The Magazine of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan August 2012 | 짜900
DIVERSITY IN OUR DNA
BRITISH BUSINESS AWARDS
RUBBLE IN PARADISE
SICK AS A PARROT
IT'S MORE THAN
GOLD MEDAL GARDEN
ROCK 'N' ROLL British music is the business The Rolling Stones Page 18 Fuji Rock Festival Page 20
PLUS INDUSTRY & A-LIST: Market Entry & Regional Business Support Book reviews | Community | Arts events | And much more
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VOLUME 3, ISSUE 8
August 2012
36 8 MEDIA Govt Orders UK-Made Hitachi Trains
40 DESIGN Garden Made for Gold Tokyo man takes top prize at Chelsea Flower Show
7 PUBLISHER It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll? Simon Farrell 8 MEDIA UK–Japan News London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Plus more 13 PRESIDENT Diversity in Our DNA Nick Walters
COMMUNITY The London Street Photography Exhibition
20 FESTIVAL British Music—Then, Now and Beyond 25 EDUCATION International Schools Wide choice for expats and locals 28 HOSPITALITY Let’s Go to the Gate! Tokyo’s newest hotel boasts roast beef, Slumberland beds and William Morris wallpaper
38 ARTS EVENTS The King’s Speech
35 SPORT Sick as a Parrot World’s worst football team tackles fat, funding and focus 36 DESIGN Garden Made for Gold Tokyo man takes top prize at Chelsea Flower Show
17 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR British Business Awards 2012 Lori Henderson
33 BOOKS You’ve Got to Read This Book! and Hedge Fund Activism in Japan: The Limits of Shareholder Primacy
38 ARTS EVENTS Featuring: Yayoi Kusama Andrew Lang’s folklore illustrations Japan Magazine Publishers Association (JMPA) exhibition Lessons of a Dream Penguin Cafe’s Japan tour The King’s Speech FREE TICKETS!
18 CREATIVE At Home with the Stones Official photographer reveals rockers’ true personas
34 TRAVEL Rubble in Paradise Yorkshireman building Pacific’s newest, remotest, poshest airport
40 COMMUNITY BCCJ, launch, thanks, Olympics, festival, music, concert, arts, photography, party, plus more
14 MEDIA What you missed in the Japanese press
30 A-LIST Market Entry & Regional Business Support
COVER PHOTO: CHRIS WILLSON
The British Chamber of Commerce in Japan
BCCJ Mission To strengthen business ties between Britain and Japan, promote and support the business interests of all our Members, and actively encourage new business entrants into the Japanese market as well as Japanese investment into the UK.
Leaders President: Nick Walters Individual Member Vice-president: Alison Jambert Eat Creative K.K. Executive Staff Executive Director: Lori Henderson Operations Manager: Sanae Samata Executive Committee Russell M Anderson | Jaguar Land Rover Japan Ltd. Paul Atkinson | Cornes & Co. Ltd. Graham Davis | The Economist Group Ray Bremner | Unilever Japan Hideya Komori | Individual Member Vishal Sinha | British Airways Richard Thornley | Rolls-Royce Japan Co., Ltd James Weeks | Kreab Gavin Anderson K.K. James Dodds | KPMG Tax Corporation Philip T Gibb | Magellan Financial Planning K.K. Reiko Sakimura | Clifford Chance Law Office Yayoi Sogo | Individual Member Ex Officio Sue Kinoshita British Embassy Tokyo Jeff Streeter British Council Japan BCCJ ACUMEN Editor in Chief Simon Farrell
British Chamber of Commerce in Japan 12F Ark Mori Bldg. 1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6012 Tel: (03) 4360-8361 Fax: (03) 4360-8454 info@bccjapan.com www.bccjapan.com
BCCJ ACUMEN is the magazine of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan
CONTRIBUTORS
Publisher Simon Farrell simon@custom-media.com President Robert Heldt robert@custom-media.com Art Director Cliff Cardona Graphic Designer Jon Ealey Assistant Editor Megan Waters Client Services Manager Sam Bird samuel@custom-media.com Account Executives Thomas Damiens thomas@custom-media.com
Lori Henderson has been BCCJ executive director since February 2011. JEREMY SUTTON-HIBBERT
Nick Walters, has been BCCJ president since April 2012.
Ian de Stains OBE is a former BBC producer and presenter who has been based in Japan since 1976. From 1987 to 2011, he was BCCJ executive director. Ian now focuses on consulting and coaching and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and convenor of its Japan chapter. dest@attglobal.net
Julian Ryall is Japan correspondent for The Daily Telegraph. JEREMY SUTTON-HIBBERT
www.bccjacumen.com Produced by Custom Media K.K.
Mark Schreiber is an author and translator who has been based in Tokyo since 1966. He was employed as a media analyst in market research before turning to freelance writing.
Robert Gilhooly is a Tokyo-based photojournalist whose work has featured in The Guardian, The Times, Newsweek, as well as in documentaries and books. i@japanphotojournalist.com www.japanphotojournalist.com
Nils Herchenroeder nils@custom-media.com Leon van Houwelingen leon@custom-media.com Media Manager Shoko Nakamura
Mikio Ariga is the official photographer in Japan for the Rolling Stones.
Chris Willson is a travel writer and photographer based in Okinawa. 090-1367-9198 chris@travel67.com www.travel67.com
To advertise in BCCJ ACUMEN: inquiries@custom-media.com Tel: (03) 6804-5267 Fax: (03) 6804-5268 To subscribe or order copies: inquiries@custom-media.com Custom Media Publishers of BCCJ ACUMEN for the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan, and WIFM bilingual lifestyle and business magazine. Specialists in bilingual brand strategy/visual communications, corporate bespoke solutions. Akasaka Palace Bldg. 1F 1-4-21 Moto-Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0051 www.custom-media.com Warning/Disclaimer Custom Media and the BCCJ will not accept liability for any damages caused by the contents of BCCJ ACUMEN, including, but not limited to, any omissions, errors, facts or false statements. Opinions or advice expressed in BCCJ ACUMEN are not necessarily those of the BCCJ or Custom Media.
© 2012 Custom Media K.K.
Contributions BCCJ Members are welcome to submit ideas for content, which will be decided on merit by the Editor. editor@custom-media.com
COMING IN THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF BCCJ ACUMEN Booking deadline:
FRIDAY 31 AUGUST As space is limited, we encourage advertisers to book early.
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HR, Recruitment and Corporate Training Our INDUSTRY A-LIST will feature major firms involved in HR consulting, executive search, MBA programmes, human capital strategy, compensation planning and corporate training—providing you with invaluable exposure among industry experts and an exclusive opportunity to showcase your services and solutions. View previous INDUSTRY A-LISTs online at: www.bccjacumen.com/a-list
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AUGUST 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 5
PUBLISHER
It's Only Rock ’n’ Roll?
F
or decades, one of Britain’s greatest exports and attractions has been music. The Fuji Rock Festival seems to become more UK-centric every year and 2012 was no exception, so we sent along photographer Chris Willson (page 20) to capture the atmosphere for BCCJ ACUMEN readers. We also profile—and borrowed some images from—Mikio Ariga (page 18), who is living the dream as the only official photographer in Japan of what is perhaps the UK’s most proficient export in the rock industry, The Rolling Stones. Indeed, as part of the government’s global GREAT campaign—to showcase Britain’s capabilities, promote and enhance its reputation, and maximise the economic potential of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games— music is one of the 11 key areas of British excellence, as well as one of the reasons to invest in, and visit, the UK. That is
in addition to technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity, knowledge, green technology, heritage, sport, shopping and the countryside. The message is clear: Britain is one of the best places in the world to visit, live, work, study, invest and do business. If anyone doubts the global influence British music enjoys they should consider these comments by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office: • More albums are sold per head in the UK than anywhere else in the world. • Annual exports exceed £17bn, with UK artists accounting for almost 12% of global sales of recorded music. • From Glyndebourne to Glastonbury, the UK has the world’s greatest music festivals. • The Beatles are the best-selling artists of all time. • Adele had the longest-running, top- ranked UK record in the billboard charts—for 20 years.
To the Editor
It is very sad when a young woman has to sell her body to help feed herself and her family, but when she does so simply to fund her own ambitions it is disgusting (June 2012, “Maya Gets Her Gear Off”, page 40). I recently received a copy of ACUMEN, in our JSS [Japan Scotland Society] mailing, showing a young woman doing just that on the front cover. Had the young woman posed in shorts and t-shirt to show her prosthetic limb and asked for donations to her cause, I would have been one of the first to have donated. As it is, I have had to ask the JSS not to send such explicit material to my office. Regards Maud R Ramsay
Simon Farrell Custom Media simon@custom-media.com
LATEST UK–JAPAN REPORTS
LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES
Tokyo 2020 Bid Venue Judges Named
TV Sales Down Despite Games
JAPAN SPORT COUNCIL
Lord Norman Foster, the designer of Wembley Stadium, is on the panel that will judge participants in the contest to remodel the venue for Japan’s 2020 Olympic bid, according to a press release issued on 20 July. The Japan Sport Council wants to update the Kasumigaoka National Stadium’s hospitality services, increasing the site’s
capacity to 80,000 and, combining Japanese tradition and innovation, keep the venue as a centre for sport, culture and art. Lord Foster will be joined by key figures from Japan’s world of architecture, sport and art on the International Design Contest’s panel. The contest winner, to be decided in late November, will receive prize money of ¥20mn.
BBC Buys NHK Cables
New Games Website
The Japan Broadcasting Corp. (NHK) has supplied the BBC with ultra-high definition cables to broadcast the Olympics, the British broadcaster reported on 17 July. Developed by NHK, the Super Hi-Vision video technology (16 times the quality of HDTV) will link the BBC and Olympic Park by 6.5km of optic fibre cables. The London Olympics is the first time an event has been broadcast live using 3D TV, the images captured by 33 “true 3D” cameras. This technology will be used to screen the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the men’s 100m final.
