<div dir="ltr"><p>J@pan Inc Newsletter<br>
The 'JIN' J@pan Inc Newsletter<br>
A weekly opinion piece on social, economic and political trends<br>
in Japan.<br>
Issue No. 480 Wednesday September 3, 2008, Tokyo<br>
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-----------------------------------------------------------</p>
<p>JIN September 2</p>
<p>J@pan Inc Issue 80, September 2008<br>
The September edition of J@pan Inc magazine including our<br>
entrepreneur special is out now. Here are the highlights:</p>
<p>On the cover: From Start-up to IPO</p>
<p>New Zealand entrepreneur Tim Williams went from brainstorming<br>
some ideas over BBQs and beer to taking his Internet company,<br>
ValueCommerce, public. Williams talks about his naive<br>
beginnings in business, raising $35 million in venture capital<br>
and surviving the Dot.com bust. The next step? Becoming the<br>
Amazon.com of the wine business.<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_tim-williams" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_tim-williams">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_tim-williams</a></p>
<p>Also in the entrepreneur special:</p>
<p>You Know it Don't Come Easy:</p>
<p>On the road to success there are always pitfuls but for<br>
entrepreneurs trying to find their feet, they can prove<br>
disastrous. Four entrepreneurs talk about the hurdles start-ups<br>
need to be prepared for as well as those unexpected setbacks<br>
that can ruin a fledgling small-to-medium-sized company.<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_entrepreneurs-lessons-learned" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_entrepreneurs-lessons-learned">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_entrepreneurs-lessons-learned</a></p>
<p>Foreign Entrepreneurs, taking advantage of the 'gaijin factor':</p>
<p>Dave Mori, president of the Entrepreneur Association of Tokyo,<br>
writes about the opportunities and advantages of foreigners<br>
looking to set up their own entrepreneurial enterprise in Japan.<br>
Overcoming the language barrier is the first major wall that<br>
foreigners have to face, either by themselves or with the<br>
help of bilingual staff. But being a duck out of water can be<br>
turned into a plus and standing out of the crowd and taking<br>
advantage of the expat network can be a big bonus to the<br>
foreigner entrepreneur.<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_gaijin-factor" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_gaijin-factor">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_gaijin-factor</a></p>
<p>-----------------------------------------------------------<br>
Paccess Inc helps you 'Go Global Now!'</p>
<p>For over 10 years, Paccess Inc has assisted companies with<br>
market entry, strategic partner search, and trade development<br>
in the US, Japan, and Latin America.<br>
To expand your business in overseas markets,<br>
visit <a href="http://www.paccess.com/" title="www.paccess.com">www.paccess.com</a>, or contact <a href="mailto:info@paccess.NET">info@paccess.NET</a><br>
(English, Japanese, or Spanish OK).</p>
<p>-----------------------------------------------------------</p>
<p>Diamond Dealer:</p>
<p>Mark Hiroshi Willis knew his future lay in diamonds. After<br>
starting with an Indian company he moved to the Belgium-owned<br>
Allied diamonds, taking over the entire Japanese operation<br>
before eventually going solo. Now the American entrepreneur<br>
also runs a boutique side-business, dealing with a lucrative<br>
niche market of expats.<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_diamond-dealer" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_diamond-dealer">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_diamond-dealer</a></p>
<p>The Gangsters Castle:</p>
<p>Sitting in the middle of Roppongi lies the rubble of the 3,800<br>
square-meter site of the infamous TSK.CCC Terminal building.<br>
Once owned by yakuza Hisayuki Machii, the infamous Ginza Tiger,<br>
the site now is embroiled in a complicated web of yakuza ties<br>
that are keeping it from being redeveloped. Writer Brett Bull<br>
digs into the mess.<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_property-rights-and-fraud-in-japan" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_property-rights-and-fraud-in-japan">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_property-rights-and-fraud-in-...</a></p>
<p>-----------------------------------------------------------</p>
<p>PRICE FREEZE : REGISTER TO MIDEM/MIDEMNET BEFORE SEPTEMBER 15</p>
<p>People drive music forward. And MIDEM is about people</p>
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<p>Register now at <a href="http://www.midem.com/" title="www.midem.com">www.midem.com</a></p>
<p>-----------------------------------------------------------</p>
<p>The Silver Market Phenomenon:</p>
<p>The shifting demographics in developed nations across the globe<br>
are a mounting challenge that governments and business leaders<br>
are attempting to tackle. But for savvy marketers, the growing<br>
elderly market is a land of opportunity. Japan is the test case<br>
for all other major markets and companies and giants like<br>
