BCCJ ACUMEN, November 2012

The Magazine of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan November 2012 | 짜900

BUSINESS SURVEY

DAVID BOWIE AND ME

TRANSPLANTED!

INTERVIEW: OOCL

BRITISH BUSINESS AWARDS 2012 PAGE 16

PLUS INDUSTRY & A-LIST: Logistics & Supply Chain Management and Home Delivery Services Book reviews | Media | Arts events | Community | And much more

HIGHLAND GAMES

INSPIRED LINES

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 11

November 2012

16 44 DESIGN British gardeners win world cup medals ... for France and Italy

COVER STORY BCCJ 2012 British Business Awards

7 PUBLISHER Only Winners at the BBA Simon Farrell 8 MEDIA UK–Japan News 11 PRESIDENT The British Chamber of Commerce (In Japan) Nick Walters 12 MEDIA What you missed in the Japanese press 15 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Books for Smiles Lori Henderson 16 COVER STORY BCCJ 2012 British Business Awards 25 SURVEY Business Survey Economy expected to improve over longer term

SPORT Japan Scottish Highland Games

26 INVESTMENT Beyond the Bright Lights For better lifestyles and lower costs, firms locate outside Tokyo 29 INTERVIEW Access to Success 30 CREATIVE David Bowie and Me INDUSTRY Logistics & Supply Chain Management and Home Delivery Services 35 Procurement: Japan’s Developing World 36 A-list 41 Relocation, Relocation, Relocation!

30 CREATIVE David Bowie and Me

44 DESIGN Transplanted!

46 SPORT Japan Scottish Highland Games 48 AWARD The Next Industrial Revolution?

49 ARTS Inspired Lines Berks man beats over 500 entrants to win EU–Japan haiku contest 50 ARTS EVENTS Harvest, Enchanted Ballet Film Festival, Hiraki Sawa’s Whirl, Opening the Door to the World of Miniatures: The Allure of Dolls’ Houses, Skyfall, W.E.

42 RELOCATION UniGroup Worldwide UTS Providing superior relocation services

52 COMMUNITY BCCJ, honours, charity, lunch, comedy, film, photography, art

43 INTERVIEW Takahisa Kashiyama Director, OOCL Logistics (Japan) Ltd

54 BOOKS The Garden of Evening Mists Milligan and the Samurai Rebels COVER PHOTOS: ROBERT GILHOOLY

© MASAYOSHI SUKITA

46

AUCTION SALE

BAILEE IN POSSESSION 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.

FINE, HANDWOVEN EASTERN AND PERSIAN RUGS AND CARPETS SATURDAY, 8 DECEMBER, 6PM (viewing from 5pm)

The International House of Japan 5-11-16 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3470-4611

The collection includes quality oriental carpets as well as wool, pure silk, contemporary, antique, semi-antique, precious and collectable items.

The Bailee instructs 100% clearance to finalise a protracted settlement. Each lot will go under the hammer and will be sold piece by piece to the highest bidder for immediate realisation.

No pre-set reserves. All lots offered at the sole discretion of the specialist auctioneer.

Auction to be conducted in yen. Other currencies accepted by arrangement Cash, cheques and major credit cards accepted For further information, please contact: Mr Nasir 090-4453-8129 Mr Nick Burrows (auctioneer) +61-411-599-977

Executive Staff Executive Director: Lori Henderson Operations Manager: Sanae Samata Executive Committee Russell M Anderson | Jaguar Land Rover Japan Ltd. Paul Atkinson | Individual Member 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

ASRAN RUGS

2-11-8 Shiroganedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-5447-2047

BCCJ ACUMEN is the magazine of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan

CONTRIBUTORS

Nick Walters, has been BCCJ president since April 2012.

JEREMY SUTTON-HIBBERT

Publisher Simon Farrell simon@custom-media.com President Robert Heldt robert@custom-media.com Art Director Cliff Cardona Assistant Art Director Paul Leonard Assistant Editor Megan Waters Client Services Manager Sam Bird samuel@custom-media.com Account Executives Mareike Dornhege mareike@custom-media.com Leon van Houwelingen leon@custom-media.com Kieran Quigley kieran@custom-media.com

Lori Henderson has been BCCJ executive director since February 2011.

Ian de Stains OBE is a former BBC producer and presenter who has been based in Japan since 1976, when he was seconded to NHK. From 1987 to 2011, he was BCCJ executive director. Aside from writing, 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.

Justin McCurry is Japan correspondent for The Guardian and The Observer.

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

Jeremy Parton is a visual designer who currently lives in Seattle, Washington. His design style has developed from a broad range of artistic and photographic experience driven by his passion and love of nature.

Jeff Allan is based in Tokyo where he writes about technology, business, and international lifestyle.

Craig Harrison is director of Client Services at Crown Worldwide K.K., a privately owned global relocation provider.

Rajat Jain is the manager of Procurement and Supply Chain at Michael Page Japan.

Megan Waters is assistant editor at Custom Media K.K.

Media Co-ordinator Yoko Yanagimoto 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.

Contributions BCCJ Members are welcome to submit ideas for content, which will be decided on merit by the Editor. editor@custom-media.com © 2012 Custom Media K.K.

NOVEMBER 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 5

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Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station Exit 2

Toei Asakusa Line Asakusa Station Exit A4

PUBLISHER

Only Winners at the BBA

B

est wishes from BCCJ ACUMEN to the winners and organisers of the fifth annual British Business Awards (BBA) on 2 November at the Conrad Tokyo. We postponed printing ACUMEN to cover this special event, which is splashed over seven pages of this issue.

It was great to meet some old acquaintances again and to mingle with a good-natured crowd in what has become a major networking and entertainment event. It again broke records for the number of guests and nominations (although the first BBA, in 2008, drew more guests, perhaps because it was a joint BCCJ 60th anniversary event).

Asking journalists to work on Friday nights and wear a tie is pushing my luck, I know, but The Daily Telegraph’s Julian Ryall and freelance photographer Robert Gilhooly have never let me down. Please enjoy their full report on page 16.

But this year was different: Julian had been nominated (not by me) for Person of the Year, yet had to work there. He could not eat, or even sit at a table, like the other nominees. Graceful in defeat, he then had to endure the ignominy of interviewing the deserving victor for our report and video of the event.

That’s the kind of dedication and professionalism that the BBA is all about.

More than poppies If you missed the 11 November Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Yokohama, which honours the memory of commonwealth service personnel who died in World War II and other conflicts, there are still a number of other events throughout the year which make it worth joining the Royal British Legion, Tokyo Branch.

See the advert on page 15 for details.

To the Editor I want to congratulate you and all your staff on your first-rate publication, BCCJ ACUMEN. Every month, there are well-written articles that I enjoy reading.

Visually, the publication is beautiful as well.

I get all of the publications from the chambers in Japan and ACUMEN is by far the best. Congratulations on a first-rate publication that really makes a contribution to the business community in Japan.

Best regards, Bob Tobin Tobin Ohashi Art Gallery

Simon Farrell Custom Media simon@custom-media.com

LATEST UK–JAPAN REPORTS

UK Search for Oldest Carina ICT Firm to Recruit Trainees Fujitsu UK & Ireland plans to recruit 95 apprentices by December, Japan Today reported on 9 October.

The leading information and communication technology firm believes that expanding its business will help curb rising youth unemployment while fulfilling its own growth ambitions.

School-leavers with GCSEs will earn £7,800 while they undertake a one-year training programme. College leavers with A-levels will receive an annual salary of £14,500 during their two-year course.

Based in numerous locations around the UK, the apprentices will fill a wide variety of roles.

At the end of their programmes, the firm hopes to provide all apprentices who have met performance objectives with full-time positions in the organisation.

The first Toyota Carina E was produced in 1992.

Toyota GB plc is looking for the UK’s oldest British-built Carina E, The Daily Telegraph reported on 22 October.

The carmaker is celebrating 20 years of production in the UK by holding a competition to demonstrate how durable its cars can be.

The owner of the oldest car will be rewarded with the use of a new Burnastonbuilt Auris hatchback for one week.

The first Toyota Carina E was produced at the firm’s plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire, in December 1992. About 17,000 of the vehicles remain on UK roads today.

Tory MP: “We Must Be Like Japan”

All-Electric Buses for Milton Keynes

Gender Equality Survey Results

Minister and South West Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss wants British education to be more like that of Japan, the Eastern Daily Press reported on 9 October.

Most children in Japan study A-level maths before leaving school.

Although studying the subject does boost earning power, the number of pupils in the UK who study maths until the end of high school has declined in recent years, as has their proficiency in the subject.

Mitsui & Co. Europe PLC plans to join a project to introduce all-electric buses on a main route in Milton Keynes by next summer, the Japan Times reported on 27 September.

The trading giant will join the Milton Keynes Council, bus operator Arriva, a local power distributor, and other parties in the five-year collaboration.

Eight electric buses will replace existing diesel vehicles.

Japan was ranked 101st and the UK 18th out of 135 countries in terms of gender equality, according to a 2012 World Economic Forum (WEF) survey issued on 25 October.

The poll focuses on the gap between men and women in four categories.

Japan received the lowest score among the Group of Eight countries with the largest economies, down three places from last year.

In terms of economic participation and opportunity, WEF found that women remain a very small percentage of those in senior and highly skilled positions in the workforce.

In the political empowerment category, the survey revealed a decrease in the number of female government lawmakers.

Japan was in 34th place in the health and survival category, but came top in literacy rate and educational achievement.

Branston Pickle Brand Sold Mizkan Group Corporation has bought Branston for £92.5mn, The Daily Mail reported on 30 October.

Premier Foods acquired the brand in 2002, but is under pressure to both raise £330mn by the end of 2014 and pay off £1.27bn in debts.

Premier Foods owns other well-known British brands, including Hovis breads; Mr Kipling cakes, pies and baked goods; and Oxo stock products. It recently sold off Sarson’s vinegar and Weetabix cereals.

The sale includes Branston’s relishes and sauces but, despite their popularity outside the UK, Mizkan does not intend to sell the products in Japan.

The factory that makes the products along with its 356-strong workforce are included in the deal.

8 | BCCJ ACUMEN | NOVEMBER 2012

Group Buys N-Power Firm A consortium led by Hitachi Ltd. has acquired the British firm Horizon Nuclear Power, Bloomberg Businessweek reported on 31 October.

It is hoped that the deal, worth £696mn, will boost the engineering and electronics conglomerate’s nuclear power business.

Poll Reveals Climate Change Doubts The UK and Japan are two of the most sceptical countries regarding climate change, according to a survey released in October

by Ipsos.

The online poll of 13,500 people in 13 countries found most believe that climate change is underway.

Rising average temperatures, drought and extreme rainfall are the occurrences most cited to support the claim.

Carried out between 5 July and 6 August by a polling firm for the insurer AXA, the survey shows that 65% of the UK respondents agreed that mankind is causing global warming, compared with 78% of the respondents in Japan.

London Fund Beats TSE

An emerging London-based investment fund has outperformed the Tokyo Stock Exchange in its first six months, the Independent reported on 8 October.

The Governance for Owners’ (GO) Japan Engagement Fund has grown nearly 5% since March, well ahead of Tokyo’s benchmark midcap index.

GO has teamed up with domestic investor Tokio Marine Asset Management Co., Ltd. in the hope of changing corporate Japan.

Waitrose Launches Goku

The UK supermarket chain has started selling the native Japanese giant spring onion in over 150 of its stores, Talking Retail reported on 10 October.

Grown in Norfolk, goku is almost the size of a leek and can be used in soups and stews, or eaten raw.

Waitrose, always on the lookout for interesting ingredients, believes the vegetable is perfect for lovers of Asian cuisine.

Demand for Scottish Fabrics

Fabrics made in Scotland are becoming increasingly popular in Japan, the BBC reported on 3 October.

More than 40% of all tweed and linen exports from the Western Isles go to Japan.

The Far East market is expected to push this year’s total production of cloth to over the 1mn-metre mark, much higher than the 2009 output of 500,000 metres.

It is believed that the history behind the cloth, as much as its quality, has made a mark on the Japanese market.

Japan is also an important market for Shetland’s knitwear industry.

Welsh Pupil to Be Ambassador

A schoolgirl from Barry is to become a UK and European Union ambassador in Japan, the Barry and District News reported on 28 October.

The 11-year-old and her mum will fly to Kyoto for an all-expenses-paid, fourday trip after winning a UK-wide school Panasonic Eco-diary competition, in which the girl focused on saving energy and water; planting trees; curbing pollution; as well as reducing, reusing and recycling.

The winner will be one of the EU member-state school pupil contingent to take part in a presentation staged by the technology firm.

Rare Samurai Armour to Be Sold

Teacher Wins Maths Olympics

Museum to Buy Hand Scroll

A Japanese abacus instructor won the Mental Calculation World Cup, while a Briton came seventh, the Guardian reported on 10 October.

The world’s best arithmeticians met in Germany for the bi-annual event and competed in the categories of addition, multiplication and square roots.

Team in Drinks Deal

Manchester United are to have a new threeyear partnership with a Japan-based soft drinks manufacturer, the Irish Independent reported on 17 October.

The deal with Kagome Co., Ltd. means the well-known brand will become the club’s official soft drink partner in Japan.

This is the football club’s third sponsorship deal with a Japanese firm since the arrival of Japan international midfielder Shinji Kagawa.

A full suit of female samurai armour will be auctioned in the UK, The Japan Daily Press reported on 22 October.

The suit was owned by one of the few female samurai, and dates back to the 1800s.

Made for someone under five feet tall and painted with a bright red mask, a fake moustache and rows of snarling teeth to conceal the woman wearer, the armour is expected to bring at least £40,000 at the Bonhams auction.

The British Museum has purchased a rare, 15.24m Japanese hand scroll, The Daily Telegraph reported on 22 October.

The scroll illustrates US Commodore Matthew C Perry’s 1854 visit to Japan and his fleet at the signing of the Convention of Kanagawa (31 March, 1854).

Painted by Japanese artists, the detailed scenes on the scroll are the only eyewitness depiction of the event.

Footy Player’s Hotel Mishap

A Japanese football player caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to a Scottish hotel during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Japan Today reported on 14 October.

The player accidentally kicked a football into a sprinkler at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel, causing flooding in several rooms and damage to the tune of £80,000.

Goku are three times the size of a spring onion.

NOVEMBER 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 9

10 | BCCJ ACUMEN | NOVEMBER 2012

PRESIDENT

The British Chamber of Commerce (in Japan)

“I

n Japan”. The two words are part of the BCCJ name.

However, they are two words that we often do not spend much time considering when we discuss the chamber.

