<span class="gmail_quote"></span>J@pan Inc Newsletter
<p>The 'JIN' Japan Inc Newsletter<br>A weekly opinion piece on social, economic and political trends<br>in Japan.<br>Issue No. 437 Wednesday October 24, 2007, Tokyo</p>
<p>Olympic Japan</p>
<p>****OUT NOW: J@PAN INC MAGAZINE'S****<br>LEGAL SPECIAL (SEPT/OCT 2007)<br>Intellectual Property-Jury System-Arbitration-ALB Awards<br>PLUS Failed Businesses in Japan & Women in the Workplace
<br>Read for FREE online at <a href="http://www.japaninc.com/" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">www.japaninc.com</a></p>
<p>WHAT DO YOU THINK OF J@PAN INC? Tell us and get the chance to<br>win bottle of Tanqueray No. Ten: <a href="http://winki.co.uk/%7E0XvE" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">http://winki.co.uk/~0XvE
</a></p>
<p>-----------Corporate IT Training in English----------------</p>
<p>Frustrated by the lack of IT training in English?<br>InnoSoft Japan offers the following range of courses:</p>
<p>Application Developer - C, C++, Java/J2EE, .NET 2.0</p>
<p>Microsoft Infrastructure - Exchange, SPS, EPM, etc.</p>
<p>Information Security - People, Process and Technology</p>
<p>All courses are conducted by industry professionals<br>with years of experience delivering advanced IT<br>training to corporate clients.</p>
<p>For more information please visit:<br><a href="http://www.innosoft.co.jp/" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">www.innosoft.co.jp</a><br>or call us at 050-6860-3194</p>
<p>-----------------------------------------------------------</p>
<p><br>Anyone living or working in Tokyo will probably have noticed<br>Tokyo Tower's most recent addition: a neon sign displaying<br>'2016' in red, yellow, blue and green, shining in support of<br>Japan's bid to become the Olympic city in that year. No matter
<br>how slim Japan's chances, the bid is of course being taken<br>extremely seriously with an estimated campaign cost in excess<br>of 5.5 billion yen. Tokyo has also enlisted PR heavyweight <br>Weber Shandwick to handle their bid. A visit to the official
<br>campaign website <a href="http://www.tokyo2016.or.jp/en/" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">(http://www.tokyo2016.or.jp/en/</a>) proudly informs<br>us of the 'highly symbolic logo' created in support of the bid:
<br>a traditional Japanese knot with threads in the Olympic colors.
<br>All very impressive, but does Japan stand a chance?</p>
<p>According to Jack Gallagher in The Japan Times, no. Among the<br>reasons his gives, he claims that the timing is wrong given that<br>Beijing is being a host city for Asia next year, and that the<br>competition is too stiff from cities such as Chicago, Madrid and
<br>Rio de Janeiro. Gallagher also believes that Japan's reneging on <br>its offer to pay athletes' transportation costs in the 1998 <br>Nagano Olympics is a point against the Tokyo bid in the <br>eyes of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). However, it
<br>is perhaps a bit too bold to dismiss the Japanese bid entirely. <br>For one, Japan has a good track record with international events<br>holding a high reputation for cleanliness, efficiency and <br>well-behaved supporters. Also, concerns have been raised over
<br>Brazilian fans' behaviour, prevalence of street crime and <br>terrible traffic. One UK betting site places the odds for Japan<br>at 8-1, after 2-1 for Rio and 4-6 for Chicago. But, with two <br>years to go until the decision, it is far from a closed contest.
</p>
<p>Japan has an interesting connection with the Olympics. For one, <br>it was a significant moment in modern history when it hosted the<br>Games in 1964. According to a recent paper by Rio Otomo, a<br>scholar at Tokyo University, the event was:
</p>
<p>'marked in the minds of ordinary Japanese as the beginning of<br>Japan's rise. And this 'rise' was imagined communally though<br>the images of athletic bodies, which we watched through the<br>mediation of TV cameras, and through the stories that were
<br>brought to us by the media en masse.'</p>
<p>We do not have to go along with her full postmodernist<br>deconstruction to take on board this main point, that the<br>the Olympic Games are of symbolic importance to Japan's postwar<br>integration with international society. The 1964 Games saw
<br>Japan look history boldly in the face by having Yoshinori Sakai,<br>who was born on the day of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, <br>light the Olympic Flame. This event is recalled in the current<br>campaign literature by triple jump athlete Teruji Kokage who
<br>expresses that Yoshinori was chosen 'in order to symbolize <br>Japan's postwar reconstruction and peace.' </p>
<p>Japan also performed relatively well in the '64 Games, partly <br>because of the introduction of judo in which Japan took three <br>titles. It was also the year that Osamu Watanbe won a gold medal<br>in freestyle wrestling without conceding one point. In recent
<br>years, Japan has improved its Olympic record, particularly at the<br>last Olympics in Athens where it swooped a record 37 medals and<br>equalled its 1964 triumph of 16 golds. According to one <br>observer, this is due to a conscious national effort to improve
<br>that has led to advancements in training in terms of a shift <br>away from support from sports associations and towards <br>personalized training teams, often facilitated by major <br>private companies such as Toyota.
