2016 Exentive 02 Srikesh Chidambaram Lanis Yarzab ProfessionalSpring

Cameron Brett Randstad Professionals

leading the way the leading disaster for Ready on Governor Tokyo Disaster Preparedness handbook Tokyo Lifestyle retailing Lifestyle Northern Europe THE MAGAZINE OF THE EUROPEAN BUSINESS COUNCIL IN JAPAN / THE EUROPEAN (EU) CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN JAPAN (EU) CHAMBER OF COMMERCE / THE EUROPEAN BUSINESS IN JAPAN COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN THE MAGAZINE

of Recruitment Recruitment of The World The World

ISSUE SEVENTY FOUR // FEBRUARY 2016

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8 The world of recruitment A roundtable with three of Tokyo's top recruiters By Andrew Howitt 12 Lifestyle retailing Northern Europe leading the way By Elliot Silverberg 18 A healthy fit Imported products and expertise By Gavin Blair

Cover photograph BENJAMIN PARKS

2 February 2016 12 16 20 34

COLUMNS

7 From the Editor 25 Chamber Voice 34 Culture Shock Moe Kato, Operations Manager, Ireland Yukata cowboy 16 Investing in Japan Japan Chamber of Commerce in Japan. Filmmaker with European appeal Carl Hansen & Søn: Simple beauty that's By David Umeda By Lucy Birmingham built to last By Steve McClure 26 Executive Notes 37 Cellar Notes Tom Elliott on government bonds. Wine auctions 20 EBC Personality By Allison Bettin Martijn van Keulen: 27 Event Report Passionate about work My Number and privacy 39 Upcoming Events By David Umeda By Andrew Howitt Events for the European business community in Japan. 23 Special Report 28 In Committee Ready for disaster: Tokyo Human Resources: 40 Work Place Governor on Disaster Incremental progress Samuel Alexander Preparedness Tokyo By Geoff Botting CEO and Head Designer, KiD handbook

The Mission of the European Business Council To promote an impediment-free environment for European business in Japan.

February 2016 3 Japan-Swiss Publisher Vickie Paradise Green European Business Council in Japan (EBC) [email protected] The European (EU) Chamber of Commerce in Japan Editor-in-chief Andrew Howitt The EBC is the trade policy arm of the seven- [email protected] teen European national chambers of commerce Spring Ball 2016 Senior Editor David Umeda and business associations in Japan Creative Director Paddy O’Connor Art Director Cliff Cardona Chairman Danny Risberg NOW OPEN TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY Illustrator DJ Vice-Chairman Carl Eklund Treasurer Erik Ullner COME AND JOIN US FOR A MEMORABLE EVENING Account Executives Delilah Romasanta, Executive Director Alison Murray Tamas Doczi Policy Director Bjorn Kongstad [email protected] Communications & PR Yoko Hijikuro

Production and distribution Subscription is free for members of the EBC Daisuke Inoue and national European chambers of commerce. [email protected] Subscription rates are: one year ¥9,000; two years ¥15,000; three years ¥22,000; ¥800 Published by Paradigm per copy. Rates include domestic postage or surface postage for overseas subscribers. Add 6F Daiwa Osaki 3-chome Bldg. ¥7,500 per year if overseas airmail is preferred. 3-6-28 Osaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0032 Please allow two weeks for changes of address Tel: 03-5719-4660 Fax: 03-3492-1202 to take effect. Subscription requests should be www.paradigm.co.jp sent to [email protected]

If you prefer not to receive this magazine, and for all matters related to distribution, please Published monthly in Tokyo. All rights reserved. send an email to [email protected] The views and opinions expressed herein (other than editorials by the EBC) are solely EURObiZ Japan welcomes story ideas from the opinions and views of their authors. The readers and proposals from writers and EBC is not responsible or liable for any portions photographers. Letters to the editor may be thereof. edited for length and style.

EURObiZ is now available onboard Turkish Airlines business class, leaving Tokyo twice daily from Narita and once daily from Osaka. March 9th, 2016 at 6pm at the Imperial Hotel Contributors arts and culture. Her books include Strong Lucy Birmingham in the Rain: Surviving Japan’s Earthquake, ¥30,000 per person sits down with a multi- Tsunami and Nuclear Disaster. talented Japanese “Europe has a long tradition of generous artist popular in support for the arts that extends well Dress code: Black-tie Europe, page 34. beyond its borders. Some Japanese artists have been the lucky recipients through grants and other sources. In fact, it can be easier to gain support from Europe than • Champagne reception Lucy Birmingham — journalist, scriptwriter, from Japan, where backing of the arts is author and former photojournalist — has often commercially driven. In a country • Exquisite full-course dinner with written or photographed for Time.com, that prides itself on its artistic and cultural Bloomberg News, Architectural Digest and heritage, Japan should be supporting more free-flow wine service other publications, often about Japanese of its artists.”

• Sensational piano duo “Les Frères” Elliot Silverberg has lived in Japan off and on all his life. He currently works at an Elliot Silverberg • Dancing international law firm and also manages to covers the retailing explore business, politics and society as a of North European freelance journalist. lifestyles, page 12. • Exclusive charity raffle prizes “I found that the Scandinavian lifestyle retailers are well positioned in the market because of the cultural and aesthetic values they share with Japanese consum- nd ers. The enduring popularity of their qual- to breathe new life into Japan’s revered Register by March 2 ity brands speaks volumes of the potential tradition of monozukuri.”

http://www.japan-swiss.com/jss/2016_SB.pdf magazines, websites and newspapers in Gavin Blair Asia, Europe and the US on a wide range E-mail: [email protected] discovers products of topics, many of them business related. helping Japan stay fit “The beginning of the year is always a with style, page 18. good time to be thinking about all the Tel: 03-5763-1104 different ways to be getting fit and healthy. So, with any luck, hearing about all these 090-3474-9018 (for English) sports- and wellness-related products and Writing in and about Japan since 2000, services will inspire me to get in better Gavin Blair contributes articles to shape in 2016.” Tel: 03-35051111 Fax: 03-35051155 www.anaintercontinental-tokyo.jp/e

Pierre Gagnaire returns to Tokyo

e ANA InterContinental Tokyo is home to three-Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire’s most renowned restaurant in the world. Chef Pierre will return to his restaurant in Tokyo from February 24th to the 27th to create fresh menus inspired by the coming spring season and to mingle with guests. Experience his award-winning contemporary French cuisine in elegant surroundings with the Tokyo Tower and stunning Tokyo metrop- olis as a backdrop. Let Chef Pierre take you on a unique culinary journey and discover his passionate dedication to the highest-quality ingredients. His creation of unprecedented tastes refl ects this world-renowned chef’s philosophy of using food to convey and incite emotion. Savor his exquisite seasonal cuisine along with two excellent selections of prestigious wines by the glass. Make your reservations now for this memora- ble dining opportunity where you will meet Chef Pierre in his Tokyo kitchen.

FROM THE EDITOR Don’t give up!

February is usually when New Year’s with EURObiZ Japan about the need resolutions to get back in shape begin for and the response to the Disaster to flag. According to surveys done Preparedness Tokyo book that was sent in the US and the UK, roughly 65% of out to all residents of Tokyo’s 23 wards those who make resolutions give up on (page 23). them by the end of the first month. Although not quite as crucial as Joseph H. Pilates, inventor of the health and safety, the jobs we do can Pilates fitness method, said “Physical fit- define who we are. Our cover story for ness is the first requisite of happiness.” this month (page 8) features a round- So before you decide to throw in the table discussion with three recruiters towel on your exercise regimen and risk in Tokyo who are working earnestly to losing out on some of the happiness ensure the satisfaction of their clients, and wellbeing you should be enjoying candidates, and staff. this year, take a look at Gavin Blair’s arti- Whether you’re trying to get in shape cle, “A healthy fit” (page 18). He presents winning awards at international festivals or find the best candidate for your busi- a few of the latest imported goods that in Europe. ness, don’t give up! may help give you the encouragement Along with health, physical safety is you need to keep to your resolution. of paramount concern to all of us. In Remembering that laughter is the Tokyo, where the prospect of a major best medicine, Lucy Birmingham intro- earthquake always looms, being pre- duces us to Atsushi Ogata (page 34), pared for an emergency is of particular Andrew Howitt an actor and director whose humorous importance. We have a special feature Editor-in-chief

Yukata Cowboy web series is growing this month with Tokyo Metropolitan [email protected] in popularity around the world and Governor Yoichi Masuzoe, who spoke

Providing legal assistance for nearly one entire century

Japanese-Swiss full-service law firm Michael Mroczek, Foreign Law Partner with core competencies including: 1-2-5 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0031. Tel: +81 (0)3-2374-3807, • Corporate/M&A/Restructuring Email: [email protected] • Banking and Capital Markets www.okunolaw.com • Antitrust and Competition Law • Commercial Transactions • Arbitration Roundtable: The World of Recruitment Moderator ANDREW HOWITT Photo BENJAMIN PARKS

In an industry with as many players as recruitment, it would be natural to assume there is a lot of competitiveness, and even antagonism, among recruiters from rival companies. However, that was not the case when EURObiZ Japan sat down with Lanis Yarzab, managing director at Spring Professional; Cameron Brett, director at Randstad Professionals; and Srikesh Chidambaram, representative director at Exentive. With intelligent insights and a clear perspective on the industry in Japan, they discussed recruitment and what’s important to satisfy clients, staff and job candidates.

