BCCJ ACUMEN, May 2013

UK–JAPAN 400 YEARS

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WARNING: REFORM OR FAIL

BUSINESS SURVEY

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P. 29

May 2013 | ¥900

The Magazine of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan

MAKING WAVES IN TIDAL ENERGY Scots help post-quake Japan exploit power of the oceans PAGE 24

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VOLUME 4, ISSUE 5

May 2013

20 PROFILE Yuzo Yagi President, chairman and CEO of Yagi Tsusho Limited

38 ADVENTURE Scuppered, Saved and Happy Socks Oxford grad resumes record global solo row 7 PUBLISHER BCCJ ACUMEN Without Borders Simon Farrell 8 MEDIA UK–Japan News 11 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Our First Contested Election Lori Henderson MBE 12 MEDIA What you missed in the Japanese press 15 PRESIDENT More of the Same … But Different Alison Jambert 16 ANNIVERSARY UK–Japan: History Highlights 19 PROFILE FT: The Honest Financier’s Friend INTERVIEW 20 Yuzo Yagi 21 David Swan

43 ART Bacon: Desperate, Joyous and Intense 22 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Warning: Reform or Fail 24 COVER STORY Making Waves in Tidal Energy Scots help post-quake Japan exploit power of the oceans 29 POLL FCIJ Business Confidence Survey INDUSTRY Legal & Compliance 30 Anti-bribery and Corruption Law: Renewed Intent 31 A-LIST 33 Compliance: Avoiding Traps for the Unwary Management Consulting 34 A-LIST 35 Strategy Isn’t the Issue 37 CHARITY TELL: “Forty for the Future” 38 ADVENTURE Scuppered, Saved and Happy Socks

49 IF YOU ASK ME Irony of the Iron Lady

SPORT 40 Stumped!

42 Howzat for Holyrood Honour?

43 ART Bacon: Desperate, Joyous and Intense 44 ARTS EVENTS My Fair Lady, The Angels’ Share, Big Beach Festival ’13, James Blake— Japan Tour 2013, Othello, Natsume Soseki and Arts 46 COMMUNITY BCCJ, visit, party, charity, festival, launch, seminar 48 HEALTH Well-being or Discomfort?

What to expect when undergoing a medical check-up in Japan 49 IF YOU ASK ME Irony of the Iron Lady 50 BOOKS Lunch with the FT: 52 Classic Interviews Flavours Without Borders

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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: Alison Jambert Eat Creative K.K. Executive Staff Executive Director: Lori Henderson MBE Operations Manager: Sanae Samata Executive Committee Paul Atkinson | Individual Member David Bickle | Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ray Bremner OBE | Unilever Japan Graham Davis | The Economist Group James Dodds | KPMG Simon Farrell | Custom Media K.K. Philip T Gibb OBE | Individual Member Anna Pinsky | Canning Professional K.K. Suzanne Price | Price Global Reiko Sakimura | Clifford Chance Law Office Vishal Sinha | British Airways Yayoi Sogo | Individual Member Richard Thornley CBE | Rolls-Royce Japan Co., Ltd. James Weeks | Kreab Gavin Anderson

Jeff Streeter British Council Japan

BR LE A Y E A RS

BCCJ ACUMEN Editor in Chief Simon Farrell

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• ST

15

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Ex Officio Sue Kinoshita British Embassy Tokyo

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O NG A IN JA P

Email: sales@asiantigers-japan.com Tel: 03-6402-2371

www.asiantigers-japan.com

British Chamber of Commerce in Japan 12F Ark Mori Bldg.

1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6012 Tel: (03) 4360-8361 Fax: (03) 4360-8454 info@bccjapan.com www.bccjapan.com BCCJ ACUMEN is the magazine of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan

CONTRIBUTORS

Creative Director Cliff Cardona Art Director Paul Leonard Deputy Editor Megan Waters Client Services Manager Sam Bird samuel@custom-media.com

Ian de Stains OBE, a former BBC producer and presenter, has been based in Japan since 1976. From 1987 to 2011, he was BCCJ executive director.

Ian now focuses on writing, consulting, coaching and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and convenor of its Japan chapter. dest@attglobal.net

Lori Henderson MBE has been BCCJ executive director since February 2011.

