J@pan Inc Newsletter<br><div class="gmail_quote">The 'JIN' J@pan Inc Newsletter<br>A weekly opinion piece on social, economic and political trends<br>in Japan.<br>Issue No. 464 Wednesday May 7, 2008, Tokyo<br><br>-----------------------------------------------------------<br>
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More about PBXL: <a href="http://www.pbxl.jp/aboutus2" target="_blank">http://www.pbxl.jp/aboutus2</a><br>-----------------------------------------------------------<br><br>J@pan Inc Issue 77, 2008<br><br>The May/June edition of J@pan Inc magazine including our<br>
real estate special feature is out now. Here are the highlights:<br><br>The Capital of Asia<br>As we move into what we hope is the post-subprime era, Asia is <br>shaping up to be an attractive region for investors with its <br>
blend of sophisticated financial centers and rapidly growing <br>emerging markets. For the Capital Services Group, its <br>establishment in Japan during the late 1990s to service loans <br>for a major US investment bank provided it with the basis of a <br>
platform that now spreads across eight different regional <br>markets. It is now seeing significant growth in regional <br>investment in its core areas of service, namely real estate <br>asset management, loan servicing and technology solutions for <br>
reporting. We spoke to the senior management team and learned <br>how the group has expanded to its current size and how it is <br>re-setting the agenda in the market by putting its own capital <br>alongside those of its clients in projects across the region. <br>
To read the full article visit:<br><a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_capital-success" target="_blank">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_capital-success</a><br><br>Also in the real estate special feature:<br>
<br>Safe from Subprime? Brad Frischkorn analyzes the effect of the <br>
crisis in the US on Japan. Including interviews with leading <br>industry players and analysts we reveal why there are grounds <br>for cautious optimism. With a systemic aversion to risk and <br>diversification strategies employed by the REITs, the wider <br>
Japan market looks to be in a relatively healthy state.<br><a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_subprime" target="_blank">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_subprime</a><br><br>Japanese Architecture – Japan's unique architectural landscape <br>
has received mixed a opinion. Anna Kitanaka traverses the debate<br>between those who see Japan as a haven of creative freedom and <br>those who argue that tight regulations are needed to restore <br>harmony and consistency. <br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_architecture" target="_blank">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_architecture</a><br><br>And, for all manner of real estate needs, don't miss our <br>Real Estate Services Directory<br>
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/4yqqup" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/4yqqup</a><br><br><br>Under the Media's Skin<br>In 2005, Kyodo PR and PRAP were the first domestic agencies in <br>Japan to go to IPO. Based on a series of conversations with <br>
several leading minds in the business, this article considers <br>how the unique industry here has proved ripe for a blend of <br>foreign and local techniques. However, it seems that the <br>top-down advertising model is proving less and less successful <br>
as more subtle ways of getting the message out are beginning to <br>gain preference. In the words of Robert Picard, Representative <br>Director of Edelman Japan, "Public relations is posed for a <br>revolution in Japan." The article includes valuable guidance on <br>
how to choose the right PR agency for your business.<br><a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_media-skin" target="_blank">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_media-skin</a> <br><br>Sending the Right Signals<br>
On other pages we spoke to a Japanese marketing expert who has <br>
helped small-medium enterprises with marketing and PR in Japan. <br>Kiyofumi Someya of the company Kakudai was the brains behind the<br>marketing success of a thin strip of metal that improves mobile <br>reception and battery life. The original inventor had tried in <br>
vain to release his product into the mainstream but it was until<br>he met Kakudai that he was able to really break the market by <br>sorting out the branding and, raising the price!<br><a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_signals" target="_blank">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_signals</a><br>
<br>Reinventing the Wheel<br>This edition's focus on technology takes us to Shikoku where <br>a jewelry designer named Mitsuo Sawada has invented a <br>four-sided disc with a wheel on each corner that essentially <br>
allow wheel to ascend or descend staircases in a smooth and <br>
continuous manner. Having already patented his invention in nine<br>countries and making good sales in Japan, Sawada is happy to see<br>his idea taking off commercially. However, not wishing to leave <br>his idyllic surroundings in Kagawa, Mr Sawada is now looking to <br>
sell off his enterprise. <br><a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_reinventing-the-wheel" target="_blank">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_reinventing-the-wheel</a><br><br>---------- Metropolis and eigoTown.com Parties -----------<br>
<br>Metropolis - Tokyo's favorite lifestyle magazine and<br>eigoTown.com - Japan's premier English language learning<br>website - join together on May 10, 2008 to bring you<br>the Metropolis and eigoTown.com Party!<br>
<br>Roppongi hotspot Alife will host over 500 revelers for an<br>evening of fun with people from different backgrounds<br>coming together for eating, drinking and making friends.<br><br>CORPORATE SPONSORS WELCOME<br><br>
Website: <a href="http://www.metropolis.co.jp/party" target="_blank">www.metropolis.co.jp/party</a><br>
<br>-----------------------------------------------------------<br><br>Other articles include:<br>CEO Interview: Masahiro Ito<br>We talk to the 25-year-old CEO of interface design company, <br>YAPPA Japan<br><a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_masahiro-ito" target="_blank">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_masahiro-ito</a><br>
<br>Business Break & Trends in Japan<br>Our regular round-up of new businesses, IPO Watch and <br>trend news.<br><a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_trends-in-japan" target="_blank">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_trends-in-japan</a><br>
