of advanced logistics, food distributors, automotive man- California, mostly due to its ideal climate and ter- streamlined and stronger. ful with companies that require service provider of software de- president. technology for purposes of ensuring clean ufacturers and dealers, computer software rain and abundance of land, has become glob- In Southern California’s own highly skilled maintenance velopment, ERP systems imple- “In the beginning, our friend air and water, as well as zero emissions. and hardware manufacturers.” ally famous for its high quality agricultural prod- “jungle,” Noritsu successfully work, knowledge of what man- mentation, network services and worked for a Japanese tour com- Since their forebears first arrived in 1868, Aside from setting up operations from ucts. Of course, there is also its multibillion-dollar evolved to survive the disrup- ufacturers need, and service consulting. pany, so we simply created soft- Japanese-Americans have helped shape the scratch in Southern California, Japanese com- entertainment sector, which lends its strength to tion in the commercial photo and sales processes that scale “We’re thankful for our loyal ware for them. The word spread history of the United States and have be- panies have also acquired established busi- the thriving tourism and hospitality sectors. printing industry. Set up in nationwide. Our technical sales customers. Through them, we and we got more business from come a respected, valued community in the nesses here, transforming them into ones Also, several schools and universities have Buena Park in 1978 as the business has grown by 30 per- found our success. Calsoft has al- Japanese companies,” he added. region,” Consul-General of Japan in Los that combine the values and skilled knowl- nurtured dynamic technology and bioscienc- North American subsidiary of cent since we started,” Noritsu ways been in a unique, honored Today, Calsoft has a diverse Angeles Akira Muto said. edge of the Japanese with the resources and es firms, which have ready access to abun- what is now Noritsu Precision America Corp. President and position to bridge American and multilingual sta working close- Last September, Japanese Prime Minister stability of the Americans. dant world-class local talent. Co., Noritsu America Corp. has CEO Go Yoshii said. Japanese business cultures. At ly with clients using the best Shinzo Abe and U.S. President Donald Trump “The United States market has always ap- Recently, the growth of integrated in- loyally served major retailers “Also, Noritsu’s pharmacy the same time, we are a proud Japanese and American manage- signed a trade deal that opened up oppor- pealed to Japanese businesses quick to spot dustries has sparked renewed interest from nationwide, such as Walmart, automation business is doing American company,” said Bajra, ment principles. tunities in industrial goods, agriculture, tech- an opportunity and those with vision because Japan, where businesses are encouraged by Costco and Walgreens, as well quite well. Last year, we entered a Kyoto University graduate who www.calsoft.com nology and digital trade, activities that have of the country’s size and potential. The regu- the government to look outward and expand as professional photographers the medical imaging space by got married in Japan. In 1999, www.spark-365.com thrived in Southern California. lations and systems here make it conducive their operations internationally. and studios through its high- purchasing RFI, a medical imag- quality commercial printers. ing company that provides ser- “Since arriving in 2016, I vice and sales of MRI, CT, and FUJI NATURAL FOODS: SAFETY IS TOP OF MIND TORRANCE: GROWTH DRIVEN BY JAPANESE PARTNERS AKT TRADING: GROWING ASIAN FOOD CULTURE IN THE U.S. have taken pride in being X-ray equipment. Today, phar- able to generate new revenue macy automation and medical For more than 40 years, Fuji Torrance has always valued its streams for the company and imaging are our most profit- Natural Foods has actively advo- Many small- and medium-size Japanese businesses and will I’m pleased to say that our busi- able business segments,” Yoshii cated for higher food quality and food and beverage companies, continue to do so. Amid the on- ness has been growing ever added. safety standards in the United particularly in Japan, have taken AKT TRADING INC. going global turmoil caused by since. Utilizing the high techni- www.noritsu.com States. Beginning its operations notice of a promising opportunity the COVID-19 pandemic, Torrance cal ability and knowledge of www.noritsu-rx.com in 1979 as a sprout grower in in the growing market for Asian is gradually reopening for busi- California, Fuji has developed a food around the world, including ness. In the past year, the city wel- food safety plan that has played in the United States, where the comed back Sanrio and Oriental an important role in the compa- population of Asians continues to Motor. ny’s success. increase. On the road to recovery, the city AJINOMOTO FOODS: Determined to provide cus- Based in Torrance in Los Angeles will step up efforts to attract new PRESERVING HEALTHY tomers with the highest quality County, AKT Trading Inc. has investment and assist existing EATING IN THE AMERICAS and safest sprouts possible, Fuji introduced many products that businesses. It plans to highlight carried out a risk analysis and de- satisfy Americans’ craving for the so-called Torrance Advantage, A melting pot of cultures, the termined which sprouts it would Japanese food across the country. a promotional pitch that attract- United States has a complex food continue growing. Also, an un- “This has always been my and beverage industry and a di-  inching commitment to its com- FOODS NATURAL FUJI

ed long-time Japanese partners OFFICE OF THE MAYOR dream: to further serve as a like Honda, ANA, Mayekawa and verse culinary landscape, re ect- munity and customers has paid Fuji Natural Foods President City of Torrance Mayor Patrick bridge between the two cultures,” Morinaga. ing the country’s very long histo- o . Today, Fuji Natural Foods is Katsushiro Nakagawa Furey said AKT Trading Inc. President “Our city is the proud home ry of immigration and welcoming the country’s largest sprout pro- restaurants and grocery stores,” Akikazu Kimura, who aims to of many wonderful businesses. On top of that, Torrance is one attitude toward other traditions. ducer and a highly valued mem- Fuji Natural Foods President of the safest cities in Southern become a behind-the-scenes Although the Ajinomoto ber of Ontario, California. Katsushiro Nakagawa said.

