* * * * * * * * * 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 05, 2011, Issue No. 616<br>
<br>+++ INDEX<br><br>- What's New -- Believers in Japan's Health System<br>- Metropolis Members Club -- 2 air tickets on United<br>- News -- Young stay away from gyms<br>- Candidate Roundup/Vacancies<br>- Upcoming Events -- ICA meeting<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>
<br><br>------------ PBXL IP TELEPHONY AND CLOUD BCP --------------<br><br>Since PBXL started in 2006, we have consistently focused on<br>providing high quality, cloud based telephony services.<br>Designed around a high-availability, data center based<br>
deployment, we are proud to report that our customers were<br>able to both make and receive calls during the earthquake<br>and ensuing challenges.<br><br>Additionally, due to PBXL’s flexible system design, PBXL<br>was able to continue providing call center services and<br>
other enterprise connectivity to both offices and remote<br>workers. With summer coming, and with it likely power<br>shortages, PBXL’s remote access and office solutions enable<br>a mobile workforce to continue to service customers<br>
regardless of location, without requiring a phone number<br>change for many Tokyo and Yokohama offices.<br><br>Call us at 03-4550-2557, e-mail us at <a href="mailto:bcp@pbxl.jp">bcp@pbxl.jp</a> or for<br>more information on Tokyo and Yokohama power-safe telephony<br>
visit us at <a href="http://en.pbxl.jp/bcp.php">http://en.pbxl.jp/bcp.php</a><br><br>------------ PBXL is BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS --------------<br><br><br>+++ WHAT'S NEW<br><br>We all have our pet peeves about the Japanese "one size <br>
fits all" medical system. Our's is being forced to submit <br>to barium meal breakfasts and x-rays every year, as part <br>of the nation's employee health screening program. We know <br>of others who have been unfortunate enough to emerge from <br>
local hospitals with infections and complications they <br>didn't go in with, you can't get the latest drugs here<br>without special personal imports, and what drugs you do <br>get are massively over-prescribed, as that is how doctors <br>
get paid.<br><br>But while every health system has its negatives, Japan's <br>does have some amazing positives. By way of anecdotal<br>evidence, we thought we'd share two very special stories <br>with you today. Both involve kids with life-threatening <br>
problems, and the parents have been kind enough to let <br>us tell what happened. <br><br>Although one of the children did not make it, the common <br>thread between both couples is that they can reaffirm the<br>considerable talent, dedication, and financial generosity<br>
of the medical system in Japan.<br><br>Our first parent is Charles McJilton, who runs the NPO food<br>bank Second Harvest. <a href="http://www.2hj.org/index.php/what_is">http://www.2hj.org/index.php/what_is</a>. <br><br>The second is Kim Forsythe-Ferris, who is a founder of the <br>
Tyler Foundation, which helps children with cancer. <br><a href="http://www.tylershineon.org/en/">http://www.tylershineon.org/en/</a>.<br><br>[Continued below...]<br><br>-------- Remaining Partners for Tourist Web Project -------<br>
<br>Metropolis is rapidly establishing a name for itself on the <br>web, extending its brand and reader base. The company is <br>now engaged in a new nationwide project serving tourists we<br>believe will start returning to Japan in the second half of <br>
2011. <br><br>So far we have had an outstanding response and have partner<br>candidates for Ishikawa, Fukui, Shiga, Ehime, Okayama, <br>Tochigi, Wakayama, Nara, Mie, Hokkaido, Tokyo, Niigata, <br>Kanagawa, Nagano, Hiroshima, Gunma, and ten others.<br>
<br>We are still seeking business partners, one per prefecture,<br>for the remaining prefectures. If you can write and market<br>and are interested in participating in a nationwide <br>consortium please let us know.<br><br>
You do not need to be a company, but you do need to have <br>demonstrated commitment to Japan and business development.<br>Metropolis is supplying the software and marketing, so <br>other than your time and effort, no other major investment <br>
required. Revenue-sharing returns are clear-cut and <br>directly connected to results.<br><br>Powerpoint presentation available on request.<br><br>To make inquiries, contact: <a href="mailto:terrie@metropolis.co.jp">terrie@metropolis.co.jp</a><br>
------------------------------------------------------------<br><br>[...Article continues]<br><br>==> Ruby McJilton, as told by father, Charles.<br><br>Our baby girl, Ruby, was born on 9/18/2010 with a heart <br>defect. My wife and I had planned to return to the US in <br>
