(publicity) The Japan Times Monday, February 3, 2014 7 LOS ANGELES

Produced by: NIHON GLOBAL MEDIA The western gateway to the United States

Ending two centuries of self- That renewed vigor is noticeable infrastructure and logistics entire United States. Home to imposed isolation, Japan signed a in all industries. While Japanese facilities, Los Angeles has had the Japanese American National landmark treaty with the United companies in the United States a very long and rich history Museum, the Japanese American States in 1854, one year after were traditionally associated with Japan. Since the arrival Cultural and Community Center an American navy fleet docked with big business, particularly in of the first wave of Japanese and the venue of the Nisei Week in Edo (now Tokyo) as part of a the automotive and electronics immigrants in the late 1800s, the annual festival, Little Tokyo was mission to establish trade relations industries, there is a new breed Japanese community has grown declared a National Historic between the two countries. of firms that, while smaller and consistently and contributed Landmark District in 1995. This year, as the United States less well known, exhibit the same greatly to the cultural wealth of Opportunities for prosperous and Japan commemorate the commitment to quality and the county. collaborations between the 160th anniversary of the signing innovation. In its most recent report, the United States and Japan continue of the Treaty of Peace and Amity, “Like all the other Japanese LAEDC said Los Angeles County to arise. Beyond the encouraging both countries look back at how brands, the North American piece is home to the country’s largest trade numbers, investment, their economies have grown is one where we still see some Japanese-American community. attracted by the warmth and increasingly integrated over good stability and good growth. Aside from the more than openness shown to Japanese the years and have prospered Overall, Japanese brands have 100,000 people of Japanese businesses, has been pouring into to account for one-third of the a very strong reputation here heritage living in Los Angeles Southern California. world’s output. within the U.S. With most of the County, an additional 650,000 “On behalf of the Japanese While the economic emergence headquarters being on the West Japanese tourists visit the county government, I’d like to express of China is perceived to have Coast, we fit in well within the car every year. our sincere and deepest grati- diminished the importance of culture in California,” said Mazda “L.A. is one of the best places tude to California. We Japanese American-Japanese relations, the North American Operations to start the business for Japanese are comfortable here because of U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis President and Chief Executive companies, because of the the warm and kind acceptance. I has noted that Japan remained Officer Jim O’Sullivan. appropriate infrastructure and believe that the existing ties and the largest single foreign direct Apart from the automotive large Japanese community bonds between Japan and the investor from Asia in 2012, sector, immense investment including variety of Japanese West Coast have been quite criti- investing $19.2 billion that year. opportunities exist in new foods, easier to accommodate cal for our relationship, and we Including all regions, Japan areas, specifically in green their family as well,” said Muroi. would like to do our best to fur- ranks as the fourth-largest FDI and renewable energy, mass Little Tokyo, located in the heart ther promote this existing good and Convention Board Tourism L.A. contributor. transportation, healthcare, of downtown Los Angeles is one relationship now and in the fu- The Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall embodies the dynamism of the world’s entertainment capital. Aside from its billion- That upward trend is especially pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, of only three “Japan Towns” in the ture,” said Niimi. dollar entertainment and creative sectors, Los Angeles attracts investments in the manufacturing and service industries. evident on the U.S. West Coast, hospitality, entertainment and specifically in Los Angeles, most noticeably in food (there California. According to the are more than 900 Japanese Los Angeles County Economic restaurants in Southern California Development Corporation, Japan alone). is the largest source of FDI in the “Small and medium size food The best of both worlds sprawling county. companies have already put their Mazda zooms to the top the green way “While many American busi- interests into California by setting When Sumitomo Realty and nessmen are likely to pay atten- up their manufacturing plants Development (SR&D) President tion to the markets of China or here,” Yoshimura said. Mari Miyoshi took over the In- In its most recent Light Duty lenging North American market. South Korea, Japan is the largest Masumi Muroi, president of terContinental Los Angeles in Fuel Economy Trends Report, “Our momentum is due to a foreign direct investor among Asia the Japan Business Association Beverly Hills, she had only one the U.S. Environmental Protec- lot of the things that we have Pacific countries. Statistics of the of Southern California, explains thing in mind: to create a great tion Agency cited Mazda Motor worked on over the past four to U.S. Department of Commerce another cause of the investment hotel that impressed guests with Corp. as the most fuel-efficient five years. Our plan is to attain indicate that Japan represents 71 flow toward the United States, modern luxury and understated auto manufacturer in the coun- 300,000 units within the Unit- percent of inward FDI from Asia saying, “The Japanese domestic elegance. try with the highest fleet-wide ed States, which will be a very and (the) Pacific, with Korea at 5 market might not expand due to “You will feel very important adjusted fuel economy perfor- good increase year over year. percent and China at 1 percent. the decreasing population. But on from the moment you arrive, mance