JEREMY SUTTON-HIBBERT

President Robert Heldt robert@custom-media.com

Alison Jambert, a founding director of Tokyo-based branding agency Eat Creative K.K., became BCCJ President in April. Alison has over 20 years’ experience in marketing for premium brands and manages key accounts as well as business development.

Julian Ryall is Japan correspondent for The Daily Telegraph.

JEREMY SUTTON-HIBBERT

Publisher Simon Farrell simon@custom-media.com

VICTORIACAZZOLIPHOTOGRAPHY

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.

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

Nina Oiki is an economics graduate student at Waseda University and an intern for the BCCJ and the British Business Awards Task Force.

Patric McGonigal, international arbitration partner at Hogan Lovells’ Tokyo office, specialises in a broad range of commercial, international trade, trade finance, insurance and energy related disputes. patric.mcgonigal@ hoganlovells.com

Daiske Yoshida is a partner in the Litigation department of Latham & Watkins’ Tokyo office, and has extensive experience representing firms in a wide range of cross-border controversy issues. daiske.yoshida@lw.com

Dr Greg Story is president of Dale Carnegie Training Japan.

Akasaka Palace Bldg. 1F 1-4-21 Moto-Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0051 www.custom-media.com

Mike Galbraith is an historian and archivist at Yokohama Country & Athletic Club, where he used to captain the rugby team. In 1978, he founded Interworld Ltd., a global business communications training firm.

Dr Itsuo Nakano teaches Cultural Studies at Hanazono University in Kyoto and is a researcher in the International Office at Osaka University.

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.

Dr Tom Lomax is a general practitioner at the Tokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic.

After training in the UK, he obtained a Japanese medical license in 2008.

Senior Account Executive Leon van Houwelingen leon@custom-media.com Account Executives Mareike Dornhege mareike@custom-media.com Kieran Quigley kieran@custom-media.com Marketing Assistant Megumi Okazaki Media Co-ordinator Yoko Yanagimoto To advertise or order BCCJ ACUMEN: inquiries@custom-media.com Tel: (03) 6804-5267 Fax: (03) 6804-5268 Custom Media Publishers of BCCJ ACUMEN for the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan. Specialists in bilingual brand strategy/visual communications, corporate bespoke solutions. Producers of BIJ TV (businessinjapan.tv), the bilingual online video channel featuring successful business people in Japan.

© 2013 Custom Media K.K.

Contributions BCCJ Members and writers are welcome to submit ideas for content, which will be decided on merit by the Editor. editor@custom-media.com

MAY 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 5

PUBLISHER

BCCJ ACUMEN Without Borders

W

e don’t take sides at BCCJ ACUMEN, whether political, geographical or other. We avoid, of course, favouring England over her close neighbours north and west, as the Scots, Welsh and Northern Irish traditionally accuse the media and others of doing.

So, following the visit of Secretary of State for Wales David Jones, whom we interviewed last month, we welcome John Swinney, the cabinet secretary for finance, employment and sustainable growth for the Scottish government (page 24).

While Jones vigorously defended nuclear energy, Swinney advocates wave/tidal power as a safe, sustainable power source. Centre stage, naturally, are politics, jobs and money so we leave you to pick the winner.

It’s not as easy to find suitable stories from north of the Irish border, though.

So if you know of any business, lifestyle or culture-related themes that are from

“FORTY FOR THE FUTURE”— 40 YEARS AND 40 MILLION STATE-OFTHE-ART STANDARDS OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE

this part of the UK and have a strong Japan link, please let me know.

Expect more Alba–Cymru focus this year, as we welcome the Wales national rugby union team—who clash with Japan in a test match on 15 June—accompanied by a Welsh ministerial group scheduled to meet potential investors. Swinney, meanwhile, will bring Scotland’s Offshore Marine Energy Mission here in October.

Go on, ask him Sorry for not introducing Ian de Stains’ new column in the last issue. If you think his gay marriage curtain raiser featured in “If You Ask Me” would be a tough act to follow, do turn to page 49 for another of his anecdotes—an ironic encounter with Lady Thatcher and her handbag, no less.

Speaking of new columns, Dr Tom Lomax joins us this month (page 48) for a series of occasional pieces on healthcare-related issues, such as holiday vaccinations, cholesterol and, this month, the good and bad of the annual company check-up from an expat’s point of view.