<br>(see <a href="http://web-japan.org/trends/sports/spo041006.html" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">http://web-japan.org/trends/sports/spo041006.html</a>)</p>
<p>[Continued below...]</p>
<p>-----------------------------------------------------------<br>Bargain Prices Expire for Foreign Nationals in Japan</p>
<p>If you are a foreign national living in Japan, you will no<br>longer have the option to obtain American life insurance<br>coverage after October 2007. Japanese life insurance is<br>considerably more expensive than a similar policy from an
<br>American company.<br>This option for foreign nationals is possible only until<br>October 31, 2007. </p>
<p>After this date, Transamerica Occidental Life will not accept<br>any new applications from expatriates in Japan.<br>A sample monthly premium for a 35 year old male for<br>US$1 million is US$35.88.<br>For the same coverage for a 45 year old male is US$61.25,
<br>and for a 55 year old male is US$154.88.</p>
<p>E-mail today for a full, personalized illustration of the<br>policy's costs and benefits.</p>
<p>For more details: <a href="mailto:Response@pacificbridge.net" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">Response@pacificbridge.net</a><br>-----------------------------------------------------------
</p>
<p>[...Article continues]</p>
<p>However, as Otomo points out, while Japan's interest in the<br>Olympics has been to build bridges and interact with the world,<br>it has also been a source of national pride to Japan to perform<br>at the Olympics and, in this sense, it somewhat resembles
<br>Japan's bid to become a permanent member on the UN Security <br>Council. Otomo connects the current Olympic bid to a deep <br>nationalist sentiment and sees a focus on the body of the <br>Japanese athletes as fostering a growing culture of
<br>individualism. This is apparently illustrated by the fact that <br>President of the Tokyo 2016 Olympic Games Bid Committee is <br>Shintaro Ishihara, Tokyo's controversial right-wing governor. <br>(<a href="http://rotomo.net/papers/olympics.pdf" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">
http://rotomo.net/papers/olympics.pdf</a>)</p>
<p>Yet all countries participating in global sporting contests face<br>the same tension; these events naturally stimulate patriotic<br>responses, which at some extremes can be unhealthy. But <br>ultimately Tokyo's bid is probably more benign that it is
<br>sinister. In fact, like most other cities, the main motivation<br>probably lies in the money to be made by local businesses. <br>Although public spending would be high, it would also force <br>local government to ensure public services are up to scratch and
<br>that new facilities are built. London has the Olympics to thank <br>for any hope that its underground rail system will improve and, <br>the LA Games, of 1984, were famously lucrative. However, it is a<br>contested point that hosting the Olympics always yields
<br>financial benefit for the host city. On the other hand, many <br>companies perceive a value in Olympic sponsorship opportunities <br>and the city's hospitality industry must be licking their lips.<br>Rakuten have already got a hand in by having their CEO Hiroshi
<br>Mikitana on the bid advisory board. So, while Japan may be an <br>outsider in the bidding, its determination should not be <br>underestimated and the stakes are high enough for even a defeat <br>not to merit being called a wasted effort.