of 27.1 miles per gallon We will continue that momen- We’d like to draw attention to this the other hand, the US market is with everyone – the valet park- and the lowest CO2 emissions tum into the next fiscal year,” fact,” stressed Consul General of still growing and the economy is ing staff, the welcoming team – of 328 g/mi for the 2012 model O’Sullivan stressed. Japan in Los Angeles Jun Niimi. recovering steadily. Under such bowing to you as you enter,” said year. While the U.S. auto industry The LAEDC has also reported circumstances, the US is a good Ms. Miyoshi. “During the most challeng- has endured several difficult that 31.3 percent of foreign- market to be penetrated especially Located on the Avenue of the ing times, we decided to con- years, Mazda North American owned and -affiliated companies by Japanese manufacturers and Stars, the property the hotel now tinue investing heavily in our Operations is very optimistic in L.A. County are Japanese. Those consumer services providers.” stands on was bought by Inter- & Devt. Sumitomo Realty next generation of products, over the sector’s imminent re- companies account for around The U.S. Census Bureau has Continental from 20th Century which we call SKYACTIV TECH- covery. Sumitomo Realty and Development NOLOGY,” said Jim O’Sullivan, “The U.S. auto industry has 120,000 jobs, not withstanding reported that trade between Los Fox nearly 30 years ago. Going President Mari Miyoshi other indirect contributions to the Angeles County and Japan has through several downturns in president & CEO, Mazda North continued to recover from its Mazda USA American Operations. low point. We as a company local economy. risen every year since 2009. From the entertainment and hotel in- my employees are happy in their Mazda North American Operations President and Chief Executive Officer Since the 2008 global $10 billion in 2010, the figure dustries, as well as domestic and work, so they transfer that to our SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, are participating in that growth, Jim O’Sullivan economic recession, the two surged to $48 billion in 2012. global economic recessions, the guests,” stressed Ms. Miyoshi. according to Mazda, is “a suite even outpacing it a little bit in countries are on the way toward California is considered the hotel still stands, checking in loy- In only two years, the Inter- of component and engineering many markets,” said O’Sullivan. selling and distributing Mazda “As a company, we see tre- recovery with investor confidence main gateway between the al and new customers alike. Continental Los Angeles has technologies that incorporate With market share growing products, we still see that there mendous room for growth for regaining its former momentum. United States and Asia. In fact, the Since taking over the helm of the grown very popular among A-list ultra-high compression ratio across North America and de- is further growth potential in Mazda in North America, spe- “In the last couple of years, the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports hotel two years ago, Miyoshi has Hollywood celebrities and enter- gasoline engines, super-efficient mand rising across its territory, a this market. This is one of the cifically within the U.S. We see interest of Japanese companies handle more than 40 percent overseen a huge growth in revenue tainment moguls, as well as busi- manual and automatic trans- recently opened manufacturing reasons we are investing in the the auto industry continuing to to do business in the United of all containerized sea cargo and the occupancy rate, which has ness travelers and tourists. missions, lightweight chassis and assembly plant in Mexico manufacturing facility and a recover. We have been here for States has significantly increased,” destined for the United States, reached an impressive average of SR&D has created a unique and body components, reduced will help propel the company’s dedicated assembly plant in well over 40 years, and we plan pointed out Sachiko Yoshimura, while Los Angeles International 80 percent, thanks to her meticu- experience by blending Japa- rolling resistance and low-drag sales to record highs and con- Salamanca, Mexico,” explained on being here for well over an- the chief executive director of Airport is the busiest air hub on lous eye and strong work ethic. nese and American touches in its body styling.” solidate the importance of the O’Sullivan. other 40. Obviously, there have the Japanese External Trade the West Coast. “I don’t want to sell a bed in brand of hospitality. Although the Japanese car- American market to Mazda’s As Mazda’s sixth–generation been brands that have come Organization in Los Angeles. More than the world–class a box. I want to share a great “We make our own way of maker does not yet offer an global operations. models, namely the all-new and gone in this marketplace, and special experience with my hospitality. Having a Japanese electric or hybrid vehicle, Mazda “One of the key growth mar- CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3, but we have remained and con- guests. I pay attention to ev- owner gives us a great advan- has emerged as an energy effi- kets that the company has glob- continue to gather accolades tinued to grow and meet our and gain market share, Mazda commitments to our colleagues What makes Los Angeles ery single detail. Our main fo- tage. Ms. Miyoshi really takes the cient company by continuously ally is North America, which is From the boardroom: cus is on our service. I am really time to educate us about the Jap- pushing the limits of its tech- primarily driven by the United North American Operations is in Mazda Corporation,” said a good investment location for Japanese hands-on because I love to be anese culture,” said Hotel Man- nology. That commitment has States. Even though we have looking forward to its future in O’Sullivan. companies? involved. But this success is the ager Steve Choe. reaped dividends in a very chal- been here for over 40 years North America. → www.mazdausa.com result of teamwork. I make sure →www.intercontinentallosangeles.com