Stronger than ever at 65 A plea, especially to senior members: do you have any memories, photos or other items to help ACUMEN mark the BCCJ’s 65th anniversary later this year? Perhaps your firm has held a special event, hosted a VIP or reached a milestone in Japan during this period?

Sadly, much of the BCCJ archives apparently vanished under mysterious circumstances nearly 30 years ago, so we are short on materials to mark the traditional—but no longer default— British retirement age of 65, which is said to be the new 55 or 45, or something.

Thanks!

And a quick thank you to those who voted me onto the BCCJ Executive Committee (Excom) at the annual general meeting in April.

Simon Farrell Custom Media simon@custom-media.com

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LATEST UK–JAPAN REPORTS

Help Urged for Exporters of Scotch Beef Richard Lochhead, the Scottish government’s cabinet secretary for rural affairs and the environment, has urged Owen Paterson, secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, to open up export markets to Japan for Scotch beef, the Farmers Weekly reported on 22 April.

Most Developed Nations Index The UK has been ranked as the second-most advanced country in the world, while Japan was placed in eighth position, according to the Social Progress Index issued on 17 April.

The listing assesses 50 leading countries by combining figures on everything from health to broadband access and freedom of speech.

Compiled by a Massachusetts Institute of Technology team of economists, who used over 50 sets of data to assemble the list, the index is an alternative to traditional measures that are based on purely economic standards.

The UK outstrips the US, Germany, France and Japan for overall progress in living standards, infrastructure and individual opportunity and, although the UK’s health spending is 11th, it takes the top spot for overall health and wellness. That has proved central to the UK’s success in the rankings.

According to the authors, the UK’s constant efforts to “straddle” Europe and the US have made it one if the best places overall to live in the world.

At April’s Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers’ conference, Lochhead said he was shocked to find that gaining access to the Japanese market was not a UK government priority. He believes offers from the Scottish government to provide resources to secure accreditation for

Scotch beef in Japan and other countries have been ignored.

Meanwhile, export sales of Scotch beef to European markets thus far this year are up 16%, and Quality Meat Scotland said it is actively targeting new markets in the Nordic countries and Germany.

Sales of Luxury Car Growing Nissan Motor Company’s Infiniti luxury car brand has increased its UK sales by 45% year-on-year, Motortrades Insight reported on 17 April.

Since the first Infiniti Centre was set up in Reading in 2009, a further six centres have opened across the country, with another three planned.

Sales for the year ending March 2013 show a 45% year-on-year increase, and a hike of 23% just for the first three months of 2013.

The good performance has been fuelled mainly by sales of the FX and recently introduced Ifiniti M35h saloon.

According to a recent independent brand tracking survey by GFK Custom Research Japan KK, there has been a significant increase in awareness of the Infiniti brand.

In 2011, only 51% of respondents had heard of the premium brand, while the ratio has now reached 64%.

The new Infiniti Q50 premium sports car is planned for release in the autumn.

Norwich Software Firm Expands Global Portfolio with Energy Deal Falcon Global has obtained a licensing deal with a Yokohama-based oil and gas firm to increase its global portfolio, the Eastern Daily Press reported on 3 April.

The UK firm will now be able to use its Zenator Systems project management

software in any projects conducted with Chiyoda Corporation.

The agreement has enabled the firm to forecast a rise in turnover from £1.9mn to between £5mn and £6mn this year, and are planning to add new employees to its staff.

Norton Motorcycles (UK) Ltd’s motorbikes are to be sold again in Japan, after having pulled out of the market 30 years ago, the Leicester Mercury reported on 18 April.

It will be the first time the British bikes will be exported outside Europe since the firm returned to UK ownership in 2008.

The bikes are to be sold across Japan through 14 dealerships, where numerous orders have already been placed by Japanese customers.

Within 18 months, the firm—which has 50 employees—plans to quadruple production to 40 bikes per week, and increase its workforce to between 150 and 200 staffers.

Norton also will soon sell their quality, handmade bikes in the US and Canada, where it has already attracted numerous orders.

8 | BCCJ ACUMEN | MAY 2013

OFFICIAL IMPORTER / PCI CO., LTD.

