EUROBIZ JAPANEUROBIZ • Tidying up space The EU and Japan tackle the space debris problem MAY 2019 • Far more than fashion Enrico Vattani, head of the Italian Embassy’s Economic and Commercial Section

• The slow rise of the MAY 2019 cashless society Japan lags behind in e-money adoption

PONTUS HÄGGSTRÖM, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF FCA JAPAN LTD.

THE MAGAZINE OF THE EUROPEAN BUSINESS COUNCIL IN JAPAN / THE EUROPEAN (EU) CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN JAPAN IN JAPAN IN (EU) COMMERCE OF CHAMBER COUNCIL EUROPEAN / THE BUSINESS EUROPEAN THE OF MAGAZINE THE LA DOLCE VITA FCA Japan focuses on the joy of driving

THE MAGAZINE OF THE EUROPEAN BUSINESS COUNCIL IN JAPAN / THE EUROPEAN (EU) CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN JAPAN

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For more information, please visit www.thevalerusutsu.com or contact us at [email protected] Contents May 2019

4 32 First Focus Event Report The making of a metropolis 9 From the Editor 20 33 The Agenda 10 Investing in Japan 34 La dolce vita Executive notes By Toby Waters Sun setting on solar? By Dan Sloan 14 Tidying up space 35 The EU and Japan tackle the Innovations space debris problem Smart dust in the wind By Justin McCurry By Tim Hornyak

18 38 The slow rise of the On the Green cashless society The importance of deliberate Japan lags in e-money adoption 14 practice By Gavin Blair By Fred Varcoe

20 39 The Interview Illuminating Voices Enrico Vattani, head of the Ireland and LGBTI rights Economic and Commercial By Paul Kavanagh Section at the Embassy of Italy By Andrew Howitt 42 Cellar Notes 24 The cork versus screwcap Country Spotlight debate Italy By Allison Bettin By Toby Waters 43 28 Down Time EBC Personality Antoine Bourgeois / Massimo Allegri 28 Paweł Komender By Andrew Howitt 44 30 Work Place In Committee Edenred Japan Intellectual Property Rights By Geoff Botting

31 The Mission of the SME Corner European Business Council To promote an impediment-free From dream to dish environment for European business By Marta Sanna in Japan.

COVER PHOTO BY KAGEAKI SMITH 2 EUROBIZ JAPAN • MAY 2019 TIZIANA ALAMPRESE, MARKETING DIRECTOR

10 La dolce vita By Toby Waters 4 EUROBIZ JAPAN • MAY 2019 First Focus

From 27 April to 6 May, Japan enjoyed a once-in-a-generation, 10-day-long Golden Week holiday in celebration of the new emperor’s ascension to the throne, the conclu- sion of the Heisei era, and the start of the new imperial age, Reiwa. As a result, the nation travelled in record numbers. Travel agency JTB forecast that 24 million people would take domestic trips and 662,000 would go overseas. It’s far too soon to be planning for the next extended Golden Week holiday, but at least we can look forward to what’s down the line in this new period of Japanese history. Last stop for Heisei. All aboard for Reiwa.

Photo by Simon Launay unsplash.com

MAY 2019 • EUROBIZ JAPAN 5 CONTRIBUTORS MASTHEAD

Writing in and about Japan since Tokyo journalist Tim Hornyak has Publisher Production and Vickie Paradise Green distribution 2000, Gavin Blair contributes covered technology in Japan for [email protected] Daisuke Inoue articles to magazines, websites and IDG News, CNET, Scientific Amer- [email protected] newspapers in Asia, Europe and the ican and other media. He is the Editor-in-chief Andrew Howitt Published by Paradigm US on a wide range of topics, many author of Loving the Machine: The [email protected] 6F Daiwa Osaki of them business related. Art and Science of Japanese Robots. 3-chome Bldg. Editor 3-6-28 Osaki, Shinagawa- •“I’d always wondered why •“An article I wrote Toby Waters ku, Tokyo 141-0032 there were still restaurants for Scientific American was Tel: 03-5719-4660 Creative Director Fax: 03-3492-1202 and shops in Japan that didn’t about Hitachi’s radio-frequency Paddy O’Connor www.paradigm.co.jp take credit cards. The answer is ID chips, just 0.4mm wide. That straightforward: processing fees was in 2008. Today, entire com- Art Director Published monthly in Mizuho Hayashi Tokyo. All rights reserved. that are more than double the puters are being made that are The views and opinions global average. Even with new smaller. They form ‘smart dust’, Account Executives expressed herein (other cashless payment systems, the which can track goods, animals Tamás Dóczi than editorials by the EBC) Eduardo Antonio Pabón are solely the opinions and fees are often around the same and environmental conditions, [email protected] views of their authors. The level, explaining why Japan is a even harvest energy. This is one EBC and Paradigm are not laggard and cash is still king.” technology to keep an eye on — if responsible or liable for any portions thereof. you can see it.”

European Business Council in Japan (EBC) The European (EU) Chamber of Commerce in Japan

The EBC is the trade policy arm of 17 European national chambers of commerce and business associations in Japan

Chairman Michael Mroczek First Vice-Chairman Michael Loefflad Allison Bettin received her degree Paul Kavanagh has been Ireland’s Second Vice-Chairman Carl Eklund Treasurer Erik Ullner in journalism at the University of ambassador to Japan since Sep- Executive Director Francesco Formiconi Hong Kong before relocating to tember 2018. He has also served as Policy Director Bjorn Kongstad Tokyo. She has written for Eurobiz Irish representative to the United Communications & PR Yoko Hijikuro

Japan for more than three years Nations, and as ambassador to [email protected] on topics such as environmental France, China and the United Arab technology, international econom- Emirates. Subscription is free for members of the EBC and national European chambers of commerce. ics, and wine. •“In the space of one genera- Subscription rates are: one year ¥9,000; two years ¥15,000; three years ¥22,000; ¥800 per copy. Rates include domestic •“It was during my brief work- tion, Ireland’s attitudes towards postage or surface postage for overseas subscribers. Add ing holiday in Australia that I LGBTI people have completely ¥7,500 per year if overseas airmail is preferred. Please allow was exposed to all the benefits of shifted. We have gone from two weeks for changes of address to take effect. Subscrip- tion requests should be sent to [email protected] the screwcap. But I still wasn’t prosecuting homosexual acts convinced that age-worthy wines to advocating for LGBTI rights If you prefer not to receive this magazine, and for all matters should lose the cork. After writ- on the global stage. In Ireland, related to distribution, please send an e-mail to [email protected] ing this month’s ‘Cellar Notes’, Japan and elsewhere, the work to I’m on the screwcap bandwagon end discrimination in all forms Eurobiz Japan welcomes story ideas from readers and (as long as they continue to continues, but every individual proposals from writers and photographers. Letters to the editor may be edited for length and style. become more eco-friendly).” can play a part in changing society’s attitudes.”

6 EUROBIZ JAPAN • MAY 2019 PUBLICITY

MAKE THE MOST OF SUMMER

For two weeks, from 21 July to 3 August, junior boarding school – will be opening in April The Summer Programme, taught in English, the annual Jinseki Summer School will be 2020. The summer school offers a multilingual explores a range of different themes with a core giving children the chance to learn, explore learning environment that keeps children active, question on each prepared for the students, who nature and make friends in one of the most stimulated and entertained with daily learning, consider possible answers themselves under the beautiful parts of Japan. exercise and activities in either our Academic guidance of a teacher. Summer course students Programme or Summer Programme. who don’t speak English will steadily gain he Jinseki Summer School is Taught by visiting lecturers from a Swiss English and global thinking skills thanks to the based in the peaceful town elementary boarding school, the Academic exploratory curriculum, which leverages children’s of Jinseki-kogen, Hiroshima Programme for native English speakers helps natural curiosity. Prefecture, with the gorgeous students to expand their knowledge of science, We make sure that each child receives two Chugoku mountain range, rivers maths, art, history, geography, PSHE and hours of sports and exercise a day, and we work Tand waterfalls as its backdrop. It is also where international mindedness all across one project, with the United Sports Foundation to promote the Jinseki International School – Japan’s first which is completed at the end of the programme. adventurousness, enjoyment and unity for children through physical activity. We also organise a number of activities for the evenings, including local cultural experiences and star-gazing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are made with natural, healthy food from the local area, with vegetables and meat from nearby farms, and seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, at the centre of all four islands of Japan. A natural setting, a diverse group, a devoted staff. Let this summer be one for your child to remember, at Jinseki Summer School.

For more information, please contact us at: [email protected] Ichibancho-Daini-TG Bldg. 2F, 2-2, Ichiban-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0082, Japan www.need-japan.com/en/summerschool_2019.html Elio Catering recreates the same uncompromising quality genuine atmosphere of Elio Locanda can come to you! Elio’s offered at Elio Locanda Italiana. All dishes are prepared at Elio offers you many solutions, and the menu is chosen together Catering headquarters using organic and tested radiation-free with you to match your dietary or culinary requirements. ingredients, and are delivered fresh to your event location. Several options, such as chef detachment and food delivery, are Should you prefer to dine at home or elsewhere, the taste and available to take care of your guests in the best way possible.