</p>
<p><br>By Peter Harris<br>Chief Editor</p>
<p>Want to comment? It is now even easier to voice your opinion<br>than ever before! Simply visit <a href="http://www.japaninc.com/jin437" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">www.japaninc.com/jin437
</a> and<br>post a comment below the article. Alternatively, you can email
<br>it directly to the author at <a href="mailto:peter.harris@japaninc.com" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">peter.harris@japaninc.com</a></p>
<p>-----------------------------------------------------------</p>
<p>Japan's First Family Social Network is here! <a href="http://www.piqniq.jp/" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">www.piqniq.jp</a></p>
<p>Are you raising a family in Japan? Do you speak English?<br>Would you like to meet other English speaking families in<br>your area? Piqniq is a Social Network Service tailored<br>specifically for you!<br>Our concept is "Families helping Families" and we invite
<br>anyone that wants to meet other families, help other families,<br>or discuss family-related issues pertinent to life in Japan<br>to come and join the Piqniq today!</p>
<p>For more information: <a href="http://www.piqniq.jp/" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">www.piqniq.jp</a></p>
<p>-----------------------------------------------------------</p>
<p>++EVENTS</p>
<p>-----MIDEMNET FORUM: MUSIC BUSINESS IN THE DIGITAL AGE-----<br>26/27 January 2008 - Cannes - France - at MIDEM, the world's <br>music market. MidemNet Forum brings you an invaluable update <br>on how digital is driving the music business forward, changing
<br>it rapidly and radically.<br>Over 2 days of intense conference sessions and serious <br>networking opportunities, you will debate and engage with more <br>than 1,300 key international executives and play an active role
<br>in shaping the future of the industry.<br>Speaking at MidemNet 2008: Jean-Bernard Lévy, CEO, Vivendi - <br>Tero Ojanpera, EVP & CTO, Nokia - Kevin Roberts, CEO Worldwide, <br>Saatchi & Saatchi<br>Register before October 31 and save close to 40%. Hurry, seats are
<br>limited! <a href="http://www.midem.com/" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">www.midem.com</a></p>
<p>--Entrepreneur Association of Tokyo - Tuesday, November 6th--</p>
<p>Speaker: Ines Ligron, President of IBG Japan Co., Ltd. and<br>The Miss Universe Organization, National Director Japan</p>
<p>Title: 'The Beauty Business - from the Beauty Queen Maker'</p>
<p>Have you ever wondered what it takes to succeed in the beauty<br>business? Wonder no longer, join us at EA-Tokyo's next<br>seminar to hear from Japan's very own 'Beauty Queen Maker,'<br>Ines Ligron.</p>
<p>Date/Time: Tuesday, November 6, 7:00 pm<br>Location: Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan<br>Language: English</p>
<p>Website: <a href="http://www.ea-tokyo.com/" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">http://www.ea-tokyo.com</a><br>Email: <a href="mailto:info@ea-tokyo.com" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">
info@ea-tokyo.com</a></p>
<p>--------------------Celebrity Dinner--------------------<br>Benefitting The Tyler Foundation for Childhood Cancer</p>
<p>November 8th, 2007, The Westin Tokyo 6pm - midnight</p>
<p>Mingle with international sport and entertainment celebrities<br>including Grammy-award winning-lyricist Sir Tim Rice, Australian<br>cricketing legend Dennis Lillee, Japan rugby coach John Kirwan<br>and Japanese cyclist Fumy Beppu and more!!!
</p>
<p>A triathlon of games, fantastic auction prizes and delectable<br>delicacies from Japan and the world presented in a matsuri<br>atmosphere will make for an extra-ordinary dinner experience.</p>
<p>28,000 per person including dinner and drinks</p>
<p>For more information contact <a href="mailto:julie@tylershineon.org" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">julie@tylershineon.org</a><br>or see <a href="http://www.tylershineon.org/" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">
www.tylershineon.org</a></p>
<p>----------Marcus Evans Events - Supported by <a href="mailto:J@pan" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">J@pan</a> Inc---------</p>
<p>Date :27th – 28th November, 2007 Venue: Hilton Tokyo Hotel<br>1) Creative Advertising & Media Marketing Strategy<br><a href="http://www.marcusevans.com/events/CFEventinfo.asp?EventID=12919" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">
http://www.marcusevans.com/events/CFEventinfo.asp?EventID=12919
</a><br>This event features leading case studies from Fuji Xerox, KDDI <br>Corporation, Nissin Food Products, Kubota and Nihon Michelin <br>Tyre Co. There will be no future without effective advertising!</p>
<p>2) Quality Sourcing & Strategic Procurement<br><a href="http://www.marcusevans.com/events/CFEventinfo.asp?EventID=12593" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">http://www.marcusevans.com/events/CFEventinfo.asp?EventID=12593
</a><br>Come listen to best practices & case studies from renowned
<br>organisations like Pioneer Corporation, Bayer Healthcare, Fujitsu <br>and Mastercard.</p>
<p><a href="mailto:%27J@pan" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">'J@pan</a> Inc readers are entitled to a 10% discount upon registration <br>with Ms. Esther Wong.' <br>For further details and brochures, please contact:
<br>Ms. Esther Wong <br>Tel No: +603 2723 6736 Fax No: +603 2723 6699
<br>Email add: <a href="mailto:estherw@marcusevanskl.com" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">estherw@marcusevanskl.com</a><br>-----------------------------------------------------------
<br></p>
<br clear="all"><br><br>