fall the same year, after the baby got settled, but Ruby's <br>heart condition changed our plans. My wife had to travel <br>ahead in October alone to get her Green Card and at that <br>time she inquired about getting the operation done in the <br>
US. That is when she found out it would be US$114,000 for <br>the surgery alone... a very unsettling discovery for us.<br><br>Early in my wife's pregnancy she was hit by a motorcycle. <br>She was taken to Todai [Ed: Tokyo University Hospital], as <br>
it was the only one equipped to handle pregnant women in <br>such situations. Luckily the baby was OK and after several <br>visits we decided to continue with this hospital through <br>her pregnancy until we decided on where to have the baby <br>
(in the US or in Japan). In the end, having the baby in <br>Japan and at Todai became our only option. <br><br>My wife spent three days in labor and finally gave birth by<br>emergency c-section at 0400 on Saturday September 18th. <br>
When Ruby was born they immediately knew she was in trouble<br>and put her in ICU for several days. About two weeks later,<br>when I was checking the mail at home, I opened the bill for <br>our treatment and realized that they had not charged us for <br>
the three days my wife was in labor nor for Ruby's stay in <br>the ICU. In fact, the local government even gave us <br>JPY450,000 to offset the labor costs and later gave us an <br>additional JPY186,000 to reimburse additional costs we <br>
incurred. <br><br>We cannot say enough about the doctors and nurses at Todai.<br>Our specialist, Dr. Murakami was very quiet and modest. He <br>explained the procedure in great detail on at least four <br>different occasions in English. While I speak Japanese, <br>
they made an effort to have someone there who could answer <br>my wife's questions or would wait until I was available to <br>interpret for my wife. My wife and I feel extremely <br>grateful for everyone's support. <br>
<br>We also feel a deep sense of gratitude for the Japanese <br>National Health Insurance. In the last Friday of May 2011, <br>my wife paid our hospital bill and could not stop crying <br>when she confirmed again that indeed the amount due <br>
was only ¥5,200 ($64)..! For the record, the actual cost <br>her operation, the ICU, and the hospital stay, was <br>¥4.6m, (US$56,900). As mentioned, when she <br>checked on costs in the US for the same procedure, she <br>
found that the operation alone would have been US$114,000 <br>(¥9.2m). We both feel like we have won the lottery. Not <br>only do we have a healthy daughter back home with us, we do<br>not have financial burden of paying medical bills for years<br>
to come.<br><br>Ruby is much happier and breathes so much better. What more<br>could parents want?<br><br>==> Tyler Forsythe-Ferris, as told by mother, Kim.<br><br>Our son Tyler, born in Japan, was diagnosed with a rare <br>
form of leukemia when he was just one month old. He spent <br>nearly all of his short two years at the National Center <br>for Child Health and Development in Setagaya, Tokyo. <br>Although we lost Tyler, it was not for lack of excellent <br>
medical care. His 10%-30% chance of cure would have been a <br>challenging case in any country and that we had him alive <br>and joyful for nearly two years attests to the quality of <br>medical care we received.<br><br>We were active in every decision and aspect of his <br>
treatment - with the doctors working as a team to give us <br>the best possible direction and explain options. Also, we <br>repeatedly confirmed with doctors literally around the <br>world by phone and email that every step we took was spot <br>
on. It was in fact the excellent medical care that made us <br>realize how much this contrasted with the lack of family <br>support and psycho-social support offered to families and <br>children with cancer, and this precipitated our founding <br>
of the Tyler Foundation. <br><br>I would like to point out a few key points regarding our <br>pediatric hospital experience. Some are double edged, but <br>I want to stress that no system is perfect!<br><br>1. When it comes to children with serious conditions and <br>
diseases, the National Health Care system provides <br>amazing financial support. For our two years in the <br>hospital with Tyler we paid essentially nothing. This <br>includes a bone marrow transplant (which costs about <br>
US$250,000 in the US) and a total of over 3 months in the <br>ICU during the more than two years of treatment (probably <br>averaging US$5,000 per day in US). This is quite simply <br>astonishing and something that we cannot begin to express <br>
