* * * * * * * * * T E R R I E 'S T A K E * * * * * * *<br>A weekly roundup of news & information from Terrie Lloyd.<br>(<a href="http://www.terrie.com">http://www.terrie.com</a>)<br><br>General Edition Sunday, June 27, 2010 Issue No. 571<br>
<br>+++ INDEX<br><br>- What's New<br>- News<br>- Candidate Roundup/Vacancies<br>- Upcoming Events<br>- Corrections/Feedback<br>- News Credits<br><br>SUBSCRIBE to, UNSUBSCRIBE from Terrie's Take at:<br><a href="http://mailman.japaninc.com/mailman/listinfo/terrie">http://mailman.japaninc.com/mailman/listinfo/terrie</a><br>
<br>BACK ISSUES<br><a href="http://www.japaninc.com/terries_take">http://www.japaninc.com/terries_take</a>, or,<br><a href="http://mailman.japaninc.com/pipermail/terrie/">http://mailman.japaninc.com/pipermail/terrie/</a><br>
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or call: 03-4550-2557.<br><br>------------- PBXL is Business Communications -------------<br><br><br>+++ WHAT'S NEW<br><br>Last week the Forestry Agency and the Ministry of Land <br>co-announced that they are considering imposing <br>
restrictions on foreign ownership of Japan's forests on the<br>basis that they want to "prevent corporations and <br>individuals not suited to manage forests" from owning them.<br>To help them out, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has <br>
stuck its oar in as well, by saying that they don't want <br>foreigners owning forests in the catchment area of the <br>Tokyo water supply.<br><br>Hmmm, well given that forests cover 67% of the country, and<br>that the topology means that pretty much most of the<br>
forested area is responsible for the water catchment of at <br>least one of Japan's 148 cities, this approach would mean <br>that most of Japan's forests would become off limits to <br>foreign investors. Right now there is no restriction on foreign <br>
ownership of private forest and they can use the land as <br>they see fit.<br><br>The speculation is that the Agency and Ministry decided to <br>move after it came to light that Chinese investors have <br>been acquiring private forests along the shores of the <br>
Tama River since May, and this has obviously put the wind <br>up the bureaucrats.<br><br>The irony is that while they may fear Chinese plans for <br>using the forests, it is an undeniable fact that Japan's <br>forests are generally very poorly managed, and that foreign<br>
ownership may in fact improve the state of the forests <br>here. Not only are forests overwhelmingly planted out in a <br>single species, either Japanese Cedar (Sugi) or Cypress <br>(Hinoki), which cause untold misery to city dwellers in <br>
Tokyo in the form of Hay Fever twice a year, but many have <br>been abandoned by their absentee or aged owners and <br>subsequently are in a severe state of neglect. Privately <br>owned forests account for about 58% of coverage, so <br>
abandonment is not a small problem, and artificially <br>established plantations account for 41% (as of 1995) of all<br>forests, meaning they represent a large problem as well.<br><br>[Continued below...]<br><br>---------- Denphone - Voice, Video and Networks ----------<br>
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<br>-----------------------------------------------------------<br><br>[...Article continues]<br><br>Generally speaking commercial forests need to be thinned on<br>a regular basis, at least every few years, and branches <br>
lopped. This ensures that each tree grows to a robust size <br>and that the quality of the timber produced is relatively <br>free of imperfections. Unfortunately, due to lack of <br>manpower (aging of the workforce) and funds (foreign timber<br>
is so much cheaper), many of the nation's forests have not <br>been thinned out since they were planted in the 1960's. As <br>a result, trees are spindly thin and the timber itself full<br>of knots and generally low in quality. Whenever a major <br>
storm passes through the forests surrounding Tokyo, it <br>looks like a giant has snapped the trees off like match <br>sticks.<br><br>So who is responsible for the mess currently confronting <br>the Japanese forestry industry? Ummm, surely not the very <br>