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TEXT BY ANDREW HOWITT

Japanese connoisseurs. Learn Make an impression how entrepreneur Marta Sanna started an export management business, Sardegna Mia, and broke into the Japanese market in our new column, SME The Tensho embassy was the first official the site of the Milan Expo, is Corner (page 31). Japanese delegation to Europe, leaving expected to become a hub of On the May cover is Pontus Nagasaki in 1582 and returning in 1590. scientific and technological Häggström, president of FCA At the suggestion of the Jesuit missionary research and education. Enrico Japan. In “La dolce vita” (page Alessandro Valignano, Lord Otomo Sorin, Vattani, head of the economic 10), he speaks about how a Japanese Christian, sent the group of and commercial section at the putting a little of the Italian joy young noblemen to meet the pope in Rome. Embassy of Italy, told Eurobiz of living into each vehicle is an Valignano’s aim was to have these recent Japan that MIND was the focus important element of the firm’s Japanese converts experience the Christian of this year’s Design Day, and success in Japan. world — including Italy, Portugal and Spain that the project is attracting It’s important to remember — firsthand and come back ready to promote investors from all over the that those who are given a great the church in Japan themselves. It is said world, including Japan. Read first impression can become they were impressed with the Italian penin- the full interview in “Far more evangelists for your cause, or sula’s architecture, art and weaponry. than fashion” (page 20). your brand. • Today, innovation in Italy continues to Food and drinks from the

impress. The Milan Innovation District Italian island of Sardinia Editor-in-Chief (MIND), which is currently being built on are gaining the attention of [email protected]

GROW. CREATE. DISCOVER. EXPLORE. Elio Catering recreates the same uncompromising quality genuine atmosphere of Elio Locanda can come to you! Elio’s offered at Elio Locanda Italiana. All dishes are prepared at Elio offers you many solutions, and the menu is chosen together Join us for our Catering headquarters using organic and tested radiation-free with you to match your dietary or culinary requirements. ingredients, and are delivered fresh to your event location. Several options, such as chef detachment and food delivery, are Bubble Pass Should you prefer to dine at home or elsewhere, the taste and available to take care of your guests in the best way possible. Ages newborn to 6 years. or summer camp Ages 1.5 to 6 years. this summer! Check out our website for details.

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TEXT BY TOBY WATERS PHOTOS BY KAGEAKI SMITH La dolce vita FCA Japan focuses on the joy of driving

La dolce vita — or the good life, in Italian — is a life of beauty and enjoyment, often characterised by indulgence in culture, cuisine and clothing. But, according to Pontus Häggström, president and CEO of FCA Japan Ltd., and Tiziana Alamprese, the firm’s marketing director, the Italian joy of living isn’t found only in cinemas or restaurants — it can also be found in your car.

he Fiat Group from Italy and the Chrysler Group from the United States merged in 2012 to become Fiat Chrysler “[We] put Automobiles (FCA). It has Tbecome one of the world’s largest car man- a little bit ufacturers in terms of sales and has won many awards in the process. of Italy into While improvements and advancements to its products are vital, Häggström believes every vehicle” that the mission of FCA can be boiled down to one fundamental goal: making driving enjoyable.

10 EUROBIZ JAPAN • MAY 2019 “We don’t design cars to win awards; we design cars to make people happy and excited,” he says. “Japan is known for cars. There are lots of domestic marques, but many are trade marques focused on transpor- tation and utility. We want to bring more choice to Japanese consumers and help enrich Japan’s automotive culture.” FCA’s brands Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Abarth, which are all steeped in their Italian roots, let the firm realise this objective. Häggström, who was born in Sweden, lived in Italy when he was young. His experiences there have had a significant effect on his approach to life and the philosophy he applies at FCA Japan. “Italians are famous for knowing how to live life with joy,” he says. “We want to share a bit of that with the people who buy our cars, to put a little bit of Italy into every vehicle.” Alamprese adds that the market in Japan is particularly receptive to this approach. “I think that the Japanese have an adoration of the Italian way of life,” she says. “We are really lucky because Japanese people love Italy.” Alfa Romeo recently launched its first diesel models, Giulia and Stelvio. Although FCA is a latecomer to the Japanese diesel market, Häggström believes it has been worth the wait. “We have historically excelled in making engines, and we’ve always been known to have very dynamic and sensory vehicles,” he says. “We wanted to wait for the Giulia and the Stelvio to become known in the marketplace and to have the right engine to offer the market. Alfa Romeo has always been known for its performance and driving dynamics, and we didn’t

MAY 2019 • EUROBIZ JAPAN 11 EURO MERICAN

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LA DOLCE VITA EURO MERICAN

many Japanese women. When Alamprese began her work at Fiat in 2005, only 15% of its buyers in Japan were

In 2005, only 15% of Fiat women. Now, that number buyers were women in is at more than 60%. Japan. Now it’s more than Alamprese has made “love branding” a fundamental part of her marketing strategy in Japan. Love, she believes, is a key 60% motivation for people to choose a Fiat, an Abarth or an Alfa Romeo. want to release diesel vehicles To win the hearts of Japanese that would disappoint enthusi- customers, she has been building a com- asts. With this all-aluminium, munications platform based on cultural personality and identity, the state-of-the-art engine, we are projects that bring together Italian and focus of Alamprese’s “love confident that we are providing Japanese art, music and gourmet food. branding” for the past eight two of the sportiest, most fun Alamprese is also focused on associating years has been on helping to diesels on the market.” the brands with causes that have a positive create a more inclusive society. According to Häggström, the impact on Japanese communities. Under the umbrella of “Be emotional experience starts Her particular focus on empowering Yourself”, Alfa Romeo has been when you visit the dealer, which Japanese women has been successful in supporting diversity in sports, is designed to offer the same terms of increased engagement and sales. becoming a sponsor of Japan’s premium experience as driving “The automotive industry is dominated national blind soccer team, and an Alfa Romeo. Over the past by men,” she says, “but one thing that’s has teamed with the Japanese two years, the entire dealer certain is that the real decision makers for NPO People Design Institute, network has been upgraded in more than 80% of the purchases are women which envisions a barrier-free this spirit. — in the sense that even when they are world for less-able individuals. “The Japanese con- The brand is also a long-time sumer is curious and supporter of Japan’s LGBT very knowledgeable, “The message is to community. A red Alfa Romeo and they appreciate always drives in the Rainbow heritage and authentic- tell everyone to be Pride Parade each year. ity — Alfa Romeo meets “The message is to tell their expectations,” themselves, make everyone to be themselves, he explains. “It’s not make their own choices and a performance brand their own choices enjoy car life the way they want, developed by an ad and enjoy car life the not the way they are told to,” agency. Alfa Romeo has Alamprese says. more than 100 years of way they want” The work and success of TAILOR-MADE history, and with our Häggström and Alamprese have electrification plans not gone unnoticed. Both have and the return to Formula 1, not buying the car themselves, they have a been knighted by the President we are excited about building strong influence on the final decision.” of the Italian Republic for their STYLE the brand’s legacy in its second Among its various marketing activities work to promote Italian auto- century.” focused on women’s empowerment, FCA motive culture in Japan. Bespoke men’s and ladies’ As for Fiat, it has become Japan promotes NPOs supporting girls’ FCA Japan’s open-hearted, a well-known and popular education, such as Room to Read, and those pleasure-focused approach to fashion at Hong Kong prices car brand in Japan, with the helping to improve women’s health choices, business is the very definition compact Fiat 500 being a long- including I Lady. Alamprese has also created of la dolce vita. time bestseller and segment a section on the Fiat website called Ciao Whether you’re driving a Fiat, leader. Most notably, it is not Donna to engage with female users in a an Alfa Romeo or an Abarth, only popular with men, but has distinctive way. you can take the good life with become the car of choice for For Alfa Romeo, a brand with a unique you wherever you go. • suits from $395 trousers from $135 Other superfine quality Prices in US dollars blazers from $275 shirts from $69 suits from (excluding shipping); tuxedos from $595 (minimum of four shirts) $550 to $2,900 delivery in three weeks overcoats from $650 MAY 2019 • EUROBIZ JAPAN 13

FEATURE

TEXT BY JUSTIN MCCURRY

pace debris is a catchall term for any defunct, manmade material orbiting Earth — ranging Sfrom tiny flecks of paint and pieces of glass to spent rocket stages and entire satellites that have malfunctioned or run TIDYING UP out of fuel — hurtling along at speeds of up to 28,000km/h. Despite growing urgency to address the buildup of flotsam in “useful” orbits, which are SPACE populated by operational satel- lites, the international commu- The EU and Japan tackle the nity has yet to agree on legally binding principles to mitigate space debris problem the potentially catastrophic effects of space debris. It is impossible to say exactly how much junk litters space, although the consensus is that Houston, we have a problem. From epoch- six decades of human activity making human exploration to the launch of have generated more than weather and telecommunications satellites, our 500,000 items bigger than one centimetre in diameter — about growing presence beyond Earth’s atmosphere the size of a marble — that are has generated a troublesome byproduct: space now whizzing around us. junk floating around in orbit that poses a risk to The European Commission has warned that the buildup of spacecraft and astronauts. debris “represents a growing threat to European space activities”, noting that an object as small as one centimetre can damage or even destroy a satel-

14 EUROBIZ JAPAN • MAY 2019 lite. “By 2020, there is expected which employs ground-based sensors such to be around a million of these as telescopes and military radar to identify objects in orbit,” it says on its and monitor satellites and space debris. website. There has been progress, too, in devel- High-velocity collisions in oping technology that, it is hoped, will one low Earth orbit — between day be able to pluck potentially hazard- Space debris hurtles along 200km and 2,000km above ous objects from space. In February, the at speeds of up to Earth’s surface — result not RemoveDEBRIS project, an international only in damage to satellites, consortium co-funded by the European they also cause disruption to Union and based at the Surrey Space Centre, internet connections, navi- successfully fired a “harpoon” at a planted km/h gational systems and mobile satellite panel, proving that an orbital spring 28,000 phone coverage. clean is more than the product of a fevered At present, countries with imagination. space programmes have a limit- Professor Guglielmo Aglietti, director Errol Levy, a political ed range of tools to protect their of the centre, said in a statement that the counsellor at the Delegation of assets from the space junk men- harpoon experiment was “truly remarka- the European Union to Japan, ace. Some EU member states, ble”, adding: “This is RemoveDEBRIS’ most noted that the EU and Japan for example, participate in demanding experiment, and the fact that it agree on the need for a global space surveillance and tracking, was a success is testament to all involved.” set of voluntary norms that The world’s three biggest users of space — discourage countries with space Russia, the US and China — are responsible programmes from turning “Tackling for most space debris, but the emergence outer space into a “satellites’ of new national and private players has graveyard”. the problem made the need to find a solution even more “The European Union and its pressing. member states are particularly of space junk “Tackling the problem of space junk now keen on safeguarding the long- is important because it may soon get out of term use of the space environ- now is hand, due to collisions that will produce yet ment and would like to have the more space junk,” according to the Tokyo principles of responsible important office of Arianespace, a France-based launch behaviour in outer space includ- because it services group. Arianespace is addressing the issue by may soon get ensuring that its spent rocket stages are emptied of any remaining fuel, so they do out of hand” not explode, and are jettisoned to ensure they burn up in the atmosphere.