Return of Classic Bikes

Norton Motorcycles (UK) Ltd’s Commando 961 Sport will be sold across 14 dealerships here.

Sussex Winemaker Signs Tokyo Deal

Envoy Opens Island Display The Japanese ambassador to the UK has officially opened an exhibition on the Isle of Wight. The event celebrates the life and work of Professor John Milne, the Isle of Wight County Press reported on 8 April.

Ambassador Keiichi Hayashi visited Carisbrooke Castle Museum near Newport to open an exhibition commemorating the centenary of the leading seismologist’s death.

Professor Milne invented the horizontal pendulum seismograph, a device that changed the way earthquakes are predicted and measured.

His work led him to receive the medal of the Order of the Rising Sun, and the title of Emeritus Professor of Seismology at Tokyo University, his workplace for 20 years. He retired to the island in 1895.

The exhibition will run until October.

ENOTELA CO., LTD

Nyetimber is to export its wines to Japan, according to a press release issued on 26 April.

The firm, which has vineyards in West Sussex, has signed a distribution agreement with Tokyo-based premium wine distributor Enoteca Co., Ltd. to supply its wines in Japan commencing in June.

Nyetimber will become the first English sparkling wine to be distributed throughout Japan—the winemakers first overseas market.

Garden Attraction Unveiled

Nyetimber Classic Cuvee 2008

Techies to Take Part in Annual Komatsu Olympics Four Komatsu UK Ltd. employees will travel to Japan later this year to compete in the Komatsu Technology Olympics, the Sky Tyne and Wear reported on 10 April.

The Japanese competition—now in its 36th year—aims to provide Komatsu workers and key suppliers with an opportunity to demonstrate the high level of skill and technical ability required to work in fabrication, painting, assembly and machine inspection.

The yearly event plays a key part in the leading manufacturer’s philosophy of continuous improvement.

The Britons won the Komatsu UK Technology Olympics competition earlier this year, in which a record number of 73 people took part.

Designer Launches Second Uniqlo Line Lulu Guinness has collaborated with the popular Japanese clothing brand to produce her second collection for the label, Vogue News reported on 8 April.

The new range of T-shirts bears the witty and playful prints for which Guinness is known, and was inspired by the colour palette used in her main 2013 spring/summer collection.

The London designer’s first collection for Uniqlo, which launched in April 2012, proved a huge success with shoppers, selling out in just two weeks.

Ambassador of Japan to the United Kingdom Keiichi Hayashi has opened Alnwick Garden’s Tai-haku Duck House, the Evening Chronicle reported on 19 April.

Situated on a pond within the garden’s Cherry Orchard—the second largest of its kind in the world—the house accommodates 12 Mandarin Ducks.

Hayashi was a guest of honour at the garden’s fourth annual Cherry Blossom Dedication Ceremony, during which sponsors floated traditional Japanese paper lanterns on the pond in memory of lost loved ones.

WWII Clashes Named as Greatest Battles The 1944 battles of Kohima and Imphal—when British troops were victorious over the Japanese army—have been chosen as the UK’s greatest battles in a National Army Museum contest, the Daily Telegraph reported on 21 April.

One of the main turning points of World War II was the successful British defence in the battles. This meant the troops could push into Burma and roll back the Japanese from mainland Asia.

The winner was a surprise, given the prominence in the UK of the Battle of Waterloo and the Normandy landings.

The competition’s criteria included the battle’s political and historical impact, the challenges the troops faced, and the strategy and tactics employed.

Football Club Invests in Social Gaming Manchester United has signed a twoyear deal with a social gaming firm, Japan Today reported on 25 April.

Gloops International Inc. is the club’s first official social gaming partner.

The agreement will allow the Japanese firm the right to create and distribute a statistical-based battle card social game in Japan.

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MAY 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 9

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Our First Contested Election Results: president and five board members are women

I

n recent years, the BCCJ has enjoyed a measure of success and a number of new developments: membership has risen steadily and organically, attendance at our events has continued to grow, while online engagement across seven digital platforms is at an all-time high.

Members in a variety of industries and from firms of all sizes have come to appreciate the value of the connections that membership can bring to their work and life in Japan. But, perhaps most significantly, increasingly more members are keen to become involved in helping to run the chamber.