We are quite happy to talk about our Britishness—the wonderful work carried out by the British Embassy Tokyo; our natural-born leadership in the areas of fashion and design; the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games; Brompton Bicycle Ltd’s folding bikes; frying fish; the Union Jack; the pub; and, of course, our sense of humour.

And we can talk about commerce and the superb work being performed here by so many British firms, entrepreneurs and individuals until the Ben & Jerry’s cows come home.

But how often do we really focus on Japan? By “Japan” I mean the rather substantial part of the country that lies outside the 23 wards that make up the Tokyo metropolitan area. Yes, the chamber and its members have shown great heart in reaching out to the northern-eastern part of the country by supporting the resilient communities of Tohoku following last year’s Great East Japan Earthquake. But, how often do we, as a chamber, highlight the latest developments in Osaka, or share photos and tales of gatherings in Nagoya or Fukuoka? These are all thriving commercial centres, where British interests continue to go from strength to strength.

The chamber recently took part in a meishi exchange in Osaka, marking

Raise your hands and your voices, and help us understand ways in which we may help you and how we might spread the BCCJ throughout Japan!

the BCCJ’s first participation in the networking event in recent years. Held on 25 October, the Kansai International Meishi Exchange was held in order to bring together Japanese businesses and their foreign counterparts. More than 20 BCCJ members were represented at the event, during which existing ties were strengthened and new partnerships were built. And in this issue of BCCJ ACUMEN, on page 26, we feature regions outside of Tokyo that are actively trying to attract foreign firms to do business there, including an interview with a senior figure of a visiting delegation from Hyogo Prefecture (page 29).

Following this positive start, I am sending out a clarion call to our members and British interests throughout Japan.

Raise your hands and your voices, and help us understand ways in which we may help you and how we might spread the BCCJ throughout Japan!

Nick Walters BCCJ President

MEDIA

WHAT YOU MISSED IN THE JAPANESE PRESS

BY MARK SCHREIBER

Leisure Consumption Still Falling For the ninth consecutive year, outlays for leisure have declined.

According to the White Paper of Leisure 2012, issued by the Japan Productivity Center, the consumption of leisure-related goods and services during 2011 totalled ¥64.941trn, a decline of 4.5% from 2010.

The latest (January) issue of this white paper, published annually since 1977 and now available on the internet, is based on valid responses from 3,294 individuals nationwide between the ages of 15 and 79.

Consumer outlays peaked at about ¥91trn in 1996, and have since declined about 30%. Last year’s figure, however, reflects expenditures not seen since 1988, the last year of the Showa era.

The mood of self-restraint following the Great East Japan Earthquake was clearly the key factor in depressing demand.

Domestic travel, with 55.8mn participants, replaced car trips as the top-rated activity.

Second, up from third place in the previous survey, was eating out in restaurants (53.7mn), followed by motor trips (53.6mn).

The top 10 was rounded off by visits to the cinema (41.6mn); listening to music (41.1mn); watching videos (39.7mn); karaoke (39.1mn); the Takarakuji lottery (38.4mn); visiting zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums and museums (37.2mn); and gardening (33.8mn).

While a few product and service segments, such as mirrorless compact SLR cameras, achieved favourable growth; demand for TVs slackened rapidly after terrestrial digital broadcasting commenced in July.

The Tokyo Disney Resort reported an all-time record for visitors in the fourth quarter of 2011. However, the domestic travel and recreation segment fell 3.2% overall for the year.

In the sport segment, activities reflecting personal health that require minimal monetary layouts achieved growth. In particular, 200,000 more people went jogging and 500,000 more took part in taisou (calisthenics).

Where the Dankai Money’s Flowing The retirement pensions paid out to the demographic referred to as dankai no sedai, whose ages closely parallel the post-World War II baby boom generation in Europe and North America, has finally begun to show movement.

According to the Nikkei Marketing Journal (24 October), during the past five years since the oldest members of this group (born in 1947) turned 60, the largest outlays taken from pension funds have been for domestic and foreign travel, and home interior renovations.

The renovations tend to be carried out after the couples’ children reach adulthood and leave the nest.

The data was from research gathered by Hakuhoudo’s Institute of Elder Knowledge Development and New Adult Culture.

The survey finds that the group’s consumption in general, without

12 | BCCJ ACUMEN | NOVEMBER 2012

considering the source of funds, ranks domestic and overseas travel in first and second places.

This is followed by personal computer and internet outlays; dining out; forms of recreation related to music or the fine arts; parties and activities with friends; and home renovations.

The poll also notes that members of the dankai generation are more likely to spend the earnings from their investments on things they like, as opposed to the generation that preceded them, members of whom tend to treat their pension payments as something to be saved for a rainy day.

Likewise, the percentages of retirees expressing the desire to leave funds for their children to inherit or put money towards their offspring’s education are both below 20%, indicating the retirees’ desire to spend their savings during their lifetime.

The largest outlays taken from pension funds have been for domestic and foreign travel, and home interior renovations.

MEDIA

Snapping Back at Whingeing Clients “We don’t need orders from ingrates like you!” tweeted an infuriated Yusaku Maezawa, president of mail order firm Start Today Co., Ltd. Maezawa, aged 38, had blown up after a customer complained, via a Twitter post, that he felt the firm was overcharging customers for shipping.

From 1 November, Maezawa’s Chibabased firm not only began shipping its catalogue items from its Zozotown website free of charge, but also began awarding 10% in bonus points towards future purchases.

It also announced it would commence sales of previously worn garments from its Zozo Used site on 12 November.

The Nikkan Gendai (1 November), however, was more interested in the public temper outburst by the boss, which had apparently resulted in the firm’s stock falling from a peak of ¥908 per share to ¥836.

A chastened Maezawa was forced to issue a public apology. Yet, somewhat unpredictably, posts on bulletin boards empathised with

Maezawa. “I support him”, one post reportedly stated. “The seller should have the right to pick his customers”.

The boss of the restaurant chain Steak Hamburg & Salad Bar Ken, a brand of M’Grant Food Service Co., Ltd., had an online run-in with staff at one of his stores.

“I can’t figure out what’s going on with a customer who’s been calling repeatedly with complaints, within 30 minutes of ordering a ¥1,000 meal! Do your job, damn it!”, the firm’s president, Minoru Ido angrily mailed the shop manager.

The Nikkan Gendai notes that this retaliatory style, enjou shouhou (the flameout business method), may have been inspired by recent public tantrums by well-known politicians Shintaro Ishihara, Tokyo governor, and Osaka mayor Toru Hashimoto.

Hashimoto’s explosive reaction to weekly magazine Shuukan Asahi resulted in it halting the publication of a series of articles criticising him. The publication also issued an apology.

Geek Market Still Growing The Yano Research Institute announced the scale of last year’s expenditures in the so-called market for otaku(geek)related goods and services.

In a nutshell, growth in the otaku market is being driven by social networking services, including video sharing.

In addition to its core consumers of fully fledged otaku, the market is also spilling over to general consumers.

However, it has been showing signs of maturity and is likely to be negatively affected by Japan’s declining population of young people and the prolonged economic malaise.

To sustain its growth, expansion in foreign markets will be essential.

Yano divides the market into 18 distinct categories, including electronic comics, individual magazines, idols, pro wrestling, figures, dolls, costume-play gear and romantic simulation games.

For 2012, growth was projected in all but five of the 18 categories.

Online games, the largest category by far, last year tallied ¥386.8bn on a value basis (up 29.2% over 2010) and was projected to rise to ¥429bn this year.

The full 660-page report may be purchased from Yano for ¥105,000.

NOVEMBER 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 13

The World Moves With Us

One World, One Connection

速

unigroupworldwide.com Relocating can be stressful. Having to reorganize your whole life is overwhelming at best, and more so if you have added concerns of how your loved ones will be able to settle into a new environment, a new home, a new workplace.

With our worldwide network of experienced professionals, we can offer a seamless door-to-door service for your precious household goods, cherished pets, and specialized items such as pianos and vehicles, both domestically and internationally.

UniGroup Worldwide is here to alleviate your worries.

Simply contact UniGroup Worldwide and let us help make the start of your new life smooth sailing!

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14 | BCCJ ACUMEN | NOVEMBER 2012

If you have any queries, or would like a quote for your forthcoming move, simply contact UniGroup Worldwide: TEL: (+81)-3-5777-5591 E-MAIL: japan@unigroupworldwide.com

速

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Books for Smiles Supporting Japan's disadvantaged youth

T

o build on our record of executing impactful social responsibility (SR) initiatives, the BCCJ is creating a simple yet effective multistakeholder programme.

Our Books for Smiles project invites firms of all sizes and across all industry sectors to support the professional development of Japan’s disadvantaged youth by donating books.

Proceeds from the sale of second-hand books will be allocated to Bridge for Smile (B4S), a not-for-profit organisation certified by the National Tax Agency.

There are about 31,000 children and young adults living in 590 social welfare facilities in Japan. With most facility residents suffering from issues related to self-esteem, only a few are in tertiary education: 20%, as against the national average of 80%.

The low rate leads to a vicious cycle of poverty and social disadvantage.

Bridge for Smile teaches individuals, who are about to become independent, how to build social skills, manage a budget, find accommodation and get a job.

Through Books for Smiles, whereby cash raised from the sale of books donated by our member firms and supporters will be allocated to the

project, disadvantaged youngsters will be given financial support to begin vocational training.

For example, support could be given to help an individual attend nursing school, where tuition for one year costs ¥600,000, and a three-year diploma course costs ¥1.8mn.

“Books for Smiles will enable us to focus not solely on fundraising, but also on our core mission: supporting those leaving care to establish independent living and working arrangements”, said Noriko Hirata of B4S. In July, to confirm the Books for Smiles framework and logistics, the BCCJ formulated and conducted a pilot programme with B4S and third-party project partner Value Books, a Japanbased second-hand book retailer.

On 12 September, details of the programme were shared with the BCCJ Executive Committee, who gave the green light to conduct a soft-launch with five member firms.

We are now collecting feedback from these firms and reflecting on lessons learnt, in preparation for a fully fledged roll-out of the programme in December.

We hope to involve as many firms as possible during the festive season.

We will arrange to collect your books and take them to Value Books. Proceeds

from the sales will be donated to B4S. The BCCJ will track cumulative donations from its members, and highlight participating firms on the BCCJ website and in BCCJ ACUMEN. By involving as many BCCJ member firms and supporters as possible— especially those with limited access to SR opportunities—we can leverage our combined might to reinforce the UK’s position as a stable and committed partner to the local community in Japan.

From a sustainability perspective, the programme has the potential to create a solid foundation for second-tier SR activities for BCCJ member firms.

Those possibilities include internship opportunities for those leaving care, as well as further tie-up projects that can utilise member firms’ skills on a pro bono basis.

Thank you very much in advance for your support.

Taking part in the programme is simple: Send an email, in English or Japanese, to: info@bccjapan.com

Lori Henderson BCCJ Executive Director

Support British Armed Forces Heroes and Bereaved Family Members For more than 90 years, The Royal British Legion has been standing shoulder to shoulder with the millions who have served, or are serving, in the Armed Forces. We campaign tirelessly to improve the welfare and support for veterans and their dependants.

The Legion is also the custodian of Remembrance, ensuring that those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today are always remembered.

rbl.indd 2

The Tokyo branch welcomes men and women of all nationalities to become members, irrespective of whether they have any connection with the Armed Forces.

We organise fundraising events, including the annual Poppy Appeal, and represent the Legion at the annual Remembrance Day Ceremony. This event is held in November among the peaceful surroundings of the Commonwealth War Cemetery

at Hodogaya, near Yokohama, where wreaths are laid to honour British and Commonwealth Armed Forces members who died during the Great War (1914–1918), World War II and all subsequent conflicts.

We also assist first-time Legion visitors to Hodogaya to locate graves. In particular, we make special efforts to provide this service to former Far East Prisoners of War and their relatives, including children and grandchildren.

For more details of the Tokyo branch and membership enquiries, please visit: www.britishlegion.org.uk/ branches/tokyo The Legion’s mission is to safeguard the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or have served in the British Armed Forces.

The Royal British Legion 199 Borough High Street London SE1 1AA Registered Charity No: 219279

11/8/12 2:30 PM

COVER STORY

Winners of the 2012 British Business Awards are flanked by BCCJ Executive Director Lori Henderson and President Nick Walters, with British Ambassador Sir David Warren KCMG in the centre.

BCCJ 2012 British Business Awards

By Julian Ryall Photos: Robert Gilhooly

16 | BCCJ ACUMEN | NOVEMBER 2012

T

he annual British Business Awards continue to go from strength to strength, with a record number of nominees vying for this year’s titles.

Fully 180 members of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan and their guests attended the glittering prize-giving ceremony at the Conrad Tokyo hotel on 2 November.

GlaxoSmithKline K.K. walked away with the Company of the Year award, after fighting off stiff competition from some of the biggest names in British business operating in Japan.

The Social Responsibility title went to Lush Japan Co., Ltd., the Entrepreneur of the Year award was won by Price Global, while Yagi Tsusho Limited & Mackintosh Ltd were honoured in the UK–Japan Partnership category.

But the evening’s biggest round of applause was saved for the winner of the Person of the Year award.

Ambassador Sir David Warren KCMG dedicated the award to all those he had worked with at the British Embassy Tokyo since taking over the post in July 2008.

“I really do not feel that I deserve to receive this award, but it is an honour and a privilege”, he said, to a standing ovation.

“Really, this honour goes to the embassy team; they do such a sterling job on behalf of the British community in Japan”.

The gala evening began with the guests being greeted in the foyer of the hotel’s ballroom to melodies played by a classical string quartet with a British twist. Bar staff from the UK served remarkable concoctions— including excellent martinis as well as gin

COVER STORY

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1. Person of the Year— BCCJ President Nick Walters presents the award to Ambassador Sir David Warren KCMG. Ambassador to Japan from July 2008 to November 2012, Sir David has promoted British interests across all fields in Japan and ensured the maximum potential for UK trade and investment during his tenure.

2. Company of the Year— Yoshiaki Komatsu and Yukari Yomo of GlaxoSmithKline K.K. Since its establishment in 2001, GSK Japan has outpaced the market in terms of growth and ranks among the top 10 pharmaceutical manufacturers in the country. The company has served the people of Japan through innovative pharmaceuticals, vaccines and consumer healthcare products.

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3. Social Responsibility— Emi Akiyama and Yuuji Yamagata of Lush Japan Co., Ltd. Has started buying fresh raw materials such as apples, potatoes and rice from Kessenuma and other disadvantaged areas in Tohoku, to produce its handmade cosmetics. Donates all its Charity Pots profits to grassroots organisations in Japan.