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more than ed within the framework of the “The European United Nations,” Levy says. Prevention is better than Union and its cure, according to Levy, given the quantities of space debris member states are 500,000 and the cost of removing it from items bigger than one centimetre in diameter now orbit — if cleanup technology is particularly keen litter space ever perfected. “No matter how successful on safeguarding you are in specific projects to only developing technical solu- develop technologies to clean the long-term tions to debris, we are playing up the space environment, use of the space a role in growing the debris you’re talking about hundreds removal market and active- of thousands of pieces of debris, environment” ly discussing the regulatory so collecting any of that is a environment for orbital debris very expensive proposition,” removal.” Levy says. where they no longer pose a threat. Satellite operators them- “This is something that the The prospect of thousands of mini-sat- selves are also taking action. EU and Japan have expressed ellites orbiting Earth in the near future Ruy Pinto, chief technology their keenness to work on,” he brings increased risks. But it also repre- officer at SES, says 20 of the adds, noting that the subject sents an opportunity for companies such as Luxembourg-headquartered formed part of discussions at Astroscale, a start-up founded in Singapore firm’s 70-plus satellites operate the Fourth Meeting of the EU– in 2013 by Japanese entrepreneur Nobu in orbits above 8,000km, while Japan Space Dialogue in March. Okada. It is developing “space sweeping” the other 50 are at 36,000km, Options include “deorbiting” satellites to clean up debris. distances at which the risks (bringing satellites out of orbit “Astroscale aims to launch satellites to from space debris are low. so they splash down in remote go up, rendezvous and dock with defunct “Whilst SES is engaged in parts of the ocean) and satellites, then deorbit them,” said Jason the mapping and awareness of sending satellites out Forshaw, the firm’s European R&D manager. space debris, its assets are not of their “useful” In a demonstration planned for 2020, an directly affected,” Pinto states. orbits into those Astroscale satellite will launch, together “From an awareness-campaign with a dummy debris satellite and attempt perspective, we are building to dock with the dummy debris using a mag- a close collaboration with the netic capture mechanism. Both satellites recently formed Luxembourg will then deorbit so that they burn up in the Space Agency, and space debris atmosphere. is among the topics we’re “Safety is a prime concern, especially in tackling.” • ensuring no further debris is produced,” Forshaw says. “However, Astroscale is not

MAY 2019 • EUROBIZ JAPAN 17 FEATURE

TEXT BY GAVIN BLAIR The slow rise of the cashless society Japan lags behind in e-money adoption despite incentives and new platforms

Cash is definitely still king in Japan. More than 20% of the country’s GDP is in circulation in notes and coins, about double the average across the Eurozone. Meanwhile, cashless payments only account for around 20% of all transactions, whereas in many major economies fewer than half are now carried out in cash; in South Korea, the cashless payment rate already exceeds 90%. The Japanese government has begun a push towards cashless and set a target of doubling the current rate by 2025, when Osaka will hold a World Expo.

Some of the factors commonly cleanliness of Japanese bank notes and cited to explain Japan’s slow the extensive ATM network, which ignores adoption of cashless payments the fact that other industrialised countries are the low crime rate (making also have ATMs. Nevertheless, these two it safe to carry cash), the rarity reasons were also listed by the Ministry of counterfeit currency and of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), near-zero interest rates, reduc- which in April 2018 issued a Cashless ing the incentive to deposit cash Vision policy paper. METI is pushing cash- in bank accounts. less payments to make it easier for foreign Less probable are arguments tourists to make purchases, and also to put forward regarding the improve efficiency — it is estimated that

18 EUROBIZ JAPAN • MAY 2019 the cost of (one is used for point/loyalty programmes “With the new bank digital physically by retailers) is set to decline as contactless currency platform J–Coin Pay, handling cash payments grow. However, to avoid the need Mizuho Bank and other partic- exceeds ¥1 trillion for an additional swipe, the data for such ipating financial institutions per year. programmes needs to be stored in the chips will work together towards the However, it is on contactless payment cards, requiring Japanese government’s goal of costs of another additional technology and costs, notes achieving a cashless society,” kind that have been a major Aota. This means smaller retail outlets, says Mizuho Financial Group barrier to the growth of which usually don’t have point spokesperson Masako Shiono. cashless payments, according programmes, have often been keener to In Asia, outside Japan, to Masahiko Aota, marketing adopt new payment methods than their Mizuho has teamed with director at Ingenico Japan, larger counterparts. Germany’s Wirecard — a firm the local division of the One such retailer is the Fujino Liquor specialising in electronic world-leading French provider Shop in Kawasaki’s Ikuta district. It started payment transaction solutions of solutions in the field. The using the PayPay QR code smartphone — to offer its customers services average Merchant Discount platform — backed by Yahoo Japan and its bundled in a single payment Rate (MDR) fees that retailers parent SoftBank — in October last year. It ecosystem. The Japanese pay for credit card transactions was the first time the shop had is about 3.5% in Japan, com- accepted any payment method pared with 1.5% globally, says other than cash. Aota. Even for QR code-based “I didn’t really know anything “financial systems and FeliCa — the Sony about it when the salesperson tech behind Suica, Pasmo and came in, but afterwards I looked institutions will a host of other e-money cards into it and found out it was run — the rate is around 3%. There by Yahoo. It was really easy to work together are estimated to be more than set up: just sign a contract; and I 300 million e-money cards in didn’t need any terminal, only to towards the circulation and over 30 million have the QR code on the counter,” mobile phones with e-money explains owner Kazutoshi Naruse, Japanese functions in Japan, but they who says the offer of three years account for just a few percent of with no processing charges was government’s goal total retail payments. also a decisive factor. of achieving a METI is pushing to lower “It’s still early, and we only get these rates, while the operators about one person using it a day, cashless society” of cashless systems are offering but those customers who do use it incentives to retailers, such as always pay with it. They get points reduced or no MDR for the first with it too, which I hear a lot about two years, or free contactless from customers,” adds Naruse, referring to financial giant currently lacks payment devices. two campaigns from PayPay, each offering regulatory approval to launch Another issue is a technical rebates totalling ¥10 billion to users. such an ecosystem in its home quirk of the Japanese credit As other companies, including Rakuten, market, but many of the same card sector, where the reading have entered the space, competition has services can now be delivered of two magnetic stripes on heated up. In March, mobile messaging app here through J-Coin Pay. cards at a single swipe has Line and used-goods marketplace Mercari Despite the new platforms traditionally been required; announced they were cooperating on a and the competitive environ- this has made market entry a joint cashless platform. Traditional finance ment, Ingenico’s Aota believes challenge for overseas firms, companies have also entered the sector, the government’s target of 40% according to Aota. The impor- with Mizuho Bank launching its J-Coin Pay by 2025 is “too ambitious”, say- tance of the double stripes in March. ing, “30% is more realistic”. •

MAY 2019 • EUROBIZ JAPAN 19 THE INTERVIEW

TEXT BY ANDREW HOWITT PHOTOS BY KAGEAKI SMITH

Far more than fashion Enrico Vattani, head of the Economic and Commercial Section at the Embassy of Italy

20 EUROBIZ JAPAN • MAY 2019 For 20 years, Enrico Vattani has been serving Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During his career, Vattani has worked in Rome in the Press Department, on online promotion and communications, and in the Cultural Promotion Department, dealing with the 90 cultural institutes Italy has around the world and, later, focusing on contemporary art. Since 2017, Vattani has been head of the Economic and Commercial section at the Embassy of Italy in Japan. It is his second stint here, after having worked in consular affairs from 2001 to 2005.

What kind of presence do Italian firms quarter of 2019, we are wit- have in Japan? nessing very positive trends in There are more than 200 Italian compa- some of our most important nies working here, including many impor- product categories. tant firms and iconic brands. And there’s One of our goals is to such a wide spectrum of companies, working attract foreign direct in all sorts of industries from fashion to cars investment (FDI), centred to hi-tech. There’s also pharmaceuticals, on quality, development machinery and precision mechanics. and employment. We are Italy is even present in experimental glad that, in 2018, Japanese Japanese nuclear fusion facilities, which FDI in Italy reached $1 have the potential to offer almost unlim- billion. We are confident ited clean energy in the future. There’s a that 2019 will be as good. big prototype reactor in Naka, Ibaraki, the JT-60SA, and some of its components come What are the main activ- from Italy. Italy is often perceived as a coun- ities of the economic and try of art, culture, fashion, food and wine commercial section? — which are areas where we’re very strong — We have two pillars of activ- but I think this project is a symbol that we’re ity. One is policy. We work in also very strong in other sectors. close collaboration with the EU Delegation in Japan. We What are the recent trends in Italy– also work with Japanese insti- Japan trade? tutions — from ministries to We’ve had some very impressive results, customs offices — on market especially over the last two years. There access negotiations, and there were some very good numbers from 2018 for are some very interesting ones our exports — a 9% increase. And in the first coming up.