8 | BCCJ ACUMEN | AUGUST 2012
Panasonic Corporation has released a new website in celebration of the London Olympics, according to a 23 July press release. As the Official Worldwide Olympic Partner for the London 2012 Olympic Games, the firm has released its “run@london” simulated running experience in Japanese, English, Spanish, Portuguese and German. The marathon course starts at The Mall and passes popular London landmarks Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Guildhall, Tower Bridge and Big Ben. One can enjoy a virtual-reality view of each landmark and take 360-degree photographs, which can be shared on social networking sites. A certificate is issued on completion of the course.
The London Olympics has failed to increase sales of consumer electronics in Japan, reported British media in late June. In February, analysts predicted a ¥460bn boost in electronic consumer spending, since Olympic events were to be broadcast late at night, when consumption of electricity, food and drinks is traditionally greater. However, only some 409,000 television sets had been sold in Japan as of May—a year-onyear decrease of 46.2% and the lowest figure since January 2007. The decline was partly due to the country’s switchover to digital TV in July 2011. Blu-ray and hard-disc sales that also had been expected to increase were down 66.3% year-on-year. Olympics-related advertising in shops and during the countdown to the opening ceremony did nothing to boost sales; TV buyers were more interested in the eco credentials and ‘smart’ functionality of sets than in programmes they might see.
Food Sales Rise Waitrose exports to Japan have risen, reflecting increased interest in British food resulting from the Diamond Jubilee and Olympics, The Independent reported on 1 July. Japan is the UK supermarket’s first overseas market and has stocked the UK maker’s products for 15 years. The items are sold mainly in Peacock and Seicomart shops. Driven by demand for traditional British food items, such as tea, biscuits, baked beans and gherkins, sales have risen by one-third so far this year. Duchy Originals—the brand founded by Prince Charles and sold exclusively by Waitrose—is also very popular.
London Flights Get Cheaper The cost of flights from Narita International to Heathrow airport has been almost halved as a result of sold-out Olympic events, the Nikkei reported on 11 July. Partly due to the strong yen, early August round-trip flights between the airports and excluding fuel charges were available for ¥38,800 (¥64,000 in August 2011), down 40% year on year, according to the newspaper.
Govt Orders UK-Made Trains
Concept image of how the new trains will look.
Hitachi, Ltd will build 600 new train carriages for the UK Department for Transport to help strengthen UK manufacturing, The Daily Mail reported on 26 July. The highly diversified Japanese manufacturing firm will build and assemble the fleet in the UK, creating 530 skilled jobs there, as well as securing thousands more in the UK supply chain.
Operated by Southeastern Trains, the £4.5bn Intercity Express programme is one of the UK’s biggest rolling stock contracts. The new carriages will be assembled at a new factory, construction of which is due to start in 2013. It will be fully operational in 2015.
Tobacco Firm Threatens Lawsuit Japan Tobacco International (JTI) is considering legal action against the UK should the government decide to use standardised packaging for cigarettes, the Financial Times reported on 6 July. The third-largest producer of tobacco worldwide, JTI believes that enforcing the use of standardised cigarette packs in the UK market would make illicit trade in tobacco products easier. The firm will decide in September whether to challenge the UK Department of Health. The government’s plan is to make it compulsory for cigarettes to be sold in plain packs, with standardised brand names and prominent health warnings, in a bid to reduce smoking. It is felt brands and colourful packaging attract young smokers. However, cigarette makers believe plain packaging would cause their UK market share to suffer, as well as boost smuggling and counterfeiting of cigarettes.
UK Comes Top, Japan Fourth in Energy Report The UK is the champion of energy efficiency, while Japan is in fourth place, according to a report released on 13 July by the American Council for an EnergyEfficient Economy. In the rankings of the world’s 12 biggest economies, Germany is in second place, followed by Italy, Japan and France. The European Union, Australia and China are tied in sixth place, trailed by the US, Brazil, Canada and Russia. While the UK is energy efficient in the industry and transport sectors, China is the leader in terms of building-related energy efficiency.
The Honda HR-V was voted most reliable.
Poll Reveals Britons’ Favourite Cars Japanese carmakers are the UK’s most reliable used car brands, according to a survey of cars, between three and 10 years old, released on 25 July. The poll was conducted by UK car buyers’ guide What Car? and the British insurer Warranty Direct. Based on 50,000 responses, Honda, in first place for the seventh consecutive year, has only a 10% chance of breaking down. The Honda HR-V (’98-’06) was voted the most reliable model overall. Brands Toyota and Lexus were ranked second and third, respectively, while Suzuki was in fourth and Subaru in fifth place.
AUGUST 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 9
Exhibits Tour to Raise Funds
Iconic London Property Sold
The BBC’s TV centre has been sold to the owners of Japan’s leading property firm, the Financial Times reported on 16 July. The broadcaster’s west London Television Centre—the most iconic building in UK television history—was sold for about £200mn to development firm Stanhope Plc, in which Mitsui Fudosan has a 15% stake. The BBC is attempting to cut costs. First opened in 1960, the building was the home of such popular BBC programmes as Fawlty Towers, Monty Python, Doctor Who, Top of the Pops and Blue Peter.
Rugby Star Signs for Kanagawa Team A top Welsh rugby player will join Division Two Mitsubishi Dynaboars next season, Wales Online reported on 13 June. Record try-scorer Shane Williams has signed a one-year deal with the team, after announcing his retirement from rugby in February. Second in international rugby’s all-time try-scoring list, the 35-year-old winger has scored 58 tries in 87 games for his country, and 57 in 141 matches for UK local team Ospreys.
Scots Guide Offers Good Advice
West Country Wants Book Tourists
A new Japanese-language guidebook has been released for visitors to Scotland, The Guardian reported on 3 July. Published by Edinburgh-based Luath Press, the Insider’s Guide to Scotland advises tourists to avoid football fans, council estates and Lorne (square) sausage. It also warns that a Scottish person should never be referred to as English, nor a kilt as a skirt, and offers advice on pub etiquette. Recommended food and drink includes Mackie’s honeycomb ice cream, ginger marmalade and the popular soft drink Irn Bru.
Japanese Beatrix Potter fans should be lured to Gloucester to boost tourism, reported This is Gloucestershire on 7 July. Marketing Gloucester Ltd, the firm in charge of promoting the city, wants to create “tourism packages” and exploit overseas links to encourage tourists to stay longer. Last year, 20% of the visitors to the Beatrix Potter museum were Japanese, partly due to the popularity in Japan of the children’s title The Tailor of Gloucester. Gloucester Cathedral, which contains the tomb of Edward II and the Harry Potter cloisters, received 278,000 visitors in 2011.
10 | BCCJ ACUMEN | AUGUST 2012
The British Museum has sent exhibitions on tour in Japan to seek other sources of cash after government funding falls, The Independent reported on 5 July. The UK’s most popular visitor attraction now has more exhibitions on tour than ever, and in the past year has sent artefacts to wealthy Abu Dhabi, Australia, Japan and China. The 2011–2012 financial year is the first in which government funds were matched by other sources, including corporate sponsors, memberships and donations by wealthy individuals. The museum welcomed 5.8mn visitors last year and future exhibitions will feature art from the Ice Age and archaeological treasures from Pompeii.
Asians Lap up Midlands Beer Holdens brewery has expanded to take advantage of the demand for British ale in Japan, the Birmingham Post reported on 25 June. Production has increased by one-third (from 50,000 to 75,000 pints per week) to meet the increasing demand for British products in the Far East. As a result, the independent firm has renovated its Midlands brewery, and built a new bottle shop and larger offices.
Partnership Helps Fashion Firm Profits Laura Ashley has seen a turnaround in profits partly due to its partnership with Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo, The Guardian reported on 18 July. Known for its floral prints, the label nearly collapsed when it recorded an annual loss of £17mn in 1998. But this year, it has reported a 4.1% increase in UK retail sales, and profits of £18.8mn. The successful Uniqlo collaboration has taken advantage of the summer’s floral fashion trend and appeals to shoppers in the current economic climate. The British heritage brand has 200 shops in the UK and another 250 worldwide.
Summer Release for Wizard E-tales PHOTO: JAMES O JENKINS
Japanese eBooks of the Harry Potter series will be released this summer, according to a press release issued on 4 July. Published in EPUB3 format and available from online retailer Pottermore, the bestselling eBooks can be read on any EPUB3compatible device, such as computers, eReaders, tablets and mobile phones. A Japanese version of the Sony Corporation-run website, featuring new content from author JK Rowling, will also be launched.
Ad Giant Eyes Global Growth Dentsu Inc has bought Aegis Group plc in a bid to expand outside its home market, media reported on 12 July. The huge £3.2bn deal—the biggest in Dentsu’s history—was designed to secure the marketing group despite the interest of some rival agencies. Despite the tough economic times, Dentsu’s stable of major clients that include Coca-Cola, GM and Disney is expected to lift Japan’s advertising sector.
Sauce Maker Offers Holidays in Japan New Radiation Device A County Durham platform technology firm has released a personal radiation detector to distinguish between Japan’s naturally occurring and man-made radiation, according to a press release issued on 12 July. Kromek’s high-performance but simple-tohandle RadAngel employs the most advanced technology and gives accurate readings, the press release said.
A soy sauce manufacturer is running a UK promotion with a chance to win a holiday in Japan, Talking Retail reported on 16 July. Kikkoman’s promotion appears on the neck hangers of 150ml and 250ml bottles of the sauce. To enter, consumers must enter a code into the manufacturer’s website. The brand hopes to increase sales of its soy sauce by reaching new customers, increasing consumption and frequency of purchase. About 25 holidays and 25,000 Kikkoman branded aprons will be given to winners until mid October.