Nintendo are raking in the gold from the silver market.<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_aging-society-in-japan" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_aging-society-in-japan">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_aging-society-in-japan</a></p>
<p>Subprime, Year Two:</p>
<p>As the global banking industry continues to feel the effects of<br>
the subprime mortgage the world is looking for the silver lining<br>
to the cloud. While the nation`s financial industry isn't left<br>
unharmed, things may be looking better from these shores.<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_subprime-in-japan" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_subprime-in-japan">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_subprime-in-japan</a></p>
<p>The Decline of Luxury brands in Japan?</p>
<p>The Luxury brands sector here has been dubbed 'the world's only<br>
mass luxury market' but as sales decline, retailers are left to<br>
wonder what's in store for the luxury sector.<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_decline-of-luxury-brands-in-japan" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_decline-of-luxury-brands-in-japan">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_decline-of-luxury-brands-in-j...</a></p>
<p>No Longer Lost in Translation:</p>
<p>For those learning Japanese the biggest barrier is often the<br>
kanji barrier. Now innovative kanji reading pen the<br>
Quicktionary2, promises to break down the kanji walls for<br>
frustrated students. We take a look at the pen and the man<br>
behind it, Mike Kato, CEO of company Japan21.<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_lost-in-translation" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_lost-in-translation">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_lost-in-translation</a></p>
<p>---------- Metropolis and eigoTown.com Party --------------</p>
<p>Join over 300 party animals for drinks, food and music!</p>
<p>September 6, 2008: 7:00pm - 10:00pm @ Feria, Roppongi.<br>
After 10pm, feel free to stay and party the night away until<br>
the early hours!</p>
<p>Cost: 5,000 yen<br>
Show this email at the door to get in for 3,500 yen</p>
<p>All-you-can drink + Prizes!<br>
(Trip for two to Macau courtesy of Viva Macau)<br>
DJs + Single people</p>
<p>Click here to register: <a href="http://www.metropolis.co.jp/iparty/" title="www.metropolis.co.jp/iparty/">www.metropolis.co.jp/iparty/</a><br>
Nearest stn: Roppongi</p>
<p>CORPORATE SPONSORS WELCOME</p>
<p>-----------------------------------------------------------</p>
<p>Fashion:</p>
<p>For Western men, finding a suit that fits can sometimes be<br>
difficult in Japan. Isetan Men's have filled the gap in the<br>
market with made-to-order suits, tailored for the market.<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_made-to-order-suits" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_made-to-order-suits">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_made-to-order-suits</a></p>
<p>Travel:</p>
<p>Writer Sarah Noorbakhsh tastes what Yamanashi, Japan's answer<br>
to Napa Valley, has to offer.<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_japan-wine" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_japan-wine">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_japan-wine</a></p>
<p>Japan: Global Star Performer:</p>
<p>The first installment in Jesper Koll's monthly column. This<br>
issue he argues that Japan will be one of the great winners when<br>
the world hits its next up-cycle.<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_japanese-economy" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_japanese-economy">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_japanese-economy</a></p>
<p>Seeing the Light:</p>
<p>Japanese companies continue to push their eco-friendly<br>
products but just how effective are they?<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_japanese-companies-changing-the-earth" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_japanese-companies-changing-the-earth">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_japanese-companies-changing-t...</a></p>
<p>----------------- ICA Event - Sept 11 ---------------------</p>
<p>Event: SUMMER NETWORKING PARTY!!</p>
<p>Topic: Joint event with ACCJ ICT Committee and the<br>
Indian IT Club</p>
<p>Details: Complete event details at <a href="http://www.icajapan.jp/" title="http://www.icajapan.jp/">http://www.icajapan.jp/</a><br>
(RSVP Required)</p>
<p>Date: Thursday, Sept 11, 2008<br>
Time: 6:30-8:30pm - includes open bar and buffet<br>
Cost: 6,000 yen (members), 7,000 yen (non-members)<br>
Open to all-Venue is Monsoon Cafe, Azabu Juban<br>
<a href="http://www.monsoon-cafe.jp/en/azabu_juban/home/location/printer" title="http://www.monsoon-cafe.jp/en/azabu_juban/home/location/printer">http://www.monsoon-cafe.jp/en/azabu_juban/home/location/printer</a></p>
<p>-----------------------------------------------------------</p>
<p>Executive Interview: Seiichi Shimada, President Japan Housing<br>
Finance Agency:</p>