MAY 2019 • EUROBIZ JAPAN 21 Specialists in :

> International & domestic moves

> Relocation services FAR MORE THAN FASHION

“Italy has a lot of potential in fields such as AI, robotics, mobility and technologies connected to the ageing society”

Then there’s the promotional Could you give me some details about What is Innovation Day? aspect. We have our office in the Italian Design Day? It’s an event we organise embassy, and the Italian trade It’s an initiative of the Ministry of Foreign together with JETRO. The promotion section, which is a Affairs in Rome and it happens all over the embassy brings to Tokyo larger group, is here, too. We world on the same day. Our whole diplomatic a number of representa- work together on fairs and trade network concentrates its efforts, budgets and tives from Italian startups shows, for example. energy on this. This was the third edition, in various fields, including which took place on 20 March at the Italian life sciences and AI. We What are some recent events Cultural Institute in Tokyo. invite around 200 potential you’ve been involved in This year’s theme was the future of cities investors and give the start- organising? that have hosted large events, such as the ups a stage to give pitching We have Design Day, Olympics or an Expo. There’s a link between sessions. It’s always very Innovation Day and Italian Italy and Japan in this regard, with Expo successful. We’re hoping that Cuisine Week, to name a few. 2015 in Milan, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics the next one, which will take These are all events where we and Expo 2025 in Osaka. At the event, the place in October, will be even promote Italian lifestyle. Japanese architect Atsushi Kitagawara, who bigger because there are more Specialists in : We were at FOODEX at the built the Japan pavilion in Milan, and the partners that want to work beginning of March. A huge Italian architect Susanna Tradati, who built with us. number of Italian companies the Italian pavilion, talked about the urban- We think Italy has a lot

> International & domestic moves — about 200 — came this year. isation of areas such as the new innovation of potential in fields such as Italy had one of the biggest district in Milan. It’s like a small Milan AI, robotics, mobility and foreign pavilions at the fair at within Milan being built where Expo 2015 technologies connected to the over 2,000m2. The embassy was held, which is an area of one million ageing society, so our govern- organised a B2B session where square metres. It’s called MIND, the Milan ment is making these types of

> Relocation services more than 50 Japanese groups Innovation District. There’s going to be a exchanges a priority. came with their buyers to meet hospital with a research centre, for example. This is really a great time to the Italian companies, and we Human Technopole, a research institute be in Japan and working in a arranged over 300 meetings. with a focus on genomics, and the scientific commercial office, especially There’re only about three facilities of the Milan University are moving the Italian one. • hours in the day to get the right there. It’s going to be self-contained, and people to meet, so it needs to a lot of experimentation will be done with be organised beforehand with mobility, such as autonomous driving. almost surgical precision.

MAY 2019 • EUROBIZ JAPAN 23 COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT

TEXT BY TOBY WATERS WWW.ICCJ.OR.JP Italy The quickest way to a nation’s heart …

Is it the olive oil, the parmesan, the prosciutto? people looked for a greater variety of tasty but inexpen- Could it be the pasta, the pizza, the risotto? Maybe the sive fare. Prosecco? The espresso? Whatever it is, Italian cuisine The Ambassador of Italy to Japan Giorgio Starace is beloved in Japan. One estimate puts the number of believes that Japan has taken his nation’s dishes to heart Italian restaurants in Tokyo alone at around 20,000. thanks to the strong cultural similarities between the Italian producers have been charming discerning two peoples. diners across Japan with their delicious fare for decades. “Italian cuisine is so popular in Japan because it Pasta arrived in Nagasaki during the Meiji era thanks to is about lifestyle, history and the French priest Father Marc Mari du Rotz, and pasta traditions,” he says. “This is sauce, a favourite of American GIs, was popularised in something we share.” the 1950s. But it was after the bubble burst in the early Before sitting down 1990s that Italian restaurants proliferated, as Japanese to dinner, it’s

24 EUROBIZ JAPAN • MAY 2019 “Italian cuisine is so popular in Japan because it is about lifestyle, history and traditions” common in Italy to share in an aperitivo. One popular “The already high quality of our cuisine in Japan will further drink, the rose-red Campari, came into being in 1860, improve. We are already witnessing a significant increase in but its recipe remains a secret to this day. The Campari the quantity and value of some of our exports, such as wine.” brand has expanded globally and now also offers whis- There are numerous factors that have contributed to the keys, vodkas and other tipples. The firm’s Japanese SNS success of Italian fare in Japan, and one thing’s certain: feeds feature posts with novel recipes for its enthu- Japan’s love affair with Italian food and drinks will become siastic fans to enjoy, with variations on the Negroni even deeper and sweeter. • — the signature Campari cocktail — being particularly well-received. One Italian firm with a particularly strong culinary legacy is Barilla. Founded in Parma in 1877, it opened its doors in Tokyo in 1997. Since then, it has been highly Population active importing various Italian food products, such as 62,264,674 (July 2018, estimate). 70.4% Urban population: durum-wheat pasta and ready-made sauces. Urban population 70.4% of total population (2018). Bologna-based Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group lays 41.82% are 25–54 years of age (2018). claim to the title of the largest private coffee company Main exports to Japan in the world. Here in Japan, its Tokyo branch facilitates Machinery, leather goods, pharmaceutical the distribution of its brands’ goods, including La San products, non-railway vehicles, articles of Marco espresso machines and Segafredo Zanetti coffee apparel, organic chemicals, tobacco. products. It has also opened more than 30 Segafredo Did you know? cafés around the country. The iconic Trevi Fountain, featured in the Ferrero is a multinational, family-owned business films La Dolce Vita and Roman Holiday, is the recipient of approximately €1.4 million in that was established in 1946. While its namesake Ferrero loose change thrown by tourists each year. Rocher chocolates might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the company, it actually got its The village of Vacone is the home of the world’s smallest restaurant, serving a start producing a chocolate and hazelnut spread called maximum of two people. Pasta Gianduja, now known as Nutella. The spread is a favourite topping at crêperies in Japan, and it is also often used as the main ingredient in dessert takoyaki cake balls. The EU–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which came into force in February, is a major Milan Turin catalyst for Italian cuisine in Japan to become even more Genoa popular — and more delicious — according to Starace. “Through the EPA, I believe more and more high-qual- ity ingredients will become increasingly accessible and, therefore, more widely used and appreciated,” he says. Rome Italy

Naples Trade with Japan Sardinia

Exports to Japan: ¥1.26 trillion Palermo Imports from Japan: ¥519 billion Sicily SOURCE: JAPAN MINISTRY OF FINANCE (2018)

MAY 2019 • EUROBIZ JAPAN 25 BUSINESS FROM ...

ITALY

A look at some companies from the region

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26 EUROBIZ JAPAN • MAY 2019 PUBLICITY

STYLE AND SUBSTANCE Ducati wins prestigious Red Dot Design Award for the third time

On 25 March, Red Dot This achievement marks a major announced that Ducati had triumph for the Diavel 1260 motor- won its coveted Best of the cycle, which recently made a big Best Award in the Product splash at Milan Design Week. There, Design category for its the bike’s designers discussed devilishly sleek Diavel 1260 the need for a balance between motorcycle, the third such function and aesthetics in creating creativity and innovation of Ducati, “A huge number of entries from win for Ducati after victories the ideal product. Its design was the which fills us with pride,” says major protagonists of design in 2013 with the 1199 Pan- result of three years of painstaking Andrea Ferraresi, manager at the throughout the world competed for igale and in 2016 with the work, combining the performance Ducati Style Centre. “Even though the award,” said Ferraresi. “Now we XDiavel S. Judged by a panel of a maxi-naked and the look of a we are aware that our motorcycles look forward to the same level of of 40 international experts, muscle cruiser, powered by a 159ps are exciting, refined and good-look- enthusiasm from our fans.” it was one of only 80 victors Testastretta DVT 1262 engine. ing, it is always gratifying and stim- Ducati will be presented with among the 5,500 products “Succeeding for the third time, ulating for those who work in the the prize in front of an audience of — hailing from 55 countries thanks to another iconic bike like field of design and style to receive 1,200 at an awards ceremony at the — in the competition. the Diavel 1260, is a tribute to the such important recognition.” Aalto Theatre in Essen, Germany The Red Dot Design Awards on 8 July. have been given annually since The Diavel 1260 will be available 1955. Started by what is now the through the Ducati Japan network ThyssenKrupp group, the awards from 8 June. are intended to promote attractive- ness in the environments where people live and work. They are also consumer-focused, celebrating diversity in the field of design. Win- ning products are showcased in the original Red Dot Design Museum in Essen.

1 EUROBIZ JAPAN • MONTH 2017 EBC PERSONALITY

TEXT BY ANDREW HOWITT PHOTO BY KAGEAKI SMITH

MASSIMO ALLEGRI Living out his destiny

“Do you want to know everything about your future?”

During a trip to Rajasthan, India, in the mid-eighties, Massimo Allegri was suddenly asked this question by a gaunt, dreadlocked fortuneteller who was seated in the garden of a Maharaja’s palace. Allegri was curious. “Okay,” he said. “Tell me everything.” “Are you sure?” the fortune­teller asked. “Because everything means everything.” Allegri said he was, and he was instructed to extend a palm for the fortuneteller to inspect. Then, for an hour and a half, the Indian man proceeded to tell Allegri, in detail, about the life he would lead. “And, actually, little by little, his story has become reality for me,” he states. One prophecy concerned Allegri’s children. The fortuneteller said he would,