Yokohama to Exhibit Samurai Victim’s Notes Letters from a Briton killed by samurai are to be exhibited for the first time, the Asahi Shimbun reported on 11 July. About 80 letters from merchant Charles Richardson, killed in the infamous 1862 Namamugi Incident (partly the cause of the 1863 Anglo-Satsu ma War) will be exhibited at the Yokohama Archives of History to mark the event’s 150th anniversary. Found by a family member 20 years ago, the letters will be used to inform the Japanese about Richardson’s love of their country, as well as the part he played in the incident.
Canoeists Cross English Channel Two kayakers from the 11 March 2011 quake zone have crossed the Strait of Dover to thank the UK for its help after last year’s earthquake, reported the Mainichi Shimbun on 12 July. Marine adventurer Chikara
Nakamura, 60, and his seaman brother Hidetaka, 63, made the crossing in eight hours. They threw into the sea bottled letters of thanks written by local government officials and children.
AUGUST 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 11
PRESIDENT
Diversity in Our DNA
“T
wo Wheels + Testosterone”, announced our July cover and, while I thoroughly enjoyed the fascinating article, I would like to point out that our members with oestrogen are equally welcome to enjoy Triumph’s superb motorbikes. It is fitting at this time to pause and consider diversity issues in the chamber. But this is neither because of the great success of our female athletes in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games at the time of writing, nor because of the recent arrival of a brand new female baby Walters. It is with an eye on the chamber’s exciting 6 September event, titled “Diversity: What’s the Point?” It promises to be engaging; experienced top-notch speakers will make the business case for diversity from both a global and Japanese perspective. We at the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan do not want to be known for
simply hosting an event on diversity; we want to be known for living the diversity agenda, for making the most of and enjoying the diverse nature of our membership, and for having diversity in our DNA. I believe this is something to which the BCCJ can lay claim. Not long ago, one could be forgiven for thinking that “grey men in grey suits” represented the BCCJ. But it would be difficult to accuse the BCCJ of that today. The diversity of the Executive Committee (Excom) gives the chamber its energy—the mixture of large and small firms; men and women; individual members and entrepreneurs, working together and bringing their unique skills to benefit the membership at large. Working with Excom, our Secretariat is, as ever, a great example of the talents an organisation can gain from pursuing an open diversity policy, with a United Nations of interns, and under
the leadership of Executive Director Lori Henderson, a true champion of all things diversity-related (follow Lori’s Twitter feed if you need evidence of this). To ensure the chamber offers benefits and events that support a truly diverse range of members, we are planning to analyse the diversity of members attending events more closely, in order to identify trends and ensure our programme is meeting the needs of all members. As ever, please feel free to contact Excom or the Secretariat with your thoughts, suggestions and comments.
Nick Walters BCCJ President
MEDIA
WHAT YOU MISSED IN THE JAPANESE PRESS Fears Grow over Industrial Spying As appreciation of the yen forces more Japanese firms to move their production as well as research and development (R&D) to centres offshore, Japan’s domestic manufacturing base is shrinking and the leaking of proprietary technologies is becoming an increasing concern, the Nikkei Business (9 July) reports. According to the White Paper on Manufacturing Industries (Monozukuri) 2011, compiled by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, 44.5% of firms with manufacturing plants overseas were either certain, or suspected, that their technology had been leaked. The overwhelming majority (63.5%) of technology-related leaks involved operations in China, followed by those in South Korea and Japan. Local employees at overseas manufacturing plants were blamed for leaking data in 52.8% of the cases, while 17.3% of the leaks were attributed to former Japanese staff and 11.8% to current staff. To avoid losing proprietary data, media and component manufacturer TDK
Corporation has adopted countermeasures, such as developing manufacturing equipment in-house and not making it available to outsiders. The firm purposely varies the sources of parts used in its manufacturing equipment, and takes pains to prevent individual members of staff acquiring too much related know-how. Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.—another firm that has taken a proactive stance on security—has boosted the wages and bonuses of its most talented R&D staff to levels comparable to those of the firm’s directors. A sidebar to the article lists six steps by which firms can reduce leaks: enforce tighter restrictions on who can access certain information; remove technological data from public documents such as patents; classify documents and other data to serve as evidence if an errant worker is prosecuted; include in employment contracts the penalties for illegal disclosure; recognise and reward workers’ contributions; and expect top management to follow the same rules as ordinary workers.
Auditing Housewives
are bingeing on unnecessary luxuries, such as pricey lingerie and expensive cosmetics. While males are forsaking hair stylists for low-priced barbers, their wives may be paying large amounts for cuts, perms, tinting and other treatments at over ¥10,000 each. Other indulgences, such as fingernail and toenail art, can be double this amount. “The puchi zeitaku tend to become habitual and can’t easily be discouraged”, warns Hanawa, adding that, “Prompt and decisive action is called for to cut such expenditures”.
While Japan’s hardworking full-time employees have already had their kozukai (pocket money) cut to the bone, one economic think tank has predicted that the pending increase in the consumption tax to 8% will leech another ¥94,379 annually from household budgets (based on a family of four with a total annual income of ¥8mn). Husbands have in the past assumed that any surplus from the monthly household allowance would be saved as their wives’ hesokuri (butter and egg money), but make little effort to monitor where such money actually goes. Financial planner Yoko Hanawa alerts the mostly male readership of Nikkan Gendai (6 July) to the “hidden expenditures” by wives, particularly arafo (“around forty” women between 35 and 45), who may be draining household finances through their habitual puchi zeitaku (small indulgences). Miss Hanawa suggests husbands should investigate to determine whether their wives
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BY MARK SCHREIBER
Now It’s One-coin Car Rentals While much scrutiny is being focused on lowcost airlines, the Sankei Shimbun (16 July) has turned its attention to the emerging one-coin car rental business chains. Car Bell, based in Tokyo’s Chuo Ward, has some 170 franchises nationwide that are used-car dealerships. A car with a 1.5-litre engine can be rented for a basic fee for the first three hours, after which the charge goes up in increments of ¥100 per hour. Thus, the longer one rents the car, the cheaper the hourly rate becomes. For one day, the charge is ¥4,200—about half that of major rental agencies. Nevertheless, Nikoniko Rent-a-Car in Yokohama’s Tsuzuki Ward manages to undersell Car Bell. For a 1,350-litre car, it charges just ¥2,100 for six hours and ¥3,360 for a full day. Following an agreement reached with a number of service stations, Nikoniko expects to have 1,000 rental outlets operating across the country by the end of 2012. The mixing of two separate types of enterprises, such as car rentals operated on the premises of gas stations, used to be referred to as “fusion businesses”. One such firm, Love-in Plaza SS in Tokyo’s Kunitachi City, credits rentals for a 30% year-on-year boost in revenues. “It’s kept us from going under”, said service station proprietor Toshiaki Akusawa. “More of our regular customers have been supporting us via used car sales, safety inspections and other services”.
What “Buried Treasure” Do You Have at Home? Precious metals trading firm Tanaka Kinzoku Co., Ltd. released an estimated figure for sleeping (unused) jewellery, including gems and precious metals, which is being kept in Japanese households: ¥1.655trn. The results of the nationwide internet survey conducted in June show a breakdown of the 1,000 responses with 200 results in each age segment. Tanaka estimated the average value of the jewellery at ¥40,627 per woman.
Some 60% of the respondents said they had not worn or otherwise used the items for at least 10 years. The main reasons given for this include that “the design is old-fashioned” and that “the item is too important, or too valuable to be worn”. In the case of earrings, a common reply was that one of a pair had been mislaid. Tanaka estimates that, nationwide, some 26.27mn pieces of jewellery have not been used for a long time.
MEDIA
Laforet Shuzenji has a science and technology programme.
Hotels Get Creative In efforts to conserve electricity while west Japan sorts out its nuclear woes, the Nikkei Marketing Journal (23 July) reports that hotels in the Kansai region have been adopting a variety of creative solutions. The Hotel Osaka Bay Tower has announced that, on specific days until the end of September, its regular 2pm check-in time will be changed to 6pm, while the checkout time will change from 11am to 10am. The hotel is also offering discounts of up to 65% on overnight rates. The Royal Hotel in Nara City, meanwhile, is offering a plan according to which guests staying at the hotel will not be charged for any day during their stay that has been affected by a rolling blackout. Until the end of August, the Westin Hotel Osaka will reduce the price of cold beverages in its lobby lounge on hot days. If the forecast at 9am is for a moushobi—a day with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius— drinks will be discounted 35%. Likewise, if the mercury is forecast to rise over 30 degrees Celsius for a manatsubi day, beverages will be 30% cheaper. Meanwhile, the Sankei Shimbun (17 July) notes some of the new plans being offered by hotels in other parts of the country. At its Yamazato restaurant, the Hotel Okura in
The Hotel Okura teaches Japanese dining etiquette.
Tokyo is offering, as part of an overnight plan, a course in Japanese-style dining etiquette for families. Tokyo’s Shinagawa Prince hotel is offering parents and children instruction in the care and feeding of porpoises at a neighbouring aquarium. Laforet Shuzenji in Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, has joined five major firms, including Toyota Motor Corporation, in offering an educational programme incorporating science and technology themes.
The Shinagawa Prince hotel taught people how to care for porpoises, but the programme has ended.
AUGUST 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 15
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
British Business Awards Climax to a great year for the UK
F
rom the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, to the UK government’s GREAT campaign and the World Shakespeare Festival 2012—this year presents the UK with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase capabilities, enhance international relations and maximise global reach. Meanwhile, the BCCJ’s British Business Awards (BBA) ceremony, to be held on 2 November at the Conrad Tokyo hotel, is gearing up to showcase your greatness in this exceptional year. Supported by the BCCJ’s key partners— UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), Visit Britain and the British Council Japan— as well as sponsors, previous winners, nominees and guests, the BBA programme has evolved and expanded over the past five years, and provides an ample platform upon which firms may celebrate special achievements. I am pleased to announce that nominations for this year are now open in the following five categories:
• • • • •
Company of the Year Entrepreneur of the Year UK–Japan Partnership Social Responsibility Person of the Year
The awards programme recognises excellence, promotes success across all industry sectors, and highlights important social contributions, commitment to the community and ethical behaviour. Winning one of the programme’s awards is a prestigious endorsement of a firm’s projects, initiatives, results and achievements. Firms are thereby acknowledged as industry leaders and named the best in their respective categories—a valuable measure of success that can be used in a variety of communications to create publicity, positive organisational profiling and heightened credibility. Nominations are judged against specific criteria, founded on the awards programme’s values of success, innovation and ethics, and based on a well defined, proven framework to ensure
that the judging process is fair and free of influence. Whether honouring your valued employees or strengthening your brand, why not put your firm or an individual in the running to win a BBA? As the ultimate seal of approval for your business, it could prove a topic of discussion for many years to come.