same Forestry Agency trying to change the rules now? <br>You really have to wonder where they get the chutzpah <br>from to say to the press the phrase "not suited to manage<br>forests" as the reason for keeping the Chinese out. In <br>
fact, they should look at themselves in the mirror first.<br><br>Another irony in confronting foreign ownership is the fact <br>that Japanese companies have happily raided the forests of <br>other countries for cheap timber for decades -- leading to <br>
the razing of rain forests in Indonesia, Thailand, and most<br>recently Burma. OK, it's not just the Japanese, but the <br>problem got so bad that the United Nations' (UN) World <br>Wildlife Fund (WWF) decided to start a program in Japan in <br>
the early 2000's to raise the awareness of the traders and <br>consumers of timber, about responsible logging and forest <br>management of timber sourced both here at home and <br>from abroad. <br><br>Then in 2004 they introduced a certification program <br>
administered by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which<br>assures purchasers that wood products have been tracked <br>through a 'chain of custody' -- meaning that timber has <br>come from forests which are well managed, taking into <br>
account all relevant environmental, social and economic <br>principles and criteria. And, boy, do we ever need that <br>here in Japan. The program has been quite successful and <br>producers of pulp and paper have since changed who they buy<br>
from and what they buy.<br><br>So are the Chinese a threat?<br><br>In 2006 conservationist C.W. Nicol wrote that the Tokyo <br>Metropolitan Government itself said that to combat Hay <br>Fever caused by Sugi, it would fell 1,200 hectares of <br>
plantations per year for 10 years. That's 12,000 hectares <br>-- which we're darned sure will be significantly more land <br>coverage than the Chinese are able to buy privately. <br>Further, to get at the trees, the government plans to build<br>
a network of roads and tracks that Nicol reckons will cause<br>significant pollution and erosion. So right now we'd say <br>the Governor of Tokyo is a bigger threat to the forests of <br>Tokyo -- he is apparently an allergy sufferer and is all <br>
for getting rid of the plantations.<br><br>Rather than the bureaucrats getting in on the action, what <br>would make better sense for everyone would be for the WWF <br>to be given a chance to run its certification process for <br>
all new forest acquisitions, thus assuring that a neutral <br>and scientifically based body is running the program. New <br>purchasers of a forest would then be subject to uniform and<br>politics-free rules that would give us sustainable and <br>
responsible forestry. <br><br>But will it happen? Given the current level of xenophobia <br>practiced by the very top people in the Tokyo Metropolitan <br>Government and some of the coalition government partners, <br>probably not. But given that they don't have the cash to <br>
throw around that they once did, and that the DPJ has <br>already said that it plans to open some infrastructure <br>projects to private investment, perhaps someone will figure<br>out that our forests, not just airports and roads, are part of <br>
the nation's most important infrastructure assets.<br><br>...The information janitors/<br><br>***------------------------****-------------------------***<br><br>--------- BIOS - Bilingual IT Systems and Support ---------<br>
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<br>Service Offerings:<br>* IT Infrastructure Projects, Office Setups/Relocations<br>* MS Office Training, Hardware/Software Procurement<br>* IT Personnel Outsourcing and Recruiting<br>* BiOS NetCare: Bilingual IT Service Desk and Support<br>
* BiOS Advanceserve: Secure Online Data Backup (free trial)<br><br>BiOS is committed to providing quality services at <br>competitive prices. We're here to help!<br><br>Phone: 03-5773-3090, Email: <a href="mailto:solutions@biosjp.com">solutions@biosjp.com</a><br>
Web: <a href="http://www.biosjp.com">www.biosjp.com</a><br>-----------------------------------------------------------<br><br><br>+++ NEWS<br><br>- Manga lawsuits on the way?<br>- Down Under cheese prices come down<br>- Who needs holidays?<br>