So, at the annual general meeting on 25 April, we went to the polls for the first time in our 65-year history!

Increasingly more members are keen to become involved in helping to run the chamber.

After a nail-biting meeting, opened by British Ambassador to Japan Tim Hitchens CMG LVO, the Executive Committee election produced the following winners (in alphabetical order): • Paul Atkinson (Individual Member) • David Bickle (Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited) • Ray Bremner OBE (Unilever Japan) • Graham Davis (The Economist Group) • James Dodds (KPMG) • Simon Farrell (Custom Media K.K.) • Philip T Gibb OBE (Individual Member) • Alison Jambert (Eat Creative K.K.) • Anna Pinsky (Canning Professional, K.K.) • Suzanne Price (Price Global) • Reiko Sakimura (Clifford Chance) • Vishal Sinha (British Airways) • Yayoi Sogo (Individual Member) • Richard Thornley CBE (Rolls-Royce Japan Co., Ltd.) • James Weeks (Kreab Gavin Anderson) The election was hotly contested among 19 candidates and, for the first time, candidate statements and photos could be viewed online.

Interest was strong, with over 30% of members registering votes within the allocated time, while it was soon standing room only in the meeting area.

Alison Jambert, whose first BCCJ ACUMEN column appears on page 15,

was elected chairperson to the executive committee. After Alison Pockett MBE, she is only the second female president in the history of the BCCJ. Moreover, as if this isn’t enough, the number of female board members is unprecedented: five of the 15 are women.

In the 2013–14 chamber year, the British Embassy Tokyo continues to be represented in an ex-officio capacity by Sue Kinoshita, director of UK Trade and Investment at the British Embassy Tokyo.

Similarly, Jeff Streeter, British Council Japan director, represents his organisation for the next 12 months.

There is perhaps no greater measure of success for the BCCJ than the desire of members to play a part in further enhancing its value.

I’m genuinely looking forward to working with the new executive committee throughout the coming year, and to continue serving all BCCJ members.

Please join us in congratulating the winners and thanking all the candidates for their participation in this landmark election.

Lori Henderson MBE BCCJ Executive Director

MEDIA

WHAT YOU MISSED IN THE JAPANESE PRESS

BY MARK SCHREIBER

JORDY THEILLER

After Dark: Times Still Hard

The Wako department store in Ginza, Tokyo

Efforts by the Liberal Democratic Party government to jump-start the economy have seen stock prices soar and the value of the Japanese yen plummet, to the glee of exporters.

Some believe that if things were really on the upswing, this would be indicated by outlays for corporate entertainment. So the Nikkei Marketing Journal (24 April) surveyed expenditures in three major urban areas famed for their nightlife: Ginza (Tokyo), Sakae (Nagoya) and Kitashinchi (Osaka).

The news, unfortunately, was not very heartening. By the time both hands on Ginza Wako’s clock point to midnight, streams of people can be seen flowing towards Ginza Station, while taxis remain lined up in a 400-metre queue.

Out of the 38 Ginza restaurants surveyed, 24% said business was “good”. Among 33 bar and nightclub owners queried, just 15% gave the same response. Meanwhile, out of 31 taxi drivers, only 3% described the times as being good.

The situation is similar in Nagoya’s Sakae district. “Before the Lehman Shock [in 2008], customers often ran up charges of ¥10,000 to go back home to the suburbs. Now it’s just a short ¥1,000 ride to Nagoya Station”, grumbled one taxi driver.

Located within Sakae, Nishiki is where staff members of Toyota Motor Corporation and their various vendors typically go to

12 | BCCJ ACUMEN | MAY 2013

drink. It’s been said that if the automobile business catches a cold, Nishiki sneezes.

Thanks to the recent decline in the value of the yen, car sales are up, and the area’s denizens yearn for better times that, it is hoped, will come very soon.

In the good old days, popular hostesses in Osaka’s Kitashinchi neighbourhood would expect male customers to meet them for a light meal and some shopping a few hours prior to their bar opening and before accompanying them into the establishment. Now, however, the girls wait for their customers on the street outside the bar. No more meal tickets for them, alas.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s policies aimed at bolstering small and medium-sized firms have led to a change in the tax code. The allowable expenditures for wining and dining have been raised to ¥8mn per year. What’s more, these outlays can now be applied even when the books show a loss.