<p>Shimada talks about the state of the housing industry in Japan.<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_japan-housing-finance-agency" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_japan-housing-finance-agency">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_japan-housing-finance-agency</a></p>
<p>Business Break & Trends in Japan:</p>
<p>Our regular round-up of new businesses, IPO Watch and<br>
trend news, this month on toys.<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_business-break" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_business-break">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_business-break</a></p>
<p>Retail Watch:</p>
<p>Our monthly spotlight on retailers. This week: Sony Plaza</p>
<p>Measure for Measure:</p>
<p>Industry and economic environment statistics, plus a focus on<br>
classy convenience store, Natural Lawsons.<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_sony-plaza" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_sony-plaza">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_sony-plaza</a></p>
<p>-------------Japan Inc is worth every penny!---------------</p>
<p>J@pan Inc is Japan's only English-language business magazine.<br>
Authoritatively chronicling business trends in Japan, each<br>
beautifully designed full-color issue brings you in-depth<br>
analysis of business, people and technology in the world's<br>
second largest economy. Don't miss another issue! JPY 8,000<br>
for 1 year (12 issues) JPY 15,000 for 2 years (24 issues)<br>
Visit <a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_subscriptions" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_subscriptions">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_subscriptions</a> to subscribe.</p>
<p>-----------------------------------------------------------</p>
<p>Chamber of Commerce Interview:</p>
<p>J@pan Inc talks to Manfred Hoffman, Executive Director and<br>
Delegate of German Industry and Commerce.<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_manfred-hoffman" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_manfred-hoffman">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_manfred-hoffman</a><br>
.<br>
Inside Out: Cambodia:</p>
<p>Our column on emerging markets considers risks and<br>
opportunities in Cambodia and Cambodia-Japan relations.<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_business-in-cambodia" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_business-in-cambodia">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_business-in-cambodia</a></p>
<p>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_september_2008_arrivals-and-departure" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_arrivals-and-departure">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_arrivals-and-departure</a></p>
<p>NEW: Sudoku<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_sudoku" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_sudoku">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_sudoku</a></p>
<p>Back & Forward<br>
Ken Worsley's satirical take on the economy.<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_back-and-forward" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_back-and-forward">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_back-and-forward</a></p>
<p>J@pan Inc Classifieds<br>
Jobs, Services, Events, Support<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_classifieds" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_classifieds">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_classifieds</a><br>
Job Finder<br>
<a href="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_job-finder" title="http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_job-finder">http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_job-finder</a></p>
<p>I hope you enjoy this issue.</p>
<p>Michael Condon<br>
Editor-in-chief</p>
<p>-----------------------------------------------------------</p>
<p>Buyout and Leveraged Financing Japan 2008<br>
Tokyo, Japan 10th and 11th Sept 2008</p>
<p>This conference on Buyout and Leveraged Financing Japan 2008<br>
is well-timed and provides the opportunity for participants<br>
to assess buyout and leveraged buyout activities in Japan.</p>
<p>It aims to explore the business opportunities for investors,<br>
corporate needs of leverage over equity and also the market<br>
for venture capitalists and private equities.</p>
<p>The event will also discuss the evolving relationships between<br>
bankers, investors and sponsors.<br>
Featuring distinguish speakers from Nomura Securities,<br>
Deutsche Securities, Nikko antfactory, Merrill Lynch Japan<br>
Securities, JPMorgan Securities Japan, Rex Holdings and many<br>
other distinguish speakers.</p>
<p>Supported by: J@pan Inc Magazine, Japan PFI Association,<br>
Corporate Financial Systems Journal, Hedgeweek,<br>
JCN Newswire and Fraud Watch.</p>
<p>-----------------------------------------------------------<br>
STAFF<br>
Written by: Michael Condon, Editor-in-Chief, Japan Inc Magazine<br>
READ PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS<br>
Check out our other Japan-specific newsletters:<br>
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Copyright (C) 2008 Japan Inc Communications KK.<br>
All Rights Reserved.</p></div>