28 EUROBIZ JAPAN • MAY 2019 Do you like natto?

Time spent working in Cannot live without: Japan: My daughters. Three years. “in the beginning, have downsizing at Alitalia over Lesson learned in three children — one male, Career regret (if any): Japan: the past 15 years — the Frankly speaking, none. Be patient. the others female — but, result of stiff competition in the end, only two.” from budget airlines, as Favourite saying: Secret of success in “And it was true,” Allegri “Love, and do what you business: well as Middle Eastern and will” — St. Augustine. This There’s no secret — just notes. “Sadly, I lost my first Chinese carriers — perhaps is my motto, because if hard work. child, a boy. But I had two won- Allegri wishes he had asked you love, you don’t hurt derful daughters.” anything or anyone. Favourite place to the fortuneteller about his dine: Another prediction was about company’s future. Favourite book: Home. the firm he would ultimately “Now, Alitalia is in A Fortuneteller Told work for and the position he Me by journalist and Do you like natto?: negotiations, and we are writer Tiziano Terzani I love everything and would hold. thinking about what to (1938–2004). It’s about I eat everything. But “He told me that, even if I do for the next step,” says his travels around Asia natto… It’s so different. didn’t at first want to, in the end, for a year without board- My answer is no, but I Allegri. “But we’ve already ing an aeroplane, after a can eat it. I would become an executive survived twice. My hope is Hong Kong fortuneteller at a company that I had hated that we become stronger in tells him he risks his life if he does. for much of my career,” Allegri the Asian market.” relates. “It was Alitalia. And that To this end, Alitalia was true, too.” entered into a commercial Now regional general partnership agreement manager for Eastern Europe with All Nippon Airways last year, and “Near the end of our con- and Asia at Alitalia — based in Allegri is considering reopening routes to versation, he told me it would Tokyo since 2016 — he certain- Osaka. He is also very proud that the Narita– probably be better to stop,” ly doesn’t hold those feelings Rome and Narita–Milan flights have contin- Allegri says. “I didn’t ask him anymore, but a few years after ued uninterrupted for more than 50 years. anything else.” the encounter with the fortune- “We are now starting negotiations with He also never asked about teller, Allegri took a position Haneda Airport, which is more convenient,” one of his life goals. As a boy, with Sabena, the then-national he says. “We’ll probably have the chance for growing up in Genoa, Allegri carrier of Belgium, where he at least one flight into Haneda ahead of the dreamed of becoming an worked for 15 Olympics next year.” archaeologist. He wanted to go years. At the time, Despite the to Egypt to “dig a hole and try Alitalia was the “[the fortuneteller’s many to discover something hidden dominant player accurate predictions, in the sand”. The reason he first in the region so, to fortuneteller’s] Allegri insists that he got into the travel industry was Allegri, it was “not has been the master so he could, at some point, make a competitor, but story has of his own destiny. the trip. an enemy”. “I don't think “At the end of my career, I In 2002, a become reality I’ve been guided on want to go to Egypt and dig chance meeting for me” some path by what that hole in the sand,” he states, in Genoa with he told me, but I do “even just for a few years, even if Alitalia’s hiring believe that he could I find nothing. manager put Allegri on the path see some things about my future clearly,” “I will go and do it,” he pre- to becoming country manager he says. “Probably once a year, I remember dicts. • for Italy with the airline the what he said and think to myself, ‘Oh, that’s following year. happened, too’.” Massimo Allegri is regional general After three major organisa- manager for Eastern Europe and Asia at However, the fortuneteller did not talk Alitalia and a member of the EBC Airlines tional changes and significant much about the end of Allegri’s life. Committee.

MAY 2019 • EUROBIZ JAPAN 29 IN COMMITTEE

TEXT BY GEOFF BOTTING

definition of a trademark in the Intellectual Trademark Act. Dubois believes a workable Property Rights idea may be to “redefine the notion of ‘personal use’.” That could entail setting a maximum Really for personal use? number of goods that can be brought into Japan, to as low as one. Another idea is to redefine the legal meaning of “import”. That’s Japanese authorities are articles from China, for example, and it is what happened after a 2014 legal very keen to stop the flood stopped by customs, suspicious that the con- case involving the purchase of a of counterfeit goods entering tents are fake, then the retailer can simply fake Rolex watch on a Chinese the country. Customs clearly declare to customs the goods are for their website by a Danish national. An recognises the problems of personal use. Then, they can take the goods EU court determined that the trademark infringement and home and start selling them. IP rights-holder could enforce devotes plenty of resources “So long as this cannot be stopped, we will its right as soon as the item — to the issue. Yet, the number continue to have this problem,” Dubois says. purchased over a website from a of counterfeit goods entering Counterfeit products are typically sold non-member country — entered Japan exploded about five years online, which is why the number entering the territory of an EU member ago and this trend shows little Japan has skyrocketed in recent years. state. sign of easing. “When there is a physical shop, there is A third proposal is to simply a physical person, and you can arrest that scrap the personal use exemp- Laurent Dubois, chair of person and stop the business,” Dubois says. tion in the Customs Law. the EBC Intellectual Property “But if it’s virtual or online, you may know “It’s clear that customs is very Rights Committee, cites a set who the person is, but most of the time interested in finding a solution of factors that conspire to they are located abroad and are therefore because this is a big burden on frustrate the best efforts of untouchable.” them,” the committee chief the authorities and trademark In 2017, internet auction sites in Japan says. “If at the end of the day, holders. received more than one million requests you have to release the goods, “The infringer is the seller, from organisations such as Dubois’ Union it’s not very pleasant.” not the buyer,” he des Fabricants Tokyo The EBC is doing its part, says, explaining that to take down postings Advocacy issues while customs and the Ministry owning a counterfeit of advertised items of Economy Trade and Industry item for one’s per- suspected of being • Online retailers (METI) each grapple for a sonal use is not illegal fakes. Thanks to the The law should be amended to solution. under Japanese law. cooperation of online allow more thorough checks “We recently sent a letter “Customs can stop sales platforms, the of branded goods sold over to METI, providing them with drugs, pornographic number of removal the internet. data, information and refer- materials and weap- requests fell to ence to the recent precedent ons on the purchaser 327,303 in 2018. Fraudulent, spoof and [the Rolex case] and other side,” he says. “But One of the obvious counterfeit-sales websites foreign legislation relating to counterfeit goods solutions to close should be regulated by bolder the prohibition of the import of are illegal only at the the loophole would measures, such as removing counterfeit goods for personal level of the seller or be an amendment to the sites from search engines use,” Dubois says. “It might as part of commercial the Trademark Act bring something. I wouldn’t say activity.” to make personal use • Definition of in the coming months, but in This situation illegal. Another would “for personal use” the coming years.” • presents a legal loop- be to make posses- The legal definition of “for hole in cases where sion illegal. However, personal use” should be tight- small quantities are the Japan Patent ened, or a ceiling should be purchased online Office opposes the set on the maximum number from websites abroad. removal of a “con- Laurent Dubois is chairperson of the of goods imported for that EBC Intellectual Property Rights If a retailer in Japan dition of business” purpose. Committee and representative at is sent a delivery of requirement from the Union des Fabricants Tokyo.

30 EUROBIZ JAPAN • MAY 2019 SME CORNER

TEXT BY MARTA SANNA

European Commission and the “[Sardinia] From Japanese government to pro- mote industry, trade and invest- resembles no ment cooperation between the dream EU and Japan. In 2012, while other place” I was working for a software engineering firm, I attended the centre’s Human Resources ally in Tokyo — and I applied to to dish Training Programme, which take part. It was one of the best helps businesspeople in the EU decisions I made for Sardegna How Sardegna gain a better understanding Mia, because it led to 30 con- of the business, economic and tacts with potential partners Mia broke into the cultural landscapes in Japan. and importers, as well as a trial The programme gave me sales agreement with Amazon. Japanese market the information I needed to After the positive initial help me make wise decisions market response, I applied in and save money as I prepared November for the centre’s Step to enter the Japanese market. in Japan service, which allowed In his 1921 travel book The Sea and Sardinia, Most important, it gave me me to receive logistical support D. H. Lawrence chronicles his journey on confidence in my idea. for organising meetings, prod- Italy’s second-largest island. I founded Sardegna Mia in uct demonstrations and tasting September 2017. We make it events to secure new clients. A “This land resembles no other place,” he easy for Italian restaurants, del- few months later, thanks to this wrote. “Sardinia is something else … It is like icatessens, speciality food shops service, Sardegna Mia closed freedom itself.” and individuals in Japan to gain a business agreement with Nearly 100 years later, Sardinia is still consistent access to Sardinian prominent Tokyo-based wine a place unlike any other. Its large areas of delicacies by taking care of importer and distributor Vino untouched land and its long Mediterranean everything for small Sardinian Hayashi, and a small extra vir- coastline have made it a popular destination producers. That includes gin olive oil importer, De Oliva. for tourists. It is also home to some of the export-related business mat- With the EU–Japan oldest cooking techniques in Italy, and its ters, pricing, shipping, invoic- Economic Partnership fresh, healthy ingredients and unique offer- ing, packaging, marketing, Agreement now in force, I am ings delight everyone who tries them. events and communications. determined to strengthen our My passion for Sardinia, my birthplace, In addition to extra virgin business relationships in Japan. and a love of Japan gave me the idea of olive oil, wine and pasta, we One way we have already done starting a concierge-concept export man- export regional specialities, this is by partnering with the agement company that would allow people such as pecorino sheep’s cheese, consultancy firm Sintesi to open in Japan to try Sardinia’s best and less well- bottarga cured mullet roe and a representative office in Tokyo. known traditional food, wine, spirits and crispy carasau flatbread. Red As an entrepreneur interest- condiments. wines from the Mandrolisai ed in the regional development When my business was still only an idea, region of central Sardinia have of Sardinia, my long-term goal I benefited from the support and services been especially well-received is to set up active cooperation of the EU–Japan Centre for Industrial here. Many Japanese customers — through the region-to-re- Cooperation, a joint venture between the have told us that, while these gion cooperation initiative of wines express the distinctive the European Commission — characteristics of Sardinia, they between Sardinia and Japanese also pair very well with tradi- regions to promote the tional Japanese dishes, such as exchange of our food cultures. sukiyaki. I want as many people in Japan In March 2018, the EU–Japan as possible to experience the Centre organised the first singular flavours of Sardinia. • Organic Food and Wine Mission to FOODEX — the largest food

and beverage trade show in the Marta Sanna, a native of Sardinia, Asia–Pacific region held annu- is founder of Sardegna Mia.