8 February 2016 want people in planning departments or in IT here locally that speak English. We also provide tailored recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) and HR recruitment optimisation services. FOCUS

So, in some areas you’re in direct com- petition with one another. Lanis: It’s true that there are a lot of recruiters out there, but it’s such a big market. And we’ve got different networks. Sri: There’s basically space for every- one. There’s just no issue in finding clients. If anything, it’s surprising that there are clients that some of the big firms haven’t latched onto yet.

Well then, how do you distinguish yourselves in an industry with so many players? Cameron: For us it comes down to the candidate experience and the client experience. We try to create an enjoya- ble and rewarding experience on both sides, so that the client will continue to use us and the candidate will introduce us to other people in their network. We spend time on finding ways to improve our customer service, and provide an excellent level of service. One of the ways we do that is specialisation. Even though we may seem like a general HR solutions provider, what we are is actu- ally a company full of specialists. Lanis: When I started the Spring brand for the Adecco Group, I looked at the type of people I wanted to hire: mature consultants with some indus- try experience that could handle both Japanese and multinational clients. People who could offer good advice to candidates, help them make career decisions, and show them that they have different options. If there was a difficult position that needed to be filled, they would be able to understand the EURObiZ: What areas do your compa- that strength. We have three teams technical requirements and find candi- nies specialise in? that focus on technical and commer- dates. So the quality of our staff is one Lanis Yarzab: The Spring brand, cial roles. Automotive, electronics, way Spring differentiates itself. which we started rolling out across Asia and machinery is our manufacturing Sri: We’re not a big brand; we’re a in 2013, is primarily known for being team. We have a life sciences team that small brand. We don’t work with many a technical recruitment firm, mainly focuses on pharmaceuticals and medi- clients, but we’re aggressive headhunt- IT, manufacturing, supply chain, and cal devices, and a B2C consumer team. ers. So we can’t compete with some of property and construction. We look for Srikesh Chidambaram: At Exentive, the big firms in terms of how they can technical professionals within different we primarily focus recruitment on three mine databases, how many people they industries. different areas — professional services, put on a job. We’re primarily working Cameron Brett: Randstad Japan’s finance and IT companies, especially with companies where we have access DNA is really in manufacturing, and start-ups. Quite a lot of Japanese com- right at the top level, where we’ve Randstad Professionals has played to panies are going overseas, and they had long-term relations or where a

February 2016 9 Robert Walters Japan

Robert Walters was established in London in 1985 and is now Joshua Bryan one of the world’s leading specialist recruitment consultan- Director of Financial Services, cies with a global network across 24 countries. With offices Legal, HR & Contract [email protected] in Tokyo and Osaka, established in 2000 and 2007 respec- tively, Robert Walters Japan specialises in permanent and contract recruitment solutions across all industry sectors with Jeremy Sampson Director of Commerce & Industry strong regional and global business client partnerships. Our [email protected] award-winning business is supported by highly trained consul- tants with in-depth knowledge about each industry as well as by the world’s largest database of Japanese-English bilingual Rachna Ratra professionals at all levels of seniority in order to best serve Director of Sales & Marketing [email protected] clients’ highly specialized needs.

Tomokazu Betzold Director of Information Technology Areas of Expertise [email protected] All areas of recruitment, including:

Energy Information Technology and Online Financial and Real Estate Professional Services Retail Healthcare [email protected] Consumer and 03-4570-1500 Industrial Supply Chain www.robertwalters.co.jp

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long-term relation introduces us to a recruiters out there who become very What are some of the qualities and new client. upset when their employees quit and skills that employers are looking for in go to a competitor; and it’s sad, because the Japanese job market today? From what I gather, the recruiting we are headhunters. When one of your Cameron: It’s responding or adapting industry is quite intense. What do you staff leaves and you get upset, it just to change. Or, if it’s a management role, do to retain your staff? sends the wrong signal to your entire then it’d be driving change. Also, for a Lanis: That’s a huge issue because staff, saying that there’s something skill set in just about any industry, digi- the industry has very high turnover. We inherently wrong with this mission. The tal is key: people who are digital savvy, take staff retention very seriously. In our places that say, “Thank you for all your and who understand how to create and company every year, we do the Great effort, good job,” they tend to hold on to drive a digital strategy. Place to Work survey, and all of the a lot more people. Sri: For us, the key word that keeps management is held accountable for popping up is ‘transformation’. We how we do and how we are perceived What is an important issue for you need flexible people. That’s the core. by our staff. Our global vision is “Better right now as you recruit in Japan? The other thing that I would say is a work, better life”; and every time we Lanis: I always talk about diversity strategic planning mindset. Even for do planning, the question that you issues in the permanent recruitment lower-level positions, employers want get asked is, “How does this affect our market. Part of my stance and what someone who can be flexible and staff?” I think, as well, to retain staff you we do at Spring is to only talk to our strategic. Of course, digital is always in need to trust your employees. If you clients about candidates’ skills. No demand. I think every single company hire good people, they get the job done. personal information is given to clients has a headcount somewhere for some- It’s very outdated to say: “You must about candidates. We try to get the best thing related to digital. work nine to five”. We’re a flexible com- skilled candidate into the best job — no Lanis: I agree. I think technical skills matter what gender, always come first. Can the person do race or age they are. the job and, on top of that, can they It’s one of our core communicate and interact with different A GOOD values. parts of the business? Sri: Sexism and ENVIRONMENT TO BE ageism are rampant in What is it like to do business in Japan’s RECRUITING IN Japan. There are lots current economic climate — with the of legal workarounds global recession and Abenomics? for it. You can be com- Sri: Economics hasn’t really affected pletely ageist in your our area. The only thing that has been pany, and what’s important for each of hiring policies, for what’s called succes- affected is the kind of recruitment that your staff depends on what they need sion planning here. And they base that is being done. Where in the past there on a given day. on age. There are fantastic candidates were a lot of direct vendor relations, Cameron: As a leader, I think my most out there who, once they hit a certain now we see more recruitment process important job is hiring and retaining ‘A’ magical age, have a much harder time outsourcing (RPO) happening, and a lot players. It’s also one of the most difficult finding a job. Also, I’ve been told by of the bigger companies are moving things to do in our industry. To retain ‘A’ employers a number of times that they more and more into pitching clients’ players, I think you really need to know would prefer a man in the job because RPOs. your people. You need to understand they’ll have to manage a team of people Lanis: Everyone talks about the what motivates them and what engages in their forties. I’ve been helping some economy and Abenomics. In Japan, the them. In my experience, recruiters are companies resolve discriminatory prac- temporary recruitment market in fiscal economic animals, and an attractive tices: seeing if they have discrimination 2014 grew 105%. The permanent market and transparent compensation plan policies in effect; looking through their grew 118%. Companies are so short on is important. As well, the guys on our actual interview processes, how they good staff. It doesn’t affect us on a day- team told us that training was important are interviewing people, adding analy- to-day basis. to them, so we’ve started to provide tics to it; and educating. Cameron: Absolutely. The unemploy- opportunities for overseas training pro- Lanis: For all of our clients, we know ment rate in Japan hovers around 3.3%, grammes. We’re also looking at how we that’s not the message coming down which is one of the lowest of any coun- can improve work–life balance. I think from the top. But you have certain prac- try in the world, and so it’s a really can- it starts with listening to people that tices which have been in a company didate-driven market. There’re lots of you’re managing and trying to find ways for a long time, and they’re hard to jobs, and not enough candidates, which to keep them on board. change. Upper management wants a is a good environment to be recruiting Sri: It’s not very applicable for myself diverse workforce; however, there is an in. I’d say this is the best market we’ve because we’re a small boutique. But in unconscious bias at different layers of seen since 2007. And it keeps getting my experience, there are a lot of senior organisations. better.