- Chinese tourist numbers up 36%<br>- Government debt at record level<br><br><br><br>-> Manga lawsuits on the way?<br><br>A manga publishers group, called the Digital Comic <br>Association, is threatening legal action against mainly <br>
U.S. websites that take scans of the Japan-based manga then<br>add local language captions to them. The association <br>reckons there are more than 30 websites that it plans to go<br>after, starting with those site owners who are connected to<br>
foreign commercial publishers. **Ed: While we agree that <br>Japanese manga publishers should be able to protect their <br>intellectual rights, here we have a case of where the DCA <br>might be cutting off its nose to spite its face. Until very<br>
recently, they have done little to promote manga as a <br>cultural export from Japan -- typically loading up <br>contracts with parsimonious conditions and unreasonable <br>pricing, thus restricting the spread of manga. A much more<br>
practical approach would be to allow some sort of "fair <br>use" arrangement so that fan sites in particular be allowed<br>to stay in business.** (Source: TT commentary from <br><a href="http://nikkei.com">nikkei.com</a>, Jun 26, 2010)<br>
<br><a href="http://e.nikkei.com/e/ac/tnks/Nni20100626D25NY428.htm">http://e.nikkei.com/e/ac/tnks/Nni20100626D25NY428.htm</a><br><br>-> Down Under cheese prices come down<br><br>Who would have thought it? The Euro has slipped so much in <br>
value in the last few months that milk products, and <br>particularly cheeses from the continent are now <br>cost-competitive with product from Australia and New <br>Zealand. As a result, the folks down under, who have 70% of <br>
Japanese imported cheese market, have had to agree to price<br>cuts of around 6-8% to maintain market share. In fact, the <br>situation is not as bad as it sounds, because cheese prices<br>from the antipodes were hiked last year anyway, and <br>
further, the Japanese retail sector has already cut its <br>retail prices by a similar amount earlier this year. <br>(Source: TT commentary from <a href="http://nikkei.com">nikkei.com</a>, Jun 26, 2010)<br><br><a href="http://e.nikkei.com/e/ac/tnks/Nni20100625D25JFA22.htm">http://e.nikkei.com/e/ac/tnks/Nni20100625D25JFA22.htm</a><br>
<br>-> Who needs holidays?<br><br>A survey by online travel booking site Expedia has found that <br>Japanese employees take the lowest number of holidays a <br>year among developed nations, even though they may <br>be entitled to them. According to the survey, the average <br>
Japanese worker takes about 9 days a year in leave, even <br>though they are entitled to 16.5 days. In contrast, the <br>French take off an average 34.5 days a year. ***Ed: Putting<br>things in perspective, the Japanese do have a lot of <br>
national holidays, almost double some western countries, so<br>most workers are at least getting some time off.** (Source:<br>TT commentary from <a href="http://indiatimes.com">indiatimes.com</a>, Jun 24, 2010)<br><br><a href="http://tinyurl.com/27cboaa">http://tinyurl.com/27cboaa</a><br>
<br>-> Chinese tourist numbers up 36%<br><br>The staff at the Japan Tourism Agency will be happy, <br>because tourist numbers appear to be on the mend. <br>Apparently 600,000 Chinese tourists visited the country in <br>
the first five months of this year, up 36% over the same <br>period last year. This number is expected to climb rapidly <br>once the visa restrictions are relaxed from July this year,<br>with Chinese tourists expected to hit 1.5m. ***Ed: However,<br>
those expecting a shopping bonanza may be in for a <br>surprise. Scuttlebutt we've heard on the street is that the<br>tourists coming through now are being much more selective <br>about what they spend their money on, focusing mainly on <br>
electronic goods and skimping on food, accommodation, and <br>tourist attractions.** (Source: TT commentary from <br><a href="http://japantimes.co.jp">japantimes.co.jp</a>, Jun 26, 2010)<br><br><a href="http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nb20100626a4.html">http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nb20100626a4.html</a><br>
<br>-> Government debt at record level<br><br>It's not like we need a reminder about how indebted the <br>government is at present, but nonetheless a reminder was <br>provided in the form of FY2009 data put out by the Ministry<br>