MAY 2019 • EUROBIZ JAPAN 31 EVENT REPORT

TEXT AND PHOTO BY TOBY WATERS

The making of a metropolis Osaka City and Prefecture work together for growth

Although Tokyo is enjoying There has been a dramatic increase in the Constructing better trans- some time in the global lime- number of annual visitors to Osaka over the port infrastructure is also a light, thanks to its upcoming past decade, rising from 1.8 million in 2011 priority. role as host to both the 2019 to 11.1 million in 2018, according to Matsui. “This includes, for example, Rugby World Cup and the And, as host of the G20 leaders’ summit in improving access to Kansai Tokyo 2020 Olympics and June, as well as the 2025 World Expo, Osaka International Airport,” Matsui is going to occupy a said. “Also, plans to build the place on the world Naniwasuji Line [underground stage like never before. railway line] — which had … Establishing a stalled for 30 years — are now metropolitan system moving forward.” would give Osaka a Osaka aims to improve its single head of local growth by building a world- government, similar to leading integrated resort Tokyo’s governor and (IR), which would become the the Mayor of London. largest facility for meetings, It would also help the incentives, conferences and city and prefecture to exhibitions (MICE) in Japan. avoid duplicating some With completion tentatively of their efforts. scheduled for 2024, the IR is “In the past, because expected to create some 88,000 Hirofumi Yoshimura (left) and Ichiro Matsui the mayor and gov- jobs and lead to an economic ernor — or the city ripple effect of an estimated Paralympics, it’s worth remem- and prefecture — had been facing different ¥760 billion per year. The bering that not everything of directions, their plans and strategies … were facility, to be based on the importance and interest hap- implemented on two different levels, which manmade island of Yumeshima pens in the nation’s capital. was an obstacle to growth,” Yoshimura said. — which will also be the site of On 20 February, the Foreign Matsui added: “Therefore, we decided what the 2025 World Expo — could Correspondents’ Club of Japan had until then been separate growth strategies possibly become home to one held a press conference with for Osaka prefecture and city would be put of Japan’s three casino resorts. Hirofumi Yoshimura and Ichiro together into one strategy and [we would] “We believe it will be a very Matsui, the then-mayor of have a common goal to work towards.” attractive IR, which will also Osaka City and then-governor One plan to improve economic growth, contribute to the sustaina- of Osaka Prefecture, respec- currently being executed, is to merge a num- ble growth of Osaka,” said tively, where they discussed ber of prefectural and municipal institu- Yoshimura. “This vision … their plans for the city’s future. tions, including Osaka Prefecture University [is] something that could be Following elections in April with Osaka City University, and the Osaka achieved because we, the may- 2019, they successfully switched Prefectural Institute of Public Health with or and the governor, are facing positions, giving their One the Osaka City Institute of Public Health the same direction.” Osaka party a mandate to merge and Environmental Sciences. With the whole country local governments and form a “The prefecture and the city were almost in expected to benefit from a metropolitan government. competition with each other, developing very pre- and post-Olympics boom, Matsui and Yoshimura similar facilities in both of their respective Osaka is setting itself up to be believe that the time has arrived areas,” said Matsui. “As a result of bringing the a first-class destination for for a major reform of both growth strategies of the prefecture and the city tourism and business, with the prefecture and the city to into one we have indeed had achievements in facilities and services that will improve their economic growth. business growth.” be second to none. •

32 EUROBIZ JAPAN • MAY 2019 THE AGENDA

COMPILED BY TOBY WATERS

POLISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND SPANISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JUNE INDUSTRY IN JAPAN JUNE IN JAPAN 4 Business Mixer 13 TTT – Third Thursday Tapas Night

time: 18:30 to 20:30 time: 18:30 to 21:30 (Doors open at venue: Finn McCool’s Marunouchi 18:00) Palace Building venue: The Prince Park Tower Tokyo, 1F fee: ¥4,000 (for members), ¥5,000 (for Melody Line non-members) fee: ¥6,500 (for SpCCJ and SPC contact: [email protected] members), ¥8,500 (for non-members) registration: http://spanishchamber. or.jp/event_registration/

BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE THE BELGIAN–LUXEMBOURG CHAMBER JUNE IN JAPAN JUNE OF COMMERCE IN JAPAN 5 Disruption, expectation 13 Delighting Customers and complexity in Japan XVIII seminar with Jean-Sébastien Jacques of Rio Tinto time: 18:30 to 21:00 time: 12:00 to 14:00 venue: BNP Paribas office, near Tokyo venue: Roppongi Hills Club Station fee: ¥6,500 (for members), ¥8,500 fee: ¥5,000 (for members), ¥7,000 (for non-members) (for non-members) contact: info@bccjapan contact: [email protected]

BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CZECH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND JUNE IN JAPAN JUNE INDUSTRY IN JAPAN (CCCIJ) 6 Small is GREAT XV: 19 11th Czech Business Law and Disorder & Culture Networking with Catherine O'Connell Event

time: 18:00 to 20:00 time: 18:00 to 20:30 venue: BCCJ Office venue: Embassy of the Czech Republic The Agenda fee: ¥4,000 (for members), ¥7,000 fee: ¥5,000 (for members), ¥7,000 (for non-members) (for non-members) contact: info@bccjapan contact: [email protected]

CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND IN JAPAN IN JAPAN AND THE SWISS CHAMBER OF JUNE JUNE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY IN JAPAN Joint Summer Cocktail 7 21 Swiss Young 2019 Professionals time: 18:30 to 21:00 Gathering #24 venue: Roppongi Hills Club fee: ¥8,500 (for members), ¥10,000 time: 19:30 (for non-members) venue: Nescafé Harajuku registration: https://www.cccj.or.jp/ fee: Free of charge (registration events/joint-summer-cocktail-2019 required) contact: [email protected]

SWISS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND ITALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JUNE INDUSTRY IN JAPAN JUNE IN JAPAN 13 Luncheon — Etsuro 28 How to retain and Honda, former motivate your ambassador of Japan Japanese sales team

to Switzerland time: 9:00 to 10:30

time: 12:00 to 14:00 venue: Italian Chamber of Commerce venue: ANA InterContinental Tokyo Japan fee: ¥6,500 (for members), ¥8,000 fee: ¥1,000 + 8% VAT (for members), (for non-members) ¥3,000 + 8% VAT (for non-members) contact: [email protected] contact: [email protected]

MAY 2019 • EUROBIZ JAPAN 33 EXECUTIVE NOTES

TEXT BY DAN SLOAN

“Our member companies and Japanese broadcaster others have invested billions NHK estimates that solar Sun of dollars and years of effort in plantations on water and land the Japanese renewable energy together use nearly 200 million industry,” the joint statement PV panels. However, excess setting said. “Japan risks ceding its renewable energy has seen only leadership in the industry.” minimal transfer within Japan, Solar power is estimated to as there is no central power on solar? cost more than twice as much grid. Local power companies in Japan as in European nations say energy transmission and Japan’s solar such as Germany. Meanwhile, transfer are difficult between Japan saw a record number of the 10 service regions. industry struggles bankruptcies of solar-relat- Japan is finalising plans ed power firms in 2018, and for the separation of energy Teikoku Databank predicts generation from transmis- more failures ahead. sion by next year, and fintech According to the may make energy-sharing International Renewable and management via virtual Solar energy became a cornerstone of Energy Agency, installed solar power plants (VPPs) easier. Japan’s efforts to diversify supply following the nuclear disaster of 2011. A government feed-in-tariff scheme allowed both big and small solar farms across the country to sell to local power companies at a fixed rate.

ut cheaper alternatives have dimmed solar as an attractive energy source. The set tariff — and its passed-on cost to consumers via power compa- Bnies — has cast shade over photovoltaic (PV) solutions and prompted the government to cut the fixed rate in March for the seventh capacity and electricity genera- A Japanese consortium last straight year. tion in Japan rose tenfold from year built a blockchain power Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called for 2011, while supply has already trading system, while giants all nations to implement green initiatives, hit 2020 government targets. Kyocera and Marubeni have but Japan is the only G7 country still build- The island nation ranks second teamed with a US firm to ing coal-fired power stations, and fossil fuels globally for capacity after China distribute energy through a make up over 80% of its energy mix. Japan’s with 42.8 gigawatts (GW), blockchain VPP micro-grid. renewable share target, which includes according to the International The most futuristic of the solar, is 24% by 2030, compared with an EU Energy Agency. nation’s sun dreams is the Japan goal of 32%. Construction of the Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Shifting to solar power auctions from nation’s largest solar farm, Space Solar Power Systems, a fixed rates has moved Japan closer to, but the 900,000-panel Setouchi 1GW monster satellite above has not met, government expectations Kirei Mega Solar Power Plant earth that will convert sun rays for take-up, and over a quarter of capacity in Okayama Prefecture, was into microwave or laser energy approved for solar between 2012 and 2015 completed in February, at a for use on Earth. is not being used. In response, Japan has cost of ¥110 billion. The site The agency first proposed issued a deadline of next year for operations is expected to provide enough the orbiting, 2km² behemoth to start or face a further drop in the guaran- power for 80,000 homes. Japan a decade ago, but its estimated teed rate. is also a global leader in floating take-off date — similar to a The prospect of more cuts prompted the PV farms, with over 70 of the number of Japan’s solar plans — European Business Council (EBC), along world’s largest, including the has faced logistical clouds, and with four chambers of commerce, to call last Yamakura Dam reservoir farm may now be pushed back from a year for caution, noting such a move would in Chiba Prefecture, spanning a planned launch in the 2030s to further undermine market confidence. massive 18 hectares. later in the century. •

34 EUROBIZ JAPAN • MAY 2019 INNOVATIONS

TEXT BY TIM HORNYAK

Smart dust in the wind Wireless devices as small as a grain of salt could one day monitor everything