Yuichi Kamiya, an office director at Ginza Shako Ryoin Kyokai, General Inc., an association of Ginza establishments that was founded in 1925 and currently has 1,695 member businesses, told the Nikkei: “Drinking and concluding contracts go together.

We’d like to be thought of as one of the gears that turns the Japanese economy”.

MEDIA

Parental Presents Mother’s Day and Father’s Day fall on 12 May and 16 June, respectively. In March, Macromill, Inc. undertook a survey in which 1,000 adults were asked about their plans to give gifts on these days.

According to the Nikkei Marketing Journal (24 April), the practice now appears to be fairly well ingrained in Japan, with 28.4% of female respondents and 17% of males saying they unfailingly give a gift every Mother’s Day. The respective figure for Father’s Day was somewhat lower: 19.2% for females, 12.2% for males.

The gifts of choice for mums were hardly surprising. The most common reply was flowers (44.2%), followed by apparel or fashion accessories (21.7%). For dads, the top choices were alcoholic beverages (30.8%) and articles of apparel or accessories (27.2%).

Just over 30% of respondents stated that their allocated budget for such purchases—for both parents—is between ¥3,000 and ¥5,000.

About 90% of those questioned said they expected the outlay would be unchanged from 2012.

Will New LDP Policies Foment Clock-watching?

As the clock changes from 4:59pm to 5:00pm, a young worker stands up, pushes back his chair and, without further ado, heads straight for the lift.

“These goji-pita otoko (exactly-5-o’clock men) are on the increase”, Tomoyuki Suzuki, personnel consultant and president of Wealth Share Inc., told the Nikkan Gendai (17 April).

“Abenomics is the process of considering the transfer of human resources away from mature industries to those that promise growth”, Suzuki explained. “As a result, white-collar workers who are employed at major firms are being entrusted with implementation jobs.

“The Abe government is also inclined to increase the number of positions for semi-regular workers, such as those with short-term jobs and task-specific jobs. This is likely to result in falling morale among growing numbers of workers”, he added. Will we see goji-pita incrementally changed to yoji-pita (exactly 4pm)? Or even sanji-pita (exactly 3pm)?

“Some firms are already moving towards what is, effectively, a retirement age of 45”, he said. “As such a trend is costly, I suppose those firms are likely to increase the number of their subsidiaries, and transfer workers there from the age of 45, or even rehire them [under a different pay structure]”.

During the bubble economy, salaried workers called goji-kara otoko (after-5 o’clock men) became conspicuous for their eagerness to boogie after work. But this new variation—the goji-pita bunch— is likely to negatively impact the morale of their co-workers. For someone to bring documents to a desk at 5:01pm, only to be abruptly told, “Sorry, but that’s it for today” has been unheard of in Japan— until now.

Unless people take a stand and nip Abenomic policies in the bud, the salaryman culture that has developed here over the past 70 years may very well come crashing down, the Nikkan Gendai predicts.

“Sorry, but that’s it for today” has been unheard of in Japan—until now.

Flowers are the most popular gift to give on Mother’s Day.

Getting Them Young The term gakuwari (student discount) has taken on a new meaning with the launch of campaigns by Japan’s three major mobile communications providers.

The Nikkei Business (22 April) reports that, starting in spring, NTT Docomo, Inc.’s plan that is aimed at juveniles will be extended to include preschoolers aged three and over. Docomo’s move came after rival Softbank Mobile Corp. announced its new White Gakuwari family plan that has no age restrictions.

In September last year, Docomo launched sales of children’s mobile phones and, from this spring, reinforced its product line-up with SH-05E smartphone for juniors smartphone models aimed at juniors.

According to a survey by ICT Research & Consulting, some 11,310,000 junior- and high-school pupils, and university students in Japan use mobile phones. Although the youth demographic has been shrinking, there is still room for overall growth. In addition, the providers are hoping that sales geared to the use of mobile phones by the youngest family members might win over the parents and older siblings.

Other businesses have also been reaching out to young customers.

Japan Airlines has expanded its JAL Card Navi programme for students, which waives annual membership charges and permits accrued mileage points to be retained for an indefinite period while the cardholder is still a student. The Mitsui Sumitomo Card has joined with Amazon Japan to offer its Mitsui Sumitomo Visa Debit Plus Card to younger consumers.