February 2016 11 innish author Tove Moomin Valley Park, only the second societies — have done extremely well Jansson’s Moomins Moomin theme park in the world, after in Asia,” says Roleff Kråkström, man- of Moominvalley are Moomin World in Naantali, Finland. aging director of Moomin Characters. an unusual childlike One might ask, why build a Moomin Kråkström estimates that Japanese bunch, but they hold a theme park in Japan, of all places? And consumers are currently responsible for F why now? In fact, the proposition is not 35% to 40% of global sales of Moomin fascinating charm. Management at FinTech Global at all far-fetched. The Moomins have products. And this over a 10-year period Incorporated, a boutique investment tremendous name recognition and when Moomin Characters, the Moomin bank in Tokyo, has recognised Moomin’s appeal in Japan, especially among older copyright holder, experienced percent- unique appeal, and is busy laying the Japanese who recall with great fond- age growth in the triple digits. groundwork for Metsä, an ambitious ness the Moomin books and telecasts But Moomin’s nostalgic appeal development on a 46-acre woodland of the 1960s and 1970s. to Japan’s ageing baby boomers is site north of Tokyo at Lake Miyazawa. “Scandinavian children’s tales — like secondary to the greater trend at work Metsä, meaning “forest” in Finnish, will those of Tove Jansson, Astrid Lindgren here: Scandinavian culture and life- have both Finnish-style boutiques and and others who have their origin in style’s huge and growing marketability restaurants. It will also be the site of calm, democratic and gender-equal in Japan. Lifestyle retailing Northern Europe leading the way

Text ELLIOT SILVERBERG

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(1) Carl Hansen & Søn (2) Dream Chair by Tadao Ando (3) Sweden House (4–6) Fiskars Royal Copenhagen (Left) Bang & Olufsen's BeoPlay A9 music system

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Sweden’s IKEA Japan has truly been to Peter List, president and CEO of cushions, candles and dim lighting. a force to be reckoned with since the IKEA Japan. What we express at Carl Hansen is Japan subsidiary was re-established in “We continue to visit people’s homes a similar type of intimacy, conveyed 2006. This in spite of the furniture giant all over the world and to learn about through the simple and authentic furni- being humbled by its failure in the 1980s their different lifestyle needs,” says ture of Hans J. Wegner and others of the to enter the country’s demanding mar- List. “Our vision goes beyond home 1950s and ’60s era of Danish Modern. ketplace. To date, eight massive depots furnishings. We want to create a better “We have traditionally been a stellar have been built. An IKEA Touchpoint living experience for all people our brand in the residential or private store in Kyushu opened last October, and business touches.” consumer sector,” adds Rosted, “but another mega-sized depot in Nagakute Henning v.G. Rosted, the regional in recent years we have been tapping City near Nagoya is on the way, with an president for Japan and the Asia–Pacific very strongly into Japan’s professional online store expected to follow. at Carl Hansen & Søn, a Danish furniture segment — hotels, restaurants and other IKEA’s huge appeal in Japan stems manufacturer, explains: “Scandinavian environments where dining and living from its determination to offer products interior style is very much centred room sets are needed.” that combine good design and quality on providing warmth and cosiness Another Scandinavian — actually, with affordable pricing, according through the liberal use of blankets, rugs, hybrid Swedish–Japanese — retailer with

February 2016 13 carlhansen.jp

every piece comes with a story

Wing chair | CH445 | hans j. Wegner · 1960

The Wing Chair - one of Wegners most famous works - is a lounge chair that isn’t just beautiful to look at. With its light and elegant design, the chair also promotes fantastic seating comfort thanks to a solid beech wood frame with wings that provides excellent support for the back - regardless of one’s sitting position. A true masterpiece!

CH445_EURObiZ_ADS_JP_03-2016.indd 1 28/01/16 10.14 FOCUS carlhansen.jp every piece comes with a story

Moomin theme park (Image courtesy of Fintech)

deep roots in Japan is Sweden House, Yumiko Kanai, marketing manager at double as live showrooms where cus- a housing company that has built Bang & Olufsen Japan. tomers may test the furniture and pur- custom homes for Japanese families “The Danes and Japanese share an chase any pieces they take a liking to. since 1984. The company is perhaps appreciation for high-quality minimal- The café, which made headlines more notable for the construction of ism and functionality,” adds Matteo in 2011 as one of design magazine Sweden Hills, a Swedish-style village in Gaeta (left), president of Fiskars Monocle’s top five selections for “best Hokkaido. Sweden House often incor- Business Region Asia-Pacific. It owns small retail concept in the world”, has porates Swedish exterior and Royal Copenhagen and other also organised an international furniture interior design elements Scandinavian brands, such exhibition called Norwegian Icons. with Japanese home- as Iittala and Rörstrand. When the exhibition came to Tokyo in owners’ preferences for Sweden’s Hennes & 2013, it attracted roughly 7,000 visitors tatami-mat flooring, Mauritz, better known and was acclaimed by critics. temperature-controlled as H&M, is yet another “Fuglen means so much to all bathtubs and larger retailer to enjoy huge Norwegians in Japan, and it com- kitchens. Now, the com- growth in Japan. The pletes the circle here for all that is pany is repositioning clothing giant recently Norway-related,” says Berg. “I per- itself for the future market opened its 55th outlet sonally am hopeful that in the future with its new Hus Eco Zero. here, and attributes its con- it will provide a gateway for other “In December, we introduced tinuing success to its belief in the Norwegian products.” photovoltaic solar cells and other importance of catering to a diversity Fuglen embodies the strength of sustainable energy technologies into of fashion preferences, from modern Scandinavian lifestyle business in our product line-up, with the intention basics to current and cutting-edge. Japan and around the world, accord- to construct 200 fully energy–efficient Although Denmark and Sweden ing to Trond Varlid, a Norwegian homes annually,” says Masanori Suzuki, are famous for sophisticated lifestyle business executive and programme sales division director at Sweden House. designs, two other Scandinavian coun- director of the annual Japan Market Scandinavian lifestyle’s surging pop- tries — Norway and Finland — are less Expansion Competition. ularity is hardly restricted to furniture recognised in Japan for their contribu- “Here you have a small café in Oslo and housing. Bang & Olufsen, the tions to lifestyle. that, within a few short years, set up a Danish luxury sound systems-maker, However, Michal Berg, executive very successful branch in Tokyo which continues to make strides in Japan. director of the Norwegian Chamber sells its vintage design furniture in sev- While home entertainment systems of Commerce in Japan, is optimistic eral of the country’s leading department appear to have taken a backseat to about the future. Among his cham- stores. And now, it also serves its spe- affordable mobile technologies such ber duties, Berg is editor-in-chief of cialty coffee roasts in the showrooms of Wing chair as smartphones and tablets, Bang & StyleNORWAY, a quarterly lifestyle Lexus and other premium brands here,” | CH445 | hans j. Wegner · 1960 Olufsen’s designer stereos and televi- magazine. He is very upbeat, in large Varlid says. “As a marketing concept, to

The Wing Chair - one of Wegners most famous sions have not lost their edge. In Japan, part because of the meteoric rise of be able to go from almost zero to where works - is a lounge chair that isn’t just beautiful to the high-tech retailer aims to open 20 Fuglen, the specialty coffee brewer, they are now, is very impressive.” look at. With its light and elegant design, the chair stores in the next three years, with a cocktail maker and furniture distributor And with the many other examples also promotes fantastic seating comfort thanks to a solid beech wood frame with wings that provides turnover target of ¥2 billion. with branch cafés in Oslo and Tokyo. of Scandinavian lifestyle’s burgeoning excellent support for the back - regardless of one’s “We strive to create enduring magical Fuglen cafés, which are decorated growth, the Fuglen story may yet be sitting position. A true masterpiece! experiences for our customers,” says with traditional Norwegian furnishings, only the beginning.

February 2016 15

CH445_EURObiZ_ADS_JP_03-2016.indd 1 28/01/16 10.14 “After the war, there needs,” Rosted remarks, “but we stay The island of Funen in was renewed optimism in with the original core design.” Denmark is, perhaps, best society — a renewed desire The company is now active in 40 to explore life,” he says. countries. Carl Hansen & Søn entered known internationally for At that time, the com- the Japanese market 25 years ago with pany began working with a wholly owned subsidiary. Japan is the being where author Hans architect Hans J. Wegner, firm’s biggest export market. who was then young and Like many foreign business people Christian Andersen was born unknown, but later became in Japan, Rosted says it can be hard to one of the world’s most make inroads into this very conservative and raised. Another native of well-known chair designers. market. “It takes time to develop trust Holger Hansen, who had with consumers,” he observes, adding Funen who made his mark on taken over the business that the firm now has a very strong pres- the world was Carl Hansen, from his father, saw great ence in Japan, with annual double-digit potential in working with sales growth. Most of those sales come who in 1908 founded the Wegner, says Rosted, from the residential market via 160 furni- also noting that Wegner ture dealers, although Rosted says Carl furniture company that still designed the now iconic Hansen & Søn has been putting more Wishbone chair for Carl effort into promoting its products to the bears his name. Hansen & Søn. “professional” market in the last couple “It’s still one of the most of years. Last year the company began The company’s products have a solid revered chairs in the furniture business,” an e-commerce operation, and it has a reputation for matching quality crafts- says Rosted, adding that the Wishbone flagship retail outlet of its own in Tokyo’s manship with the tasteful practicality chair has been in continuous produc- upscale Aoyama district. that Scandinavian consumer goods are tion since 1950. While the furniture that Carl Hansen famous for. Rosted says that what makes Carl & Søn makes is a bit pricey, Rosted says “Mr. Hansen was a carpenter,” explains Hansen & Søn distinct among furniture the company doesn’t see itself catering Henning v.G. Rosted, president of Carl makers is that its products are not only to the high-end of the market exclu- Hansen & Søn Japan. “He started his designed in Denmark, but they are sively. “There are a lot of people who own shop, making furniture for local made there as well. “That’s quite rare save up to buy our furniture,” he notes. people — nothing fancy, very utilitarian.” nowadays,” Rosted points out. “That makes sense if your aim is to have Rosted says the years just after the Carl Hansen & Søn sells some 100 something that will last for decades.” Second World War were crucial for unique products. “We tailor the finishing Carl Hansen & Søn’s profile in Japan the firm. of our products to meet customers’ got a major boost when the firm asked famed architect Tadao Ando to design a chair (see page 12). “We launched the chair three years ago,” Rosted says, “and the response was phenomenal. It’s now being sold worldwide as a niche product.” In a similar vein, Rosted says that this year Carl Hansen & Søn is introducing a Carl chair designed back in 1950 by Wegner that has never been produced before, and the firm is also launching a rug collection designed by Naja Utzon, the granddaughter of Sydney Opera House designer Jørn Utzon. Hansen On a personal note, Rosted has lived in Japan for a total of 13 years, with his second stint in this country beginning three years ago. He says he appreciates the Japanese people’s sense of correct- & Søn ness and punctuality. To stay in shape, Rosted says he and his wife make a habit of getting up early Simple beauty that’s built to last and going for a run. Although he says he’s quite comfortable living in Japan, Rosted admits that he misses Danish Text STEVE MCCLURE Photo KAGEAKI SMITH bread and cheese.