Everyone knows about the promi- AKT TRADING ambassador for Japanese food in nent Japanese business presence California and tops the list of Group has built its global repu- Aside from meeting U.S. Food “It is essential that we create the United States. AKT Trading Inc. President here and how they have contrib- medium-sized cities in the United tation on its popular seasonings and Drug Administration stan- products of great quality while Starting out as a wholesaler Akikazu Kimura uted so much to Torrance. We will States with the largest Japanese and sauces, Ajinomoto Foods dards, Fuji Natural Foods also adhering to the industry safety and importer to Japanese and active role in promoting be always indebted to the great population.” North America has been among uses technology from Japan to standards upheld in Japan. For grocery chains in the United nutritional food and healthy many Japanese residents and Founded as an industrial center the leading frozen foods manu- pasteurize seeds before sprout- example, our products pass our States, AKT now also distributes eating habits. companies that have placed their 107 years ago, modern Torrance facturer in the region. Present ing and reduce chemical usage. strict shelf-life tests. Before our assorted imported USDA Organic “We need more education on confidence in our city, as well as has grown to become a blend of for more than 100 years in the “We produce a variety of sprouts leave the facility, we Asian food products through how Japanese food is beneficial for their contributions all these commercial, industrial, and resi- United States, it continues to sprouts – mung bean, soy bean, run a series of tests to con rm if mainstream grocery chains across to one’s health, especially in the decades. Truly, the Japanese com- dential bliss. And soon enough, its play a signi cant role in preserv- pea and radish – all staples of they’re safe to eat and frequently the United States and sells various U.S. market,” said Kimura, who munity here is one of the best beautiful beach will draw back the ing the taste of ethnic and spe- healthy, timeless cuisines. We undergo third-party food safety non-food products via the online wants to expand his distribution FOODS AJINOMOTO parts of Torrance,” Mayor Patrick tourists. cialty dishes without compro- supply many di erent customers audits, as well as constant train- retail giant Amazon.com. market from just over 100 outlets Ajinomoto Foods North America Furey said. www.torranceca.gov mising the health bene ts of its in California and Arizona, from lo- ing,” Nakagawa added. Kimura stressed that AKT to 1,000 outlets in the next few President and CEO Sumio Maeda Meanwhile, Economic products. cal produce markets, wholesalers, http://fujinf.com Trading’s partnership with logistics years and help other Japanese Development Manager Fran “Ajinomoto Foods has always President and CEO Sumio company Nippon Express, via its entrepreneurs wanting to enter Fulton pointed out the city’s other been a big proponent of healthy Maeda said. Cross-border EC Express Service, the American market. strengths: “In terms of overall in- eating. By prioritizing continu- “Through our recent rebrand- allowed his business to establish “A lot of Japanese companies are dustry, biotechnology and aero- ous innovation and manufactur- ing, we hope that our customers a reputation as a reliable importer conservative. But to succeed here, space are just two of many thriv- ing excellence, our company has will note our desire to set our- and supplier of more than 100 you need to be more aggressive ing sectors here. We also provide been able to provide the market selves apart from the rest as the non-food products via Japan and AKT Trading can serve as the access to great health care and with great products across the leading frozen food company Global Network, its store on gateway and platform to do so,” he quality educational institutions. largest categories of ethnic and in North America through our Amazon.com only in the U.S. added. specialty dishes. Mainstream commitment to the quality of Looking toward the future, AKT http://aktusa.com customers and consumers have our products and services and Trading hopes to play a prominent https://asianorganicsfood.com started to realize the value of eth- ultimately to our customers, con- MYOJO USA: PACKING THE RIGHT FLAVOR FOR THE MARKET nic and high-quality frozen foods. sumers and environment. In light We are successful because of our of the current situation, we wish Starting as a maker of dry noo- excellence and we take a pride that all of you are staying safe,” dles in 1950, Myojo Foods found JAPANESE SAUCE MAKER SHARES ITS FLAVORS in the quality of our products,” Maeda added. much success after it began sell- WITH THE WORLD Ajinomoto Foods North America www.ajinomotofoods.com ing instant , particularly its world-famous Charumera line. Reflective of the thriving ties Having grown steadily in Japan between Japan and the United for decades, Myojo Foods and States, remains JFC International (a subsidiary of one of the most popular foreign EUREKA GLOBAL SOLUTIONS: YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER Kikkoman Corp.) formed a partner- cuisines in North America. IN NAVIGATING U.S. REGULATIONS AND MARKETS ship in 1991 to distribute popular According to Japan’s Ministry of Japanese food products across the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Having worked for large multinational United States. there are more than 120,000 corporations for many years, Toshiko Headquartered in Chino, Japanese restaurants around the Boyd had long nurtured a goal of found- California, Myojo USA started with world, nearly 25 percent of which ing her own company to help others. before eventually adding ra- are in North America. That deep and broad experience sharp- men and , as well as gyoza With the arrival of the first ened her research abilities, leadership and wonton wrappers to its offer- Japanese immigrants at the start skills and effective decision-making abil- ings. Unlike its parent company of the 20th century, America start- OTAFUKU ity, reinforcing her desire to deliver supe- in Japan, which sells dry instant Two of Otafuku’s two best-selling rior service to her clients.