How to enter The awards nomination process is simple and free to enter: • Select the category in which you would like to nominate yourself, your firm or your chosen nominee • Make sure your submission meets the criteria for the chosen category • Complete and submit the nomination form, found at: www.bccjapan.com
Eligibility
This year presents the UK with a once-ina-generation opportunity to showcase capabilities, enhance international relations and maximise global reach.
Nominees must be one, or more, of the following: • British Chamber of Commerce in Japan member • UK-owned and Japan-based firm • Japan-based firm or individual with significant UK links
Guidelines Nominations should: • Cover all criteria for the category concerned • Focus specifically on the achievements of the previous 12 months in the Japan market • Total no more than 4,000 words and 5MB electronically, inclusive of supporting documentation • Be sent as an email attachment in PDF format, together with the nomination form and supporting documentation (as detailed on the form), as well as a high resolution logo of the nominated firm to: info@bccjapan.com • Reach the BCCJ office by 17:00 on 14 October 2012 The BCCJ membership is of extremely high calibre. I would be delighted to welcome you and your firm, as nominees or guests, to the BBA 2012.
Lori Henderson BCCJ Executive Director
AUGUST 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 17
CREATIVE
AT HOME WITH THE STONES Official photographer reveals rockers’ true personas after 50 years of fame
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CREATIVE
By Julian Ryall Photos: Mikio Ariga • • • •
Covered band’s first Japan tour Recruited for his distinctive style Stones are “better than the Beatles” Is anniversary tour just a rumour?
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ffstage, Mick is far less of an extrovert, while Keith likes nothing more than to listen to the playback with the crew after a rehearsal. Charlie values his privacy and prefers not to be seen as a rock ’n’ roll drummer, while Ronnie has exchanged Guinness for iced tea. Together, they make up arguably the most successful, enduring and powerful live act in the history of rock music— The Rolling Stones. To mark the 50th anniversary of their first live gig at London’s fabled Marquee Club, “The Rolling Stones at 50” photographic exhibition opened in July at the capital’s Somerset House. As the band’s official photographer on their Japanese tours, Mikio Ariga considers himself very lucky to have got to know the four men who he now considers his friends—and heroes. “Even when I was at university, I was interested in photography and the music
industry together, but I was not talented enough to be a musician, and I never had the brains to be in management”, 52-yearold Ariga told BCCJ ACUMEN. “And I like working for myself, so photography was perfect for me and, in the early 1980s, I set photographing the Stones as my target”. A fan for many years—“Gimme Shelter” is his all-time favourite Stones track— Ariga believes there are several reasons that so many Japanese music lovers prefer the Stones to The Beatles—the other British band celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. “They are the perfect rock ’n’ roll band”, he said with a shrug. “They have this vocalist who is always jumping around the stage out front, the incredibly cool guitarist, they’re constantly coming out with new and different stuff—and The Beatles couldn’t do that. “They’re unique as a rock band, and lots of Japanese fans have this otaku-style love for them”. Ariga was first noticed by the band’s management in 1989 during a news conference in New York. Impressed by his photos—the band and its press people believe Ariga’s shots are distinctive from those of US and European photographers—he was invited to cover the Stones’ first Japanese tour, in 1990. Before their first performance on the Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle tour, Ariga captured the band as they practised. “Keith has so much charisma that it comes out as an aura”, he said. “He could walk into a bar and sit quietly in a corner, but immediately everyone would look around because he has that much presence. “Charlie is very gentle and a rather strange fit with the rest of the band”, he explained. “He doesn’t want to be known as a rock ’n’ roll drummer; he prefers jazz, and that makes him special”. Ronnie is “one of the nicest people I have ever met”, while Mick “has a big personality” but is more businessminded offstage, with a very different private persona. In 1990, the band played to full houses of 50,000 people at the Tokyo Dome for 10 consecutive nights, setting a record for the venue that was only bettered by Michael Jackson.
“They are the perfect rock ’n’ roll band … They have this vocalist who is always jumping around the stage out front, the incredibly cool guitarist, they’re constantly coming out with new and different stuff— and The Beatles couldn’t do that”.
The Stones have since returned to Japan in 1995 for Voodoo Lounge, three years later for Bridges to Babylon, in 2003 for the Licks Tour and then, again three years later, for A Bigger Bang Tour. Ariga documented all the performances and a number of his pictures appear in the 50th anniversary publication, The Rolling Stones Archives. He has worked with several other big names from the music world, including Luna Sea, one of Japan’s most internationally well-known bands, and Kazuya Yoshii, formerly of Japanese rock band The Yellow Monkey. With increasing speculation that the Stones are planning a return to the stage either later this year or in 2013, to mark their golden anniversary, 69-year-old Mick indicated at the launch of the exhibition that another tour is on the cards. “Yeah, definitely later on, later on this year, on stage”, he told reporters. “And things are good, you know; 50 years, it seems an awfully long time, but it seems to have gone very, very quickly”. Ariga denies having any inside information on whether the Stones might be returning to Japan, but as both a photographer and a fan, he is looking forward to it.
AUGUST 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 19
FESTIVAL
British Music— Then, Now and Beyond
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n an ideal setting, high up among gentle streams and in a wooded valley, about 140,000 music lovers at the Fuji Rock Festival 2012 on 27–29 July enjoyed dozens of acts, among them 1970s and 1980s classics sung by Elvis Costello, Ray Davies and The Specials. Featured from the 1990s to the present were the headline acts of The Stone Roses, the Gallagher brothers Liam and Noel, and Radiohead. And representing what many believe is the future of British music was The Heartbreaks, ALT-J, and Michael Kiwanuka. PHOTOS: CHRIS WILLSON WWW.TRAVEL67.COM 090-1367-9198
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1. The Kooks 2. Noel Gallagher and the High Flying Birds 3. Liam Gallagher (vocalist for Beady Eye) 4. Ian Brown (lead singer of The Stone Roses) 5. Michael Kiwanuka (Below) Radiohead
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FESTIVAL
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6. My Bad Sister 7. The Specials 8. Howler 9. The Heartbreaks 10. Ray Davies (lead singer of The Kinks) 11. The D.O.T. 12. Spiritualized
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AUGUST 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 21
FESTIVAL Faye Mackenzie of Myu Japan Publishing; BCCJ Executive Director Lori Henderson; Ni-on Au-mongkolkarn of the British Embassy Tokyo; and Julian Peters of UK band Jimmy Binks and the Shakehorns
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PUBLICITY
Viewing the Cloud Homogeneously Custom Media
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loud infrastructures must meet the highest requirements relating to data protection and availability. But how can the quality requirements be met and data security be guaranteed? Service providers show significant differences here. What should companies take note of when selecting the provider? Cloud computing is also an important technology trend in 2012; the market research company Gartner confirms that cloud computing is “an unbelievable force for change”. The cloud, therefore, remains at the very top of the agenda for IT managers. One reason for this is the constantly increasing and evermore complex volume of corporate information—key word big data. At the same time the cloud also gives to companies challenges time and again, because the supply in the marketplace is frequently not transparent and many companies are still sceptical about cloud computing in terms of data security and availability.
Greater dynamism from the cloud On the one hand, cloud computing particularly offers users economic advantages. They can avoid unnecessary IT investments and exploit capacities only as required—this turns fixed costs into variable costs (CAPEX becomes OPEX). Companies also benefit from quick implementation and modification of IT infrastructures, increased scalability and location-independent access to applications and SAP solutions or other corporate data. The latter supports companies not only with regard to the growing number of mobile employees, but it also enables better crossteam collaboration—so employees from different locations can work collaboratively on documents.
Zero outage is a question of expertise All service providers promise high quality in their services. But it is here in particular
that companies should keep their eyes open when selecting the right partner; even 99.95% availability guaranteed in the service-level agreements allows the provider potential down-time of up to 42 hours per year. The technological base must, therefore, be checked with particular care because this makes the key contribution to data and networks being highly available and protected. In particular, components that only occur once in a system—the single points of failure (SPOF)—imply a serious risk of failure. Completely redundant component designs are, therefore, decisive. A twin-core approach is considered to be particularly reliable; all critical systems and data are mirrored in a second data center. “If one of the data centers fails, the twin takes over automatically and operation is not interrupted. Business continuity is therefore maintained,” explains Gregor B. Maas, Managing Director of T-Systems in Japan. T-Systems itself now has 22 such fail-safe twin-core data centers and has more than doubled their numbers since 2008. But according to Maas, this does not do the job on its own: “Another basic requirement is of course a comprehensive disasterrecovery plan and secure links from the data centers to the outside world. Otherwise a provider cannot guarantee high availability.” A precise check on the service provider’s technological expertise will pay off for the company. “If the right requirements are met it is even possible to provide real availability of 99.999%. This represents downtime of just five minutes per year and means real cash for companies,” adds Maas. “Zero outage computing” is therefore not simply an ideal any more.