16 February 2016 INVESTING IN JAPAN

THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO SAVE UP TO BUY OUR FURNITURE

February 2016 17 A healthy fit

Imported products and expertise

Text GAVIN BLAIR

icture yourself carving Concept to Consumer division at Last year’s Rugby World Cup helped down the expansive ski adidas Japan. stir interest in related apparel, thanks in slopes of Hokkaido, sprint- Customers can design their running particular to the Japan team’s perfor- ing along the sidewalks of shoes, football boots or casual trainers mance that exceeded expectations, as Tokyo, working up a sweat with their own combination of available well as to the adidas-sponsored champi- P colours, components, designs, laces and ons, the All Blacks. Although the Japan at the local fitness centre, or recharg- ing mind and body at a spa. When it Velcro. They can even put their own national team uniform isn’t from adidas, comes to health and fitness in Japan, text across the soles. Since January the company does provide the boots European companies are helping 2015, a smartphone app known as mi for ace kicker Ayumu Goromaru. enhance your routine with a range of ZX Flux has allowed people to take a Another type of boot that can be imported products and services. picture with their smartphone and have customised is the Vacuum Fit range Sportswear giant adidas of Germany that image become part of the design from Austrian ski-maker Fischer. The has been expanding and upgrading on their shoes. technology has been hailed as a its offerings of customised shoes and “We’ve had customers take a game-changer that takes the pain out uniforms. Its mi adidas service makes picture at a wedding, and then of what, for many people, can be the it easier for sporty types to stand get that printed onto shoes worst shortcoming of skiing: out from the crowd. Since it began to give to the couple as a uncomfortable boots. in 2002 with just football and tennis present. Our staff also like “In the past, the inner shoes, mi adidas has been steadily to customise their shoes so boots could be heated up growing in popularity. The range of they don’t look like every- and moulded to the shape available wear that can be customised one else’s,” says Yamashita. of your feet, but now it can to suit each customer’s preferences Customised uniforms be done for the outer shell has widened. Since 2012, adidas also are also proving popular, boots, too,” explains Fischer has gradually been shifting mi adidas especially among sports Japan merchandise man- from its retail brick-and-mortar shops teams, such as varsity ager Ken Odashima. to its online sites, with a more recent athletes looking for a The boots are focus on mobile devices, says Takashi different spin on their heated in a special Yamashita, senior manager of the university colours. box to 80°C. The

18 February 2016 skier then steps into them, and they are cooled down to fit perfectly around the [THE] MACHINES ARE feet. Another winning factor is that the

CUTTING-EDGE, COMBINING FOCUS polyurethane plastic makes the boots approximately 30% lighter than the THE LATEST IN SPORTS current standard. “A lot of people in Japan still don’t SCIENCE, ERGONOMIC DESIGN know about Vacuum Fit boots, but people who try them on really like AND TECHNOLOGY them and become repeat customers,” says Odashima. At ¥80,000 to ¥115,000, including up to five re-mouldings, they don’t come cheap. But still, most skiers who try on Technogym’s users can access shores of Lake Geneva, it was the first the Vacuum Fit boot never go back to a their own personal database through evian-branded spa in Asia. standard boot, according to Odashima. mywellness, a cloud-based, open and “The spa is designed around the con- Those who like to exercise all year free platform. Their training history, cept of the mineral water on its journey round may well end up relying on performance and other statistics, as through the Alps,” explains Palace Hotel the equipment of Italian company well as data from third-party apps, can spokesperson Saori Shiobara. Technogym, the world’s leading man- be accessed when users log in from any A range of treatment courses is ufacturer of technology-driven fitness computer or handheld device. available, with each room named after equipment. In Japan, Technogym can Founded in 1983 by Nerio a peak in the Swiss Alps. They use a be found at gym chains such as Tipness, Alessandri, who remains Renaissance and Konami, as well as president of the hotels including The Peninsula Tokyo, company, Technogym Andaz Tokyo and the Prince Park Tower promotes an overall Tokyo. Technogym’s fitness and strength wellness lifestyle. The machines are cutting-edge, combining systems can moni- the latest in sports science, ergonomic tor users’ movements design and technology. Technogym aims throughout their daily life, to offer an optimal exercise experience a cloud-connected app for users to enhance their performance. can personalise music for “Innovation, on both the hardware running, and its exercise and software side, is the principle on ball-type office chairs can which our equipment is developed,” aid wellbeing in the says Norihisa Miyake, marketing man- work place. ager for Technogym’s Japan operations. In keeping with “Attention is paid to precise details the Italian empha- that are often overlooked by other sis on design, manufacturers, such as the exact angle Technogym’s of a treadmill monitor that best reduces range of home- strain on the neck when looking at it use equipment while running,” Miyake adds. — including ARTIS is Technogym’s flagship range a treadmill, of machines that it designed in coop- recumbent eration with Loughborough University bicycle and Sport Technology Institute, a leading UK cross trainer — number of luxury brand French cosmet- centre for sports science. The insti- were created in partnership ics and skincare products. The latest tute, for example, created equipment with Italian industrial designer Antonio addition is Carita, introduced in January, that takes into account biomechanical Citterio. according to Shiobara. factors such as the exact differences “The real appeal of our equipment is “The treatments we offer are based in the positioning of a user’s fingers difficult to express in words; they really on those at the evian resort, but we when being pushed or pulled during an need to be experienced first-hand,” have also added Japanese elements to exercise, explains Miyake. says Miyake. make it our own original spa,” she adds. ARTIS equipment also aims to Technogym equipment is also avail- In whatever way you choose to be environmentally friendly. The able at the Palace Hotel in Marunouchi, exercise or unwind in Japan, there’s energy generated by physical activ- where guests can recharge and relax at an increasingly greater chance that ity on its machines can power the the hotel’s evian Spa Tokyo. Modelled European companies are helping you monitor displays. after evian’s luxury resort on the French do it in style.

February 2016 19 Martijn van Keulen Passionate about work

Text DAVID UMEDA Photo KAGEAKI SMITH

he western part of the challenges so far in their exploration of malt content,” he explains. “The pro- Netherlands, in a place other markets. posed revision is to unify these taxes close to the sea, is where “They are facing difficulties due to a eventually by reducing the excise Martijn van Keulen lack of expertise,” van Keulen states. tax, benefitting Heineken’s 100% malt grew up. For Heineken Kirin K.K., where van beers, and resulting in a better offer to T“People there are down-to-earth, Keulen is General Manager, optimis- Japanese consumers.” open-minded, direct,” he recalls. “And ing business in Japan requires fully He cites another advantage in how they are not afraid to make decisions.” leveraging the know-how of both the joint venture handles the changing At a very early stage in his career, van companies. Heineken Japan K.K. was demographics of Japan. Keulen discovered that these traits, part initially established in 1983 by Heineken, “We are in a better position to capi- of his cultural heritage, were incredible with a licensee agreement to Kirin talise on best practices that have been assets in business. He also learned Brewery Company Ltd. for local brewing proven in the global market and now of Heineken® beer in apply them to the Japanese market,” Japan. The joint ven- he explains. “Japanese consumers IF YOU'RE NOT ture was established are more exposed to global trends in 1989, and renamed through the digital media; and, as a PASSIONATE ABOUT Heineken Kirin K.K. result, commonality with other coun- (Heineken Japan) tries’ lifestyles is increasing.” YOUR WORK, YOU WILL in 2010. While the company’s market NOT PERFOM WELL “The expertise of strategy for Japan remains focused Heineken as a global on sales of Heineken in bottles and company has been their quality draught, there are new, something that has made the difference proven by the success the company innovative and higher value-added in how he approaches his responsibili- has enjoyed in international markets,” products and packaging formats ties today. he notes. “Kirin, as a local partner, offers available elsewhere that are yet to be “If you’re not passionate about your an established, strong infrastructure introduced here. work,” he emphasises, “you will not in Japan.” However, he hints that this may perform well.” While there is no import duty on change in the future: “We are willing The daunting challenges he sees beer products, van Keulen believes to introduce some new-to-market Japan facing — such as the stagnant, or the free trade agreements now in products in order to further grow the slow, economic growth, and the ageing negotiation between Japan and the EU business in Japan.” and declining population — certainly may accelerate revisions favourable His emphasis on passion extends puts this theory to the test. to Heineken. to golf and squash, sports that van “Under such circumstances, the “The existing, unique beer taxation Keulen continues to enjoy here. development of overseas markets, or system by the Japanese government When asked about living in Japan, globalisation, is a critical task for many places an excise tax on beer that is he says he most values “the quality of Japanese companies,” he says. higher than the tax imposed on bever- life, the great people, and its culture.” Yet, many domestic companies ages such as happo-shu, the new genre It’s apparent that van Keulen has and brands, he feels, are facing of local beverages with lower, or no, found a city that fuels his passion.