of Finance. The data shows that the nation's public debt <br>rose 12% to JPY317.4trn (US$3.52.67trn). As a result, <br>public debt is expected to exceed 200% of GDP for the first<br>time this fiscal year. (Source: TT commentary from <a href="http://wsj.com">wsj.com</a>,<br>
Jun 25, 2010)<br><br><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100625-702509.html">http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100625-702509.html</a><br><br><br><br>NOTE: Broken links<br>Many online news sources remove their articles after just a<br>
few days of posting them, thus breaking our links -- we<br>apologize for the inconvenience.<br><br>***------------------------****-------------------------***<br><br>---------- Microfinance in the South Pacific --------------<br>
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-----------------------------------------------------------<br><br>***------------------------****-------------------------***<br><br>+++ CANDIDATE ROUND UP/VACANCIES<br><br>=> BiOS, a Division of the LINC Media group, is actively <br>
marketing the following positions for customers setting up <br>or expanding in Japan, as well as other employers of <br>bilinguals.<br><br>** HIGHLIGHTED POSITION(S)<br><br>BiOS is currently searching for a high caliber ex-pat <br>
President of Japan Operations for our manufacturing <br>industry client, charged with accelerating the growth of <br>an operation that is capable of more outstanding results.<br>You will be an entrepreneurial, driven, idea-generating <br>
leader, responsible for achieving the strategic and <br>financial objectives of the Japan subsidiary as defined by <br>its parent company. This is to be done through the hands-on<br>leadership of all aspects of the business including <br>
marketing, sales, operations, facilities, finance and human <br>resources.<br><br>The ideal candidate for this role will have at least 10 <br>years entrepreneurial leadership experience with profit and<br>loss responsibility in a manufacturing or related industry <br>
within a fast-growing company. The candidate needs to show<br>a track record of growth results, and turn-around experience<br>would also be most useful. The individual needs to have a <br>thorough knowledge of Japanese business and be strongly <br>
bilingual. This is a roll-up-your-sleeves position, and will <br>entail a lot of customer outreach and interaction.<br><br>Remuneration depends on your experience and level<br><br>** POSITIONS VACANT<br><br>- Vendor Business Mgr, Global IT Supplier, JPY8m – JPY10m<br>
- eSourcing Account Manager, JPY4.5m – JPY5.5m<br>- Snr Network Engineer, Network Vendor JPY6m – JPY10m<br>- Helpdesk Engr (Okinawa) Global Vendor., JPY3m – JPY3.5m<br>- Sales Rep, Plastics Manufacturer, JPY5m – JPY6m<br>
<br>Interested individuals may e-mail resumes to:<br><a href="mailto:stuart.gibson@biosjp.com">stuart.gibson@biosjp.com</a><br><br>** BiOS Job Mail<br><br>Every 2 weeks BiOS sends out a regular communication to its<br>job seeking candidates, called BiOS Job Mail. Every edition<br>
carries a list of BiOS's current and most up-to-date<br>vacancies, with each entry featuring a short job<br>description and a direct link to the main entry on the BiOS<br>home page. Regardless of whether you are unemployed and<br>
searching, thinking about a career change, or just curious<br>to know if there is something out there that might suit you<br>better, the BiOS Job Mail newsletter is an easy and<br>convenient way for you to stay informed. If you would like<br>
to register for the BiOS Job Mail, or to find out more,<br>please email <a href="mailto:stuart.gibson@biosjp.com">stuart.gibson@biosjp.com</a>.<br><br>Interested individuals may e-mail resumes to:<br><a href="mailto:stuart.gibson@biosjp.com">stuart.gibson@biosjp.com</a><br>
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enabled websites with as much functionality as you need, <br>plus year-round support, for a flat monthly fee.<br><br>Avoid upfront costs and lack of support after the site is<br>up, with the LINC Media WEB PARTNERS service. Our customers<br>