Cloud computing: more than just technology In addition to the technological level, other criteria must be considered in order to take the protection and availability of information into account because an end-to-end strategy is the foundation of an economic cloud. It is not enough to simply rely on the technical components. A provider must, for example, also
Gregor B. Maas, Managing Director of T-Systems in Japan
provide appropriate precautions at the physical level; these include power failure protection and careful security measures for access to the data center. The companies’ organizational aspects must also be considered when planning a cloud strategy. Comprehensive role, right and identity management must be as much a matter of course as encryption technologies, e.g., one-off passwords for access to corporate information. Because cloud computing only results in greater dynamics and flexibility for companies if the specific corporate requirements and conditions are viewed homogeneously.
Quality management engenders trust Another very important element in the chain is quality management. A provider’s services can only be ensured at a high level if appropriate quality management continuously checks the services and optimizes them using an ongoing process. “The awareness of high quality in the performance of a cloud must be firmly anchored throughout companies providing these services— both in individual process steps and with all employees. Finally, profound quality management makes the key difference,” explains Maas.
Conclusion Not all clouds are alike. But users will receive good advice with a partner who has appropriate experience in the marketplace and on large-scale projects. But the objectives that a company has must not be neglected. This starts with a comprehensive analysis. And at the end the quality must be right. Only in this case can the cloud be a driver of growth.
AUGUST 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 23
EDUCATION
International Schools: Wide choice for expats and locals By Rob Gilhooly
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hile concerns surrounding last year’s disasters in Tohoku and the current economic climate linger, expatriate parents in Japan face a perennial cause of anxiety: where to send the children to school. Fortunately, there are a number of international schools offering curriculums and teaching standards that differ little from those at home, while support networks ensure the overseas educational experience is not a stressful one. The British School in Tokyo (BST) operates two sites in Japan’s capital and prides itself on providing a world-class British education for English-speaking students of Tokyo’s international community. While some BST students left following the disasters in March 2011, not only have they all returned but the school is set to welcome a record number of students— about 700—this September. “Our student numbers fell by about 5% after last year’s disaster, but had recovered fully by the following September”, said BST’s Simon Lloyd. “Numbers this September will be the most we have ever had”. The school—recently given an overall “excellent” rating by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, the organisation responsible for inspecting independent schools in the UK—in September will welcome as its new head David Christian, former principal of St Joseph’s International School in Singapore. “Some parents choose BST because we offer a British education and follow the English National Curriculum, but many others choose us because we have very high academic standards”, he said. BST uses a database tracking system to ensure that the academic progress of every child between the ages of three and 18 is constantly monitored. “We work extremely hard to ensure that we recruit teaching staff of the highest calibre, and that their knowledge is kept relevant and up to date with regular trips to the UK for further training”, he added. Founded in 1924, the Yokohama International School (YIS) is the world’s
Nagoya International School has about 330 students from 32 countries.
second-oldest educational establishment with “international school” in its name. The annual student intake is about 650 from more than 40 countries, with teaching staff representing 15 nationalities. The school launched its Connected Learning Community initiative last year, incorporating a laptop programme for secondary-level students that aims to provide them with non-stop computing and network access on a common learning platform. The YIS also offers a Global Citizen Diploma to fully acknowledge graduates’ wide-ranging achievements, both inside and outside the classroom. “We provide a solid academic programme—which is borne out by test scores consistently above global averages—but at the same time we emphasise the importance of balance in students’ lives”, said James MacDonald, head of school. “They are involved in a
Expatriate parents in Japan face a perennial cause of anxiety: where to send the children to school.
myriad of activities from sport and fine arts to community service. “Additionally, we have an active Parent-Teacher-Student Association which, among other activities, has a mentor programme that matches families new to Japan with current ones to help them get acclimatised”. Makuhari International School in Chiba Prefecture has recently entered its fourth year of operation, and expects to welcome 295 students in September, about 10% more than last year when some families— expats and locals—chose to leave Japan following the triple disaster. “Some 22 nationalities are represented here, but our biggest percentage of students are Japanese returnees”, said Head of School Paul Rogers. “Our school was designed and planned for those who want the Japanese-style curriculum, but conducted in English and with an international feel”. The institution provides education for children aged between three and 12 and, because students follow the Japanese curriculum, they have the option of entering a Japanese public high school or an international school, Rogers said. Although its aim has always been mainly to serve the expatriate community, the Nagoya International School, which opened in 1964, has also seen a rise in the number of returnees and non-expat foreigners in recent years, according to the Director of Development Erik Olson-Kikuchi.
AUGUST 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 25
St. Mary’s International School A School With A Heart
Accredited (WASC, CIS) boys’ school, ages 5 to 18 850 students from approximately 55 nationalities U.S. college-preparatory program and I.B. Core program plus Art, Music, Japanese and other languages, PE and Swimming English as a Second Language program College guidance Extensive school bus service Extra-curricular activities, clubs, sports Ski program, Grades 4 to 6
St. Mary’s International School 1-6-19 Seta, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8668 Tel: 03-3709-3411 Fax: 03-3707-1950 Email: admissions@smis.ac.jp Homepage: http://www.smis.ac.jp
EDUCATION
“The number of expatriate students has steadily risen and is expected to continue climbing due, in large part, to the expanding manufacturing industries and automotive sector in Nagoya”, said Olson-Kikuchi, adding that the school’s current intake is about 330 students from 32 countries. “The growth of Nagoya’s corporate sector has led to an influx of nationalities to the region”, he explained. Enrolment has been climbing slowly since March last year, he added. “Fukushima has had no negative impact, in fact we have had an increase of enquiries from families wishing to leave the Tokyo area”, he said. Although it only recently implemented the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in its senior school, the school already has achieved scores above the global average, Olson-Kikuchi said. “We also have just obtained an additional accreditation from the Council of International Schools, which reflects the continued internationalisation of Nagoya”, he added. The Tokyo International School (TIS) this year boasts an intake of 330 students between the ages of four and 14, representing 54 nationalities—an incredible development since its inception 15 years ago. Founded in 1997 by international parents who wanted quality education for their children, TIS initially comprised just one 12-student class. This expansion means that TIS will relocate to a new campus in the Tokyo suburb of Minami-Azabu in August next year. “As the school grew, different features, such as the IB Programme and our holistic approach to study started attracting different types of families”, said Aya Suzuki from TIS, before adding that, while the school may be relocating, its basic aim to nurture confident, open-minded, globally oriented and independent thinkers remains unchanged. To instill such values, language education is naturally a prominent feature at the school; Japanese is taught in each class and Spanish is taught in middle school, Suzuki explained. Language education is also a prominent feature in Toshima ward’s New International School of Japan (NISJ). Opened in 2001 with school entry offered
(Above) New International School of Japan is the only international school in the country that is fully bilingual in all subjects. (Left) The British School in Tokyo recently achieved an overall “excellent” rating by the UK’s Independent Schools Inspectorate.
to those aged between three and 15, it is the only international school in Japan that is fully bilingual in all subject areas. “The ‘new’ in our name is due to the style of school, not its age”, clarified Head of School Steven Parr. Innovation is at the heart of its raison d’être; all NISJ students learn to play the violin using the Suzuki method (by ear) from elementary-level, and over half choose to study Mandarin Chinese. “The school is child-centred and developmentally based, with no fixed goals by grade level”, said Parr. “Therefore, there is no limit as to how far a child may go in any particular area”. Popular with parents because their children become bilingual, the school has a 23,000-volume library, PCs and interactive whiteboards in every classroom, and two form teachers in
charge of fewer than 20 children. Established in 1999 as an early education facility for international children, Yoyogi International School (YIS) prepares Japanese and international students for any elementary school education system worldwide. Each year, about 120 students from 27 countries go through the YIS curriculum, which is based on the IB Primary Years Programme, the UK National Curriculum Key Stage 1 and Early Years Foundation Stage, as well as some US state education guidelines. “We are committed to staying vigilant to maintain the highest quality and standards in education, safety and ethics”, said school head Yuko Muir. “We are constantly updating our curriculum based on continuing research of the best international practices”.
AUGUST 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 27
HOSPITALITY
LET’S GO TO THE GATE! Tokyo’s newest hotel boasts roast beef, Slumberland beds and William Morris wallpaper
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By Rob Gilhooly
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hen the Gate Hotel Kaminarimon welcomed its first guests on 10 August, it did so equipped with a philosophy and long-term objective. Occupying the building’s third to 14th floors it stands out—although not as tall— as does its impressive new neighbour across the Sumida River, the Tokyo Skytree. Designed to be infused with feelings of intimacy and avoiding what some consider sticking points of high-end hotels, it provides guests with a relaxed and intimate experience, and staff with flexible roles. Yet, it embraces the traditions of the surrounding downtown Asakusa area. Indeed, when the Gate announced its opening, it was saying as much about its management ethics as its business status. “Usually, in a hotel, facilities are vertically organised, so there is no continuation between the restaurant, the rooms, the banquet hall and so on”,
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said Keisuke Uno, general manager. “Here we are focused on a more lateral approach. So, at the bar you will be greeted by name, not with a perfunctory ‘irasshaimase’, (welcome)”. The hotel décor does much to convey intimacy. The 137 guest rooms—of different sizes but spacious by Japan standards—are tastefully decorated with muted dark wood fittings and soft green and brown carpets that greet you with a hug rather than a handshake. The restaurant is designed more as a bistro than a run-of-the-mill hotel dining hall. “We wanted to create a feeling of closeness, where guests can retreat and relax”, explained Uno. “We certainly do not want guests to feel closed in, and wish to meet all their needs”. Inward looking the hotel is not, neither literally nor metaphorically. Perhaps its most prominent feature is the view. From the restaurant terrace and the 14th floor outdoor terrace, the vista features such well-known landmarks as the Senso-ji temple and Tokyo Skytree, symbols of old and new for which this part of Tokyo is acclaimed. The Gate has been created to become
an integral part of the local eclectic mix, welcoming tourists off the street and local residents to the hotel bar and restaurant, while encouraging guests to explore the area’s restaurants and bars, according to Uno. Indeed, hotel staff are compiling an in-house guide to restaurants, bars, businesses and other places of interest in the area. The guide will be available in English, Chinese and Korean. “Asakusa has long been known as both a hub for entertainment, including jazz and opera, and a place that has frequently reinvented itself and adapted to change”, he said. “The area has a rich history, and its immensely proud people have great vitality. We want to be known as a place about which people say, ‘If you want to know about Asakusa, go to the Gate’”. The hotel’s customer profile is aged 35 to 60, those who will appreciate the intimate atmosphere of the hotel and its surroundings, Uno said. “Hotels really struggled following the 3/11 disasters in Tohoku last year, and many hotels, especially business hotels, reduced their rates to try and attract guests”, he explained. “But we have
HOSPITALITY 1. 2/3. 4. 5.