20 February 2016 EBC PERSONALITY

Do you like natto? Time spent working in Japan: Four months. Favourite saying: “The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.” — M. Porter. Favourite book: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. Cannot live without: My family. Lesson learned in Japan / Secret of success in busi- ness: Be patient, respectful and eager to learn. Favourite place to dine: Still looking. Do you like natto?: Not yet my favourite Japanese dish. Pink Ball 2016

New Horizons SATURDAY, MARCH 12, THE WESTIN TOKYO ¥35,000/SEAT, ¥350,000/TABLE

Guest Chef Yoshi Yamada

Multi-lingual Economics graduate Yoshi Yamada worked at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea for 18 months before becoming head chef at Tempo, an Italian restaurant in the Mayfair section of London. He later spent fi ve years cooking in top restaurants in Naples (2 Michelin star Don Alfonso), Sardinia and Florence.

www.runforthecure.org SPECIAL REPORT Ready for disaster An interview with the governor

EURObiZ Japan sat down with Tokyo Metropolitan Governor Yoichi Masuzoe regarding the Tokyo Bosai [Disaster Preparedness Tokyo] books that have been sent out to the residents of Tokyo.

How many of the Tokyo Bosai Hence, as a countermeasure against received a massive number of orders, books did you send out? these disasters, the Tokyo Bosai book exceeding 10,000 copies, making it Approximately 7.5 million copies of the was drawn up entirely with the speci- impossible for us to immediately meet Japanese version of the book were pro- fications of Tokyo in mind, taking into the demand. This response reflects the duced and distributed to all households consideration its diverse regional char- strong desire for disaster preparedness in metropolitan Tokyo starting on 1 acteristics, its city infrastructure, and the awareness among residents of metro- September, 2015. lifestyles of its residents. politan Tokyo. About 30,000 copies of the English The success of the Tokyo 2020 Our aim remains to enable residents version were also produced for foreign- Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well using the Tokyo Bosai book to improve ers residing in Tokyo. These have been as the development of the capital city their knowledge of disaster prevention distributed to those who wanted them, of Tokyo, cannot be achieved if we are together with their families, friends and and also sent out to all embassies in unable to secure the lives and assets neighbours — ensuring preparedness in metropolitan Tokyo. of Tokyo residents and the citizens of the event of a disaster. In addition, the English, Korean Japan. Disaster prevention measures and Chinese versions have also been serve as the foundation for supporting How important was it to print the published on the website of the Tokyo a world-class Tokyo. books in English? metropolitan government [www.metro. As the governor of Tokyo, it is also tokyo.jp/ENGLISH/GUIDE/BOSAI]. What has the public's response my mission to ensure the safety and been to the book? security of foreigners residing in Tokyo. What is the purpose of the Tokyo The Tokyo Bosai book has been very The production of the English version Bosai book? well received. Immediately after distri- of these books is a matter of course The greatest mission of the governor is bution commenced, we received many for Tokyo as an international city, and a to ensure the safety and security of the inquiries, including questions about the matter of great importance to us. residents of Tokyo. With the aim of fulfill- possibility of distribution to all family I am putting in place various initia- ing this responsibility, and to ensure that members, requests for sale of the book tives in order to develop Tokyo as a each and every resident of Tokyo is fully to those living outside metropolitan hub for global business. It is of vital prepared for disasters on a daily basis, Tokyo, and distribution to all company importance that corporations and Tokyo Bosai was produced as a disas- employees. While distributing the book business people who are considering ter-preparedness map for each house- to all families in the metropolitan Tokyo developing their businesses in Japan hold that can also be utilised in their area, we launched the sale of the book recognise Tokyo as a safe city. And I everyday lives. Tokyo is confronted by to the general public. hope that this Tokyo Bosai book can the potential risks of various disasters, However, over the first three days play a part in enhancing this aware- including a Tokyo inland earthquake. after the book went on sale, we ness.

February 2016 23 COUNTRY SPECIAL Ireland

Ireland and Japan have long maintained friendly relations, with diplomatic ties having been established between the two countries in 1957. The Japanese legation in Ireland was upgraded to an embassy in 1964, while Ireland established its embassy in Tokyo in 1973. According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, exports from Ireland to Japan were valued at ¥355.3 billion in 2013, while Japan’s exports to Ireland totalled ¥102.0 billion in the same year.

Dublin

Cork Yuji Okada General Manager, Main cities: Dublin (capital), Cork, Limerick, Galway. Dominique Ansel Bakery Tokyo Total area: 70,273 sq. km Coastline: 1,448km Population: 4,892,305 (July 2015 est.). 63.2% urban population. 43.82% are 25–54 years old. Climate: Temperate maritime; modified by North Atlantic Current; mild winters, cool summers; consistently humid. Natural resources: natural gas, peat, copper, lead, zinc, silver, barite, gypsum, limestone, dolomite

reads CHAMBER VOICE Moe Kato Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce

www.ijcc.jp

Text DAVID UMEDA

Established in 2008 to succeed the Airways. We believe these benefits add the market and how to respond to them Japan Ireland Economic Association, value to the chamber and for our mem- in a short timeframe. the Ireland Japan Chamber of bership,” Kato points out. “As operations manager, my day to Commerce continues to strengthen “We are also focusing more on day role is to keep everything under Irish–Japanese business relations. business-oriented events, such as with control, to make sure everything works “My purpose is to give back to mem- speakers,” she observes. Since last fine and runs smoothly,” she explains. bers as much as possible, while growing year, the chamber has been invited to “As I am the only staff member working the chamber through increasing a monthly strategic meeting with the in the chamber, I manage various tasks, membership” says Moe Kato, operations Irish Embassy and other government such as maintaining current member- manager. entities. Directors of chambers also ship, recruitment, managing current “We are still a new and small cham- attend regular meetings organised by accounts and preparing financial ber, so we’ve been focusing on provid- the embassy, where participants can reports — on top of event organising.” ing network opportunities to strengthen So what brings Kato the Irish community in Japan, to extend the most satisfaction on and to tighten our relationships,” she the job? observes. “Networking is done in a “I’ve only been with casual and open atmosphere. As a TO KEEP IMPROVING the chamber for a year member once remarked, ‘It’s about a and a half, so I am still night of Irish fun’.” Kato views events OUR ACTIVITIES AND learning by trial and as “creating a good image of Ireland in GROW THE CHAMBER error, day by day. But I Japan and making the country better feel that we are going known.” Chamber members also “are in the right direction given opportunities to learn more about when members who business, kept updated about the cur- have been involved rent status of the economy back home, interact with key senior representatives with the chamber for a long time, and receive information about how to from Japan’s leading companies. Kato say, ‘This was the best event I’ve conduct business in Japan.” believes these efforts contribute to attended’, or, ’You raised the bar to a For the many people coming improved activities for members. higher level’.” and going in Japan, she believes it’s “It is not easy to make changes and Kato sees more people coming back important to continue these networking to start something new, but I am here to to the events, or coming up to her to events. But Kato also started question- keep improving our activities and grow say they want to get involved and be a ing what else the chamber could do the chamber so that our members can part of the chamber. for those who have been in Japan for a feel it is worth being part of the IJCC. “It makes me feel that we are pro- long time and have solid connections We keep learning and keep developing.” viding things that the market looks already. Recently, the chamber organised a for, and that meet people’s needs,” she “We are keen to provide more ben- formal dinner in Osaka with the ambas- explains. efits to the membership, such as by sador for the first time. “We are keen to The chamber’s “I Love Ireland working closely with Guinness distrib- expand our activities beyond Tokyo in Festival” in Yoyogi Park, first held in utor Diageo and the Toyoko Inn chain the coming years,” she adds. 2014, attracted 35,000 people last in various collaborations. In 2015, we Yet, Kato realises the challenge she March. It’s simply about everyone get- started a new partnership with British faces in learning the current needs of ting to know each other better.