<br>Measure for Measure<br>Industry and economic environment statistics, plus a focus on <br>innovative hair dresser, QB House.<br><a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_measure-for-measure" target="_blank">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_measure-for-measure</a><br>
<br>The Long Game<br>Director of the Economist Intelligence Unit in Japan, Graham <br>Davis gives us his take on market conditions for foreign <br>business working in Japan.<br><a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_the-long-game" target="_blank">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_the-long-game</a><br>
<br>Exclusive Interview: Ian de Stains<br>J@pan Inc talks to the Executive Director of the British <br>Chamber of Commerce in Japan.<br><a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_ian-de-stains" target="_blank">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_ian-de-stains</a><br>
<br>Discovering Kagawa<br>Down in Shikoku, writer Andrew Cockburn unlocks the beauty of <br>Kagawa and explores it areas of cultural interest.<br><a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_kagawa" target="_blank">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_kagawa</a><br>
<br><br>Inside Out: Business in Russia<br>Our column on emerging markets considers risks and <br>opportunities in Russia.<br><a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_business-in-russia" target="_blank">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_business-in-russia</a><br>
<br>Difficulties and Rewards of Starting a Business in Japan<br>J@pan Inc is proud to publish the winning entry in a business <br>writing contest we held at Temple University Japan.<br><a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_starting-business" target="_blank">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_starting-business</a><br>
<br>Lacking in Style<br>Tim Coghlan reviews Japan Fashion Week and finds it somewhat <br>behind the times.<br><a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_lacking-in-style" target="_blank">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_lacking-in-style</a><br>
<br>Arrivals & Departures<br>Who's coming and going in the international business<br>community here in Japan.<br><a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_arrivals-and-departures" target="_blank">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_arrivals-and-departures</a><br>
<br>Classic Crossword<br>It just got harder!<br><a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_crossword" target="_blank">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_crossword</a><br><br>Back & Forward<br>Ken Worsley's satirical take on the economy.<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_back-and-forward" target="_blank">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_back-and-forward</a><br><br>I hope you enjoy this issue,<br><br>Peter Harris<br>Editor-in-Chief<br>
<br>++EVENTS<br>
<br>-- Entrepreneur Association of Tokyo - Wednesday, May 7th --<br><br>Title: 'Venture Financing in Japan'<br><br>Speakers: Takaaki Hata, Principal of Globis Capital Partners<br><br>Are you interested in learning how to raise venture capital<br>
in Japan? If the answer is YES then you are in for a treat<br>at the next EA-Tokyo seminar.<br>Takaaki Hata will be sharing his inside knowledge of the<br>VC industry in Japan and the process for fundraising.<br><br>Please sign up early while seats are available.<br>
<br>Date/Time: Wednesday, May 7th, 7:00 pm<br>Location: Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan<br>Language: English<br>Website: <a href="http://www.ea-tokyo.com" target="_blank">http://www.ea-tokyo.com</a><br><br>-------------------- ICA Event - May 15 ------------------<br>
<br>Speaker: Ron DiCarlantonio, founder and CEO of iNAGO Group<br><br>Topic: How are Japanese companies innovating<br>in Customer Service?<br><br>Details: Complete event details at <a href="http://www.icajapan.jp/" target="_blank">http://www.icajapan.jp/</a><br>
(RSVP Required)<br><br>Date: Thursday, May 15, 2008<br>Time: 6:30 Doors open includes open bar and light buffet<br>Cost: 4,500 yen (members), 6,000 yen (non-members)<br>Open to all - venue is The Foreign Correspondents'<br>
Club of Japan<br><br><a href="http://www.fccj.or.jp/aboutus/map" target="_blank">http://www.fccj.or.jp/aboutus/map</a><br><br>-----------------------------------------------------------<br><br>Start a Company in Japan<br>
<br>Entrepreneur's Handbook Seminar 31st of May, 2008<br>
<br>If you have been considering setting up your own company,<br>find out what it takes to make it successful.<br>Terrie Lloyd, founder of over 13 start-up companies in Japan,<br>will be giving an English-language seminar and Q and A on<br>
starting up a company in Japan.<br>This is an ideal opportunity to find out what is involved,<br>and to ask specific questions that are not normally answered<br>in business books.<br>All materials are in English and are Japan-focused.<br>
<br>For more details:<br><a href="http://www.japaninc.com/entrepreneur_handbook_seminar" target="_blank">http://www.japaninc.com/entrepreneur_handbook_seminar</a><br><br>-----------------------------------------------------------<br>
<br>
Marcus Evans Events - Supported by J@pan Inc<br><br>Customer Relationship Excellence, 15th - 16th April 2008, Tokyo<br><a href="http://www.marcusevans.com/html/eventdetail.asp?eventID=13548" target="_blank">http://www.marcusevans.com/html/eventdetail.asp?eventID=13548</a><br>
Featuring speakers from American Express International and others<br><br>Compensation and Benefits Forum, 27th - 28th May, Tokyo<br><a href="http://www.marcusevans.com/html/eventdetail.asp?eventID=13778" target="_blank">http://www.marcusevans.com/html/eventdetail.asp?eventID=13778</a><br>
This event provides Japanese firms the 'how-to' of investing in<br>their employees to sustain their businesses.<br>Supported by JSHRM<br><br>3rd Annual LNG World, 15th - 16th July 2008, Tokyo<br><a href="http://www.marcusevans.com/html/eventdetail.asp?eventID=13569" target="_blank">www.marcusevans.com/html/eventdetail.asp?eventID=13569</a><br>
This event focuses on key operational aspects of LNG business and<br>current market dynamics to succeed in this competitive market.<br><br>'J@pan Inc readers are entitled to a 10% discount upon<br>registration with Ms. Esther Wong.'<br>
Contact: +603 2723 6736 Email: <a href="mailto:estherw@marcusevanskl.com" target="_blank">estherw@marcusevanskl.com</a><br>-----------------------------------------------------------<br><br>++END<br>
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