4. UK–Japan Partnership— Osamu Nakamoto of Yagi Tsusho Limited & Mackintosh Ltd Bringing British heritage, culture and lifestyle to the Japan market since 1998 through Yagi Tsusho’s marketing knowhow and the product excellence of Mackintosh. Opened first flagship store in Aoyama Tokyo on 30 August 2012.

5. Entrepreneur of the Year— Suzanne Price of Price Global Established in 2005 by Suzanne Price, Price Global—a leading resource for Diversity and Inclusion, People Development and Wellness—has serviced over 20 multinational clients and provides consulting and facilitation services in Japan and across the Asia Pacific region.

NOVEMBER 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 17

COVER STORY

One of the biggest cheers of the evening was for BCCJ Executive Director Lori Henderson, who was instrumental in the success of the event.

Emerson Roberts spoke about Brompton Bicycle Ltd.

18 | BCCJ ACUMEN | NOVEMBER 2012

and tonics—by London-based boutique spirits firm Sipsmith.

Guests took their seats to the strains of the VITA Brass Ensemble performing well-known tunes by The Beatles.

Guy Perryman, Inter FM London Hit Radio DJ, served as master of ceremonies for the evening, ably assisted by DJ Maddie.

No sooner had they been seated, than attendees of the event were treated to a video demonstrating precisely why Britain—and not only the business aspect—is great. The year 2012 will go down as one of the greatest in its history.

In the video, Jessica Ennis powered to victory in the heptathlon at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Mo Farah cruised to gold in the 10,000m event. The UK’s paralympians also featured heavily, alongside images of the Best of Britain, ranging from Scottish lochs to cuisine, art, sport, fashion, culture, design and history.

And not forgotten was the queen’s diamond jubilee, and her unforgettable role in the opening ceremony of the Olympics.

Nick Walters, BCCJ president, then took the microphone and quickly reminded our Australian cousins that the London games were the best ever.

Walters reeled off a series of numbers that show why 2012 has been such a good year for the UK in Japan, from the 450 British firms that are operating here, to the £8bn worth of exports in the form of British business and services and the £125mn that has been invested by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. in the UK this year.

A very British meal was served to mark the occasion, starting with traditional ham hock jelly with British piccalilli, autumn pumpkin and roasted woodland chestnut soup served before the classic beef wellington arrived. The stilton and ricotta cheese terrine was followed by an apple crumble tart with cinnamon ice cream.

Throughout, the dishes were matched with an array of wines courtesy of Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest wine merchant, including the 2005 Nyetimber Classic Cuvée, the 2011 Berrys’ Own Selection White Burgundy and the Berrys’ St James’s Finest Reserve Port.

A bottle of the award-winning Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky was placed on each table, and quickly found a number of new fans.

Several guests were fortunate enough to win prizes generously donated by firms that include Burberry, Cath Kidston, Berry Bros. & Rudd and British Airways, before Emerson Roberts, of London-based Brompton Bicycle Ltd gave the after-dinner speech.

Brompton started out as a small firm making bicycles in a railway arch in East London and found it difficult to secure

COVER STORY funding from banks to help it expand, Roberts said.

Undeterred, the firm had enough self-belief to continue on the same track and, in 1995, was recognised for its persistence by being awarded the Queen’s Award for Excellence.

Similarly not being put off by the apparent need for a kick stand for a bicycle to be a success in Japan, Brompton is increasingly seen on the streets of the nation’s cities, Roberts said, and at all levels of society.

“When David Cameron came to Japan in April, he gave Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda a Brompton bicycle, so our products have become gifts of state”, Roberts added.

The evening then moved on to the main event, with BCCJ Executive Director Lori Henderson announcing that a record 38 nominees had been put forward, representing member firms across many industries, from education and the media to engineering, helicopters and mining.

“This just goes to show that British business runs wide and deep in this country”, Henderson said, before handing over to Sir David for a brief introduction.

“Over the last 35 years of British trade relations with Japan, I have made many happy memories working with the chamber of commerce”, he said.

“I first knew of the work the chamber did back in the late 1970s, and it has been my privilege to work with you during the last few years.

“This is a superb chamber of commerce”, he added.

The ambassador paid tribute to the way in which information is shared among member organisations and the assistance that is provided to newcomers to the Japanese market, as well as to all the firms that have contributed—and continue to contribute—to the recovery and reconstruction efforts in the Tohoku region in the wake of the catastrophic events of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

Sir David then opened the first Union Jackdecorated envelope bearing the name of the evening’s first winner.

For its efforts in north-east Japan, the Social Responsibility award went to Lush Japan Co. Ltd, the UK-based cosmetics firm that was founded in 1998 and arrived in Japan the following year.

The firm—which has 151 shops here, a factory in Kanagawa and over 1,600 employees—has produced a number of items designed to support regions affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Speaking to BCCJ ACUMEN after receiving the award, the firm’s Emi Akiyama said: “I think this award will give new confidence to our staff and the people of Tohoku and we are very happy to have been recognised in this way.

BCCJ President Emeritus Philip T Gibb

Refugees International Japan CEO Jane Best (right) awarded prizes donated by sponsors.

BCCJ Executive Committee member James Weeks and Seiko Hayashi of British Airways

NOVEMBER 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 19

COVER STORY

The BCCJ awarded Ambassador Sir David Warren a work of calligraphy by Ishinomaki artist Sougen Chiba, as a gesture of appreciation for the work he has done during his four-year tenure in Japan.

Guests gave Sir David a standing ovation.

Gregor Andréewitch, general manager of the Conrad Tokyo hotel, draws a card for a two-night stay in a Conrad suite.

20 | BCCJ ACUMEN | NOVEMBER 2012

“We will continue to do our best”, she added.

Suzanne Price, founder and CEO of Price Global, was then called to the stage to accept the award for Entrepreneur of the Year.

Established in Japan in 2005, Price Global provides consulting and facilitation services across the Asia-Pacific region.

The third award of the evening, for UK– Japan Partnership, went to Yagi Tsusho & Mackintosh, the textiles manufacturer that has been making quality garments since 1946.

Accepting the award, Osamu Nakamoto, director of Yagi Tsusho, which imports and promotes high-quality fashion goods, said: “This has come as a big surprise. It is a big honour to our company and we will do our best to continue to contribute to business between Japan and the UK”.

The decision for the Person of the Year must have been one of the easiest for the panel of five judges: Sir David’s links to Japan date back to his first posting here in 1978 and the queen knighted him for helping Britons after last year’s triple disaster.

Having a key role in the effort to promote trade and investment between Japan and the UK, Sir David was instrumental in significant new investments in the UK involving Hitachi, Ltd., Nissan Motor Company Ltd. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Following his retirement, Sir David will assume the post of chairman of the Japan Society in the UK. “This award goes to underline the vast array of expertise and skill that is to be found in the British business community here in Japan and the commitment of our companies to this very important market”, he said.

The final award of the evening—and arguably the most prestigious—was for Company of the Year. Yoshiaki Komatsu and Yukari Yomo accepted the honour for GlaxoSmithKline on behalf of CEO Philippe Fauchet.

The firm, which aims to launch as many as 40 new products in Japan in the next few years, has also been very active in corporate social responsibility efforts in the Tohoku region through its Team Orange volunteers.

Speaking to BCCJ ACUMEN just moments after accepting the award, Komatsu said: “We can go back to all our staff now and say ‘look what you have all won.’

“We are very proud of them all and this award is a testimony to the work that we do, both as a company that created medicines and cures, and as a company that cares about people”.

The 2012 awards ceremony concluded with an after party at the hotel’s Twenty Eight Bar & Lounge.

COVER STORY

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1. A five-course menu of British regional and seasonal dishes included beef wellington (pictured) and apple crumble.

2. Artisan spirits merchant Sipsmith served gin, vermouth and Fever Tree Tonic.

3. Berry Bros & Rudd provided several excellent wines.

4. Trophies were sculpted by artist Kate Thomson.

5. BCCJ President Nick Walters

NOVEMBER 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 21

COVER STORY

SPONSORS

Unilever

Eat Creative

Asprey

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Diageo

Burberry International

GlaxoSmithKline K.K.

London Hit Radio (via Inter FM)

Cath Kidston

In-kind Sponsors

Brompton Bicycle Ltd

Clipper (via MIE Project)

Conrad Tokyo

Media Partners

Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sipsmiths (via Whisk-e)

Custom Media

In association with

British Airways plc

Financial Times

This is GREAT Britain

Syn Songs

Raffle

Visit Britain

Berry Bros. & Rudd

Alfred Dunhill

British Council Japan

JUDGES To ensure transparency, each judge independently returned their score sheet to the BCCJ Secretariat by the deadline. The scores from each judge were totalled for each nominee and the nomination with the highest accumulative score was declared the category winner. The final results remained confidential until the BBA ceremony on 2 November.

Graham Davis Managing Director, Thought Leadership & Events, Asia Pacific The Economist Group

James Lawden Managing Partner, Tokyo Office Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Julia Longbottom Deputy Head of Mission British Embassy Tokyo

Emerson Roberts Sales & Marketing Director Brompton Bicycle Ltd

Yayoi Sogo Head BCCJ CSR Task Force

NOVEMBER 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 23

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onducted on 16–26 October, this year’s autumn Foreign Chambers in Japan Business Confidence Survey drew 327 valid responses from members of business organisations and 17 foreign chambers of commerce in Japan.

The bi-annual survey reveals that all indicators—from views on the Japanese economy to the performance of firms and their business forecasts—declined about 15–25% from the previous survey (spring 2012).

Apart from the short-term views on the Japanese economy, all indicators were positive. The economy here is expected to remain flat for the next six months, but should start to improve slightly in 12 months’ time.

Sales performance during the past six months.

Based on respondents’ comments, concerns regarding the economy and the lower reported and forecast growth in firms’ performance largely could be attributed to external factors. These include the European debt crisis, problematic Japan–China relations and uncertainties regarding the US economy.

While sales figures were positive over the past six months, they were at a lower rate than noted in the April survey. In addition, profitability grew at a slower pace.

Respondents were less optimistic than they had been in April regarding the sales forecast for the next six months.

With the issues and uncertainties caused by the 11 March, 2011 triple disaster mostly resolved, 3/11 now is being viewed more as an opportunity than a threat. That said, the opportunities

are expected to develop over a longer term than earlier predicted.

Only 7% of the respondents saw 3/11 as the main cause of change in their businesses.

Foreign-affiliated firms in Japan continue to have confident strategies. Of these, 74% (73% in April 2012) are looking to further growth, while 20% expect to sustain their current levels.

Some 4% are planning to downsize, but only 2% are considering withdrawing from Japan (five out of 327 respondents).

Two questions were included in the survey: predictions for the Nikkei index and currency rates (¥/€ for European firms, ¥/$ for others) in six months.

The next survey will be conducted in April 2013, with the results published later that month.

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INVESTMENT

Beyond the Bright Lights For better lifestyles and lower costs, firms locate outside Tokyo

(Left) Among more than 400 foreign firms that chose to set up in Kanagawa are the UK’s Colortrac and Polar Instruments.

(Above) UKTI offers key advice to foreign firms investing in Japan.

(Opposite page) JETRO helps local authorities attract FDI.

By Julian Ryall

I

t may have the bright lights, skyscrapers and 24-hour energy that accompanies a capital city, but Tokyo doesn’t have it all. It doesn’t have many green spaces and, critics would also argue, it has more than enough pollution and crowding on public transport, while the urban heat island phenomenon in the summer means you could fry an egg on the pavement.

And those are just some of the reasons that non-Japanese firms—particularly smaller ones—are increasingly considering not basing their Japanese operations in Tokyo but, instead, in one of the more-than-welcoming communities a little further afield.

Their staff might not see the Tokyo Sky Tree on their daily commute, but the proximity of mountains or the sea means a better quality of life and happy employees—usually translating into a more productive and profitable firm.

The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) is the government agency tasked with encouraging foreign firms to establish offices and manufacturing facilities in Japan. They also work closely with local authorities to promote to these firms the attractiveness of potential sites, from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south.

An entire wall of JETRO’s lobby is covered with colourful pamphlets declaring “Fascinating Kanagawa: Best place for your business”, or “Saitama City:

26 | BCCJ ACUMEN | NOVEMBER 2012

Business hub in the new era”, or the more prosaic “Industry of Ehime”. Clearly, prefectures are not shy about seeking foreign business.

JETRO operates what it calls the “Three Windows on Japan” strategy, emphasising the three areas in which Japan has advantages over its international rivals. Thus, it claims that “Japan has great potential to become a regional hub and a research and development centre in Asia, as exchanges of personnel, goods and money accelerate within Asia”.

Second, it believes Japan plays a critical role as a “bridge nation connecting Asia and the world”, thereby contributing to the growth of the region.

Third, JETRO is quick to explain that Japan, as the world’s third-largest economy, is a vast market with huge potential for growth, adding that “Japanese consumers are sensitive to fashion and make new fashion a part of their lives quickly. Therefore, Japan offers [firms the opportunity] for test marketing before entering Asian markets”.

At the prefectural level, Kanagawa has one of the most proactive and successful departments charged with attracting foreign firms, and clearly benefits from its proximity to Tokyo.

Akira Imai, a spokesman for the prefecture’s Division of Industrial Location, said: “We are doing a lot of activities to attract foreign firms to Kanagawa, often in cooperation with the city of Yokohama and the local branch of JETRO”.

In 2010—according to Toyo Keizai, Inc., which annually produces a comprehensive list of foreign firms operating in Japan—Kanagawa Prefecture played host to the offices of 418 foreign firms, including 275 that sited their Japan headquarters there, and a number of global outfits, such as US computer giant Dell, as well as India’s Wipro IT Business and Tata Consultancy Services Limited.

British firms based in Kanagawa include Colortrac, the Cambridge-based scanner manufacturer, and technologytesting firm Polar Instruments, originally from Waterlooville in Hampshire.

The main advantages of locating in the prefecture, according to Imai, include an excellent transport system that combines shipping and port facilities, access to Haneda International Airport, local train services and long-distance bullet trains.

Office rents in Kanagawa are typically only 70% of those in Tokyo and, as of this writing, are the equivalent of £25.14 per m2 on average. This makes renting office space in Kanagawa cheaper than in Beijing, Seoul, Mumbai or even Hanoi.

Kanagawa has a large pool of educated and trained potential employees, Imai pointed out, while newcomers can benefit from the cluster of firms in a number of key sectors, such as the automotive, biotechnology, electronics, energy and environment-related industries.

The final asset in Kanagawa’s favour, according to Imai, is the all-round comfortable living environment of the prefecture. This is crucial when expatriate staff have to consider international

INVESTMENT

schools and other needs of families from abroad.

However, Imai admitted that, since the events of 11 March last year, many foreign firms have been cautious about their operations in Japan—something that has been brought up by trade investment officials from Fukushima Prefecture, Hokkaido and other parts of northern Japan.