February 2016 25 EXECUTIVE NOTES Japanese government bonds

Japan doesn’t owe as much as it says it does

The belief that Japanese government better comparison against other coun- interest rates or through bond pur- bonds (JGBs) are in a bubble has been tries’ debt levels, since few countries chases, is called deficit financing. This a recurrent theme in the global bond have similar funding schemes for state is considered a sin by many central market for more than a decade. The organisations. Of course, a net debt to bankers since it can too easily become reason for this is based on a miscon- GDP ratio of 132% would still be of con- the favoured method of raising funds ception about how to account for cern if it weren't for QE, which brings for a government, which, in turn, leads government bonds that are owned by the figure down still further. to inflation. the departments of an issuing govern- The scale of the purchases of JGBs Japanese economist Masazumi ment, such as in funded state pen- by the Bank of Japan is staggering; Wakatabe of Waseda University has sion schemes and bonds held by the ¥80 trillion worth of JGBs are currently taken the standard definition of the net central bank’s quantitative easing (QE) being purchased annually by the central debt figure and added the JGBs held programme. bank, more than twice the current ¥37 by the Bank of Japan. The country’s net If both the JGB holdings owned by trillion of new issuance by the govern- debt to GDP ratio subsequently shrinks the government and those held by the ment. As with all the other major central to 41%, for late 2014. Bank of Japan (BoJ) were to be written Adair Turner, a distinguished British off, the Japanese state’s outstanding economist and a former central bank liabilities would shrink dramatically. regulator at the Bank of International From an approximate gross debt of Settlements, approves of this method 245% of the GDP, the figure would be of accounting for Japan’s debt. In his reduced, quite legitimately, to a net debt THE BOJ AIMS 2015 book on debt, Between Debt and to GDP of around 41%, based on data the Devil, he suggests that the Bank of from late 2014. TO KEEP BOND Japan announce its intention to never The misconception of a higher ratio YIELDS LOW AND resell its JGB holdings back to the comes from the use of the gross debt market. It could then tear up the bonds (not net debt) to GDP figure. Net debt to SO STIMULATE that it owns. (Technically, it could go to GDP, on the other hand, strips out the the Ministry of Finance and swap its value of JGBs held by sections of the THE ECONOMY holdings of JGBs for a worthless IOU, government, such as in the aforemen- such as an irredeemable zero coupon tioned state pension schemes and also bond issued by the ministry.) in welfare programmes. This is surely The bond market should be indiffer- the better figure to use when assess- ent to any outbreak of concern over ing a government’s ability to sustain banks that are presently operating a QE deficit financing. After all, the amount its current borrowing level, since such programme, the stated intention of the of interest and capital required to be government bonds are no longer a lia- Bank of Japan is to one day sell them repaid to non-government bodies has bility. This is because a state-run welfare back to the market. not changed. Meanwhile, taxpayers’ programme funded with government But QE introduces a novel dilemma confidence in the solvency of the bonds is as reliant on the tax-raising to central bankers. By purchasing JGBs, Japanese government would improve, and borrowing power of the state as an the Bank of Japan aims to keep bond helping to reduce savings and boost unfunded scheme is. The state, in effect, yields low and so stimulate the econ- consumption. is holding an IOU written by itself. omy. It is not doing so in order to help We can, therefore, write off these the Ministry of Finance keep its interest JGBs as assets. To be consistent, we rate bill low; or to effectively tear up the must surely also write them off as JGBs and thus reduce the government’s TOM ELLIOTT is an government liabilities. Doing so takes outstanding liabilities. international investment Japan’s debt to GDP, on a net basis, to Central bank financing of government strategist with the deVere Group in London. around 132%, as of June 2014. This is a spending, whether through lowering

26 February 2016 EVENT REPORT My Number and privacy

Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan, Luncheon – 9 December, 2015

Text and photo ANDREW HOWITT

Masako Banno emphasized through- when many citizens lost their ID, and so prevent data being stolen through out her talk at the last SCCIJ luncheon could not easily receive their pension or hacker attacks. of 2015 that the My Number system is welfare benefits. As a particular word of caution, she “not so complicated.” Yet, questions The government has chosen to referred to incidents where individuals raised during the brief Q&A session adopt the My Number system because had been given exclusive access to were clear evidence that there is still authorities claim they can assure the personal information and later abused anxiety — and a lack of awareness — such authority. over the introduction of this national “The impor- ID system in 2016. tant thing is to “Do the zairyu card [residence card not concentrate for foreigners] and the My Number card authority in just work together?” and “Are there sanc- one person,” tions if you refuse to participate?” were she stressed. “In two such questions. Both received a order to protect negative response — Banno saying “no” your company to the latter because participation in the and your own system is compulsory. position, you In her talk, “My Number: Is my need to establish privacy still safeguarded?”, the attor- this kind of secu- ney at Okuno & Partners began with a rity protection straightforward overview of what the programme.” My Number system is. “It is very simple. population of fair taxation and reliable Failing to put appropriate policies in It is basically a national ID number pension records, as well as the system place could lead to the theft of employ- system, using a 12-digit number, to be being an effective aid in disaster risk ees’ My Numbers, and companies will used for tax purposes and also social management. be held liable if the loss of any data was welfare benefit services like pension Nonetheless, the security of individ- preventable. and unemployment insurance.” ual numbers is still a concern of the Banno concluded that the current It is for everyone living at a regis- general public. The central warning in view held by the international com- tered address in Japan, she added, Banno’s presentation was that, “with munity, and Europe in particular, on and not only for Japanese citizens. She the My Number system, there’s the risk Japan’s handling of personal informa- compared it to the US’s social security of bigger data leaks because of rapid tion is not overly positive. The main number system. technology developments.” objections are that Japan does not Banno explained that there have Now that companies will need to have a strong central supervising been nearly 50 years of debate in start managing employees’ numbers, authority, and that regulations on Japan on whether to adopt a national the attorney provided some practical the international transfer of personal ID system. The concerns voiced by its advice on how to handle this informa- information are still unclear. However, many opponents have included the tion appropriately, once again reassur- “the amendment of the APPI this year potential negligence leading to leakage ing everyone that this duty is actually is aiming to cover those two concerns,” of personal data and the invasion of not so complicated. “Your company she stated. privacy by the government. is already obliged to have these kinds Even then, there is still cause for However, several factors in recent his- of security measures in place under some anxiety over the introduction of tory have made the My Number system the Act on Protection of Personal the My Number system with regard to unavoidable. There was the incident of Information [APPI].” the security of personal information. the missing pension records exposed in Her suggestions included setting a Japan still has work to do in order to 2007, where 50 million pension records clear in-house security policy; assigning meet international standards. But with were not integrated into the simplified specific staff members to be respon- the full implementation of the amended pension numbering system created sible for employees’ My Numbers in APPI scheduled for January 2017, it in 1997. Another reason cited was the order to limit access to records; and looks like the government is beginning Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 ensuring strong cyber-security to to move in the right direction.

February 2016 27 Human Resources// Incremental progress

Text GEOFF BOTTING

f you follow the domestic the often sensitive political and cultural news in Japan, you’re probably issues Japan’s policymakers face. familiar with many of the advo- Key advocacy points “I think one thing everyone needs to cacy points of the EBC Human understand is that there’s never going to Resources Committee. be one point of time when any Japanese Immigration – On-line work- IIncreased immigration, getting k government is going to stand up and ing visa applications should be more women in career positions, and introduced. say, ‘We’re going to open the floodgates’.” reforming the work place are regularly Better to look at the incremental k Taxes – The spousal tax break, grabbing the headlines. Over the past which effectively discourages progress, he says, taking place “in the couple of years, third arrow reforms in women from full participation background” in specific targeted areas the economic policies of Prime Minister in the workforce, should be — moves that are bringing in growing Shinzo Abe have put these topics on reformed. numbers of foreign workers. the front burner, as Japan tries to come k Pensions – The minimum number For example, the authorities’ slow- to terms with how its demographics are of years of premium payments but-steady approach may well lead putting the squeeze on jobs. required to receive a state to improved internship programmes Immigration policies topped the com- pension, currently 25, should be that encompass more industry fields. mittee’s list in the EBC 2015 white paper. lowered. Japan’s efforts, to date, have come Committee chairman Steve Burson says under fire. Too often, according to the that things in this area are “generally economy as a whole,” the commit- critics, the programmes are excuses for going in the right direction.” tee reports in the white paper. Japanese employers to exploit people Recent changes include the scrap- Business leaders have been urging who, coming to Japan to learn technical ping of the re-entry visa, and the exten- Japan to drastically increase its intake of skills, end up being overworked and sion of working visas to five years from immigrants, as Western countries have paid extremely low wages. three years. been doing, to counter the shrinking The committee members in the auto “Together, these measures will size of the workforce. But, Burson adds, field want to see the Technical Intern benefit individual companies and the such expectations aren’t realistic, given Training Programme include vehicle

28 February 2016 IN COMMITTEE

EXPECTATIONS [TO DRASTICALLY INCREASE IMMIGRATION] AREN’T REALISTIC

mechanics, who are currently in short The committee sees income tax cred- such facilities midway through the aca- supply here. its as a major barrier to women entering demic and fiscal year. A similar issue concerns qualifica- the workforce as professionals. The “They have to wait until April of the tions. Current immigration rules require “spouse special income tax credit” is next year, and they have to make their skilled immigrants to have industry available for households where spouses applications by a certain period,” he experience of at least 10 years if they earn less than ¥1.4 million a year, which says. Despite the ongoing improve- lack university degrees. The committee encourages married women to take ments, there is a fairly long road ahead is urging the time requirement to be low-paying or part-time work. before Japan becomes an attractive lowered to five years in order to attract In addition, many employers provide place in which people from around the a younger age group. health benefits for those workers who world would wish to work. “There are not many 25 year olds have dependent (not working) spouses. “Things like income tax rates, social who have 10 years’ experience,” “This should have been the first thing insurance and so on are not really observes Burson, who is also president for Abe to change,” Burson says. encouraging people to come and work of H&R Group. Advocates for working spouses have in Japan. When you go to places like No discussion about Japan’s shrink- also been pointing to insufficient day Singapore, Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur ing working age population would be care facilities. The committee chairman and see how they are encouraging complete without including women. says improvements in this area are people to set up businesses, Japan is Womenomics is an oft touted phrase taking place, but this depends on where still miles behind,” points out the com- associated with the prime minister's one happens to live. mittee chair. reform ideas. “It’s happening in some cities but not Fortunately, Japan is now producing Abe has said repeatedly he wants in others. Yokohama has really taken a growing army of advocates keen women “to shine” in Japan’s workforce. this up by vastly increasing its facilities,” to see that the needed changes are Government officials and advo- Burson continues carried out. That includes the Human cates, however, are finding out that He adds that, at his company’s Resources Committee, which won’t be such a promise is easier made than Nagoya office, working mothers have running out of advocacy issues any- implemented. problems admitting their children to time soon.