our gratitude for to the Japanese government and its <br>medical system.<br><br>2. The pediatric nurses we met over the years were lovely. <br>True, they might not be as highly specialized as in the US <br>(in Japan they often rotate wards every 2 years or so), <br>
but in general their demeanor was gentle, sweet and caring. <br><br>3. While the tendency to keep kids in hospital for quite a <br>while in Japan can - when treating a long-term illnesses <br>like cancer - have a negative impact on quality of life <br>
by keeping kids away from home and siblings, on the other <br>hand there is something to be said about not being kicked <br>out of the hospital when you are not comfortable about <br>caring for a child in such a delicate state. <br>
<br>4. The biggest problem I see is inconsistency in <br>day-to-day hospital life for child patients, as it varies <br>greatly by institution. Nonetheless, the "top" hospitals <br>have doctors who travel often overseas and who have worked <br>
in hospitals abroad, and who really embrace "Western" <br>patient care concepts such as transparency in dealing with <br>parents and patients, quality of life while in the <br>hospital, involving the family in aspects of the treatment <br>
process, decision-making, etc.<br><br>So I note that as a foreigner being treated in Japan, if <br>you choose your hospital carefully, you can have excellent <br>care at a truly reasonable price AND have a doctor/hospital<br>
experience similar to what you would expect in the USA or <br>other advanced economies.<br><br><br><br>...The information janitors/<br><br>***------------------------****-------------------------***<br><br>Metropolis Members Club Winners<br>
<br>Last week Robert Hoey who won one night's accommodation for<br>two at The Westin Tokyo courtesy of The Westin Tokyo. Next <br>we have another GRAND PRIZE, which is a pair of air tickets<br>to any United direct destination in the USA or Asia <br>
courtesy of United Airlines. This is the big one...!<br><br>Our Metropolis Members Club is growing by leaps and bounds <br>-- join now. No obligations, simply receive our weekly <br>email magazine and enjoy the Metropolis stories, discounts,<br>
and prizes. <br><br><a href="http://metropolis.co.jp/club/">http://metropolis.co.jp/club/</a><br><br>***------------------------****-------------------------***<br><br>--------- BIOS - Bilingual IT Systems and Support ---------<br>
<br>BiOS full-service IT solutions has a new service.<br><br>Working with our fully licenced temporary dispatch group,<br>we are now able to provide Japan in-country workers<br>for companies not yet registered in Japan.<br>
<br>This innovative service is available for companies needing<br>to hire staff for Japanese customers, but who are unable<br>to commit to the expense and infrastructure of maintaining<br>an office in Japan. We take care of all aspects of the<br>
employment, contracting, and dispatch -- including<br>management of the employee.<br><br>Also, if you're thinking of Cloud office solutions, take a<br>look at Microsoft's new Business Productivity Online<br>Standard Suite. Terrie mentions Exchange Online in TT602,<br>
and we can do the same implementations for you.<br><br>For more information on this and other SI and IT services,<br>in English or Japanese:<br><br>Phone: (03) 4588-2220, 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>+++ NEWS<br><br>- Companies to move out of Kanto because of power<br>- Increase in beer consumption expected this summer<br>
- Big drop in young people using gyms<br>- Libyan assets seized in Japan<br>- China amongst massive JGB buyers <br><br><br><br>-> Companies to move out of Kanto because of power<br><br>You wonder how complete the survey is, but apparently a <br>
Teikoku Databank poll has found that 7.6% of 3,680 companies<br>within the greater Tokyo area are planning to shift <br>factories or offices away because of power supply problems.<br>The poll also found that 7.5% of retail companies, such as <br>
restaurateurs, are planning to move location -- although <br>not necessarily out of the Kanto -- because consumer <br>behaviors have changed. (Source: TT commentary from <br><a href="http://e.nikkei.com">e.nikkei.com</a>, Jun 4, 2011)<br>
<br><a href="http://e.nikkei.com/e/fr/tnks/Nni20110603D03JFN02.htm">http://e.nikkei.com/e/fr/tnks/Nni20110603D03JFN02.htm</a><br><br>-> Increase in beer consumption expected this summer<br><br>Not everyone is disappointed by the forecasted hot summer <br>
about to descend upon us. The beer companies are quietly <br>cheering the weather on, and are expecting consumption to <br>hit a 5-year high this year. Three of the four majors, <br>Asahi, Kirin, and Suntory, all plan to increase production <br>