But bad news for eastern Japan is good news for other parts of the country.

Through its Osaka Investment Support Program, the largest city in Kansai helps firms prepare to do business there. Rentfree, temporary offices are provided during the initial stages, in addition to a wide range of financial incentives, including help with rent, assistance in buying city-owned land, and funds for establishing manufacturing facilities.

Osaka, which is courting technology firms, is recognised as a centre of the newenergy business that produces items such as lithium-ion batteries and solar panels.

To satisfy the demand for space, the city is reclaiming part of Osaka Bay, and the man-made Yumeshima Island has been set aside specifically for industrial use.

Some of the firms taking advantage of Osaka’s offerings include Britain’s Hays plc, a specialist recruitment firm established in 2007, as well as France’s Société Générale Private Banking Japan and VDE Global Services GmbH of Germany.

JETRO accepts that entering the Japanese market presents foreign firms with some obstacles. A recent study suggests high costs are the major barrier, followed by high demand for quality, problems finding bilingual employees, regulations and a conservative market.

These impediments can be overcome, however, by differentiating a product, making a clear commitment to the market, hiring experienced local staff, as well as building trust and understanding with Japanese partners.

Despite the fears of foreign firms, the Investment Promotion Division of the Chiba prefectural government has a solid history of attracting newcomers.

“Chiba is an affordable location, compared with Tokyo; it is easy to access from overseas, thanks to Narita International Airport and the Port of Chiba

[the largest seaport in Japan]; and it has a comfortable living environment”, Hiroshi Nakamura told BCCJ ACUMEN. In the first half of 2012, Chiba Prefecture saw five foreign firms launch their operations, including the headquarters set up by Australian budget airline Jetstar Japan Co., Ltd. Although last year’s figures were seriously affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, 10 firms started up in the prefecture, including the parts operations of Mercedes-Benz Japan. The best performance in recent years, according to Nakamura, was the arrival of 24 firms in 2009.

“In addition to subsidies, we provide a wide range of services, such as information on offices, land and factory facilities, as well as introductions to professionals who can provide advice on legal, tax and other issues”, he said. “We can also help with support related to working visas, other immigration-related issues and information on living in Chiba”.

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the business arm of British embassies worldwide, provides UK-based firms expanding abroad with expert advice and practical support that includes help participating in trade fairs and outward missions, advice on regulations, and bespoke market intelligence. A downloadable UKTI guide targets firms experienced in overseas trade that are new to doing business with Japan, and offers basic knowledge about

the country including an overview of its economy, business culture, potential opportunities—and successful case studies.

Business plans Another highly recommended first stop for a foreign firm entering Japan or for those looking to expand here is the Japan Market Expansion Competition (JMEC). For a fraction of the price that a consultancy charges, since 1993 JMEC has provided professional, custommade business plans to more than 100 project clients—including multinational corporations, entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs—to help them enter the market or to launch new products or services in Japan.

Supported by 16 foreign chambers of commerce, as well as established entrepreneurs and corporations all in Japan, JMEC’s annual business plan service is based on a competition that lasts seven months. JMEC recruits highpotential entrepreneurs and executives through a tough screening process of interviews and presentations. The participants are put into teams and over the next few months are lectured, mentored and critiqued by experienced Japan-based businesspeople before their business plan is judged by a panel of JMEC experts. The confidential business plans can then be used by the project clients to carry out their market entry or expansion.

NOVEMBER 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 27

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INTERVIEW

Access to Success Benefits of doing business in Kobe

Surrounded by natural beauty, Kobe offers a healthy lifestyle.

The ninth annual Access to Success—Doing Business in Kobe promotional seminar introduced the superior working and living environment of the HyogoKobe area.

Organised by the City of Kobe and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Kobe, the event outlined the variety of ways in which the city of Kobe can support foreign and foreign-affiliated firms operating there.

Kobe City is well recognised among foreign and foreign-affiliated firms, with 237 such businesses located in the city, including Nestlé and pharmaceutical firm Eli Lily Japan K.K. Kobe has seen major developments due to trade with, and investment by, foreign organisations. Its many partnerships with cities worldwide has helped diversify its cultural climate and promote exchange with foreign cities and firms.

Today, about 44,000 nonJapanese from over 124 countries live in the foreigner-friendly city.

Those living in the region can enjoy: a favourable educational environment, supported by eight international schools; more than 200 medical institutions with foreign language support; various religious institutions; strong foreign communities; and numerous cosmopolitan restaurants.

By Megan Waters

N

estlé, the world’s leading nutrition, health and wellness firm, has local subsidiaries in more than 100 countries and has been operating in Japan since 1913, when its Yokohama branch office was opened.

In 1922, the firm moved to the city of Kobe, where many international traders and foreign settlements were located that would, it was believed, help to develop business within Japan.

They were right, and the firm has been operating in Kobe and expanding ever since.

According to findings of the Brand Research Institute, Inc. published in September 2012, Kobe is ranked number one among Japanese cities where people would most like to live.

Firms located in the area benefit from an exceptional business environment.

In addition to good geographical conditions, there is a superior research and development environment that includes access to the K supercomputer, in addition to excellent software support, according to Masaaki Muramoto, executive officer of public affairs at Nestlé Japan Ltd. “The city has a very different environment to that of Tokyo”, Muramoto said.

“Because it is compact, our employees benefit from shorter commuting times, among other things”, he added.

Moreover, there are excellent transport links, including access to three airports, an extensive road network, and numerous rail links. These facilities make the area

Masaaki Muramoto Executive officer of public affairs at Nestlé Japan Ltd.

easily accessible from both within and outside Japan.

Residents can enjoy a healthy lifestyle, appreciating the largest area of parkland of any major Japanese city, as well as the natural beauty of the surrounding sea and mountains. Golf courses, onsen and hiking trails are all easily accessible from the city centre.

If that is not enough to persuade one to move to Kobe, there is yet another lure: foreign-affiliated firms that set up business in the area receive preferential treatment. They are entitled to an office rent subsidy of 50% for a maximum period of three years.

In addition, the city helps firms new to Kobe by offering support through organising business matching and panindustry social events.

In terms of the issues involved in attracting foreign skilled workers to Kobe, non-Japanese tend to choose Tokyo as their first port of call when coming to the country.

Muramoto believes that the city of Kobe needs to better prepare the environment to attract more foreigners, as well as tackle the issue of diversity in the workplace.

To this end, as well as recruiting Japanese graduates from local universities, the firm hires people of different nationalities with diverse backgrounds, Muramoto explained.

He certainly hopes that, after almost a century of flourishing business and the good life in Kobe, Nestlé will be just as successful over the next hundred years.

NOVEMBER 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 29

CREATIVE

David Bowie and Me Speed of Life illustrates photographer's 40-year friendship with rock star

By Justin McCurry Photos: © Masayoshi Sukita • Took seven years to pick images for new book • Bowie thanks photographer for great memories • Also snapped Marc Bolan, Bob Dylan, Andy Warhol

M

asayoshi Sukita’s 40-year collaboration with one of the music world’s most enduring and successful artists almost didn’t happen.

The Fukuoka Prefecture native was a 34-year-old fashion photographer when

30 | BCCJ ACUMEN | NOVEMBER 2012

he paid his first visit to England in 1972, initially to photograph Marc Bolan, the former frontman of glam rock band T. Rex. He arrived to find a country in the middle of a post-1960s funk and gripped by industrial strife, but buzzing with the emergence of a new breed of pop artists spearheaded by the likes of Bolan’s T. Rex and David Bowie.

Sukita met Bowie’s then-manager through an introduction by Japanese friends in London. The photographer showed him his Bolan portfolio and duly secured a meeting with the musician himself.

“I knew very little about Bowie at the time”, Sukita, fresh from a

shopping expedition to—where else— Tower Records, told BCCJ ACUMEN at a Shibuya café.

“I’d only seen him in a poster and was struck by the fact that he didn’t look like an average rock singer—he was wearing make-up for one thing. I’d only ever seen that in independent films and theatre productions.

“I spoke hardly any English, so I had to rely for translation on my friend, Yacco, a make-up artist in London.

Despite the language barrier, Bowie and I immediately hit it off. There seemed to be an understanding between us, even though we sometimes had no idea what the other person was saying”.

Sukita reckons he spent the best part of seven years selecting Bowie images for his new book.

The hefty, limited edition publication contains photographs taken in the UK, Japan and several other locations on 14 separate occasions between their first encounter in 1972 and 2009.

The book’s first shot shows Bowie in the kind of extravagant costume that defined the glam-rock years: a decorative Japanese silver moon adorning his forehead.

However, the Japan connection doesn’t end with the photography.

Many of Bowie’s most memorable ensembles were the work of Japanese designer Kansai Yamamoto.

Sukita’s first meeting with the musician was the start of a professional relationship that spawned countless images of the singer as he underwent numerous stylistic and artistic reincarnations.

But there was time, too, for Sukita to capture him during more private moments away from the stage.

Sukita pauses often to retrieve photos from his iPad that best illustrate a certain time in Bowie’s career. Aside from Bowie, I caught glimpses of Sukita’s other illustrious subjects, including Bob Dylan, Joe Strummer and Andy Warhol.

The collection covers practically every historic gathering of rock and pop musicians of the 20th century, from the Woodstock Music & Art Fair in 1969 to London’s Victoria Park festivals in 1978.

Sukita briefly considered making London his home, but decided to return to Japan and continue his nomadic existence as a music and fashion photographer.

The gaps between assignments with Bowie, he said, gave him a fresh perspective that he might have lost had he been in closer proximity to the star.

“I don’t think our relationship would have lasted 40 years if I’d been living in London,” he said.

CREATIVE (Left) Photographed in 1973, the year of Bowie’s first Japan tour.

1. Masayoshi Sukita captured David Bowie’s many reincarnations.

2. Tokyo, 1980 3., 4. Bowie and Ziggy Stardust in 1972 5. Masayoshi Sukita took the cover of Bowie’s Heroes album in 1977.

6. Heathen was released when this photo was taken in 2002.

1

3

“There seemed to be an understanding between us, even though we sometimes had no idea what the other person was saying”.

Sukita was on hand to photograph Bowie on the singer’s various trips to Japan, including a visit to Kyoto in 1980, that show his subject at, perhaps, his most relaxed.

The images show Bowie in a café, dressed in a simple striped shirt and tank top, puffing his way through a pack of Japanese cigarettes; looking through

2

4

samples of colourful fabrics in a kimono shop; conspicuous in a full-length black leather overcoat as he inspects unagi (broiled eel) at a market.

“I sat in the back of the car and David drove while I guided him around the city”, Sukita said of their time Kyoto. “When other foreign stars came to Japan they went to see all the same sights, then you just sent them on their way back to the US or the UK. But he was different. We both wanted to get to the heart of the city, into the markets and the backstreets”.

In the foreword of the new publication, Speed of Life, Bowie makes clear that the affection and admiration Sukita clearly feels for his most famous subject is reciprocated.

The sheer number of photographs took Bowie by surprise, the foreword reveals— from those covering the Ziggy Stardust years to the legendary Rainbow concert in London, and their adventures on the Tokyo subway.

5

6

“It seems Sukita-san got them all,” Bowie wrote. “I can’t thank him enough for putting this book together as it represents a wonderful volume of memories for me, the great times that I had in Japan and the friends I made”.

Bowie drastically reduced his workload after undergoing heart surgery in 2004, and Sukita isn’t sure they will ever be reunited, at least in Japan. He is certain of one thing, though— that Bowie, as an artist and a person, is a one-off.

“He was constantly changing”, said Sukita, who is still working and exhibiting his photography. “At heart, he was a rock ’n’ roll singer, but he brought something different to his music.

“He took all of these influences and turned them into something new. That’s what I find most appealing about him.

There must be something special about him for me to want to photograph him for 40 years”.

NOVEMBER 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 31

32 | BCCJ ACUMEN | NOVEMBER 2012

PUBLICITY

Supply Chain Managed Service Enables “Predictive Visibility”

By Megan Waters

manufacturers, is very important. It allows them to get the visibility they need to identify supply chain risk and determine how they are going to deal with it.

What does Avnet’s Control Tower offer?

Avnet Inc.’s role in high-tech supply chains enables it to co-ordinate information from start to end. Its Control Tower service provides customers with “predictive visibility” into their supply chains and empowers them with multi-tiered collaboration that assists in risk mitigation.

Combining people and processes, Avnet uses leading technology to enable its customers to quickly respond to disruptive supply chain events.

Gerry Fay, chief global logistics and operations officer at Avnet Inc. answers questions about this innovative resource.

Why are risk management programmes important to supply chain professionals?

Risk is inherent in the supply chain.

Given some of the dynamics we face today with moving overseas, with outsourcing, and in emerging markets it is crucial to identify all the risks that could potentially affect your supply chain and then to try and figure out ways to mitigate them.

What is the best supply chain risk management strategy?

We provide end-to-end visibility for our customers.

Because of the relationships we have, we can go all the way back to the beginning of the supply chain with our suppliers and, in many cases, to our customers’ customers.

It is this information that is most important, since it enables our customers to see what is happening in the supply chain and where their risk may occur.

For example, we can find out if manufacturers have potential manufacturing problems, or if the end customer’s demand is decreasing.

Our customers can use all of this information. We boil it down to a very simple format so they can quickly extract assessments of the risks and determine against what they are going to take action.

After all risks have been exposed, how should firms decide which to address?

Deciding this is actually easier than identifying the risks.

Once the risk has been identified, it’s really a matter of how expensive it is and how costly it could be to the company.

The cost of mitigation and elimination should also be considered.

After those calculations, the best path to take can be determined: whether to

eliminate, mitigate, transfer or accept the risk.

What should be done once potential risks have been prioritised?

It is then time to take action.

You must consider the professional relationships that you have within the supply chain and figure out how it would be best to deal with them.

Most of the time, the risk isn’t to a tierone supplier with whom you have a close relationship. Instead, it may be further down in their supply chain.

It’s about taking the information, approaching the specific supplier and explaining that it’s not their potential risk but, instead, that you feel one of their suppliers is at risk. Then explain how you put a mitigation plan together.

Once you have identified the risk, communication and collaboration are needed to eliminate it.

For example, after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, numerous companies felt that they didn’t face a big risk, because some of their semiconductor suppliers that were based in Japan also had [semiconductor fabrication plants] fabs outside the country.

It wasn’t until later that many companies found out that the adhesive manufacturer who puts the adhesive for semiconductor caps in place had a problem. This affected the fabs no matter where in the world they were located.

So, it’s important to identify those key suppliers that could be a risk to your supply chain, no matter how far back they are.