“Southern California is the gate- way to the United States for Japa- nese companies. It is an exciting place to live and work. We also have a dynamic economy, a skilled workforce and the infrastructure here is very comfortable for Japa- Doug Erber, nese companies, their workers and President, Japan American Society of their families.” Southern California

“LA is the one of the largest consumer markets in the U.S. and has a variety of consumers in terms of race. It is also is located at the center of the Pacific Rim between the U.S. and Asia and the Masumi Muroi, U.S. and Latin America.” President, Japan Business Association of Southern California

“The hotel supply and demand imbalance makes LA an extremely attractive and lucrative market for new hotel development. It is the largest major manufacturing center in the United States, and the creative capital of the Ernest Wooden Jr., world, and the birthplace of the CEO, Los Angeles Tourism and entertainment industry.” Convention Board

PAGE: 7 8 The Japan Times Monday, February 3, 2014 (publicity) LOS ANGELES

A symbiotic relationship committed to patients and associates Three decades of brewing Morinaga offers healthy options

When Morinaga developed uses aseptic packaging. We also In 2006, Terumo Corpora- continuing growth. tinuously maintain key com- healthy and cool delights aseptic packaging for its tofu have a new line, which uses a tion, a major worldwide medi- “MicroVention sets the stan- munications through project product nearly three decades different coagulant and is much cal device company headquar- dard of excellence in the neu- collaboration and an entre- ago, the Japanese food giant was more traditional.” tered in Tokyo, Japan, acquired roendovascular device industry preneurial culture that fosters While green tea has been able to extend the shelf life of After the U.S. Food and Drug MicroVention Inc., adding it into and our unique collaboration team spirit and empowers all of a very common drink with a its silken style tofu to one year Administration approved claims their family of companies. with Terumo has allowed Mi- their associates. centuries-old history in Japan, and allow for its refrigeration– that the likelihood of heart dis- Terumo’s acquisition of Mi- croVention to constantly devel- “As a Terumo affiliated com- the brewed beverage has gained free transport. With this break- ease is reduced with a daily in- croVention allowed both com- op new and innovative devices pany, we are committed to popularity in the United States through packaging, the food gi- take of soy protein, Mori-Nu’s panies to capitalize on their to complement our existing developing and manufacturing only in the last decade, thanks ant acquired the benefit of being sales climbed steadily. Half of unique, proprietary technolo- line of quality products,” said the highest quality products for mainly to several studies noting able to export its sought-after the total sales come from Asian gies and facilitate additional fo- President and Chief Executive our customers and patients. In its many health benefits. silken style tofu. communities in the U.S., while cus on new technologies. Officer Richard Cappetta. addition, we expect every asso- When Taku H. Maeda came Thus was born Morinaga Nu- the remainder is equally divided Founded in 1997, MicroVen- Innovation, clinical relevance ciate to be empowered in each to Dallas, Texas in 1984, the tritional Foods in Torrance, Cali- between non-Asian consumers tion has been focusing on en- and customer focus have been position and to be proactive in Japanese entrepreneur had one mission: to make his country’s fornia in 1985. Later, to address and the export market, with Eu- dovascular treatment of neuro- MicroVention’s shared values ‘contributing to society through MicroVention