February 2016 29 The business of wellbeing A healthy lifestyle

Text DAVID UMEDA FITNESS SPECIAL

The demands of urban living, especially in the largest metropolis of the world, require Most of the The NUA salons also specialise in IPL, a healthy balance between work clients at Pilates a method of permanent hair removal. and leisure. Numerous facilities Aoyama studio are “We use high-end equipment from non-Japanese, and Denmark and Sweden for remarkably in the business of fitness and include ambassa- effective results in removing unwanted dors, lawyers, exec- hair for both our European and wellness are conveniently utives, dancers and Japanese customers,” Aquino adds. singers. located to serve Tokyo’s 23 wards. “Beginners and Lifestyle choices those with phys- Be Yoga Japan is conveniently located The Pilates Aoyama studio opened iotherapy needs are welcome,” adds in Hiroo. The studio is spacious and in 2005, and is fully equipped in the Okazaki. clean with a beautiful view of Hiroo classical style. Founder Maki Okazaki The Premier Personal Training pro- Garden Hills. was trained under renowned students gramme at Nihon Barbell Club offers “We offer daily ISHTA yoga classes, of Joseph H. Pilates. complete body transformation and as well as ISHTA teacher-training “I create programmes that are personal training services, utilising a programmes and workshops through- designed to meet each client’s specific proven and structured training system. out the year,” says Kumiko Mack, needs, taking age, health condition “Applying only effective training Director. “Studio classes in English and and fitness level into account,” explains methods and driven by continued Japanese are taught every day.” Okazaki. client successes, it is no wonder we are Their classes focus on safe alignment, Club 360, owned by Tokyo Fitness trusted by the elite of Tokyo’s business and meditation instruction is taught in KK, believes that everyone should live and expat community,” notes Sam Law, each class. to their full athletic, fitness and health President. “No reservations are needed for potential — and to live a pain-free life. studio classes,” says Mack. “Treat “To help our clients achieve this, we Techniques from abroad yourself to a moment of serenity at offer integrated health and fitness solu- For over a decade, MagaGYM has Be Yoga.” tions to meet everyone’s needs,” points offered classes in Krav Maga suited Sam Law at Nihon Barbell Club out Sam Gilbert, Manager and Head to your ability, from beginners with encourages making good lifestyle Physiotherapist. no martial arts experience, up to the choices. “Discover the expert approach advanced levels in the defence tactics to building your best self, inside and The foreign community system of the Israeli Defence Force. out,” he says. “Reserve your personal NUA’s English-speaking staff provide Since March 1st, weekday daytime training experience today.” waxing treatments with a unique hot classes are now being held. Club 360’s slogan is “Changing lives waxing method that is great for sensi- “Staff in Roppongi and Akasaka through health and fitness”. tive skin. include some of the highest-ranked “Whether you are recovering from “We also provide microcurrent instructors in Japan. Techniques are an injury or wanting to get in shape,” facelifts to treat sagging skin, custom- based on instinctive movements, so are says Gilbert, “let the Club 360 team help ised Dermalogica facials, and skin-reju- easy to learn,” says Atsuhiro Kumagai, make your goals a reality.” venating Photocare anti-ageing facials,” CEO and President. “A training regimen When it comes to your wellbeing, explains Nicola Aquino, Director. “NUA offers a tremendous workout to get Tokyo makes sure you are well taken offers manicures and pedicures as well.” in shape.” care of.

WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR WELLBEING, TOKYO MAKES SURE YOU ARE WELL TAKEN CARE OF

February 2016 31 Pilates Aoyama krav maga Israeli Self-Defence System Get in shape, Go home safe

MagaGYM Akasaka will add daytime classes from Monday to Friday starting March 1st, 2016

• Enrollment fee of ¥10,800 waived

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Kathi Ross-Nash MagaGym Roppongi MagaGYM Akasaka Tokyo, Minato-ku, Roppongi Tokyo, Minato-ku, 3-7-13 Akasaka 3-14-7, Arrow Building 4F Akasaka HM Bldg., B1 Pilates Aoyama Suite 1113, 3-3-7, Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0061 03-6432-9794 [email protected] www.magagym.com/en Tel and fax: 03-5411-1147

NUA would like to make a special offer to EURObiZ readers. Mention this ad and get any 60 minute facial treatment for ¥10,000, and an IPL underarm hair removal treatment for ¥2,100.

Discover your own path at your own pace

NUA Omotesando NUA Hiroo 4F ORE Hiroo Building, Lamial Jingumae #102, Muramatsu Building 4F, 5-10-26 Minami-azabu, Minato-ku, Jingumae 4-8-17, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Minami Azabu 5-16-4, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tokyo 106-0047 Phone: 03-6804-5285 Phone: 03-3444-3055 www.beyogajapan.com nuajapan.com FROM THE CREATORS OF TOKYO BOOTCAMP

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About the facility

• Caters to all lifestyles and • Large modern facility 5-18-19 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo fi tness levels 3 Premier gym and studio We are also available to come to • Only 3-min. walk from space your hotel or home. Roppongi Hills 3 Pristine shower facilities • No membership or 3 Private treatment rooms [email protected] enrolment fees 3 Comfortable Wi-Fi lounge 03-5860-8346 barbell.jp B1 CMA3 Bldg, 3-1-35 Moto-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo Member of the Tel: 03-6434-9667 Email: [email protected] www.club360.jp WorldTrainer Network

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To join the EBC visit www.ebc-jp.com For more information please contact the EBC Secretariat. Alison Murray, EBC Executive Director. Tel: 03-3263-6222. E-mail: [email protected] Yukata cowboy ›

Filmmaker with European appeal

Text LUCY BIRMINGHAM

34 February 2016 CULTURE SHOCK

umour may be hard Echigo Tsumari Art Triennial and distributor and can upload yourself,” to translate. But in the Setouchi Triennial. Ogata was commis- says Ogata. “Young people are prolific hands of an award-win- sioned for various video projects and creators of web series, especially in ning director, writer held several exhibitions. countries where the economies are and actor, it becomes “I was able to get the work because bad, and the film and TV industries are H Fram liked what I was doing. But in shrinking.” a cross-cultural language delighting audiences worldwide. Europeans are Europe there was much more, where He adds, “In Japan, with its uncom- some of his greatest fans and sources there’s more tradition and appreciation petitive environment where the TV of support. of avant-garde content,” he explains. content has hardly changed since I Humour came naturally to Atsushi Ultimately, his art video work led him was a kid, video web series are virtually Ogata, while growing up between Japan to writing screenplays. It was in Europe non-existent.” and the US. where he first found funding. Germany’s Ogata’s Yukata Cowboy is going great “When I was in school, I was always public TV broadcaster ZDF and the guns. Since launching last year, he now the class clown,” he admits. “Even my Dutch National Film Fund offered him has 30 episodes, equivalent to four father, who was a businessman, was grants. During this time, Ogata landed seasons, which are raking in views in mistaken for a professional comedian.” his first regular stint as a comedian on different countries. He’s also winning His mother, Sadako Ogata, former UN a weekly show airing on VARA Dutch awards at some of the many interna- High Commissioner for Refugees, also national TV. tional web series festivals that have has a good sense of humour, he says He honed his comedic skills in com- recently popped up, mainly in Europe. adding with a laugh, “I guess you could bination with filmmaking, directing and He wears an old cowboy hat he say it’s been passed down to me.” found at his While at Harvard University he pur- parents’ home, sued his interest in liberal arts, followed a pair of used by an MIT graduate programme in art A VENTURE INTO cowboy boots, and technology. Yet, it was public grant and a Japanese programmes in Europe that became the THE HOTTEST NEW cotton yukata that key to his success today. MOVEMENT IN VIDEO he bought for an During his early years creating avant- actress 10 years garde art videos, Ogata was invited to ago. He struts the Academy of Media Arts Cologne in through cities in Germany as a guest artist. writing to create a series of short films. different countries skilfully lassoing “In Europe there’s generous funding One of these, Eternally Yours (2006), willing victims — all on camera. His wide and appreciation for the arts,” he says. which had audiences laughing from São smile and mile-a-minute delivery in “There’s more than in Japan and the Paolo to Bangkok, propelled him to the Japanese and English — flecked with a US, where the focus is on commercial international film festival circuit. New York accent — adds to his comedic work.” Cast Me If You Can (2010), a roman- allure. Ogata also collaborated with artists tic comedy about a man constantly Ogata admits he’s not doing it for the on video installations commissioned in mistaken for someone else, was his money. As a one-man production outfit, the Netherlands, France and Germany. first feature film. It was also the spark his costs are low, and he does not post His art videos were screened at art of inspiration for his most recent work, ads to generate money. He says it’s a galleries in places such as Madrid, New Yukata Cowboy (http://yukatacowboy. publicity tactic, but there’s more. York and Venice, and won awards along com/), a venture into the hottest new “I’m comparing different cultures from the way. movement in video: web series. Each different points of view as a trigger for In Japan, he received exceptional short, story-based episode is shown people to think about their own culture,” support for more than 10 years from Art on video-sharing websites such as Ogata explains. Indeed, his virtual e-mir- Front Gallery director Fram Kitagawa, YouTube, Vimeo and Daily Motion. ror on society is bringing laughter, as who is also general director of the “The cost is low. You don’t need a well as reflection.