Keisuke Uno, general manager of the Gate Hotel Kaminarimon The “casual French” restaurant also serves other European cuisines. High-quality Slumberland beds for peace of mind and comfort. Spectacular views of Tokyo Skytree from the 13th floor lobby.
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no intention of doing so, confident our continuous service will be a magnet for a discerning clientele”, he added. The type of customer targeted is reflected best in the choice of beds and trimmings at the hotel, he said. While the Heavenly Bed by Simmons is all the rage at other Japanese hotels, staff at the Gate decided that it does not fit their concept. Instead, they chose the classic comfort of the maker’s Slumberland. “We did not wish to jump on the bandwagon when it came to the most
“We want to be known as a place about which people say, ‘If you want to know about Asakusa, go to the Gate’ ”.
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important item in a hotel that promotes intimacy and relaxation”, said Uno. “We wanted something that is high quality, and assures peace of mind and comfort. Slumberland ticked all those boxes”. Meanwhile, the hotel’s showpiece room, called simply “The Gate,”—a 58m2 suite— brings together old and new, with classic William Morris wallpaper and modern furniture, to create what Uno has termed “traditional, with modern trimmings”. “Originally, the room was nothing to write home about, so we went back to the drawing board and rethought the design. If it was just a room with William Morris wallpaper we would have something very nice and traditional, but not in the innovative style that exemplifies our originality. By bringing in modern elements, the designer was presented with a challenge, while we were provided with a truly different, and special, room”. While the combination of two British firms was ultimately a coincidence, utilising the UK brand during the year of the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics certainly was not. “As a marketing strategy, we thought the British angle would go down well
during Olympic year,” said hotel marketing manager Mitsuko Ikeda. “What’s more, our concept of ‘intimate’ is close to that of Slumberland’s, so it was a perfect match. The focus on developing technology for relaxation in a very traditional firm such as Slumberland also mirrors the overriding ethos of the Asakusa area”, she added. Meanwhile, a standout item at the restaurant, which is broadly termed “casual French” but also incorporates a number of other European cuisines, is roast beef, Uno added. Uno is also confident that the hotel’s outdoor bar will ultimately mould the type of clientele that will stay at the hotel. Prospective clients are some 75% Japanese, with the rest being foreign residents and visitors from abroad. “But, depending on how we decide to manage such spaces as the outside bar, that may well change”, he said, with reference to many Western people’s love of eating and drinking outdoors. “I believe the percentage balance could change, which would be great. One good thing is that this Gate is open to everyone”.
AUGUST 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 29
THE A-LIST OF MARKET ENTRY & REGIONAL BUSINESS SUPPORT
With offices in Tokyo and Osaka, CarterJMRN K.K. is a full-service Japan-based market research agency with a history leading back to 1989. As a fully bicultural agency, we are known for our creative responses to clients’ briefs—applying research and related understanding to deliver highly practical, prescriptive and actionable solutions. Our work includes advertising, branding, customer and market entry assignments and our goal, no matter how simple or complex the research assignment, is to help our clients “unmask” Japan.
Company Name:
CarterJMRN K.K.
Address:
Loge Aoyama Suite 702 1-4-5 Kita Aoyama Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0061
Contact:
Dominic Carter
Telephone:
03-6438-9481
Email:
unmaskjapan@carterjmrn.com
Website:
www.carterjmrn.com
AREAS OF EXPERTISE • • • • •
Market entry Brand strategy Communications development Customer experience management Software and information systems
As one of the leading firms in corporate immigration, ILS Shimoda Office LPC provides exclusive services to allow foreign nationals to work or live in Japan under an appropriate resident status, including consultations, case analysis, document preparation, and application with the immigration authorities. Established in 1997, and having handled nearly 50,000 cases, ILS Shimoda Office provides quality services based on our ample experience and knowledge. In order to determine the most appropriate of the 27 resident statuses for foreign nationals intending to reside in Japan, we analyse each applicant’s situation based on their individual circumstances and relevant documents. Our experienced consultants can provide consultation in both English and Japanese, ensuring the optimum service for every case. AREAS OF EXPERTISE Company Name:
ILS Shimoda Office LPC
Address:
Sawa Building 4F 2-2-2 Nishi-Shinbashi Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0003
Telephone:
03-5521-1901
Email:
info@ils-co.jp
Website:
www.ils-co.jp
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Certificate of eligibility Extension / change of status of residence Permanent residency Naturalisation Corporate immigration Family immigration Other immigration related procedures
InfoEx Corporation’s multicultural staff is ready to assist and support businesses to establish operations in Japan. We strive to help clients by conducting preliminary market surveys prior to entry, creating business plans, establishing and managing local offices, and carrying out business development and support sales activities by introducing potential big clients and major venture companies. InfoEx can also operate as your Tokyo branch office at a reasonable price, allowing you to have an address in the capital.
Company Name:
InfoEx Corporation
Address:
5F Ochanomizu Sunny Bldg, 3-2-7 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033
Contact:
Hiroshi Asao
Telephone:
03-5879-4558 080-1180-9155 (English)
Email:
info@infoex.co.jp
Website:
www.infoex.co.jp
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We also can help you to find bilingual staff or HR functions in Tokyo, using our wide-ranging network which spans North America, Europe and Asia. One of the biggest European global IT firms has selected InfoEx Corporation in Japan. Their sales have increased threefold within three years, proving our successful track record. Your success in Japan is our mission! AREAS OF EXPERTISE • • • • • • •
IT solutions HR consulting Japan market entry Foreign telecom support System integration /maintenance Multi-language web creation Cross-border development support
bccjacumen.com/a-list
Founded in 1983, Japan Valuers is one of the leading real estate appraisal firms in Japan. We organise a nationwide network and have alliances with several firms around the world, structuring valuations promptly for a wide range of clients. As a corporate member of the International Valuation Standards Council, we provide services in accordance with the latest accounting rules of the International Financial Reporting Standards. We are also registered with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and provide various services based on its high standards. Working closely with our global and domestic clients, we assist various types of real estate decision making through valuation and counseling. AREAS OF EXPERTISE Company Name:
Japan Valuers Co., Ltd.
Address:
Ringo Bldg., 2-13 Goban-cho, Tokyo 102-0076
Contact:
Kiyoshi Sasagawa, Director
Telephone:
03-3556-1702
Email:
global@japanvaluers.com
Website:
www.japanvaluers.com
We provide appraisals: • Of investment properties such as J-REITs • With fair value accounting • Related to transactions, corporate M&As, share exchange and corporate separation • For property finance
We also offer: • Investment analysis and feasibility studies • Highest and best use analyses
MKJ Inc. offers professional consulting and best-in-class solutions. From marketing, value chain support and merchandising, to branding and public relations, we will meet your business needs. As a marketing specialist, we analyse the target market and create consistent and optimised plans and strategies, tailor-made to suit your firm’s needs. To determine the right budget for your marketing and communication plan, we review all the costs involved, from manufacturing to distribution, to ensure a competitive and profitable price. We also provide support solutions for in-house HR issues such as training, assignments and expenses, and coordinate branding while considering the business domain, target segment and future scope. Company Name:
MKJ Inc.
Address:
2-20-9 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku Tokyo 150-0043 Japan
Contact:
Mike Kawai
Telephone:
03-3461-4678
Email:
mkj@mkj-inc.com
Website:
www.mkj-inc.com
MKJ’s vast network and experience will guarantee your business is a success. AREAS OF EXPERTISE • • • • • •
Marketing specialist Marketing communication Value chain support Merchandising Public relations Management level solution
In an increasingly interconnected world, working across borders offers greater opportunities than ever before. With these opportunities come many cultural challenges that, if not successfully negotiated, can derail even the best market entry plan. At Platinum Training Consultants K.K. we specialise in helping organisations and individuals to overcome these challenges, both for Japanese working worldwide and for international employees in Japan. Our practical and innovative courses cover all aspects of cross-cultural business communications ranging from emails, teleconferencing and presentations to assertiveness, negotiation and leadership. Our focus on improving job performance offers clients a genuine and visible return on investment. We help Japan work with the world, and the world work with Japan. Company Name:
Platinum Training Consultants K.K.
Address:
Funada Kinshicho Ekimae Bldg. 4F 2-5-11 Kinshi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0013
Contact:
Andrew Abbey (English) / Yoko Chiba (Japanese)
Telephone:
03-5637-8879
Email:
info@platinum-training.jp
Website:
www.platinum-training.jp
AREAS OF EXPERTISE • • • • •
Globalisation strategy planning and training implementation Executive coaching Cross-cultural training for assignees to Japan Business skills coaching for Japanese working worldwide Cross-cultural training for Japanese staff working in global environments and preparing for overseas assignments
AUGUST 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 31
THE A-LIST OF MARKET ENTRY & REGIONAL BUSINESS SUPPORT
As the world’s leading independent online panel and survey technology provider to the global market research industry, Toluna Japan Ltd. provides online sample and survey technology solutions to the world’s leading market research agencies, media agencies and corporate firms. In addition, Toluna continually develops innovative world-class technology to enable market research organisations, communication agencies and brands worldwide to create surveys, manage panels and build online communities to gain real time customer insight quickly and cost effectively. Toluna manages online consumer, B2B and specialty survey panels in 42 nations worldwide, and provides 24/7 project management support from its 17 offices located in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific, including here in Japan. Company Name:
Toluna Japan Ltd.