to date include major international airlines, Social <br>Network Service sites, and online stores for consumer<br>products.<br><br>Program includes:<br>- Japanese/English website development<br>- Configuration of core software (Wordpress or Drupal, etc.)<br>
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<br>Contact: nana.yamaguchi at <a href="http://lincmedia.co.jp">lincmedia.co.jp</a> for details.<br>-----------------------------------------------------------<br><br>***------------------------****-------------------------***<br>
<br><br>+++ UPCOMING EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS<br><br>------------------- CCH HR Seminars 2010 ------------------<br><br>1. Japan Labor & Employment Law Seminar<br>- Navigating Common issues in Managing HR Matters<br>- Review of amendments to Labor & Employment Law 2010<br>
- Topical Issues: Bullying (Power Harassment) & Sexual <br>Harassment<br><br>Date: Friday, June 25th, 1:30pm-5:00pm<br>Speaker: Hideki Kano, Attorney, Anderson, Mori & Tomotsune <br><br>2. Managing and Motivating Your Japanese Team for Success<br>
-Bridging Cultural Difference as a Leader<br><br>Date: Thursday, 29th July, 1:30pm-5:00pm<br>Speaker: Rochelle Kopp, Principal, Japan Intercultural <br>Consulting<br><br>--Both Seminars--<br><br>Venue: Happo-en 5F Linden Room <br>
Number of Seats: Each Seminar-50 seats<br>Language: English<br>Fees: Each Seminar-20,000JPY+Tax<br>If you attend both seminars you can receive a 5,000 yen <br>discount!! Register at: <br><a href="https://www.cch-japan.jp/contents/register/form">https://www.cch-japan.jp/contents/register/form</a><br>
<br>For more details, Please Contact us at: <a href="mailto:support@cch.co.jp">support@cch.co.jp</a>,<br>or 03-3265-1161, <a href="http://www.cch-japan.jp">www.cch-japan.jp</a>.<br><br><a href="http://www.cch-japan.jp">www.cch-japan.jp</a><br>
-----------------------------------------------------------<br><br>------------- ICA Summer Networking Party!!!!! ------------<br><br>The ICA invites you to join our Summer Networking Party at<br>La Boheme in Shirogane. This will be an excellent <br>
opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet new people <br>and network with peers in related industries, or simply to <br>put names to faces.<br><br>Open bar (beer, wine, soft drinks) and great food will<br>be included. Be sure to bring your colleagues and friends <br>
to join the party. Open to all, RSVP required.<br><br>Date: Thursday, 29th July, 2010<br>Time: 19:00 to 21:30pm<br>Venue: La Boheme, Shirogane<br>Map: <a href="http://www.boheme.jp/jp/shirogane/home/location/printer">www.boheme.jp/jp/shirogane/home/location/printer</a><br>
Cost: 3,000yen ICA members, 5,000yen non-members. <br>*Includes open bar (beer, wine, soft drinks) & great <br>quality food.<br>-----------------------------------------------------------<br><br>***------------------------****-------------------------***<br>
<br>+++ CORRECTIONS/FEEDBACK<br><br>In this section we run comments and corrections submitted<br>by readers. We encourage you to spot our mistakes and<br>amplify our points, by email, to <a href="mailto:editors@terrie.com">editors@terrie.com</a>.<br>
<br>*** No feedback this week.<br><br>***********************************************************<br>END<br><br>SUBSCRIBERS: 8,996 as of June 27th, 2010<br>(We purge our list regularly.)<br><br>+++ ABOUT US<br><br>STAFF<br>
Written by: Terrie Lloyd (<a href="mailto:terrie.lloyd@japaninc.com">terrie.lloyd@japaninc.com</a>)<br><br>HELP: E-mail <a href="mailto:Terrie-request@mailman.japaninc.com">Terrie-request@mailman.japaninc.com</a><br>with the word 'help' in the subject or body (don't include<br>
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<br>Copyright 2010 Japan Inc. Communications Inc.<br><br>----------------- Japan Inc opens up Japan ----------------<br><br>J@pan Inc is Japan's only independently published English-<br>language business website. Authoritatively chronicling <br>
online the business trends in Japan, each posting brings <br>you in-depth analysis of business, people and technology in<br>the world's second largest economy. <br><br>Visit <a href="http://www.japaninc.com">www.japaninc.com</a> for the best business insight on<br>
Japan available.<br>-----------------------------------------------------------<br><br><br>