February 2016 35 KING450g of lamb, grilled in a full rack and served at the temperature BLOOMIN’ ONION® you like, with a rich Cabernet sauce — and accompanied by mashed A true Outback original. Our special onions are hand- potatoes and fresh seasonal veggies. Served as chops upon request. carved, cooked until golden and ready to dip into our spicy mayonnaise horseradish sauce.

CHOCOLATE THUNDER DOWN UNDER Fresh-baked pecan brownie with ice cream and homemade chocolate sauce, and finished with chocolate shavings and homemade whipped cream.

Roppongi Shibuya Minami-Machida Makuhari Osaka Umeda 03-5413-4870 03-5459-7751 042-788-3360 043-213-3256 06-6457-7121

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WWW.OUTBACKSTEAKHOUSE.CO.JP/EN CELLAR NOTES Big buyers Wine auctions and their shady underbelly

In the first decade of the 21st century, Wine auctions, for example, provide ambassador to France. Collectors the world of wine truly went global a tempting setting for counterfeits. flocked to claim their share of history, thanks, in part, to a series of events Anyone who has a collection of wines including billionaire oil heir Bill Koch. that rocked the realm of fine wine worth at least $20,000 can offer them In 2005, Koch was preparing to auctions. Auction houses such as to an auction house without too many exhibit his four Jefferson bottles when Sotheby’s and Christie’s catered to a questions being asked. Bordeaux the Boston Museum of Fine Arts asked small number of fine-wine enthusiasts chateaux keep records of their vintages for their provenance to also be dis- in New York and London who sought to and quantities produced; but after year played. Koch was unable to find any stock their cellars with an assortment upon year of sales, trades and so forth, records of authentication, and the of collectible Bordeaux, Burgundy, who’s to say that a certain bottle was Thomas Jefferson Foundation said Rhône and, maybe, the occasional drunk? And you can’t exactly open a nothing in their records indicated that Super Tuscan. Sellers and buyers hap- bottle of wine to authenticate it before Jefferson had ever gained possession of pily shared their intimate bubble. an auction. As a result, auction houses those bottles. In 2006, Koch filed a civil In 2008, however, that bubble burst are having to rely on catalogue records lawsuit against Rodenstock, claiming he — quickly and dramatically. It was the of bottle labels and corks to verify a had been the victim of fraud. year of the financial crisis, and New wine. The problem is that many old With alarm bells ringing, Koch York wine auctions were hit (only 35% wines have to be re-corked, since old ordered an intense examination of his of wines were sold at a New York City corks tend to disintegrate, resulting in 43,000-bottle wine cellar. Some 211 auction in December 2008). It was also few clues left for the authenticator. bottles were found suspicious, all of the year that Hong Kong nixed its 85% Counterfeit wines are nothing new, which had been sold to Koch through wine import duty. A year later, Sotheby’s but the frauds of today are, of course, auction by Indonesian-born Rudy established a wine department in much more spectacular and costly. In Kurniawan. These bottles, worth $2 China’s gateway city, sparking a red 1985, prominent German wine trader million, were tested by the University wine frenzy among the Chinese elite. Hardy Rodenstock came into posses- of Bordeaux’s physics lab and deter- If you’ve seen the film Red Obsession, sion of an underground cellar in Paris, mined to be counterfeits. In a 2012 FBI which documents China’s recent love filled with hundreds of bottles of old raid of Kurniawan’s Los Angeles home, affair with Bordeaux, you’ll understand French wines engraved with the initials they found that the house was kept at how this shifting climate has created “Th.J”. Rodenstock was convinced that 15˚ Celsius; bottles were being soaked the perfect storm for scandal after scan- these bottles had belonged to none to remove their labels; and there were dal involving counterfeit wines. other than Thomas Jefferson, America’s heaps of corks, a re-corking device and tens of thousands of fake labels for the world’s 27 top wines. Kurniawan was sentenced to 10 years, but only Koch knows if that justifies the $25 million he says he spent on his crusade against counterfeit wines.

Every month, ALLISON BETTIN takes EURObiZ Japan readers on a trip through the world of wine.

February 2016 37 Experience Hakuba with Evergreen.

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

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

H E

Enquiries call 0261-72-5150 or 0261-72-3200 (Ski School) Visit us online at www.evergreen-hakuba.com or www.skischool-hakuba-japan.com EVENTS Upcoming events

» Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Venue: CCIFJ, Yotsuya/Kojimachi stations Commerce in Japan Fee: ¥3,000 (open to non-members) www.blccj.or.jp Contact: [email protected] FEBRUARY

Monthly beer gathering » Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce S M T W T F S 15 February, Monday; 22 March, Tuesday, 19:00-22:00 www.ijcc.jp Venue: Belgian beer café in Tokyo 1 2 3 4 5 6 Fee: Pay for what you drink Emerald Ball 2016 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Contact: [email protected] 18 March, Friday, 18:30-0:00 Venue: Tokyo American Club 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 » Finnish Chamber of Commerce in Fee: ¥27,000 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Japan Contact: [email protected] www.fcc.or.jp 28 29 * FCCJ Club Evening – I Love Ireland Festival 2016 “New Successful Finnish 20 March, Sunday, 10:00-19:00 Businesses in Japan” Venue: Yoyogi Park, Shibuya Fee: Pay for what you purchase MARCH 3 March, Thursday, 18:30-21:00 Contact: [email protected] S M T W T F S Venue: Scandinavian Center, Akasaka * Live Irish music and dancing, food, drink Fee: ¥4,000 (members), ¥6,000 and culture (non-members) 1 2 3 4 5 Contact: [email protected] St. Patrick’s Day Parade 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 20 March, Sunday, times to be confirmed » French Chamber of Commerce and 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Industry in Japan Venue: Omotesando www.ccifj.or.jp 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 » Polish Chamber of Commerce and 27 28 29 30 31 “Building Sustainable Industry in Japan www.pccij.or.jp Retail Profitability” 26 February, Friday, 12:30-14:00 Polish Day in Tokyo 2016: Compiled by DAVID UMEDA Speakers: Patrick McDermott, Lacoste Japan; and Kuniaki Watanabe, Winworks Special Valentine’s Day Event Venue: CCIFJ, Yotsuya/Kojimachi stations 18 February, Thursday, 19:00-21:30 (doors open at 18:30) Fee: ¥3,000 (open to non-members) Venue: Shibuya Shidax Village, 1F, Tokyo Contact: [email protected] Main Dining Room Fee: ¥7,000 (members), ¥8,000 (non-members) Conference – “Japan Contact: [email protected] Macroeconomic Update” » Multi-Chamber Event 3 March, Thursday, 18:30-21:00 » Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Joint Nordic Business Industry in Japan Speaker: Philippe Avril, CEO, BNP Paribas www.sccij.jp Luncheon – “EU-Japan FTA” Securities Japan 19 February, Friday, 12:00-14:00 Venue: CCIFJ, Yotsuya/Kojimachi stations * Speaker: Timo Hammarén, minister- Fee: ¥4,000 (open to non-members) Japan-Swiss Spring Ball 2016 counsellor and head of the Trade and 9 March, Wednesday, 18:00-22:00 Contact: [email protected] Economic Section, Delegation of the Venue: Imperial Hotel Tokyo, Fuji Banquet European Union to Japan Hall, 3F CCIFJ Marketing Committee Venue: Hotel Okura, South Wing, 12F, Mayfair Fee: ¥ 25,000 Fee: ¥6,000 (members), ¥8,000 28 March, Monday, 12:30-14:00 Contact: [email protected] (non-members) Speaker: Guillaume Desurmont, Arkema * Dress code: Black-tie or dark lounge suit Contact: respective chambers

February 2016 39 WORK PLACE Samuel Alexander CEO and Head Designer, KiD

The fashion and accessories brand KiD (minne.com/kid-in-tokyo), which combines the whimsical elements of British design with high-quality Japanese craftsmanship, started in Tokyo last spring. “I’ve found that quintessentially British products are a popular choice for consumers in the Japanese market,” observes CEO and Head Designer Samuel Alexander, “so, with my love of English style, developing KiD just seemed the natural thing to do.” KiD’s products are informed by the company’s values of being playful, free, imaginative, energetic and honest. “With KiD I hope to contribute something of value to the Japanese community, and especially the kids and young people here … hence the name of the brand.”

Photo KAGEAKI SMITH

40 February 2016 Doing agriculture the right way: our promise to you and the world

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