the growing demand for its silk- rope being the largest. vascular disease, which affects with Terumo. healthcare’.” Cappetta said. beloved green tea popular MicroVention Chief Executive Officer en style tofu across the United In the future, Imanishi will focus hundreds of thousands of pa- The two companies also con- → www.microvention.com among Americans. Richard Cappetta States, Mori-Nu opened a state- on developing more business tients worldwide, and it has After moving to Irvine, of-the-art production facility in within the U.S. and other export consistently developed an in- California five years later, Oregon in 1997. markets, particularly in Central novative approach. Maeda-en became the first “Our soy beans are from Ohio, and South America. Headquartered in Tustin, Cal- As a Terumo affiliated company, we are major importer of Japanese so we produce everything here “We want to make people more ifornia, MicroVention sells its green tea in the United States. Maeda-en Committed to delivering only in the United States,” explained aware of the positive benefits of products in over 60 countries Maeda-en President Taku H. Maeda committed to developing and manufacturing the “ “ high quality products, Maeda- President and Chief Executive our packaging. For instance, with around the world and has man- Officer Hiroyuki Imanishi. “Our our packaging there is no space ufacturing facilities in Southern en imports only green tea from Both products have become highest quality products for our customers and product is very different from for water to be released from the California and Costa Rica. It is Japan, widely considered the highly sought after and the the more common water-packed tofu despite the extended shelf now a company with more than best in its class. company has begun producing tofu. In the United States, there life, which makes our tofu fresh- 1,000 employees across the patients. Thirty years after arriving in them in Australia. are about 130 tofu manufactur- er,” said Imanishi. globe and posts consistent and the United States, the company Not content with offering 50 has expanded its business to different green tea products, ers, but we are the only one that → www.morinu.com Canada, Mexico, Southeast Asia, and 30 different green tea the Middle East, and Australia. ice cream and “mochi” ice In 1993, Maeda-en introduced cream products, Maeda-en green tea ice cream, and remains focused on its goal Forty-five years of providing logistics services to the U.S. followed that up with “mochi” of developing more delicious ice cream (a Japanese-style rice goods to sell around the world. cake filled with ice cream). → www.maeda-en.com Securing a 30 percent share what they need. With a business of the logistics market for Japa- portfolio that includes many nese electronics companies in leading Japanese companies, the United States is a hercu- we welcome the opportunity lean task, but Mitsui-Soko ac- for companies from any nation complished the feat through its to benefit from the strength of All natural and healthy growth Morinaga dedication to “kaizen,” the Japa- the services we provide, and to nese concept of always striving proceed with confidence on the Morinaga Nutritional Foods offer five varieties of its highly popular to achieve the best. basis of our reputation in the silken style tofu. Starting as a representative industry,” stressed President office in 1977, Mitsui-Soko USA Masafumi Inoue. recognized the potential of de- Mitsui-Soko continues to ex- veloping its internal services on pand its services to other sec- Bringing sushi to America, a national scale. tors, beyond its well-established By 1982, it had launched a ful- client base in the aircraft, auto- a peaceful offering to the world ly operational network of ware- motive, chemical, food and elec-