by 10%, while Sapporo will keep numbers at last year's <br>level. Japanese drink about 30% of the year's beer <br>consumption in the period June-August. (Source: TT <br>commentary from <a href="http://e.nikkei.com">e.nikkei.com</a>, Jun 4, 2011)<br>
<br><a href="http://e.nikkei.com/e/ac/tnks/Nni20110603D03JFA15.htm">http://e.nikkei.com/e/ac/tnks/Nni20110603D03JFA15.htm</a><br><br>-> Big drop in young people using gyms<br><br>Interesting stats from a Nikkei article bemoaning the <br>
reduction in the number of young people, particularly young<br>women, using gyms. Apparently the average age of of major <br>gym chains such as Central Sports, Renaissance, and Megalos<br>is now around 50 years old, and the percentage of customers<br>
in their 20's is now just 10-15% of the total customer <br>base, varying by chain. Operators say that young people <br>can't afford the fees nor the time in the gym, while older <br>folks have become more health aware. So where are the young<br>
going? The women at least are apparently heading for yoga <br>studios, and it's estimated that about 1m people were <br>practicing yoga nationwide in 2010, up up 500% over 2003. <br>(Source: TT commentary from <a href="http://e.nikkei.com">e.nikkei.com</a>, Jun 4, 2011)<br>
<br><a href="http://e.nikkei.com/e/ac/tnks/Nni20110604D04HH686.htm">http://e.nikkei.com/e/ac/tnks/Nni20110604D04HH686.htm</a><br><br>-> Libyan assets seized in Japan<br><br>Coordinating with US- and European-led efforts to squeeze <br>
Muammar Gaddafi out of power, Japan has joined the fray by <br>seizing an estimated US$4.4bn in assets, including bank <br>accounts here. The government has not said what assets have<br>been seized, but with that level we have to assume it is <br>
at least a mix of stocks, bonds, and property. ***Ed: The <br>scale of Gaddafi and his cronies' holdings outside Libya <br>gives you some idea of just how much they've screwed the <br>country over the last 42 years. Also interesting how the <br>
Japanese authorities made the seizures without any fuss or <br>fanfare.** (Source: TT commentary from afp on <a href="http://google.com">google.com</a>, <br>Jun 4, 2011)<br><br><a href="http://bit.ly/jOBKj0">http://bit.ly/jOBKj0</a><br>
<br>-> China amongst massive JGB buyers <br><br>Following a similar pattern to last year when there were <br>simultaneous concerns about the US dollar and the Euro, <br>foreign buyers have bought up a record amount of Japanese <br>
bonds in the last five weeks, hitting JPY4.696trn. <br>Apparently part of the surge is due to China getting out of<br>Euro and dollars and buying maturing 4- and 5-year bonds as<br>a short term position to park money. **Ed: Apart from the <br>
Euro and Dollar, the Yen is the only currency available in <br>sufficient quantity that it can serve as a parking place <br>for massive amounts of foreign investment -- thus the <br>paradox of a not-so-healthy economy but lots of yen buying <br>
going on.** (Source: TT commentary from <a href="http://reuters.com">reuters.com</a>, May <br>27, 2011)<br><br><a href="http://reut.rs/kez233">http://reut.rs/kez233</a><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>-------- Essential Business Reference in English ----------<br>
<br>If you're a manager or director of a company in Japan, you<br>need these references with detailed explanations in<br>English!!!<br><br>- Japan Staff Employment Law Guide - 1st Edition<br>Published June, 2010 (JPY 21,000)<br>
<br>- Japan Master Tax Guide 2010/11<br>Published July, 2010 (JPY 18,375)<br><br>- Japan Corporation Law Guide - 2nd Edition<br>Published November, 2010 (JPY 22,050)<br><br>* Above prices include tax<br>* As a limited offer for TT readers: 1 title, 5% discount,<br>
more than 2 titles, 10% discount.<br><br>For more details: <a href="mailto:support@cch.co.jp">support@cch.co.jp</a>, call 03-6234-3980.<br>Web: <a href="https://www.cch-japan.jp/contents/register/form">https://www.cch-japan.jp/contents/register/form</a><br>
<br><a href="http://www.cch-japan.jp">www.cch-japan.jp</a><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<br><br>BiOS is urgently looking for a BlackBerry Specialist with <br>
experience providing technical support for smart phone to <br>end users at our client’s office in the Shinagawa-ku area. <br>The candidate will be responsible for setting up BlackBerry<br>products for business use, based on requests from end-users<br>
and from staff to executive levels; as well as coordinating<br>with technical engineers from both internal and external <br>teams to provide best services on a timely basis. You will <br>also be responsible for analyzing support processes, <br>