Address:
2F Aie Aie Bldg. 15-12 Nanpeidai, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0036
Contact:
Mark Shepard
Telephone:
03-5459-1067
Email:
mark.shepard@toluna.com
Website:
www.toluna-group.com
AREAS OF EXPERTISE • • • • • •
Online surveys Questionnaire programming services Social media and recruitment planning Hosted panel management solutions Online web communities Toluna QuickSurveys
Ace Express Co., Ltd Global and Domestic Moving and Storage
Think Moving Think Fast Think Ace Worldwide Network Contact us now: Ace Express Co., Ltd Tel: 03-6807-1202 Email: acemoving@live.jp Website: www.acexp.jp/english/ 5-2-28 Iriya Adachi-Ku Tokyo 121-0836
BCCJ ACUMEN has one copy of each of these books to give away. To apply, please send an email by 31 August to: editor@custom-media.com. Winners will be picked at random.
BOOKS
Reviews by Ian de Stains OBE
Reads That Changed Lives Each story is concise, selfcontained and refreshingly different from the others— an ideal volume for dipping into.
If you’re an avid reader, you probably have friends who share your love of books. You may even share the books themselves—passing them around your circle of friends and exchanging views. In which case, you’ll no doubt have had someone say to you, “You’ve got to read this book!” You even might have said it yourself. Between the covers of this eclectic compilation there are opinions galore, drawn from a large variety of fields, from household names to others less well known. The books they chose are an interesting mix. With no shortage of the obvious self-help titles—among them: Love is Letting Go of Fear, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and The Power of One—there are some intriguing surprises too: To Kill a Mockingbird, Don Quixote and even Mein Kampf. The authors, Jack Canfield, of Chicken Soup for the Soul fame and Gay Hendricks, co-author of Conscious Living, have compiled a fascinating collection. Each story is concise, self-contained and refreshingly different from the others—an ideal volume for dipping into.
By Jack Canfield and Gay Hendricks HarperCollins $14.95
Revealing Japan’s Corporate Structure
By John Buchanan, Dominic Heesang Chai and Simon Deakin Cambridge University Press £60.00
To many on the outside, corporate Japan is a big mystery. How can major corporations operate without appearing to pay attention to their shareholders? The copywriters and editors who, as native speakers of English, produce annual reports for Japanese firms, frequently struggle to balance the need for internationally accepted openness and transparency with the Japanese preference for conformity. It often comes down to one basic question: what is the core reason for the firm’s existence? Is it there to make money (benefitting shareholders), or to provide employment to support a community and sustain a corporate legacy? In post-1945 Japan, the latter seems to have been the priority—employees and customers were much higher in the hierarchy than mere investors. However, as
the Japanese economy grew, those on the outside began to see potential for rapid and large gains. But their tactics and approach were often at odds with what made the Japanese corporate world feel comfortable. In Hedge Fund Activism in Japan, authors Buchanan, Chai and Deakin explore the various attempts by US and UK hedge funds to penetrate and alter the corporate structure in Japan. The very concept of the hedge fund appears to be in contrast with the Japanese management model, and the infamous Steel Partners/Bull-Dog Sauce court case of 2007 makes a good example for anyone wanting to explore the complexities. As a specialists’ book, the authors make few allowances for readers with little financial expertise, but it is a serious study of whether hedge fund activism is truly an option in Japan.
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TRAVEL
Rubble in Paradise Yorkshireman building Pacific’s newest, remotest, poshest airport By Julian Ryall
T
he island of Pohnpei has a state-of-the-art airport that is the envy of the Pacific, thanks to the efforts of Brian Moore, the British manager of the project for Japan’s Penta-Ocean Construction Co., Ltd. Found between Guam and Hawaii and just one in a string of islands that make up the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Pohnpei is about as far as it is geographically possible to get from the village of Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Moore’s hometown on the Yorkshire coast. Moore’s last trip back to the northeast took 43 hours door-to-door and, he admits, he doesn’t get home as much as he would like. But he has enjoyed the past two decades’ challenges, namely, engineering projects he has worked on around the Pacific and further afield. “It depends on the project, but there are generally not too many tough parts to this job”, 59-year-old Moore told BCCJ ACUMEN from his office beside the new airport, which accepted its first direct Boeing 767 flight from Japan on 9 June. “Logistics problems sometimes give me a headache and, if we have a bad subcontractor, they can be difficult to deal with in the right way. But it’s my job to try to find ways to get around that and come out with a good profit”, he said. “A lot of this is about how you approach your job. If you’re only here for the money and you don’t care who you tread on, then you’re not going to succeed”. For Penta-Ocean, the Pohnpei International Airport projects are relatively small schemes—a mere $80mn in total—but to the people of this isolated state they could be the key to a more prosperous future. “That is a substantial amount for these islands and we hope we can get
Saltburn-by-the-Sea to Pohnpei in under 43 hours.
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permission to start the final stage of the project in August”, said Moore, a former pupil of Sir William Turner’s Grammar School in Redcar, North Yorkshire, and a schoolboy rugby international player who went on to study civil engineering at Aston University in Birmingham. To an outsider, the project looks remarkably complex. Until Penta-Ocean built the first airport at Pohnpei in the 1960s, the island could only be reached by ship or seaplane. The firm also constructed the causeway linking the airport island with the mainland. Then, half a century later, the firm was again selected by the FSM government to carry out expansion
Brian Moore: don’t mess with the locals.
work that, it is hoped, will bring in more tourists and increase trade opportunities. The project involved two parallel schemes: one largely funded by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the other paid for by government grants administered by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Tokyo’s contribution helped cover the cost of extending the runway by about 244m, permitting larger passenger aircraft to land. In addition to the asphalt pavements and shoulders, other items were installed including security fencing, lights, arrival terminal and X-ray equipment. Pohnpei International Airport is also the proud owner of the first baggage carousel system in Micronesia. Further, the FAA funds permitted the runway to be completely resurfaced with 25,000 tonnes of asphalt, and the
installation of new runway shoulders, lighting, signage and windsocks. Phase two—completed in July 2011—saw the addition of asphalt turnaround bays at each end of the runway, overlaying of the taxiway, installation of additional runway lighting and the augmenting of traffic markings. But arguably the most eye-catching development of the second phase of the project has been the completion of the gleaming Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Facility (ARFF). The ARFF building was 95% paid for by the FAA and the remainder of the cost was covered by the national and state governments. Designed to meet the strict standards of the FAA, the edifice has showers, as well as a gym, laundry, kitchen, dormitory, wheelchair lift and fireman’s pole to allow for quick response to emergency situations. But Moore admits it is unlikely ever to be used. The upstairs control room gives the emergency crews a panoramic view of the airport, while in the fire engine bays downstairs, two huge, florescent yellow Oshkosh fire trucks are always ready for action. Discussions are underway on the third and final phase of the project, which would see the construction of a perimeter road, concrete hardstandings for the apron, drainage, embankments, shore protection and a perimeter security fence. Currently there are only a few flights into Pohnpei each week: the islandhopper flights through the islands terminate at Guam and Honolulu, before beginning their return leg. Theoretically the airport could handle as many as seven flights every day. “There is scope for ecotourism here and there are some beautiful outer islands, but it has always been difficult to get here”, Moore said. “There is still a great deal to do. More hotels for visitors and an upgrade of the infrastructure across the island are needed if they want to turn Pohnpei into a tourist destination. But this project could be the first step towards that. “Penta-Ocean has provided that opportunity with this airport, and we hope they can now make it pay off for the people here”, he concluded.
SPORT
Sick as a Parrot World’s worst team tackles fat, funding and focus (and coached by Bristol City fan) By Julian Ryall
T
touched down in the island nation, officially ranked as having the worst footballers on the planet. “The main problem was a lack of formal coaching”, he explained. “While there was a very good level of athleticism and natural talent, knowledge of the rules and systems of play were limited.
he Briton who laid the foundations of football in Pohnpei is calling on the sport’s highest ranks for funding to develop the game in this Pacific outpost. Paul Watson was a low-level, semiprofessional footballer and journalist in the UK, but had never fully given up his dream of playing international football, he told BCCJ ACUMEN. “My flatmate, Matthew Conrad, and I went in search of the lowest ranked team for which we could try to play, and found Pohnpei on a list of football bodies not recognised by FIFA; they had never won a game”. After contacting the head of the nation’s football association, they were told Pohnpei really needed a coach. “And so I decided to go for it”, 28-yearold Watson said. “I left my job and moved to Micronesia”. The scale of the task facing the FREE BOOK! Bristol City supporter became Custom Media has three copies of Up Pohnpei for readers. apparent as soon as his flight To apply, simply email editor@custom-media.com Winners will be picked at random.
“You can’t visit the islands without being struck by the problem with obesity and the lack of direction and purpose displayed by so many of the locals”, he added. “It was always my hope that football could provide a positive sporting outlet for the naturally gifted young athletes who so often become obese adults”. Watson spent 18 months in charge of the fledgling team, using his own savings to buy boots, balls and other equipment, while also begging for scraps from Tottenham Hotspur, Yeovil Town and Norwich City. “The high-point of my tenure was creating a team from the Pohnpei Premier League that we set up, leading them to Guam on tour and winning a game 7-1 against The Crushers, a Guam club team”, Watson said. Watson returned to the UK in October 2010 and has since written a book— Up Pohnpei—highly acclaimed for turning the toad-infested training facilities, and one of the world’s wettest climates, into a humorous tale. But he continues his quest to have Pohnpei and its pool of 34,000 potential players climbing the FIFA world rankings.