houses and inland transporta- tronics industries. Mitsui-Soko “Bringing peace through tion hubs across the 50 states. Recently, it announced the Mitsui-Soko President Masafumi Inoue (seated on the left) leads a team of culinary culture,” has long been Today, it provides a full spec- grand opening of its new West one of the fast-growing Japanese logistics firms in the United States. the vision of Noritoshi Kanai, trum of logistics solutions: Coast Food Distribution Center, chairman of Mutual Trading Co., freight forwarding, warehousing, a 50,000-square-foot, FDA- United States is increasing, as is “The United States is a country Inc. local inland transportation, in- registered food warehouse near the diversity of our clientele. In of innovation. We embrace that Tracing its origins to Los ternational air and sea transpor- Los Angeles, dedicated exclu- response, we are improving our spirit and are here to find cre- Angeles back to 1926, Mutual tation, and customs clearance sively to providing logistics sup- capacity and planning further ative solutions that support our

Sunrider Int’l Trading began as a co-op services. port to the food industry. expansion to offer service that clients and enable them to suc- supplying Japanese food to a “We have been true to our “The trend of Japanese com- remains both relevant and con- ceed,” he added. Sunrider International President and Owner Dr. Tei-Fu Chen receives handful of grocery stores in the clients and remain focused on panies doing business in the temporary,” Inoue explained. → www.mitsui-soko.com the BrandLaureate Awards’ Best Brands for Manufacturing of city’s Little Tokyo. Premier Herbal Products Nearly 90 years later, the From its humble beginnings as room for incredible growth. Our company can claim to have a local health food store in Utah goal is to increase our market introduced to the United in 1982, Sunrider International in Japan, and to attract the right States in 1964 what was once grew robustly in just a short time. people that will help us better considered the pinnacle of Hochiki – safety and quality always After expanding internation- market and distribute our prod- exotic cuisine, “edomae” sushi, Co. Trading Mutual ally in the mid-1980s, the com- ucts effectively,” said President at Kawafuku Restaurant, the first Mutual Trading Co., Inc. pany moved its headquarters to and Owner Dr. Tei-Fu Chen. sushi bar outside of Japan. Chairman Noritoshi Kanai Since entering the U.S. Hisham Harake said. view these things as a big ad- Southern California. By using natural ingredients Now very mainstream and market in the 1970s, Hochiki While continuing to vantage for Hochiki America,” Sunrider International re- and manufacturing their own offered by more than 21,000 food for the world to enjoy. It America Corporation has strengthen its position in the Harake said. searches, develops, and manu- products, Sunrider International Japanese restaurants across won’t ever disappear,” Kanai said steadily grown to become United States, Hochiki Amer- Hochiki America continues factures over 400 health, weight has emphasized the importance the country, “edomae” sushi confidently. one of the country’s premier ica anticipates further growth to introduce new products management, and beauty prod- of offering real food as a solution continues to grow in popularity Today, Mutual Trading is manufacturers and suppli- in its business with expansion and technologies into the ucts in its 1 million square foot to many health issues that are domestically and internationally, known as a global ambassador of ers of fire alarm systems and into Mexico, Central America, North and South American Los Angeles manufacturing undeniably beneficial to people bringing great culinary joy around Japanese food. It’s that passion for equipment. and South America. markets, with the goal of pro- Plants. all over the world. That focus on the world. authentic Japanese has made the Even when the global re- “Adopting the high-quality viding reliable and effective To complement its products, self-manufacturing has enhanced “I’m now 90 years old. I still company the premier distributor cession battered the U.S. standards and procedures of life-safety solutions for all the company also formulates fit- the company’s international rep- think of Japanese food and its of Japanese food and alcoholic economy in 2008, the Japa- Hochiki Corporation in Japan sizes and types of applica- ness programs for its clients. utation. growing future as a nutritious, beverages in America. nese subsidiary maintained its has been a big benefit for us. tions in all types of markets. Sunrider distributes products “We have never forgotten delicious and a culturally exciting → www.lamtc.com position in the United States At the same time, we are able Hochiki’s unwavering com- to 50 countries and regions, with our main goal and spirit here at and South America. to add value to the product mitment to excellence re- over 1,000 stores worldwide. It Sunrider. We strive to create the “We were able to maintain because we have local sup- mains the foundation of the operates both an award-winning best nutritional products and fit- our market share primarily port and take into consider- company’s century-old repu- franchise business and a direct ness programs. We believe that