services, results, feedback, etc. to continuously improve <br>service delivery processes.<br><br>Due to the technical nature and demanding work environment,<br>this position is suitable for someone with solid experience<br>
either programming smart phone applications or setting up <br>smart phones for business use. In addition, since this role<br>requires direct communication with C-level end users from <br>abroad, fluent-level communications skills in English will <br>
be required.<br><br>Remuneration is JPY4.5m – JPY5.5m depending on your <br>experience and skill level.<br><br>** POSITIONS VACANT<br><br>- Web Designer, outsourcing co, JPY3.5m – JPY4.5m<br>- Junior Account Manager, BiOS, JPY3.5m – JPY4.5m<br>
- Move Add Change Coordinator, global bank, JPY4m – JPY5m<br>- Senior Network Engineer, global ibank, JPY8m – JPY 12m<br>- Helpdesk Engr, global pharmaceutical co, JPY4m – JPY5m<br><br>Interested individuals may e-mail resumes to:<br>
<a href="mailto:tomohiro.kimura@biosjp.com">tomohiro.kimura@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:kenji.sakota@biosjp.com">kenji.sakota@biosjp.com</a>.<br><br>Interested individuals may e-mail resumes to:<br><a href="mailto:tomohiro.kimura@biosjp.com">tomohiro.kimura@biosjp.com</a><br>
<br>-----------------------------------------------------------<br><br>***------------------------****-------------------------***<br><br>+++ UPCOMING EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS<br><br>------------ Earthquake Kids Charity Dinner ---------------<br>
<br>The Support Our Kids Charity Dinner & Auction<br>Date & Time: Friday June 24th, 2011<br>Doors open at 7:00 p.m.<br>Program from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m.<br><br>Venue: ANA Intercontinental Hotel Tokyo, Prominence Ballroom<br>
Format: Four course seated dinner, beer, great wine and <br>soft drinks.<br><br>Price:<br>Corporate Table-250,000 yen /table plus tax ( 262,500 yen).<br>(Table of 10 guests)<br>Individual Tickets-15,000 yen plus tax (15,750 yen).<br>
<br>Ticketing:<br>Corporate tables-Email for corporate tables to<br><a href="mailto:info@support-our-kids.org">info@support-our-kids.org</a>, or submit the form online.<br>Individual tickets-Please submit the form online, or email<br>
<a href="mailto:sales@support-our-kids.org">sales@support-our-kids.org</a> , and pay by bank transfer.<br>Tax inclusive price 15,750 yen.<br><br>Dress: Business / Business Casual.<br><br>Proceeds from the event will go to support orphanages in<br>
New Zealand and Japan and to provide 'Time-Out' home stays <br>in New Zealand for young Japanese affected by the Tohoku <br>earthquake.<br><br>For more information please go to our website<br><a href="http://www.support-our-kids.org">www.support-our-kids.org</a>.<br>
-----------------------------------------------------------<br><br>------------------ ICA Event - June 16 --------------------<br><br>Speaker: Jack Byrd, Managing Partner - 360 Risk Management <br>Group<br>Title: Prevent/Detect Workplace Fraud<br>
<br>Details: Complete event details at <a href="http://www.icajapan.jp/">http://www.icajapan.jp/</a><br>(RSVP Required)<br><br>Date: Thursday, June 16, 2011<br>Time: 6:30 Doors open, Buffet Dinner included and cash bar<br>
Cost: 4,000 yen (members), 6,000 yen (non-members).<br>Open to all.<br><br>Venue is The Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan<br><a href="http://www.fccj.or.jp/aboutus/map">http://www.fccj.or.jp/aboutus/map</a><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 corrections or feedback this week.<br><br>***********************************************************<br>END<br><br>
SUBSCRIBERS: 8,845 members as of June 05, 2011<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>the quotes), and you will get back a message with<br>
instructions.<br><br>FEEDBACK<br>Send letters (Feedback, Inquiries & Information) to the<br>editor to <a href="mailto:terrie.lloyd@japaninc.com">terrie.lloyd@japaninc.com</a>.<br><br>ADVERTISING INFORMATION<br>For more information on advertising in this newsletter,<br>
Contact <a href="mailto:ads@japaninc.com">ads@japaninc.com</a>.<br><br>SUBSCRIBE<br>Get Terrie's Take by giving your name and email address at<br><a href="http://www.japaninc.com/newsletters/free_sign_up">http://www.japaninc.com/newsletters/free_sign_up</a>, or go<br>
straight to Mailman 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><br>
or, <a href="http://mailman.japaninc.com/pipermail/terrie/">http://mailman.japaninc.com/pipermail/terrie/</a><br><br>Copyright 2011 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><br><br>