There is no one-size-fits-all strategy.

The really important factors are identifying the risks that have the most impact on your supply chain, from a cost and quality perspective, and then finding ways to eliminate or mitigate them.

Why is Control Tower important to the electronics supply chain industry?

It gives the customer visibility both up and down their supply chain.

All of our 100,000 customers benefit from being able to see inside the supply chain ecosystem from the beginning to the end.

Providing that information to the orchestrator, usually original equipment

NOVEMBER 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 33

www.michaelpage.co.jp

Global Network.

Local Expertise.

As a market leading recruiter, Michael Page Japan specializes in bringing the world’s best employers and brightest professionals together.

With more than 11 years’ experience in Japan, backed by a strong global network of over 164 offices in 34 countries, we can help with all your recruitment needs.

For further information about us, market and industry analysis or to browse through 2000+ vacancies that employers have posted with Michael Page Japan, visit our website at www.michaelpage.co.jp or email to enquiries@michaelpage.co.jp

Procurement Manager – Top Tier Automotive Supplier

Head of Supply Chain – Global FMCG Company

Opportunity to lead the procurement division in a top automotive supplier based in Japan. Work on building stronger relationships with current suppliers and sourcing new suppliers from within Japan and across Asia.

Lead the SCM teams in areas of demand/supply planning, logistics and order management. Ensure supply chain network is in sync with global production and supply chain network, while managing the Japan supply chain team.

Ref: H1471780

Ref: H1248310

Indirect Sourcing Control Manager – Global Medical Device Firm

Supply Chain Project Manager – Top Tier Industrial Chemical Company

Lead the sourcing team and be responsible for overall indirect purchasing control activities & supplier management, as well as leading ERP installation project for the sourcing function.

Excellent opportunity to make a difference in a growing global organization. Lead various Asia-Pacific level projects to improve SCM process. Company is known for attractive employee benefits and training offered.

Ref: H1499860

Ref: H1498860 Program Manager – High Growth FMCG Company

General Manager – Leading Global Logistics Company

Inventory control and supplier management opportunity at a leading European FMCG and retail solutions provider. The company is looking for a team player who can thrive in a high-growth environment.

One of the leading global logistics service providers is looking for a General Manager, responsible for leading the operations for consumer industry clients. Opportunity to work closely with global leadership team to build the Japan business.

Ref: H1483110

Ref: H1144150 Buyer – Japanese Medical Device Manufacturer

Supply Chain Supervisor – Top Global FMCG Company

Hands-on operations to manage global & domestic suppliers at international healthcare company. An excellent opportunity to develop a career in this growing sector in the Japan market.

Excellent opportunity to lead Supply Chain Team at US based consumer products company, the firm is known for excellent training and work environment as well as career growth.

Ref: H134833

Ref: H1328810

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Michael Page Tokyo 15F Kamiyacho MT Building, 4-3-20 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001 Tel +81 3 5733 7166 Fax +81 3 5733 7167

Procurement & Supply Chain

Specialists in procurement & supply chain recruitment www.michaelpage.co.jp

LOGISTICS & SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | INDUSTRY

Procurement: Japan’s Developing World Firms are realising the importance of having a solid strategy

By Rajat Jain Manager, Procurement & Supply Chain Michael Page Japan

T

he role of procurement has evolved a great deal in Japan over the past 10 years, with global and regional supply administration taking precedence over local sourcing systems.

Most international firms are heavily investing in developing a strong supplier base across Asia, where costs are lower and quality is fast catching up with Japanese manufacturing standards.

Global firms’ procurement teams here benefit from a high purchasing volume and a strong yen to obtain favourable terms and prices in their dealings with overseas suppliers. At the same time, the firms invest in manufacturing facilities and labour training for overseas suppliers, receiving in exchange preferred buyer status and price advantage.

However, multiple challenges remain.

Among these is the traditional method of placing orders over the telephone with local suppliers, which is still prevalent in Japan. Then there is the fact that many purchasing teams remain in the back office, where they do not perform the forward-looking strategic role that might be expected of them.

“Procurement divisions in Japan continue to be reactive and not proactive, regularly ignoring global procurement guidelines and not developing longterm supplier relationships”, a senior procurement manager commented.

“While procurement has definitely evolved over the past few years, top management in Japan needs to place direct and indirect cost management at the centre of their growth strategy for the country”, he added.

The traditional practice of placing procurement requests when required by internal stakeholders, instead of earlier in the procurement cycle, exerts significant pressure on the procurement division to deliver short-term results. Longterm supplier relationships and vendor performance management are ignored.

In addition, while efforts are made to balance a firm’s legal, compliance and financing requirements, there is a constant struggle to ensure that procurement-related decisions enhance the firm’s bottom line over the long term.

Procurement is changing rapidly in Japan, as businesses realise the strategic importance of having a solid procurement strategy, and given that the costs of doing business here are among the highest worldwide.

As it becomes increasingly global, procurement continues to evolve as a strategic function in Japan, and the demand for professionals in the field is expected to increase.

From a recruitment perspective, there has been a significant increase in demand for procurement professionals at management and director levels.

For example, there are many job opportunities for individuals with indirect purchasing skills and the ability to manage internal stakeholders as well as external suppliers.

Traditionally the domain of corporate or administrative support functions, indirect procurement functions that manage all non-product related spending,

are increasingly being established at gaishikei (foreign-capitalised firms doing business in Japan) of all sizes.

Furthermore, large, traditional consulting firms in Japan have seen strong growth in the area of procurementrelated consulting, as have the increasingly more numerous independent procurement-focused consultancies.

By applying procurement best practices and leveraging their global networks, these consulting firms can quite quickly deliver higher cost savings than do internal procurement teams.

More recently, many firms have come to expect two further trends from their procurement function, namely, engagement with internal clients and the ability to move from transaction processing to supply-risk management.

This is important for two reasons: • Internal clients are often ignorant of procurement policies. They want their requirements fulfilled quickly and often without confirming the lowest rates available or the commercial terms agreed with suppliers.

Thus, it is important for procurement leaders to educate and collaborate with internal clients, to ensure they buy into the procurement processes and influence their own teams.

• As the procurement function becomes global, the risks associated with suppliers’ solvency and their ability to deliver products increase.

Thus the procurement function not only must agree to favourable terms, but also must audit suppliers and confirm their ability to meet increased requirements in the future.

As it becomes increasingly global, procurement continues to evolve as a strategic function in Japan, and the demand for professionals in the field is expected to increase.

Thus, professionals with strong procurement backgrounds and the ability to establish a purchasing division—or optimise the existing procurement function—will remain at a premium in the market.

NOVEMBER 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 35

THE A-LIST OF LOGISTICS & SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

Asian Tigers Mobility provides a comprehensive end-to-end mobility service tailored to meet the special global needs of you or your transferee’s relocation.

With more than 30 years of regional experience, we are committed to delivering the very best relocation and destination services.

Relocating individuals and families can generate immense stress at both the corporate and personal levels, but we alleviate this stress with our flexibility and accountability. With a full menu of relocation and move management services, we can tailor an individualized program to fit your needs.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE Company Name:

Asian Tigers Mobility

Address:

2F Nakata Mac Toranomon Bldg, 1-1-10 Atago, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0002

Contact:

Andrew Olea

Telephone:

03-6402-2371

Email:

sales@asiantigers-japan.com

Website:

www.asiantigers-japan.com

• • • • • • • • •

Move management—office, household goods, pets, vehicles Visa and immigration Temporary accommodation Home and school search Tenancy management Orientation and cross-cultural programs Family programs Departure services Storage services

Avnet Japan Co., Ltd. (AEMJ) entered Japan via an acquisition in 2005.

Leveraging global scope and local expertise, AEMJ supports design-in distribution of electronic components for Japanese original equipment manufacturers and contract manufacturers in the communications and industrial industries.

AEMJ’s suppliers include Analog Devices, Freescale, Micron, Mindspeed, ROHM/ Lapis Semiconductor, TE Connectivity and Xilinx.

AEMJ is one of two Japan-based business units supported by a common back-office services firm, Avnet EM Holdings (Japan) K.K. AEMJ also has operations in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE Company Name:

Avnet Japan Co., Ltd.

Address:

Yebisu Garden Place Tower 29F 4-20-3 Ebisu Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-6029

Contact:

Masakazu Otake

Telephone:

03-5792-8326

Email:

masakazu.otake@avnet.com

Website:

www.avnet.co.jp

• Technology marketing and distribution for electronic components with global logistics • Tailor-made technical design chain support and engineering service surrounding a core chip design • E-commerce “speed and convenience” website • Business migration for customers who design products in Japan and manufacture overseas • The most comprehensive and transparent set of supply chain solutions available 24/7 and worldwide

Unidux, Inc. has supported and distributed active and passive electronic components for Japanese electronic original equipment manufacturers and contract manufacturers in the information technology, consumer electronics and telecommunications industries for over 40 years.

Unidux’s leading suppliers include Intel, Littlefuse, Microchip, Micron, Motorola, Ricoh and TE Connectivity.

Avnet, Inc. acquired Unidux in July 2010 and is now one of two Japan-based business units supported by Avnet EM Holdings (Japan) K.K., a common backoffice services firm.

Unidux also has operations in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the People’s Republic of China.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE Company Name:

Unidux, Inc. (an Avnet company)

Address:

Yebisu Garden Place Tower 29F 4-20-3 Ebisu Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-6029

Contact:

Toshihiro Igi

Telephone:

03-5792-9890

Email:

igi@unidux.co.jp

Website:

www.unidux.co.jp

36 | BCCJ ACUMEN | NOVEMBER 2012

• Technology marketing and distribution for electronic components with global logistics • Tailor-made technical design chain support and engineering service surrounding a core chip design • Speed-to-market capable embedded systems and software • Business migration for customers who design products in Japan and manufacture overseas • The most comprehensive and transparent set of supply chain solutions available 24/7 and worldwide

bccjacumen.com/a-list

Established in Japan in 1965, Crown Worldwide Group is a privately held company with global headquarters in Hong Kong and 250 operations in 55 countries.

Crown Worldwide Group provides a full suite of high quality services worldwide, including professionally tailored relocation, records management, fine arts and logistics.

Company Name:

Crown Worldwide K.K.

Address:

Teiken Tokyo Bldg. 2F 2-17-13 Takanawa, Minato-ku Tokyo 108-0074

Telephone:

03-5447-2301

Email:

tokyo@crownrelo.com

Website:

www.crownrelo.com

Website:

www.oocllogistics.com/japan

AREAS OF EXPERTISE • Door-to-door domestic and international household goods transportation.

• Preview trip, orientation tours, home search, school search, immigration assistance, cross cultural training and settling in services • Records management services for confidential document and data storage, and destruction services • Office relocation • Fine arts services, professional transportation of artwork for galleries, auctions, exhibitions, and private collectors

Goodman is a leading integrated property group with operations throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia, North America, Europe, and the UK. We are experts in industrial and business space and superior customer service is the foundation of our success.

Our integrated own+develop+manage customer service offering is at the heart of everything we do.

Our tailor-made developments are designed to meet the individual needs of our customers. Our in-house property services teams ensure our customers’ operational needs are met and our assets are maintained to an exceptional standard.

Company Name:

Goodman Japan

Address:

Marunouchi Trust Tower North 13F 1-8-1 Marunouchi Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005

Contact:

Paul McGarry

Telephone:

03-6910-3322

Email:

paul.mcgarry@goodman.com

Website:

www.goodman.com

With 33 offices in 17 countries, Goodman manages assets to the value of $20.3bn across approximately 14mn sqm of industrial space serving over 1,500 customers worldwide.

Goodman Japan manages $0.9bn of completed properties and is currently developing four large-scale facilities in Tokyo and Osaka.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE Development, management and ownership of logistics and business space.

We are the experts in recruiting qualified, professional and skilled people across a wide range of specialised industries and professions.

We recruit for permanent positions, contract roles and temporary assignments.

Our Supply Chain specialism recruits supply chain and procurement professionals across Asia.

Our expertise allows us to source talented professionals at all levels from mid-career to the most senior-level positions on both a permanent and contractual basis.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE Examples of available positions: Company Name:

Hays Specialist Recruitment Japan KK

Address:

Akasaka Twin Tower 7F 2-17-22 Akasaka Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052

Contact:

Christine Wright

Telephone:

03-3560-1188

Email:

info@hays.co.jp

Website:

www.hays.co.jp

Warehouse/Distribution: • Operations manager • Distribution manager • Transport manager • Warehouse supervisor Transport: • Operations manager • Transport manager • Import/export clerk • Contract/account manager

Supply Chain: • Supply chain analyst • Supply chain manager • Supply chain planner • Demand planner Procurement: • Procurement leader/manager • Purchasing leader/manager • Direct procurement leader/manager • Indirect procurement leader/manager

NOVEMBER 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 37

THE A-LIST OF LOGISTICS & SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

Michael Page is an internationally recognised and respected recruitment consultancy with a global network of 164 offices in 34 countries. We began operating in Tokyo more than 10 years ago and now have a depth of local market expertise that is backed by our global strength. In Japan we specialise in placing bilingual professionals with multinationals and local Japanese companies on a permanent, contract and temporary basis.

The quality of our service is demonstrated by the fact that more than 90% of our current business comes from referrals and repeat clients.

Company Name:

Michael Page

Address:

15F Kamiyocho MT Building 4-3-20 Toranomon Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001

Contact:

Richard King, Managing Director

Telephone:

03-5733-7162

Email:

richardking@michaelpage.co.jp

Website:

www.michaelpage.co.jp

AREAS OF EXPERTISE We specialise in recruitment in the following areas: • • • • • •

Accounting Banking & financial services Engineering & manufacturing IT: Commerce & financial services Haken / temporary positions Healthcare & life sciences

• • • • • •

Human resources Legal Marketing Procurement & supply chain Sales Secretarial & office support

As a world-class provider of innovative logistics and supply-chain services and solutions, OOCL Logistics has an extensive network of some 110 offices in 31 countries around the world.

Providing advanced customer-specific solutions through our IT technology and value-creating services in supply-chain management, OOCL Logistics’ extensive service network and platforms will allow you to make “All the Right Moves” for your business.

If your company is considering entering or expanding in the Japanese market, you are welcome to invite us to join any RFP.

Company Name:

OOCL Logistics (Japan) Ltd.

Address:

Davinci-Shinjuku Bldg. 6F 4-3-17 Shinjuku Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022

Contact:

Takahisa Kashiyama

Telephone:

03-5361-8650

Email:

takahisa.kashiyama@oocllogistics.com

Website:

www.oocllogistics.com/japan

AREAS OF EXPERTISE • • • • • •

Global supply-chain management Global freight forwarding Domestic logistics services Warehousing and distribution Logistics consulting services Logistics IT solutions

RBS ranks among the leading international providers of transaction banking services through its extensive product capabilities, geographical reach and customer franchise.