Hochiki Designing success in SoCal because we were constantly ation local culture, local mar- tation for quality and reliabil- sales business. quality products in the long run upgrading and expanding our ket requirements, and local ity. Hochiki America Corp. President “We have had an office in Ja- will always pay off,” stressed the product family,” President customer requirements. We → www.hochikiamerica.com Hisham Harake pan for 20 years, but we are Taiwan-born Dr. Chen. Marking its 75th anniversary Toshihiro Iwasaki. not well known. Our market has → www.sunrider.com this year, the industrial design and “California is a key location manufacturing company Phiaro because of the connections remains closely associated with that we have made with many the country’s automotive giants. industry leaders here,” Iwasaki The company, still family run, added. has since expanded its expertise Since the company began in in design, modeling, testing, and the U.S., they have maintained production to other industries. strong relationships with all their Thanks to its long-standing clients. partnership with several Japanese Among intense competition in carmakers, Phiaro made its way the industry, Phiaro distinguishes to the United States, where it has itself by maintaining extremely been operating for 25 years and close partnerships with all its has since acquired other clients clients. in California’s auto industry. “There are many competitors “We have had a strong out there. However, our relationship with Japanese customers depend on us because auto manufacturers over the of our ability to produce great years. They told me they were quality. This has always been expanding further into the U.S. appreciated by our clients, as and asked me to come along with well as our ability to deliver their them. So, we have been here products on time,” Iwasaki said. supporting them,” said President → www.phiaro.co.jp Phiaro A rendering of Phiaro Group’s original 75th anniversary concept car

PAGE: 8 (publicity) The Japan Times Monday, February 3, 2014 9 LOS ANGELES Nitto Tire – fueled by enthusiasts

“If you ask any Japanese cided to take it as an opportunity, a $6-million company, Nitto Tire a variety of awards in the U.S. of the Japanese work ethic and and of the people who helped us about Nitto Tire, probably 99 and not a risk,” added Mizutani, is now a $500 million operation. “We don’t call the people who the American business culture. become who we are today,” said percent of them will not know who began calling clients to sell Innovation is an everyday pur- use our products customers. We “Our roots are from Japan, but Mizutani, who has been tasked about our brand,” speculated his little-known brand of tires. suit at Nitto Tire, with products call them friends,” Mizutani add- we were reborn in the U.S. We by the head office in Japan to Tomo Mizutani, who came to The approach was not working, made for drifting, trucks and tat- ed. have a very well-known reputa- oversee the Toyo Tire brand as the United States 20 years ago as none of those clients returned too-inspired designer tires. Ev- Drifting and off-road events tion in the American market. The well. and has become one of those his calls. ery single detail matters when it are the most popular sports majority of the people under- With factories in Atlanta, Nitto American-Japanese success Mizutani decided to travel comes to satisfying its clients. among motor fans, with the stand Nitto Tire and know about Tire is planning to expand to Eu- stories admired in the country. across the country and adopt a “We are very dynamic and we strongest presence found in Cali- their quality and design,” he said. rope, Russia and China. In 1949, Nitto Tire began as very personal approach by asking are constantly looking for some- fornia and Texas. In a gesture of appreciation, “My priority is to bring Toyo an independent company mak- end-users what they specifically thing exciting,” stressed Mizutani. Inspired by the deeply rooted Mizutani named the meeting Tire and Nitto Tire up together,” ing high quality mainstream wanted in a tire. Today, Nitto has more than 5 love of sports among Americans, rooms of their offices in Califor- Mizutani stressed. tires. From the beginning, Nitto “Within two years, I visited all million followers on Facebook, Mizutani personally designed and nia after the people from the Ja- Numbers aside, Nitto is in for a identified the United States as 50 states. I started seeing what with fans posting pictures of Nit- created a Nitto Tire champion- pan headquarters who showed future of robust growth, judging a potential export market, but Americans wanted. I was visiting to Tires depicted in their tattoos ship ring made out of silver, gold him support and guidance during by the passion of the fans care- only established offices in North companies without making any and hairstyles based on Nitto’s and diamonds for race winners. the most challenging years. fully nurtured by Mizutani and America in 1966. appointments,” he said. tread designs. This is a clear indi- Mizutani attributes the compa- “This serves as a reminder to his team. Tire Nitto While export sales were sat- Finally, Mizutani found a niche cation of why Nitto has received ny’s success to the combination all of us of where we came from → www.nittotire.com Nitto Tire President Tomo Mizutani isfactory, Nitto found it a tough he wanted to cater to: the racing challenge to penetrate the mar- and off-road enthusiast. ket and establish manufacturing With the knowledge acquired operations in the country. of this niche market, Mizutani To boost its financial position, submitted a proposal and worked Nitto Tire agreed to be bought by hard to convince company Toyo Tire in 1999, a deal that did management, until he got ap- not necessarily change the for- proval to launch the project. tunes of the tire maker. Nitto Tire has since become a With annual sales reaching sought-after brand not only by only $6 million and only breaking car enthusiasts, but also by the even some years, Toyo Tire con- entire motor sports culture. From sidered discontinuing the Nitto brand in the United States. “Business was not going well. We were in an idle stage, and just waiting to be sent back home,” recalled Mizutani. “I was inspired by the interesting concepts of negative purchases – such as gas and electric bills – and positive purchases – such as jewelry and perfume. Companies were focus- ing on negative purchases, but we wanted to make a product that delighted people, so they wanted to acquire our product.” Tire Nitto “By that time, I had nothing to The Nitto Tire championship ring lose, and because of that, I de- awarded to its race winners