MYOJO USA ed its love a air with the exotic products, Myojo USA’s prod-  avors and dishes from Japan. This products are its okonomi and In 2010, Boyd launched Eureka Global Myojo USA offers bowlfuls of yakisoba sauces. ucts are made fresh, then packaged authentic Japanese flavors with growing fondness has much to do Solutions to provide information and frozen before they are delivered to these two of several varieties. with the e orts of the Japanese By opening a manufacturing advice on products regulated by the U.S. customers across North America. food industry to share its cuisine site for its sauces in Los Angeles, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Myojo USA caters to two customer bases: food service and retail. Its with the world. Otafuku Foods is staking its over- Department of Agriculture (USDA), Envi- food service products are fresh packaged in bulk and sold to a “The United States is a global seas growth on North America. ronmental Protection Agency (EPA) and SOLUTIONS GLOBAL EUREKA variety of restaurants and ramen shops. Its retail products, meanwhile, trendsetter. Evidence of this is the “At the U.S. plant, we have state-level agencies. It also helps clients Eureka Global Solutions include ramen, udon and yakisoba, as well as gyoza and wonton wrap- adapted our ingredients to re ect make marketing and distribution deci- Co-founder and President increased popularity of ramen Toshiko Boyd pers, with its most popular being the Goku Uma Premium Ramen. and around the world after the preferences of the local mar- sions to successfully launch their prod- After nearly 30 years in the noodle business, Myojo USA is embark- its success in the United States. ket. For instance, we do not use ucts in the U.S. market. ing on a rebranding process that will involve their first retail packaging The invention of the California MSG. We can make gluten-free “Due to my extensive corporate background, my firm has been redesign. It also launched a website with more information about its Roll here in the United States has products and have opted for more able to successfully work with Japanese companies of all sizes and products and set up social media platforms, like Instagram, among oth- also certainly increased the ac- natural ingredients to cater to the business cultures. Our key consultants, which include a former se- ers. Through social media, Myojo hopes to spread its love for Japanese knowledgement and acceptance many vegans and vegetarians nior FDA Official and a number of Ph.D.s in multiple science disci- noodles and share its knowledge of lesser known dishes, such as hiyashi of Japanese sushi,” said Otafuku here,” Ozawa said. plines, have been with us since the beginning of our firm. This chuka, a summer-time cold noodle. Foods USA President Taka Otafuku is also able to work breadth of experience and commitment allows us to provide a great With over 100 different types of noodles in its product catalog, Myojo Ozawa. with large retailers and restau- service that prioritizes our clients’ needs and concerns,” Boyd said. USA has a noodle for every type of dish, like the tsukemen and maze- Founded nearly a century ago, rant chains to create customized This year, Eureka Global Solutions proudly marks 10 years as a men, which are gaining popularity in the United States. It has also de- Hiroshima-based Otafuku is com- blends and sauces. trusted partner to companies that are expanding their operations in veloped unique and colorful vegan noodles that bring a fresh twist to mitted to popularizing Japanese “Our responsibility is not only the United States. The company gives specific and actionable advice traditional Japanese dishes. dishes like , yakiso- to grow our business, but also to based on expertise in regulatory consultancy, business advisory, Through hard work and passion for noodles, Myojo USA is confident it ba, and , among others, share our culture with the world,” market research and consumer focus groups, among others. will soon become a household name in North America. around the world but has decided Ozawa said. http://eureka-global.net www.myojousa.com to  rst focus on the U.S. market. www.otafukufoods.com

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