We deliver domestic and international payments, cash and liquidity management services, and trade finance solutions to corporates and financial institutions.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Company Name:

The Royal Bank of Scotland plc

Address:

19F Shin Marunouchi Centre Bldg 1-6-2 Marunouchi Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Contact:

Takayoshi Takeshita

Telephone:

03-6266-9392

Email:

takayoshi.takeshita@rbs.com

Website:

www.rbs.com/ts

38 | BCCJ ACUMEN | NOVEMBER 2012

• Transaction services solutions can help optimise cash flow and funding, manage risk and simplify financial management • Dedicated client advisory teams, sector and market knowledge, risk management and product development expertise within a wide international presence and network bring valued advice and comprehensive services • Initiate and track trade transactions or access comprehensive liquidity management services, including netting, pooling and short-term investments • Global clearing capabilities, private-labelled services and outsourcing solutions • Local clearing membership in 38 countries and partner bank arrangements worldwide

bccjacumen.com/a-list

UniGroup Worldwide-Japan K.K. opened its Tokyo office in March 2012.

UniGroup Worldwide-Japan offers the best and warmest customer services while considering all your relocation-related needs both internationally and domestically.

We cover all major and minor cities within Japan, from Hokkaido in the north to the Okinawan islands in the south—over 2,000km in distance.

Regardless of which city your relocation needs fall into, we maintain an equal service standard.

We also fully utilise our international connections, in order to offer you a high standard of relocation services.

Company Name:

UniGroup Worldwide-Japan K.K.

Address:

Shibadaimon Excellent Bldg 8F 2-6-6 Shiba-Daimon Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0012

Contact:

Sales

Telephone:

03-5777-5591

Email:

japan@unigroupworldwide.com

Website:

www.unigroupworldwide.com

AREAS OF EXPERTISE • Personal effects and household goods relocation • Visa application assistance / real estate and school searching / other relocation services • Commercial cargo

THE A-LIST OF HOME DELIVERY SERVICES

Order almost ANYTHING from your favorite suppliers in the United States and have it delivered to your door in Japan super FAST and super CHEAP! Take advantage of current exchange rates with this new Foreign Buyers’ Club service, located in Los Angeles for people in Japan!

Check out Madi’s ReMailing Service at www.fbcusa.com!

Company Name Website

The Foreign Buyers’ Club www.fbcusa.com

The National Azabu supermarket, well known in Tokyo since 1962, is back and in a brand new building.

The National Azabu is not your typical grocery store. We sell fresh organic fruits, vegetables, natural beef, pork and chicken. Valet parking is also available.

Our products from around the world bring a touch of home from just around the corner.

In addition, we sell kitchen goods and books on the second floor.

Delivery service is also available. Orders can be placed in English by phone, fax, or email.

For further information, please call: 03-3442-3186 (English) Company Name National Azabu Address 4-5-2 Minami Azabu

Minato-ku, Tokyo Website www.national-azabu.com

NOVEMBER 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 39

PUBLICITY

Goodman Japan Global experts in logistics and business space

T

he logistics sector in Japan has shown solid growth in the past year.

According to Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, 2011 saw 20bn tonne-kilometres of freight transported by rail. Then, during the first quarter of 2012, the ministry reports that international cargo at Japan’s five major trade ports grew 4.8% YoY. The Japanese logistics market is forecast to show continued growth in the year’s third quarter, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, backed by an expected 2.8% YoY growth in the nation’s industrial production index.

The market is seeing new demand for modern warehouses from the e-commerce, fast fashion and pharmaceuticals sectors. In addition, there is a continuous need to replace and modernise the predominantly old and obsolete warehouse space across Japan.

The Japanese e-commerce sector, continuing its rapid expansion, is believed to be approaching the size of the nation’s convenience store market.

Also reliant on efficient supply chain management is the competitive business model of global fast fashion brands. The pharmaceutical sector is also growing due to Japan’s ageing population and the need for the timely procurement of overthe-counter and prescription drugs, as well as medical supplies and equipment.

In addition, a consequence of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake is the greater demand for modern, earthquake-resistant logistics space, with many firms having

Goodman Mizue is located in Kanagawa Prefecture.

40 | BCCJ ACUMEN | NOVEMBER 2012

taken steps to strengthen and re-organise their supply chains and to relocate to new space.

Business continuity planning initiatives have also spurred this demand, with firms looking to consolidate small warehouses into larger distribution hubs, as manufacturing moves offshore and goods are re-imported into Japan for domestic consumption. This is driving the increased use of third-party logistics providers.

The preference is for higher-grade, modern warehouses that help save electricity, boost efficiency and optimise usability, while achieving greater corporate social and environmental responsibility.

Moreover, now that consumers face lower switching costs when changing suppliers, and substitutes are readily accessible, exceptional customer service is necessary if logistics service providers are to retain customers. Thus, suppliers are expected to have efficient supply chains that are flexible, nimble and reliable.

Goodman Group is one of the world’s largest specialist owners, developers and managers of industrial property and business space, with 34 offices in 17 countries. The Japan branch manages numerous modern logistics warehouses in the greater Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka regions of the country.

With a long history in Japan, Goodman has over 1,500 global customer relationships with leading multi-nationals across a broad range of industries.

Over the past seven years, Goodman has developed a considerable amount of new logistics space in Japan. All elements of the development process were managed in-house.

The firm is currently developing four large facilities in Tokyo and Osaka.

Strategically located in prime logistics hubs, where warehouse demand is high, access is convenient, and skilled workers are available, the centres have a total floor area of over 380,000m2.

Goodman warehouses are customer focused, performance driven and innovative, reflecting the firm’s brand image and business strategy. Moreover, the large, multi-tenant facilities that Goodman develops and manages are easy to use, have comfortable, safe working

Goodman Sakai is a four-storey, modern warehouse with the largest individual floor plates available in Osaka.

environments, and incorporate smart, green design.

• Goodman Sakai: This four-storey, flexible, modern space has the largest individual floor plates available in Osaka. The property is adjacent to Osaka’s Nanko port area and has a gross lettable area of 130,000m2.

Completion is planned for 2014.

• Goodman Mizue: A four-storey warehouse, it has a gross lettable area of 57,000m2. Located in the greater Tokyo area of Kawasaki City, completion is planned for 2014.

• Goodman Ichikawa: Conveniently located in Chiba Prefecture, the fourstorey facility has a gross lettable area of 63,000m2, and is expected to be completed in 2014.

• Goodman Ashikaga II: Located in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, this high-specification warehouse with a gross lettable area of up to 130,000m2 is in an ideal location for a Japanwide distribution hub. The flexible development plan can be tailored to meet specific customer needs.

For further information about Goodman and their facilities, please contact: Pelham Higgins Telephone: 03-6910-3364 Mobile: 080-3255-1542 Email: pelham.higgins@goodman.com Address: Marunouchi Trust Tower North 13F, 1-1-8 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005

LOGISTICS & SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | INDUSTRY

Relocation, Relocation, Relocation!

Firms’ premises are more important since 3/11

By Craig Harrison Director of Client Services Crown Worldwide K.K.

T

he past four years have been a challenge for most foreign firms based in Japan.

The 2008 financial crash, the strengthening of the yen and, more recently, the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, have opened up numerous concerns about the future operations of firms already in Japan.

Most firms that thought they had a reasonably solid business continuity plan failed to realise the full impact that these events—especially the earthquake— would have on their business, not just in Japan, but globally.

From a relocation perspective, we at Crown Worldwide K.K. had already started to see a fair share of the foreign population migrate to Singapore and Hong Kong in 2008.

Then, as a result of the Tohoku earthquake, last year indeed posed a challenge in terms of firms retaining existing foreign staff, encouraging their return, or considering replacements.

Some industries have had a reasonably normal, if not slightly delayed, international rotation. But others are uncertain about investing in future growth by hiring overseas talent.

However, one issue does seem to have moved up the priority list since the financial crunch and the earthquake: firms’ premises.

Some firms have reduced their workforce; many are concerned about the structural safety of buildings they are in, disaster prevention, and business continuity. These matters are generating new interest in the real estate options available.

Following the earthquake, there was an almost immediate reaction across IT-communications industries, which are the backbone of business continuity.

Some firms have already taken action or are planning to source newer, safer havens for their back office and data centres, either at other domestic locations, or offshore.

Crown Worldwide’s two Japan offices and our global network of over 250 workplaces proved extremely beneficial in ensuring a smooth relocation process.

Real estate development firms are striving to offer higher-grade facilities in areas other than the central hubs that have been accustomed to housing major corporations.

Cost will always be a dominant factor when it comes to deciding on relocation.

Given the current climate, especially for some small firms here, it is the uncertainty of business opportunities, or their decline, that is preventing some firms from taking action.

Other firms, meanwhile, lack experience in the daunting task of relocating an entire office, and do not know the available options.

Over the past year, many have taken a wait-and-see stance, cancelled projects, and introduced cautious delays. But we do expect to see more office relocations in 2013.

The downsizing and consolidation of firms due to restructuring has opened up access to alternative, high-grade properties, of which a number have more competitive price tags. Moreover, some firms are exploring the possibility of renting an entire building, rather than partial floor/area occupancy.

Business continuity also depends heavily on property management. Many firms are now seeking to better align their property management interests with the concerns of facility owners.

Crown Relocations’ goal has always been to support their clients with management solutions and deliver a seamless migration of their workforce, avoiding client/user downtime.

Since few firms share the same structure or corporate culture, however, it is vital that we remain flexible, bearing in mind that Crown has been operating in Japan for over 47 years, and has a wealth of experience in local and global corporate office migration.

Our investment and commitment to technology and flexibility in the delivery of all our services means that our clients reap the benefits of working with a truly committed partner, capable of providing customer-focused service solutions through dedicated project teams.

The variety of projects that we have completed has also given us the ability to offer advice based on past projects and experiences, which has helped many clients re-strategise their migration.

And from these changes, strategy and attitudes have evolved for most firms in the evaluation of necessary workspace.

We have seen an increase in firms wishing to archive their data, both on paper and using electronic tape back-ups.

Crown Records Management staff are on hand to offer these services as part of their on-site and off-site solutions.

The changing approach to office space management has also contributed to the growing interest in work environments that are not only new and safer, but also cost effective.

As uncertainty continues to loom, a growing number of firms are trying to keep a lid on the cost of preserving and safeguarding their businesses.

To this end, Crown Relocations and Crown Records Management remain trusted partners and integral parts of their clients’ continuity planning and business security.

NOVEMBER 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 41

RELOCATION

UniGroup Worldwide UTS Providing superior relocation services

By Megan Waters

O

ngoing political issues between China and Japan are having a major influence on the relocation industry in Japan, according to Aki Nitta, general manager of UniGroup Worldwide UTS. Also affecting the industry here, Nitta added, is the growing recognition and importance of other financial centres— such as Hong Kong and Singapore—that are attracting growing numbers of expatriates.

Founded in 1987, the US-based UniGroup is a global transport firm specialising in the services associated with moving household goods and personal effects. One of the world’s largest, most recognised and trusted movers, it has regional headquarters in the Netherlands, the US, Canada and Hong Kong. Currently, it is in the process of opening an office in the Philippines.

Due to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, following which numerous expats left the country, the industry suffered a substantial decrease in shipments to Japan and was faced with concerns about whether expats would return to the country.

However, during the 18 months since the triple disaster, the market has been improving, and is expected to stabilise towards December. Expectations are that it will be back to its pre-quake size early in 2013.

“The only thing we can do [in the current situation] is improve the standard of our customer services and utilise our experience so that our customers receive better service”, Nitta said.

Aki Nitta, general manager of UniGroup Worldwide UTS

Always on the lookout for ways in which to improve their services, the firm puts to good use the results of their postmove satisfaction surveys that are given to every customer after a move. Focus is placed on any negative comments, with the firm studying exactly how a particular customer was made to feel less than fully satisfied, and what can be done to ensure this never again occurs.

UniGroup, which has been operating in Asia since 2007, opened its Tokyo office in March this year to improve their level of service and better maintain the flow of business among its regional operations.

With a staff of 15, the office covers the entire country, from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south, and is well able to deal with all enquiries.

Nitta has been in the relocation industry for 15 years, and has worked for many relocation firms. “I have seen their strong and weak points, and can fully utilise my experience and reflect that feedback in the services we offer”, he said.

The firm caters to expatriates who have a different working culture to that of the Japanese.

Westerners generally bring their families and all their belongings to their assigned work destination. By contrast, when Japanese employees are posted overseas, they take a minimum of personal effects and often move to their destination alone, saving money and time, while avoiding family disruptions, according to Nitta.

The cultural differences are reflected in the firm’s available services. UniGroup offers a full-package service: pre-move planning; move management; packing and unpacking of goods; door-to-door transport and maid services if required.

Moreover, clients’ goods are packed in a container of their own to be freighted.

Japanese relocation firms usually offer a more economical service, whereby boxes are delivered to the customers’ houses and are packed by customers themselves. Boxes received from between 15 and 20 customers going to the same destination are then packed in one container.

UniGroup works hard to make the relocation process easier for their clients.

The firm’s additional services help expats overcome the cultural differences when moving to a new country, and help them find an environment that is similar to that from which they hail.

Available on request from UniGroup are pre-assignment tours, visa applications, as well as housing and school searches.

Through its global network, the firm is dedicated to providing its customers with superior move management and destination services, from the start to finish.

“The only thing we can do ... is improve the standard of our customer services and utilise our experience so that our customers receive better service”.

42 | BCCJ ACUMEN | NOVEMBER 2012

INTERVIEW

Takahisa Kashiyama Director OOCL Logistics (Japan) Ltd

By Megan Waters

A

s a wholly-owned subsidiary of Orient Overseas (International) Limited (OOIL), OOCL Logistics Limited is one of the world’s largest integrated international container transport, logistics and terminal firms.

BCCJ ACUMEN spoke to Takahisa Kashiyama, director of OOCL Logistics (Japan) Ltd, about the global brand’s fully integrated logistics and containerised transport services.

What is OOCL’s approach to the logistics business?

Our services are designed specifically to fulfil the requirements of each client. To this end, we are constantly educating our employees about not only technical logistics elements, but also theoretical supply chain management. This ensures that we fully understand each client’s needs and their expectations of our services.

How do your services differ from those of Japanese logistics and supply chain firms?

We are asset-light and very flexible in our pricing, which enables us to better meet our clients’ needs. Some customers may ask for high-quality services with advanced IT systems or exclusively designed operational facilities. Others, however, may request much simpler or standardised services, such as carton picking. We are able to meet the needs of every customer.