In Stanislaw Lem’s 1964 novel The Invincible, with an accuracy of about 0.1°C. location of animals and insects a distant planet is taken over by swarms The sensors could be used or inventory and vehicles; envi- of miniature, self-replicating insectile to monitor temperature in ronmental conditions affecting machines. Threatening the crew of the tumours, which could advance livestock and agriculture; or titular spaceship, it’s technology run amok cancer therapies. machinery parts for warning on a grand scale and it remains the stuff of Last year, the research firm signs of corrosion or failure. nightmares. Gartner named smart dust as European countries are a technology underpinning working on making practi- Last year, however, researchers in “transparently immersive cal smart dust a reality. The Japan and the US announced they had experiences”, a trend enhancing EU-backed WIROX project created the world’s smallest “computer”. smarter working and living, (concerning oxide nanostruc- Scientists from the University of Michigan, and one of five emerging tech tures for wireless chemical Fujitsu Electronics America and Mie Fujitsu movements blurring the lines sensing) brought together sci- Semiconductor Japan developed the device, between human and machine. entists from multiple research which measures a mere 0.33mm to a side, The concept of smart dust as centres to develop electrical gas about a tenth the size of another device a real technology, however, sensors that would enable dust announced by IBM in March 2018. Far has been around for decades. motes to harvest energy from smaller than a grain of rice and difficult to In 1996, the University of the environment. spot with the unaided eye, the device is part California, Berkeley’s Kris “The motes will be main- of an emerging computing field called smart Pister speculated that “We will ly used in energy-efficient dust or microelectromechanical systems programme the walls and the buildings,” the European (MEMS). furniture, and some day even Commission noted in a The device lacks a battery and doesn’t the insects and the dust.” Community Research and retain programming or data when its power That might sound somewhat Development Information is shut off, so developers hesitate to call it a farfetched, but one of Pister’s Service report. “Wireless gas computer. Nevertheless, it has processors, sponsors was the US Defense sensing of air quality could RAM, a wireless transmitter and receiver, Advanced Research Projects significantly increase the per- and a sensor for light, which acts as its pow- Agency (DARPA), which laid the formance of heating, ventilation er supply and data feed. It’s also low-power foundations for what was once and air conditioning systems.” and biocompatible. an unbelievable technology: Most smart dust applications So what can it do? One capability is to the internet. DARPA envi- are still in the concept stage, record and transmit temperature informa- sioned casting interconnected, but major conglomerates such tion for tiny areas, such as cellular clusters, communicating smart dust as IBM, Cisco Systems and motes on a battlefield General Electric are actively for intelligence-gath- trying to bring the technology ering purposes. But the to market. And while there are “We will programme know-how has poten- very valid concerns about its tial applications that potential effects on privacy, the walls and the go far beyond that. As health and the environment, furniture, and some a Lilliputian version of the potential benefits of the Internet of Things near-ubiquitous sensing mean day even the insects (IoT), smart dust could it’s one more element from be used to monitor science fiction that’s coming to and the dust” the movement or our everyday lives. •

MAY 2019 • EUROBIZ JAPAN 35

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVES JAPANESE HOMES, INTERNATIONAL INTERIORS Furniture firms transform living spaces

TEXT BY TOBY WATERS

Japan has embraced the modern-day French firm Roche Bobois puts designer Hans Hopfer. It is a perfect range of distinctive furniture styles a priority on distinctive designs, illustration of the intersection of taste from around the world and, as more which make their products stand between Japan and other countries. overseas firms’ products break into out and give them an advantage “Japanese people have a culture of the market, they have an influence in the Japanese marketplace. By sitting on the floor,” says Takeuchi. “The on Japan’s existing offerings. Whether collaborating with numerous global Mah Jong sofa is lower to the ground it’s Japanese designers building on designers, the company has assem- than other sofas, so it fits in naturally with European designs or European firms bled an eclectic range of designs the Japanese lifestyle.” and products. commissioning work from a Japanese “There’s a certain playfulness CROSS-CULTURAL SUCCESS SECRETS designer, many manufacturers are to our designs; we use distinctive The blurring of national styles has helped pushing the envelope in transforming colours in each of our products,” Maruni’s exports abroad. the Japanese home. says Mai Takeuchi, PR represent- “Maruni has been exhibiting at the ative. “We collaborate with a lot of Salone Internazionale del Mobile for THE ORIGINAL INFLUENCERS different designers and artists from more than 10 years,” Yamanaka notes. “As all over the world. Brands such as evidenced by the appreciation our prod- One such company is Maruni Wood Industry, a Jap- Missoni Home, Jean-Paul Gaultier ucts and concepts receive in Europe, our anese brand with a long history of drawing on global and Kenzo Takada have created brand has been increasingly improving aesthetics for inspiration for its own furniture. fabrics for some of our sofas — and its reputation worldwide.” “Maruni’s founder, Takeo Yamanaka, was inspired by these are very popular products Roche Bobois, which entered the European lifestyles and wanted to improve housing here.” Japanese market two years ago, aims culture in Japan at a time when sitting on the floor and to improve the Japanese consumer’s tatami mats was standard,” says Takeshi Yamanaka, STAND OUT SIT-DOWNS developing sense of individuality in president. “At that time, furniture was very expensive Both companies offer a wide variety interior design. because craftsmen made it by hand. The founder of furniture, but each have pieces “The concept behind Roche Bobois is used machinery to provide handmade products at that they are particularly proud of. a lifestyle of Art de Vivre, which means reasonable prices — while maintaining a beautiful level “Recently, Maruni has received to have things you appreciate as part of of craftsmanship.” lots of positive feedback from the your day-to-day life, incorporating more According to Yamanaka, Maruni is a stronger brand public, both domestically and inter- freedom and enjoyment into interior because of its close ties to the international design nationally, for our part in the Apple design,” says Takeuchi. “We want to tell community. Park project, in which several thou- people, ‘You don’t need to be reserved in “By collaborating with designers like Jasper Morrison, sands of HIROSHIMA armchairs your thinking or limited in your choices. we feel it’s only natural that we are influenced by Euro- were delivered,” Yamanaka revealed. Why not have interiors that you love?’ pean culture,” he says. The HIROSHIMA line was We want people to embrace distinctive designed by Naoto Fukasawa, who designs and colours, and when they do “You don’t need to regularly collaborates with brands this, they will enjoy their homes even in France, Italy, Germany, Switzer- more.” be reserved in your land and Scandinavia. Roche Bobois’ most popular item No matter what style of furniture thinking … Why not in Japan — and the 59 other coun- inspires you — from fantastic and flam- have interiors that tries across the globe where the boyant to sturdy and simple — the wide company has a presence — is its variety of choices means you can feel at you love?” Mah Jong sofa, created by German home wherever you are in the world. ON THE GREEN

TEXT BY FRED VARCOE

10,000 hours The importance of deliberate practice

Many people have heard of a well-defined goal. And you the range at the 1996 Masters: Anders Ericsson’s 10,000- can’t reduce success to just one “He was working on every hour rule, which, according factor. For a golfer, work ethic shot he’d face on the course, to Malcolm Gladwell’s book and natural talent will combine complete with his caddie, Fanny Outliers, states that you need to with physical, psychological and Sunesson, saying things like, practice something for 10,000 intellectual factors to shape the ‘The flag is 10 paces right, five hours in order to become highly finished product. Even then, from the back.’ This routine proficient at it. This has become there’s no guarantee you’ll end made Nick work the ball instead received knowledge thanks to up with a Tiger Woods. of hitting it dead straight. He Gladwell, but many experts, McLaughlin had a plan, which never hit the same club twice in including Ericsson himself, turned out to be interesting — a row.” say Gladwell misinterpreted good even — but not perfect. This is the kind of deliberate, Ericsson’s original research He started with the putter, prac- focused practice that Ericsson paper, which was titled "The ticing putts of 30cm. And that’s encouraged McLaughlin to Role of Deliberate Practice in the only club he used for five integrate into his routines, an the Acquisition of Performance". months. Then he important element of which is moved on to the to constantly be taken out of The key words are “deliber- “I’ve sand wedge and your comfort zone by a teacher. ate practice”. Outliers skimmed so on until finally So how did McLaughlin do over this, but Dan McLaughlin learned he took up the after his initial score of 57 for didn’t. driver, 18 months nine holes of par-3 pitch and In 2010, at the age of 30, how to into the plan. He putt? Unfortunately, due to photo-journalist McLaughlin, wouldn’t move problems with his back, he a non-golfer, went to play pitch learn” on to the next never reached 10,000 hours, and putt with his brother. Like club until he felt but he did manage 6,000. A many others before and since, he had mastered handicap of 2.0 is required he wondered if he could become the previous one. to enter Q School, and less proficient if he put in the 10,000 It was a plan, but it was an than four years after picking hours. In fact, McLaughlin undisciplined one. Working up a club for the first time, wondered if he could make it with a teacher, Ericsson and McLaughlin was down to an to the PGA qualifying school, other academics, McLaughlin impressive 2.6 and could break known as Q School, and tee up made some adjustments. par over 18 holes. That was as with the pros. Unlike the rest, One professor who advised good as it got, but one of the he decided to put his plan — The McLaughlin was Robert Bjork, key takeaways from his mis- Dan Plan, as it became known — who has noted: “People’s sion was simply, he says, “I’ve to the test. intuitions about practice are learned how to learn.” He even enlisted the help nowhere near optimal”. Bjork’s So, the next time you’re of Ericsson, who emphasises own research stresses the need practicing at the driving that the 10,000-hour rule is to introduce “deliberate diffi- range or on the course, about quality, not quantity. culty” into practice. remember deliberate More specifically, it’s about Golf guru David Leadbetter practice … and then do it deliberate practice to achieve recalls Nick Faldo’s practice on for 10,000 hours. •