AUGUST 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 35
DESIGN
Garden Made for Gold Tokyo man takes top prize at Chelsea Flower Show
By Julian Ryall • Project took one month and £200,000 to complete • Natural, sustainable materials, traditional craftsmanship
K
azuyuki Ishihara won the gold medal in the Artisan Garden category at the Royal Horticultural Society’s annual Chelsea Flower Show in late May, bringing home his seventh award from the world’s most famous gardening event. And of that medal total, no fewer than four have now been gold. Ishihara’s design, titled “Satoyama Life”, was planned as a peaceful space that
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Ishihara’s design, titled “Satoyama Life”, was planned as a peaceful space that underlines the importance of coexisting with nature in modernday life.
underlines the importance of coexisting with nature in modern-day life. Satoyama is the Japanese term given to the patches of traditional landscape that dot the space between mountains and lowland, and can be found to this day. “The countryside of my childhood—40 years ago—was alive with the richness of nature”, he told BCCJ ACUMEN. “Life might not have been so convenient back then, but the people had a certain richness of mind, and seemed to be more at peace with each other. “I recalled that and wanted to represent those memories and ideas in a garden that took satoyama as its inspiration”, he said. Sponsored by his own garden design firm—Ishihara Kazuyuki Design Laboratory Co., Ltd.—and five other firms, Ishihara
DESIGN
used a thinning out technique to highlight the natural beauty of the garden that contrasts with techniques used in Europe that are more commonly associated with ikebana flower arrangement. The key plants that were incorporated into the design were acers and other deciduous trees that bud simultaneously, as well as liriope muscari, a species of low, herbaceous flowering plant that is native to East Asia and is known in the West as lilyturf, and quercus suber, an evergreen more commonly known as the cork oak. The judges and critics agreed with Ishihara’s vision, with the rounded shapes of the mosses—imported specially from Norway for the occasion—covering the building and mirroring the shapes of the stones in the wall. The Artisan Garden category was returning to the show for a second year, and the designers’ brief was to create a garden that utilised natural, sustainably sourced materials and traditional craftsmanship to complete their projects. Given the vagaries of the British climate, however, building the garden was not completely without incident for Ishihara. “In comparison with previous years, it was cold in May in England and that made things more difficult”, he explained. “In particular, matching the conditions in Japan and England, and trying to get the best quality plants to work into the design was challenging”. While Ishihara was sketching and planning the design in the warmth and
relative humidity of a Japanese spring, for example, Britain was experiencing one of its wettest and coolest springs on record—complicated by brief bouts of unseasonably hot weather. He spent about one month physically assembling the garden in London and spent an estimated £200,000 to complete the project. Ishihara first took part in the Chelsea Flower Show in 2004, when he won the Silver Gilt Medal for his Chic Garden, and says the secret to winning the most coveted titles on the competitive gardening calendar is to have original thoughts that can be expressed in the design, rather than attempting to make a “cool garden”. “It is important that the originality of the person who is designing the garden comes through”, he said. Ishihara said he feels relieved at having won the gold, after only having taken the silver award in the last two years. “For two years, I could not quite manage to take the gold, but I did it this year, with the support of my sponsors in Japan”, he said. “I can now take the gold medal back to my family and I’m really happy about that”. And even though it is a long way off yet, Ishihara is already making plans to defend his title next year. “As long as I have the support and the physical strength, I want to continue challenging the top awards”, he said.
“As long as I have the support and the physical strength, I want to continue challenging the top awards”
Kazuyuki Ishihara has won seven awards at the show, including four golds.
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ARTS EVENTS Compiled by Shoko Nakamura | shoko@custom-media.com
UNTIL 30 NOVEMBER “Artists Who Crossed Oceans”
Since May 2011, an exhibition by conceptual artist Yayoi Kusama has been travelling the world’s top art museums, including London’s Tate Modern and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. It is this year’s first curated exhibition at the Karuizawa Museum Complex.
Yayoi Kusama, PUMPKIN, 1982
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Karuizawa 2052-2 Nagakura Karuizawa-machi Kitasaku-gun Nagano-ken
10am−5pm Closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays (Open every day July−September) Adults ¥1,000 (including one free drink) www.umi-karuizawa.blogspot.jp/
FREE TICKETS
We are giving away five pairs of free tickets to this event.
UNTIL MAY 2013 (tentative) “The Gift of Illustrations— A Source of Popular Culture”
©NIBARIKI ©MUSEO D’ARTE GHIBLI
Over 100 years ago, the Scottish folklorist Andrew Lang published a children’s book bringing together collections of oral literature and folk tales from around the world. This exhibition presents illustrations from Lang’s books in enlarged formats, showcasing the imagination, broad subject matter and master artistry of the illustrator.
Ghibli Museum, Mitaka 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 10am−6pm Closed on Tuesdays (except 14 August, 25 December), 6−16 November and 27 December−2 January 2013 Adults ¥1,000 (Advanced reservations required) Japan: www.lawson.co.jp/ghibli/ Outside Japan: www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/ticket_ information/
20–29 AUGUST “Japan Magazine Publishers Association: London Olympic Games Magazine Flash Report Photography”
Taken by photographers of the Japan Magazine Publishers Association (JMPA), this exhibition shows dynamic images of Japanese athletes at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
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Canon Gallery Ginza 3-9-7 Ginza Chuo-ku, Tokyo 10:30am−6:30pm (3pm on 29 August) Closed on Sundays and national holidays Admission free 03-3542-1860 http://cweb.canon.jp/gallery/ archive/jmpa-london/index.html
To apply for free tickets, please send us an email with your name, address and telephone number: shoko@custom-media.com Winners will be picked at random.
FROM 15 SEPTEMBER
©2011 DEUTSCHFILM / CUCKOO CLOCK ENTERTAINMENT / SENATOR FILM PRODUKTION
Lessons of a Dream
Set in 1874, a young English teacher is hired at a strict German school for boys to reform their education. Prejudiced against England and reluctant to learn the language, the boys are introduced to football as a means to an end.
TOHO Cinemas Chanter 1-2-2 Yurakucho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo www.kakumei.gaga.ne.jp/
FREE TICKETS
We are giving away five pairs of free tickets to the preview. 5 September 6:30pm (doors open 6pm) Tosho Hall Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry 4F 3-2-2 Marunouchi Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
6–8 OCTOBER Penguin Cafe Japan Tour
Penguin Cafe’s music is built on playful, minimalist concepts created by ukuleles, strings, percussion, electric bass and piano. Arthur Jeffes took over the nine-piece British ensemble in 2009, following the death of his father, Simon Jeffes, the classically trained British guitarist, composer, arranger and founder of the Penguin Cafe Orchestra. 6−7 October “Beat Circuit 2012: Penguin Cafe with Friends” Guests: salyu×salyu (6 October), Gontiti and Goro Ito (7 October) Roppongi Hills Arena 5pm (doors open 4:30pm)
General admission ¥4,000 (sold out for 6 October) 8 October “Penguin Cafe Special Live Show” Guests: Sotaisei Riron Laforet Museum Roppongi 6pm (doors open 5:30pm) General admission ¥6,500 (including DVD) (sold out) 10 October “Penguin Cafe in Osaka” Umeda Club Quattro 7:30pm (doors open 6:30pm) General admission ¥6,000 (including DVD) 03-3498-2881 www.plankton.co.jp/
24 AUGUST–9 SEPTEMBER The King’s Speech
Written by David Seidler, the play—on which the Oscarwinning film The King’s Speech is based—will be performed in Japanese by native actors after performances in the UK and Finland earlier this year.
Setagaya Public Theatre 4-1-1 Taishido Setagaya-ku, Tokyo From ¥9,000 www.kingsspeech.jp/ 0570-00-3337
AUGUST 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 39
COMMUNITY
The BCCJ Olympic 51 Night on 19 July, in celebration of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, was organised with the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Links of London, Berry Bros. & Rudd, British Airways, Conrad Tokyo, Adidas and MoĂŤt Hennessy Diageo. BCCJ
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COMMUNITY
LAUNCH
Ambassador Sir David Warren KCMG spoke at Canning Professional, K.K.’s launch of McLeish Wang, a talent management brand and a new partnership with Saville Consulting, which carries out psychometric assessments and aptitude testing, at the British Embassy Tokyo on 19 July.
OLYMPICS
Sendai City resident Sadaharu Mishina, who lost his two-year-old daughter in the 11 March tsunami, was nominated—on 25 June in Morley, West Yorkshire—to carry the Olympic torch for embodying “the spirit and strength of an Olympic champion; displaying integrity, honour and courage”.
FESTIVAL
From left: FEW (For Empowering Women) Japan President Sarah Everitt Furuya, Refugees International Japan CEO and President Jane Best, and BCCJ Executive Director Lori Henderson attended the Fuji Rock Festival 2012, in Niigata Prefecture on 27–29 July (see page 20).
BCCJ
From left: Sunil Sood, Kazuhiko Shibata and Bruce Darrington at the BCCJ’s Brown Bag Luncheon with the Bank of Japan, at the British Embassy Tokyo on 24 July.
THANKS
“ARIGATO in LONDON”—a 15-day event to thank those who helped Japan after the 11 March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, and to show how the country is recovering— opened at London County Hall on 28 July.
MUSIC
From left: Akemi Solloway, founder of Aid For Japan, and two volunteers at the “J-Pop Go” event, held at Vibe Bar in east London on 15 July.
AUGUST 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 41
COMMUNITY
ARTS
© 2012 JERRY HARDMAN-JONES INSTALLATION VIEW, YOKO ONO: TO THE LIGHT, SERPENTINE GALLERY, LONDON
CONCERT
Princess Takamado attended a reception for the Choir of St John’s College, University of Cambridge, after watching them perform at the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall on 27 July.
PARTY
To the Light, an exhibition by Yoko Ono, is being held at the Serpentine Gallery (until 9 September) as part of the London 2012 Festival.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Hogan Lovells, a global law firm, held a summer party on 5 July in Minami-Aoyama.
The London Street Photography Exhibition was held at Marunouchi Café Ease on 27 July–2 August. The event marks the partnership between Marunouchi naka-dori and Bond Street retailer associations which will promote the two iconic shopping spots as “twin streets”.
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