Our organisation has minimum management and administrative manpower. Thus, all members of management have a hands-on approach to providing solutions for our clients.

What is the state of the logistics market in Japan?

Some companies seem to be aggressive in the area of mergers and acquisitions, and are enjoying economies of scale.

However, because historically Japan’s third-party logistics market is extremely segmented, while we are not against

the idea of consolidating operational functions to better serve our clients, we do believe targeting and return on investment analysis should be undertaken with extra care.

What changes have you seen in customer demand since the Great East Japan Earthquake?

Our retail clients have increased their sales volume because of the need to re-establish the affected area. Some companies have based their headquarters in the Tohoku area and we are impressed by their exhaustive restoration efforts.

At the same time, because of the logistics needs of the affected area, we continue to face a shortage of both infrastructure capacity and means of transport, such as warehouses and trucks.

the logistics infrastructures are quite mature and have a long history.

Road transport usually costs the most, but is on a par with the cost of rail and ocean transport. However, road transport is the most flexible method for moving goods.

What is your customer focus?

We welcome customers from around the world, and specialise in retail for domestic warehousing and transport services, as well as manufacturing and retail for international supply chain management services.

What is the future of the logistics and supply chain market in Japan?

How do your value added services benefit customers?

The country has an ageing population and a diminishing number of children.

Thus, we must accept that the economic situation will alter drastically within a few decades, and must adjust.

From an industrial perspective, convergence may occur and we will have to survive as best we can in the new environment.

Because of production shortages, Japan may start accepting more immigrants, especially from nearby Asian countries. This may attract more foreign firms, especially retailers, to the Japanese market.

Our competitively priced podium system provides visibility to our clients. This cloud system allows operations to start immediately, once passwords and IDs have been issued, obviating the need for cumbersome system investment.

In addition, our logistics service centre in Shanghai has over 20 ChineseJapanese-English trilingual resources that provide clients with specific customer services at competitive prices.

What is important for foreign firms coming to Japan?

The ability to understand the language and cultural differences. In recent years, Japan has been said to be experiencing the Galapagos effect, meaning that the market and culture of Japan are different from those of other countries.

What logistics features do you provide that may be particular to Japan?

Our public transport system, especially in cities, is very advanced compared with that of other Asian countries. In addition,

How do you solve cost saving, over-stocking and miscommunication issues?

We believe that the most effective problem-solving approach to any supply chain issue is to provide visibility throughout the value chain stream, from beginning to end.

In addition, to make the value chain stream tangible for customers, we often implement our Cost-Plus pricing approach to show clients our base costs.

We always try to take a crossfunctional approach to supply chain issues, working together with the client’s management and logistics officers, as well as their sales and merchandising personnel. This gives visibility to issues that should be shared.

NOVEMBER 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 43

DESIGN

2

Transplanted!

British gardeners win world cup medals … for France and Italy 1

By Julian Ryall Photos: Jeremy Parton • • •

Third Briton wins bronze despite “challenges” Standards are “much better than before” Theme: Flowers, Greenery and A Prayer for Peace and Restoration

B

ritish garden designer James Basson won a gold medal and the Peace and Flowers Award at the Gardening World Cup Flower Show 2012 in Japan.

The show was staged at the Huis Ten Bosch theme park near Nagasaki in September and October.

Despite competing under a French flag—because he lives in France and the organisers of the third annual contest were keen to attract designers from as many nations as possible—Basson produced a design that had a distinctly English feel.

Titled “Dulce et Decorum est”—after the ode by Latin poet Horace and the renowned poem written by British poet Wilfred Owen during World War I— Basson printed the phrase repeatedly on

44 | BCCJ ACUMEN | NOVEMBER 2012

the three walls that made up the garden.

The walls were sculpted to look as though a missile had torn through the structure.

And that fit precisely with the theme of the event, Flowers, Greenery and A Prayer for Peace and Restoration.

“Abandoned buildings and wasteland that have been reclaimed by nature are something of a personal obsession of mine because they are very soulful”, said Basson, who celebrated his 40th birthday at this year’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show in London by winning the Silver-gilt Flora Award for “The Renault Garden”.

“I did a lot of research and there was one image—of an apartment that had been hit by a missile in Gaza, Palestine— with three rooms that had been blasted through. “ ‘Dulce et Decorum est’ is a very poignant piece, and that is what this garden is about”, he said. “The poem is Owen’s idea of men coming back from war suffering from psychoses as well as physical injuries. We repeat the phrase again and again on the walls of the garden and so there is healing through the repetition”.

3

Plants, distressed furniture and water were used to show how fitting it is that nature reclaims what man has destroyed to make it beautiful once more.

The Best in Show award went to Malaysian designer Lim In Chong, while the other gold medal winners were New Zealander Xanthe White, who also won the award for best design, and Japanese designers Kazuyuki Ishihara and Hiromu Terashita.

Bob Sweet, the event’s official judge and the head of RHS shows, said the world cup event has made huge strides in a very short space of time.

“I’m absolutely delighted at the improvement in the standards this year”, he said. “They have moved on massively in two years. It’s fair to say that standards have leapt in that time.

“As with any event, it takes time for these things to settle, but between 2010 and 2012, [standards] have definitely reached the stage, and are at the top end, of the gardens we have at the gold medal standard”, said Sweet, who helped to judge the first Gardening World Cup two years ago.

DESIGN

4

5 1., 2. Jo Thompson applies the final touches to her garden.

3., 4. Expat James Basson scored gold for his adopted France.

5., 6. Richard Miers was the only Briton who won for, er, Britain.

“These gardens would certainly compete for gold medals at Chelsea or anywhere else”.

Jo Thompson, another British designer competing under a different flag, this time that of Italy, took silver for her garden, titled “The Butterfly Effect”.

“This garden is a direct response to my visit to the Nagasaki Peace Museum when I took part in this event last year”, she said.

“What amazed me were the nuclear shadows of people on a wall that had been made when the explosion happened.

“There were also nuclear shadows of Acer [commonly known as maple] leaves that were full of beauty but had been created out of something so ugly and so awful”, she said. “And as we came out of the museum, huge butterflies came from somewhere, so we came out of something so terrible and into something so beautiful”.

Her garden makes extensive use of vertical plants—including a bright pink flower, known as Kiss-me-over-thegarden-gate, and pine trees—as well as carefully sited rocks and paper sculptures that hang in arched alcoves.

6

“The arches are really peaceful and are good for framing views and as a background, although I found out too late that the arch does not exist in Japanese architecture and [the contractor] wanted to know how to make them”, Thompson said.

In the end, the contractor made all the arches out of plaster that had to be handcarved so that each individual stone looked real.

Richard Miers, named by House and Garden magazine as one of the top upand-coming designers in the UK, received a bronze medal for his “Serenity” garden.

Competing in Japan for the first time, Miers had difficulty getting his concept of the garden across to the construction team and sourcing top-quality plants. The 12 contestants also had to put up with a typhoon that affected the early days of the two-week build.

“This garden is serene and it does what I wanted it to”, Miers said. “It has serenity instead of a ‘wow’ factor. It has restraint, elegance and practicality, and I very much designed it along the lines of less is more”.

Winners Best in Show Lim In Chong (Malaysia) Best Design Xanthe White (New Zealand) Peace and Flowers Award James Basson (France) Gold Medal Lim In Chong, James Basson, Xanthe White, Kazuyuki Ishihara (Japan), Hiromi Terashita (Japan) Silver Medal Jo Thompson (Italy), Gabino Carballo (Spain), Karen Stefonick (USA), David Davidson and Leon Kluge (South Africa) Bronze Medal Richard Miers (UK), Jihae Hwang (South Korea), Haruko Seki (Japan)

www.gardeningworldcup.jp/en/

NOVEMBER 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 45

SPORT

Japan Scottish Highland Games

2 1. Gary Robertson’s winning throw in the Weight for Height.

2. Traditional Scottish dancing was performed by a Japanese troupe.

3. Max Drew, children’s caber event winner.

4. Heavy event participants show their strength.

5. Heavy event winner Gary Robertson 6. Caber toss 7. A member of the pipe band

1

Text and photos: Jeff Allan

T

he Kanda University of International Studies hosted the 30th Japan Scottish Highland Games in early October to celebrate Scottish and Celtic culture and heritage.

Organised by the Japan Scottish Highland Games Committee, the annual event consistently draws a sizeable crowd to the university’s Chiba campus.

With a turnout of about 1,500 people at this year’s festival, despite the rain that dominated most of the morning, 2012 was no exception.

As one event-goer noted, the miserable weather actually added an air of authenticity to the games.

A familiar event held throughout the year in Europe and North America, Highland games draw numerous

46 | BCCJ ACUMEN | NOVEMBER 2012

spectators across many countries.

However, people are generally surprised to find the games held in Japan.

But even more surprising may be the fact that there are so many Japanese participants in the festival’s events.

The Tokyo Pipe Band, which performed on the day, was established in 1974 to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth II to Japan. The band mostly comprises Japanese pipers.

The games’ long-reigning heavy event champion is also a local. Kengo Kubota has fended off numerous challenges by Western competitors and until this year had retained his Japan title for around five years.

In 2009, Kubota’s skill led him to compete at the Inverness Highland Games— the world’s biggest Highland games.

The festival this year included all the requisite events for traditional games: bagpipes, heavy events and dance.

3

Pipers from as far afield as Akita Prefecture and Kyoto took part in the bagpipe performances.

Heavy event participants came from the US territory of Guam as well as the US mainland to challenge an array of foreign and domestic competitors living in Japan.

The heavy event champion was Gary Fujimoto Robertson. It was the American’s debut appearance at the Japan games, and his Japanese-Scottish heritage perfectly highlighted the diverse nature of the gathering.

Food and drink also featured prominently at the event, with whisky, craft beer and traditional dishes available from several vendors.

Moreover, those who thought they would never have a chance to eat haggis, because they are in the wrong country, the Japan Highland Games provided a rare opportunity to indulge in this traditional Scottish dish.

SPORT

4

5

6

7

HEAVY EVENT RESULTS Hammer

Stane

Weight for Distance

Weight for Height

16lb (7.26kg) Caber Ball

Kobe Caber

Overall

1st throw

2nd throw

3rd throw

1st throw

2nd throw

20°

30°

3rd Points Place throw

Steve Smith Marcus Johnson S. Sato

19.05m

6.35m

10.21m

3.35m

8.25m

50

1:00

—

30°

7

5

15.49m

6.60m

18.82m

2.44m

8.61m

—

15°

—

16.81m

6.05m

10.67m

3.05m

7.59m

60°

80°

85°

Kengo Kubota Gary F. Robertson Saito

27.89m

8.79m

16.84m

4.57m

10.08m

12:30

12:00

12:00

80°

75°

1:00

28

2

28.50m

9.3m

18.82m

4.88m

10.72m

12:15

12:00

12:00

11:00

12:00

12:00

36

1

10.59m

5.71m

10.67m

3.05m

6.88m

—

49°

30°

Doctor

5.84m

4.22m

3.45m

—

5.36m

—

—

—

Ryan Arnold

20.35m

8.23m

12.34m

3.05m

10.36m

1:00

11:50

12:15

Mark Alder

16.56m

6.78m

11.05m

3.05m

8.74m

20°

30°

35°

Leigh Rutledge

20.62m

8.84m

15.32m

3.66m

9.53m

40

12:00

12:00

Paul Kelly

15.57m

7.06m

9.60m

2.74m

8.13m

33°

45°

45°

1 3

2 0 40° 35

70° 50

45° 55

18

4

6

6

24

3

2

NOVEMBER 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 47

AWARD

The Next Industrial Revolution?

Tokyo engineer will help judge Queen’s new £1mn industry prize

By Julian Ryall • • • •

David Cameron announced the new award The queen will personally award the prize Managed by Royal Academy of Engineering Gong for global innovation for mankind

A

s an engineer at heart, Hiroshi Komiyama feels that his profession holds the key to a more sustainable and comfortable life for mankind.

He is delighted that a new UK prize recognises the importance of the work that engineers do.

The UK government announced in November last year that, in the spring of 2013, it will award the first Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering, for which a panel of judges from around the world will identify a groundbreaking innovation that is of global benefit to mankind.

The prize—accompanied by a cheque for an impressive £1mn—will be awarded biennially by Queen Elizabeth II in London and managed by a team at the Royal Academy of Engineering.

The amount of prize money and the prestige attached to the queen’s involvement are designed to make the award as respected and coveted as the Nobel Prizes.

“It’s very important that Queen Elizabeth is giving away the awards herself, and at Buckingham Palace, because it shows just how important science is”, Komiyama, one of the 15 judges, told BCCJ ACUMEN. “But it’s more than that; finding the Higgs boson particle is a very important achievement, but it has very little to do with our everyday life”, he said. “We need

48 | BCCJ ACUMEN | NOVEMBER 2012

to solve problems and find the answers to challenges that we are facing now.

“We need, for example, inventive solutions to global warming or sustainability”, he added. “We need those solutions now and I hope this award will help bring that about”.

Komiyama is chairman of Mitsubishi Research Institute Inc. and a former president of The University of Tokyo, but began his career as a petrochemical engineer.

“I feel the gap between academia, industry and business is widening, and that complicates the social issues that we are facing”, he said.

“Compartmentalisation in academic fields means that it is harder to make scientific or technical discoveries with real applications.

Mankind has accumulated vast amounts of knowledge in an amazing array of scientific disciplines, but it remains too dispersed to be effective.

“Someone—or something, like this new prize—needs to fill those gaps”, Komiyama revealed.

Supported by all of the UK’s political parties, Prime Minister David Cameron announced the launch of the award at the Science Museum in London.

Cameron said that the “consequence” of failing to recognise the contribution that engineers make to society is that too few young people—particularly in the UK— consider engineering to be an attractive career option.

“This is the country that gave the world the industrial revolution”, Cameron said.

“Our engineering changed the world. And it’s not just part of our past. We are very good at it today”.

“I feel the gap between academia, industry and business is widening, and that complicates the social issues that we are facing”.

Cameron pointed out that UK engineering firms have taken the lead on landmark schemes around the world: the Sydney Opera House; London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games projects; and the Crossrail Ltd underground rail scheme. “[Crossrail] is as dramatic as anything done by their Victorian predecessors”, Cameron said.

Nick Clegg, deputy prime minister and Liberal Party leader, added: “What is so significant is that [the prize] challenges us to rethink our self-perception as a country.

“There has been this hidden assumption that we are a country of accountants and lawyers”, Clegg said. “We must stop talking ourselves down. We are a nation of great engineers”.