38 EUROBIZ JAPAN • MAY 2019 ILLUMINATING VOICES

TEXT BY PAUL KAVANAGH

In Ireland, we believe that it is important always to remember On the road that LGBTI rights are not special rights; the LGBTI community is simply seeking equality, to be to equality treated the same as everybody else. Of course, the situation in every country is different, Ireland and LGBTI rights and Ireland, the EU and other member states are not interest- ed in lecturing other nations. But where we are good partners, as is the case with Japan, it is right Attitudes in Ireland towards by law to adopt children. And that we share our insights and, lesbian, gay, bisexual, since the introduction of the hopefully, learn from each other. transgender and intersex 2015 Gender Recognition Act, In October 2018, one of (LGBTI) people have been transgender people in Ireland Ireland’s most prominent transformed in my lifetime, as can self-declare their gender for activists on LGBTI issues, have its constitution, laws and a range of official purposes. Rory O'Neill, visited Tokyo, jurisprudence. Homosexual Today, Ireland advocates where he had lived in the 1990s. acts between men were only for LGBTI rights on the world He participated in a series of decriminalised in Ireland in stage. We strongly support the events with the Embassy of 1993, following a judgement by UN Human Rights Council’s Ireland, the EU Delegation in the European Court of Human efforts to address LGBTI issues. Japan, Rainbow Reel Tokyo Rights in a case brought by As a committed member of and Facebook Japan. It was the first openly gay member the European Union, Ireland encouraging to see a high level of the Oireachtas, Ireland’s cooperates closely with other of engagement from so many parliament. As with many people in the spheres of politics, struggles for equality, the fight business and media. It was for LGBTI rights in Ireland was Today, Ireland also reflective of the increasing led from the beginning by brave profile of LGBTI issues in this individuals. advocates for country, an indication that we are entering a new era. Things changed rapidly in the LGBTI rights The Embassy of Ireland has generation after decriminalisa- on the world stage participated in Tokyo Rainbow tion. All forms of discrimination Pride for some years and will based on sexual orientation are do so — with pride — again this now outlawed in Ireland, and like-minded EU member states. year, together with embassies incitement to hatred based on Ireland gave substantial input and ambassadors of other EU sexual orientation is forbidden. for the development of the EU member states. In May 2015, Ireland became Guidelines to Promote and In Ireland, as in Japan and the first country in the world Protect the Enjoyment of all elsewhere, the work to end to legalise same-sex marriage Human Rights by Lesbian, Gay, discrimination in all its forms on a national level by popular Bisexual, Transgender and continues. We are aware of the vote. This referendum amend- Intersex Persons. These guide- challenges that we still face. It is ed our constitution to provide lines are now being delivered as important to support everyone that marriage is recognised part of the implementation of in society so that they have an irrespective of the gender of the EU Action Plan on Human equal chance to live the best life the partners. The vote in favour Rights and Democracy. they can, as they see fit, and we represented 62% of the poll In recent years there has are keen to work with all our nationally, with some 72% been increasing interest in partners in Japan and else- voting in favour in Dublin. This LGBTI issues in Japan and we where to reach this goal. • result was a watershed moment believe that Ireland’s experience on Ireland’s road to equality. may be relevant to the debate Irish Ambassador to Japan Paul Furthermore, married same-sex currently underway here — and Kavanagh has been serving in his couples are now permitted we are keen to share our story. current post since September 2018

MAY 2019 • EUROBIZ JAPAN 39 LEGAL SERVICES IN JAPAN

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Hirayama Law managing partner Kentaro Hirayama is a competition and antitrust specialist. He enjoys an excellent reputation for successfully handling complex domestic and international predatory pricing cases, abuses of intellectual property rights and unfair trade practices concerning online shopping platforms. His previous experience includes working at the Japan Fair Trade Commission, and he is regularly ranked highly in international legal client guides.

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40 EUROBIZ JAPAN • MAY 2019 Whoʼs Who LEGAL SERVICES IN JAPAN SONODA & KOBAYASHI INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW

Founded in March 1998, Sonoda & Kobayashi Intellectual Property Law offers reliable legal services to clients around the world. The firm has assembled a multinational team of about 90 experts from 13 countries in technology, law, languages and international communication who have served companies worldwide and gained a reputation for thoroughness and reliability. We strive for clear communication, transparency and mutual understanding, and we hope that by using our extensive knowledge of intellectual property law and technology, clients will trust us to efficiently prosecute and protect their intellectual property (IP) in Japan and abroad.

“Our unique combination of professional expertise and thought leadership allows us to provide every one of our global clients with customised IP strategies”.

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Areas of Expertise ©

Patent, trademark, Litigation, oppositions, Commercial and strategic design and nullity actions and analysis of intellectual copyright protection negotiations property portfolios

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Natalie COX Harumi KOKAJI

Main Line: +81-3-5339-1093 | International Affairs: +81-3-5989-0934 | Fax: +81-3-5339-1094 www.patents.jp/ja MAY 2019 • EUROBIZ JAPAN 41 CELLAR NOTES

TEXT BY ALLISON BETTIN

allow for longer ageing periods still holds true for most Old Should we put World producers who prioritise their wine’s longevity over their immediate drinkability. a cork in it? What’s most intriguing is that, in experiments, screwcaps The cork versus screwcap debate actually perform better overall in preserving a wine’s more delicate flavours. In 2000, Napa Valley producer PlumpJack released two In 2001, a group of renegade winemakers two to three times more than versions of their 1997 Estate from 27 New Zealand wineries declared war alternative wine closures. Cabernet Sauvignon, one on the wine bottle’s age-old companion, Since corks are made of natural with screwcaps and one with the cork. After years of dealing with faulty materials, they also come with corks. They donated cases of corks and poorly-made alternatives, these variable quality and offer varia- each to the Department of founders of the New Zealand Screwcap ble rates of ageing. The biggest Viticulture and Enology at the Wine Seal Initiative pledged allegiance problem with corks is cork to the very effective, but less glamorous, taint, in which a chemical com- screwcap. ponent called TCA can get into wine through a type of mould screwcaps ust 10 years later, 90% of New in the cork, giving the wine a actually perform Zealand wines were already musty smell and rendering it under the cap, and by 2015, 30% undrinkable. better overall in of the world’s wines were bottled Screwcaps and synthetic sans cork. For an industry dom- corks eliminate many of these preserving a Jinated by tradition and heritage, especially concerns. They are more in the Old World, that’s staggering pro- affordable for producers, the wine’s more gress. But the cork versus screwcap debate risk of cork taint is removed, continues to this day, stoked by deep-seated and ageing is made consistent, delicate flavours passions. So, let’s take a cool-headed, fact- though slower, than cork-age- based look at both sides. ing. It’s win-win for the major- Cork has been used to seal bottles for mil- ity of consumers: wines are lennia, through Egyptian, Greek and Roman less expensive, while being of University of California at Davis times. Made from the bark of the cork oak equivalent quality, and there’s to study which fared better tree, modern-day corks are porous enough no need to deal with faulty or after years of ageing. Perhaps to slowly oxidise wine, allowing wines to hard-to-remove corks. to the traditionalists’ dismay, soften as they age. Proponents argue that Why, then, do corks still dom- screwcapped wines aged more cork’s renewable and biodegradable prop- inate the wine shelves of the consistently and at a slower erties along with its ability to allow wines world? Many point to heritage pace than the corked wines, to bottle-age properlyMay make cork the best and tradition as the main rea- which aged more rapidly and option for sealing wine. sons Europe, in particular, has with more variable flavours. Unfortunately, corks are also the most been so resistant to cork alter- While the threat of a expensive way to seal a bottle, often costing natives. The notion that corks screwcap takeover is likely A still years away (winemakers can be a stubborn bunch), the cork industry has heeded its warning. The world’s leading cork manufacturers, many of which are in Portugal, are making efforts to create greater consistency … even implement- ing steam distillation to one day eliminate the horrors of cork taint, once and for all. •

42 EUROBIZ JAPAN • MAY 2019 DOWN TIME

TEXT BY ANDREW HOWITT

Hungry? Where do you like to go What’s something a lot of people for a bite? don’t know about you? Pizzeria Savoy in Azabujuban — I studied German much longer than very simple, but extremely tasty. either English or Japanese … with very limited results. What do you do to stay in shape? I run two or three times a week Cats or dogs? (except in winter). Cats, like everybody on the internet, it seems. Name a favourite movie: Francis Antoine Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now. Summer or winter? Favourite musician: It’s a tie Autumn. The temperature is much between Prince and Jamiroquai. nicer. Bourgeois Favourite album: Prince’s Sign o’ the Times. What’s your ideal weekend? Company: Clarins Japan Favourite TV show: Breaking Bad A retreat in the country with family Title: President and its spin-off Better Call Saul. and friends, cooking and chatting. Originally from: Paris, France Favourite book: Hyperion by Dan Time in Japan: 11 years Simmons. A masterpiece of science Where do you go for a drink after fiction that should be more a busy week? well-known. Home to my family. We have a large stock of wonderful wines and spirits.

“I studied German much longer than either English or Japanese … with very limited results.”

Hungry? Where do you like to go What’s something a lot of people for a bite? don’t know about you? Minsk, in Azabudai. It serves I lived in the US for a year when excellent Belarussian home- I was a kid. I went to junior high, cooking style dishes. played American football and saw the first Star Wars movie, which What do you do to stay in shape? was released the same year, 1977. I swim. Cats or dogs? Name a favourite movie: The I like both dogs and cats. Paweł Lives of Others, directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck. Summer or winter? Favourite musician: Anna Loos, a Winter. Komender German singer and actress. Favourite album: I don’t have one. What’s your ideal weekend? Company: PJK Strategy and Marketing I like different pieces from different It doesn’t happen often, but a Specialists LLP albums. school reunion back in Germany. Title: Partner Favourite TV show: Stromberg. It’s Originally from: Warsaw, Poland (but I went to a German version of The Office. Where do you go for a drink after secondary school and university in Germany) Favourite book: Quo Vadis by a busy week? Time in Japan: More than 20 years, altogether Henryk Sienkiewicz. He’s a Polish Buri, a great standing-bar in Ebisu author who was awarded the Nobel that has an extensive selection of Prize in Literature in 1905. nihon-shu and other drinks. Ideal weekend? “a school reunion back in Germany.”

MAY 2019 • EUROBIZ JAPAN 43 WORK PLACE

TEXT BY TOBY WATERS PHOTOS BY KAGEAKI SMITH Edenred Japan

Money is not the only motivator. There are also good meals. Edenred Japan offers to boost both employee loyalty and productivity by providing businesses with lunch payment solutions for workers, which they can use at participating eateries and convenience stores, a service called Ticket Restaurant. “This benefits companies by making them attractive employers, it benefits employees by improving their purchasing power and it benefits merchants by increasing customer traffic,” says CEO Malik Roumane. “Wouldn’t Ticket Restaurant be an excellent way for your company to usher in the Reiwa era?” By supporting workers’ meal choices, and giving advice on healthy eating, Edenred is improving their happiness — and, ultimately, businesses’ profits. Bon appétit. •

MALIK ROUMANE, CEO

44 EUROBIZ JAPAN • MAY 2019 SPICE UP YOUR LIFE

A delicacy in the States and a rarity elsewhere, Creole and Cajun cuisine has a unique history and an unrivalled avour.

Chef Sohan, whose food has drawn crowds in the US, Japan and now his homebase in India, is o ering a real treat: cooking a meal for ten in your own home, here in Japan.

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CASINO NIGHT Friday, September 13, 2019 at  e Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo

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