Our roots are from Japan, but “ we were reborn in the U.S. We have a very well-known reputation in the American market. The majority of

people understand Nitto Tire and know about its quality “ and design.

Japan’s computers just became more secure

“The key to success in the soft- ware industry is constantly up- dating,” stated Cashier Myricks, the president and chief execu- tive officer of NetCom3 Global, a Los Angeles–based developer of popular applications such as PC Antivirus Pro, PC Cleaner LTE & PRO, and Real-Time PC Opti- mizer. Since its inception in 2001, NetCom3 Global has reported spectacular results. In 2012, the company’s revenues grew 2,700 percent, making it one of the

fastest–growing companies in NetCom3 Global the United States. NetCom3 Global President and Chief On the back of that astound- Executive Officer Cashier Myricks ing growth, NetCom3 Global has embarked on an ambitious global dustry, we are known to take very expansion plan. Previously avail- good care of those relationships. able only in English, each of its We make sure our affiliates are software titles were recently re- well compensated,” Myricks said. leased in Japanese, with French, While revenues continue to German, Spanish, and Italian edi- grow robustly, NetCom3 Global tions in development. remains dedicated to improving “We decided to launch in Asia their current product line and in- first because it is a priority mar- creasing its roster of applications. ket for us, Japan in particular. “We constantly test our soft- While other options do exist, we ware. Our R&D team continuous- are told our product has been the ly conducts research on how to preferred software over there. improve the product. We also do In fact, there was tremendous a lot of third-party testing with clamor for the product in Japan the most credible testers to cer- and Asia, where our online dis- tify that our product indeed de- tributors have the most traffic,” tects all viruses. For the past two explained Myricks. years, we have tested at close to Selling its products exclusively 100 percent success rate, which via online download, NetCom3 means we detect all viruses out Global depends heavily on its there. This gives us credibility,” online affiliates to distribute its Myricks said proudly. applications. “We are doing exceptionally “We are always on the look out well in the United States. We for new affiliates who have Web feel that the time is right for us sites that generate significant on- to continue our growth beyond line traffic. This is especially true American borders,” he added. for Japan and Asia. Within the in- → www.netcom3global.com

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