Donors to the prize money include: BAE Systems plc, BT Group plc, BP plc, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Jaguar Land Rover, National Grid and Royal Dutch Shell plc, as well as Japanese industry giants Sony Corporation and Toshiba Corporation.

The judges will be asked to select an outstanding engineering-led advance that has produced “tangible and widespread public benefit”.

“This does not mean that only ‘lifesaving’ applications will be recognised”, the criteria states. “Engineering shapes culture and creates culture shift: it inspires, informs, educates and entertains. Engineering helps us meet global challenges and also underpins every aspect of day-to-day life”.

Komiyama believes there are similarities between the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering and both the Japan Prize and the Kyoto Prize—awarded annually to scientists and engineers from around the world who have made significant contributions to the advancement of science and technology. However, the prize money on offer for the Queen Elizabeth Prize far outstrips that of the Japanese awards.

“I believe that engineers should be admired more in society and that is why this new award is important”, he said.

“I see The Royal Academy of Engineering as having been very brave in announcing this prize and I have the utmost admiration for the country for taking this step”.

Details: http://qeprize.org/

ARTS

Inspired Lines Berks man beats over 500 entrants to win Japan–EU haiku contest

By Julian Ryall

A

British man who had never before penned a haiku, a form of Japanese poetry, won the 2012 Japan–EU English Haiku Contest.

Zeshan Hayat, 23, from Slough in Berkshire, found out about the annual contest through Facebook and a lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire, where he studied Japanese and completed the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) course.

He now works at the Slough Shuhari Karate-Jitsu traditional karate club, which serves to promote the martial art, but he aims one day to teach English in Japan.

“I had not composed a haiku before, but I do write other forms of poetry and lyrics as a hobby”, Hayat told BCCJ ACUMEN. “I draw my inspiration from everything that is close to me for more personal poetry, and everything that is far from me for more abstract poetry, stretching my imagination each time I write.

“The thing I love about the haiku form is that it enables the reader to capture a moment and a feeling in such a few lines”, he said.

“It’s like seeing something and then blinking, so when you open your eyes the image no longer remains as it was.

“That brief moment in time is captured in the haiku form and, when reading other haiku, I can imagine what the writer had seen during his or her special moment”, he said.

Hayat’s entry for the third annual competition was judged the best out of those written and submitted by 419 EU participants, while a further 104 haiku were entered by Japanese writers.

Given the theme “Dawn” for this year’s competition, Hayat’s work is hauntingly simple yet evocative—just what the judges were looking for.

Haiku are typically characterised by three qualities, arguably the most important of which is the kiru (cutting).

This is often represented by the juxtaposition of two distinct images or ideas.

Traditional haiku consist of 17 on (sound units), comprising three phrases made up

Light breaks free A new day is born The mantis comes out to pray

Hayat’s entry for the third annual competition was judged the best out of those written and submitted by 419 EU participants, while a further 104 haiku were entered

by Japanese writers.

of five, seven and five on. The third element is a seasonal reference, although this is less of a requirement in modern haiku.

“For this particular verse, I drew my inspiration from my eastern and Islamic roots”, Hayat said.

“It is said in Islam that, during the last third of the night, God descends to the lowest [level] of [the] heavens and waits there to give people anything that they wish for”, he explained. “After this, the last third of the night, dawn, appears and we must pray before then.

“As a follower of the Islamic faith, I pray five times a day at different times. The morning was always my favourite”, he added. “It was the sign of a new day, a sign of light breaking free from the darkness and because we are blessed with this light, we offer a prayer of gratitude”.

Hayat wrote three drafts of his haiku— in a very untraditional Microsoft Word file—and found that they all came to him fairly quickly.

“It was then a matter of choice, of which one to submit for the competition”, he said. “Whenever I write poetry or lyrics it seems to flow very easily from my thoughts into words and then onto paper”.

Hayat’s prize is a flight to Japan, courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, which he will take in late November. He will head directly to Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, which is considered the birthplace of haiku and was home to the Japanese poet Masaoka Shiki in the Meiji period.

Hayat also plans to catch up with as many as possible of the friends he made while he was a student in Nagoya for six months from late 2010.

He spent time travelling around Japan and visited Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe and Hiroshima. However, he decided to abandon his plans to extend his stay in the country in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake on 11 March, 2011.

“Winning this competition has given me a little confidence in my writing”, he said. “I love to write poetry but I’ve always kept it rather private.

“This competition has helped me realise that I may have a talent for this and that I should explore more of the haiku world”.

NOVEMBER 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 49

ARTS EVENTS Compiled by Shoko Sekiya

11–24 DECEMBER Harvest

This play, written by the British playwright Richard Bean, has won many prizes since its 2005 premiere at the Royal Court Theatre in London. It will be performed by Japanese actors in Japanese.

Setagaya Public Theatre 4-1-1 Taishido Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 15, 16, 22, 23, 24 December 1pm 13, 18, 20 December 2pm 15, 22 December 6pm 11, 12, 14, 18, 19, 21 December 7pm Closed on 17 December

Adults from ¥4,000 03-5432-1515 http://setagaya-pt.jp/theater_ info/2012/12/post_295.html

8–28 DECEMBER Enchanted Ballet Film Festival

The festival features the film versions of five well-known ballets. The UK’s Bryan Forbes and France’s Pierre Jourdan collaborated on I Am a Dancer, a feature-length documentary that premiered in 1972 and will be shown at the event.

Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography Yebisu Garden Place 1-13-3 Mita Meguro-ku, Tokyo Closed on 10, 17 and 25 December Adults ¥2,800 For the schedule of each film screening, please visit:

http://gakugakai.com/2012fes/ schedule.html

FREE TICKETS

We are giving away five pairs of free tickets to this event. * Tickets can be used to see any film during the festival, except the festival’s premiere on 8 December.

23 OCTOBER–24 NOVEMBER Whirl

Video installations by London-based Hiraki Sawa will be displayed at this exhibition, which is part of the Kanagawa Prefectural Gallery’s recent project featuring installations by young and active artists.

HIRAKI SAWA EIGHT MINUTES 2005

Kanagawa Prefectural Gallery 3-1 Yamashita-cho Naka-ku Yokohama, Kanagawa

50 | BCCJ ACUMEN | NOVEMBER 2012

10am–6pm (7pm on Saturdays) Adults ¥700 http://www.sawahiraki-whirl.com/ en/info/

To apply for free tickets, please send us an email with your name, address and telephone number by 30 November: yoko@custom-media.com Winners will be picked at random.

6 OCTOBER–25 NOVEMBER Opening the Door to the World of Miniatures: The Allure of Dolls’ Houses

On exhibit will be historically and artistically valuable doll’s houses from two collections, the Vivien Greene Doll’s House Collection in the UK and the Motts Miniature Collection in the US.

Hiratsuka Museum of Art

HASKELL HOUSE

1-3-3 Nishi-yawata Hiratsuka-shi, Kanagawa-ken 9:30am–5pm Closed on Mondays (If Monday is a national holiday, the museum will be open, but will be closed the following day)

Adults ¥700 04-6335-2111 http://www.city.hiratsuka.kanagawa. jp/art-muse/2012205.htm

SKYFALL ©2012 DANJAQ, LLC, UNITED ARTISTS CORPORATION, COLUMBIA PICTURES INDUSTRIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

FROM 1 DECEMBER Skyfall

Number 23 in the 007 series, the film features British actor Daniel Craig in his third performance as James Bond. The film premiered in October 2012, the 50th anniversary of the series that began with Dr. No in 1962.

TOHO Cinemas, Nichigeki 1-5-2 Yurakucho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo http://www.skyfall.jp/

FROM 3 NOVEMBER © 2011 W.E. COMMISSIONING COMPANY LIMITED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

W.E.

Co-written and directed by American singer Madonna in 2011, this British romantic drama details the affair between King Edward VIII and American divorcee Wallis Simpson, as well as a contemporary romance between a married woman and a Russian security guard.

TOHO Cinemas Chanter 1-2-2 Yurakucho Chiyoda-ku Tokyo http://we-movie.net/

NOVEMBER 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 51

COMMUNITY BCCJ

Attending the 10 October Farewell, Ambassador Warren event at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo were (from left) BCCJ President Nick Walters; Ambassador Sir David Warren KCMG and his wife, Pamela; BCCJ Executive Director Lori Henderson; and BCCJ President Emeritus Philip T Gibb.

Ray Bremner, president and CEO of Unilever Japan Customer Marketing K.K. and Lori Henderson, executive director of the BCCJ, attended the European Chambers’ Annual Cocktail Party on 18 October at the Hyatt Regency Tokyo.

HONOURS

Prince Charles honoured two British residents of Japan at Buckingham Palace on 25 October:

Richard Thornley, president of Rolls-Royce Japan Co., Ltd., was appointed CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for services to British business in Japan and the UK-Japan industrial partnership. His wife, Chihiro, also attended the ceremony.

CHARITY

The Royal British Legion Tokyo branch held their Trafalgar Night Dinner in a Tokyo hotel on 20 October.

52 | BCCJ ACUMEN | NOVEMBER 2012

Elizabeth Oliver, founder of Animal Refuge Kansai (ARK), was appointed MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for services to animal welfare and civil society.

LUNCH

At the 2 November Brits at Lunch event, a monthly lunch for expats in Japan, at the Roppongi Hills Club were (from left) Robert Williams and Tony Collins of IFG Asia Limited.

COMEDY

British comedian Alun Cochrane performed at the Opera Lounge on 26 and 27 September for the Tokyo Comedy Club. The evenings marked the second in a series of UK comedy shows supported by Virgin Atlantic and the Ritz Carlton.

FILM

Director Mika Ninagawa attended the Helter Skelter premiere during the 56th BFI London Film Festival at the British Film Institute (BFI) Southbank on 12 October.

© DAIDO MORIYAMA, COURTESY OF MICHAEL HOPPEN CONTEMPORARY

PHOTOGRAPHY

Japanese photographer Daido Moriyama’s Tights and Lips exhibition was shown at the Michael Hoppen Gallery in London from 7 September until 20 October.

Photographer Kyoko Harada displayed her images of dogs and cats from the Animal Refuge Kansai (ARK), at Gallery 80 in Omotesando on 11–16 September. The exhibition, entitled Shelter Animals Love You More, featured photos taken at ARK’s shelter, adoption fairs and related events.

ART

Up and coming artist Masumoto Keiko exhibited ceramics from her “motif/vessel” collection at the ICN gallery in London on 1–30 November.

The closing reception for Ida Bagus Putu Purwa’s show Freedom was held on 16 September at the Tobin Ohashi Gallery in Nihonbashi.

NOVEMBER 2012 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 53

BCCJ ACUMEN has one copy of each of these books to give away. To apply, please send an email by 30 November to: editor@custom-media.com. Winners will be picked at random.

BOOKS

Reviews by Ian de Stains OBE

Learning to Let Hatred Go “On a mountain above the clouds once lived a man who had been the gardener of the emperor of Japan”.

So begins the latest offering written by one of the most promising authors from South-East Asia.

But the fairytale-like opening does not even begin to hint at the dark and complex story that follows.

Tan Twan Eng, the Malaysian writer shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2012, has written a powerful and deeply moving story set in post-Japanese occupied Malaya.

The communist guerrillas are still fighting the British and anti-Japanese feelings are extremely high. But in the Cameron Highlands there is a unique enclave: a Japanese garden.

The technique known as shakkei (borrowed scenery) is central to the art of the Japanese garden. Eng uses his obviously sharp understanding of this particular area of Japanese sensitivity to great effect.

His intricate and carefully crafted novel seems to pose the question: how does shakkei work in our lives outside the

garden setting? Is what we see exactly what we think it is, or is it something altogether different?

Eng’s characters are drawn with exquisite skill. The main protagonist, the lone survivor of a brutal Weinstein Books $15.99 Japanese concentration camp, has lost fingers in a cruel and painfully depicted torture.

Her close confidant is a South African tea planter who lost an eye during his participation in the Boer War. His reasons for hating the British mirror hers for hating the Japanese. However, he has learned to let go of his hatred; she must yet learn to do the same.

Aritomo, the protagonist’s teacher— in more ways than one—is the former prose yet, even then, managing to avoid gardener to the emperor of Japan. But, overstepping the line. like the magical garden he has so lovingly For the most part, he is able to create created, he is not what he seems. powerful images with the simplest of Shrouded in mystery, the keeper of sentences. many secrets also has unexpected talents.

“My eyes wandered from one end of Eng has a fine understanding of Japan’s the mountains to the other. ‘Do you think hidden culture and a tremendous gift for they go on forever?’ revealing it. He writes with an elegance “ ‘The mountains?’ Aritomo asked, as and style that is beautifully understated, though that question had been posed only occasionally approaching purple before. ‘They fade away. Like all things’ ”.

A Rebel’s Romp

By Simon Alexander Collier Amazon $14.99 Kindle $4.99

54 | BCCJ ACUMEN | NOVEMBER 2012

Novels set against a Japanese historical background are not unusual. Indeed, there was a time not so long ago when they were the fashion.

Some succeeded better than others at capturing the sense of time and the cultural underpinnings. Some were more accurate than others when it came to depicting Japan and its social mores.

However, what they all lacked was a sense of humour.

Simon Alexander Collier’s take on shogun territory is altogether different in that regard.

Historical accuracy is present in the book, as are the frantic efforts of the samurai to resist the opening up of a feudal Japan. The book also features infighting among the Western

nations that seek to gain the upper hand in influencing the Japanese government, so that they might secure trading privileges.

But these details are solely the backdrop for a more personal and somewhat eccentric story.

The book is told through the eyes and voice of a young British diplomat, Milligan, who is given to appreciate the attractions of the opposite sex and the liberating effects of strong drink.

His escapades—many and complex— provide much of the humour.

The author is himself a former British diplomat now working in the private sector. Of his other proclivities we know not, but his experience has allowed him to deliver an intriguing tale.

! u o Y k Than

GlaxoSmithKline K.K.—2012 Company of the Year GlaxoSmithKline K.K. (GSK) is honoured to have been judged “Company of the Year” at the British Business Awards (BBA), organized by the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan on 2 November 2012.

GSK would like to thank BCCJ members, BBA judges and organisers for their generous support and a memorable occasion.

We believe we have earned this recognition not only for our recent activities, but through our long history of contributing to the health and improving the quality of life for people in Japan through business and our “Team Orange” volunteer activities.

With the introduction of our innovative pharmaceuticals, vaccines and consumer products

GlaxoSmithKline K.K. GSK Bldg. 6-15, Sendagaya 4-chome, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-8566 Japan http://glaxosmithkline.co.jp

and by collaborative efforts with global and Japanese partners, we will continue to fulfill medical needs in Japan. Our performance here will be testimony that the award was deserved.

GSK is dedicated to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer through innovative products.