The article points out that credit card services have, in the past, found the youth market less lucrative because of limitations on giving them cash advances. Thus they are turning to encouraging use of their cards for shopping, with the rationale that it will nurture children as future core users.

But in the writer’s view, dropping the minimum customer age to three years may be a sign that those businesses are growing desperate as they face the prospects of shrinking demand.

MAY 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 13

PRESIDENT

More of the Same … But Different My goals for the next 12 months

W

elcome to another BCCJ year and thank you to everyone who has supported my re-election to the Executive Committee.

I feel very privileged to have been given this opportunity to help steer the chamber through the next stage of its development.

I would like to thank all the nominees, and congratulate and welcome the incoming team.

Member engagement is at an all-time high and the hotly contested election was tangible evidence of this.

Thanks to all those who attended the annual general meeting on 25 April at the BCCJ’s Ark Hills Regus office, and for sending ballot votes ahead of the event, the most ever received by us.

Credit must also be given to Sue Kinoshita, director of UK Trade and Investment at the British Embassy Tokyo, for kindly handling the Q&A session.

British Ambassador to Japan Tim Hitchens CMG LVO opened the evening with his comments on the chamber’s excellent position and remarked on the strength of the relationship between the British Embassy Tokyo and the chamber.

So, what are my goals for the next 12 months? My theme, More of the Same … But Different, is demonstrated by the following initiatives.

COMING IN THE JUNE ISSUE OF BCCJ ACUMEN

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THURSDAY 30 MAY As space is limited, we encourage advertisers to book early.

• Same:

Different:

Maintain the high quality of our events with timely topics, relevant speakers and formats that will appeal to the membership.

Maintain community outreach and strengthen our existing efforts to engage with Japanese firms who value the UK–Japan relationship.

Different:

• Same:

Enhance the promotion of events through BCCJ-owned channels and elsewhere, ensuring our audience continues to grow.

Our three very successful events in the 2012–13 chamber year have promoted gender and disability issues in the workplace.

• Same:

Different:

Continue to draw high-quality members.

Different: Integrate traditional and social media to drive awareness about the chamber and attract more members.

• Same: Represent members to the fullest of our abilities.

Different: Undertake a needs assessment to create true transparency and ensure member needs are being met.

• Same: Maintain our strong financial base.

Different: Use our resources to retain and further drive membership.

Feedback from the membership needs assessment will allow us to develop further our diversity programme to address issues that are of high priority to the membership.

Working together and with your support, I am confident that we will build on the BCCJ’s strengths and further enhance the tangible value we bring to our members and their businesses.

You will be seeing a lot more of me over the year, especially at BCCJ events, so please say hello. You can follow me on Twitter for the latest BCCJ updates, or simply to connect. I look forward to serving the chamber and its members.

• Same: Past initiatives have shown that members are keen to come together for the benefit of the community.

Alison Jambert BCCJ President @BCCJ_President VICTORIACAZZOLIPHOTOGRAPHY

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ANNIVERSARY

UK–Japan: History Highlights The second part in our series on the 400th anniversary of UK–Japan ties notes some major events that have linked the two countries.

Timeline courtesy of the British Embassy Tokyo

1600

William Adams, a seaman from Kent, becomes the first Briton to arrive in Japan. Acting as an advisor to Tokugawa Ieyasu (the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate), he is granted a house and land, and spends the rest of his life in his adopted country.

1613

At the invitation of William Adams, John Saris arrives in Hirado, near Nagasaki in Kyushu, and is intent on establishing a trading factory. Adams and Saris travel together and meet the now-retired shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and his son, Tokugawa Hidetada, who is ruling.

In addition to a letter promising trade privileges for the UK, conveyed through Saris, King James I is sent two lacquered suits of armour that today are housed in the Tower of London.

1832

1858

Three sailors from Aichi Prefecture—Otokichi, Kyukichi and Iwakichi—cross the Pacific Ocean from Japan. After arriving in the United States, they join a trading ship that travels to the UK and, later, Macau. Believed to be the first Japanese to set foot on British soil, Otokichi becomes a British citizen and adopts the name John Matthew Ottoson. He later pays two visits to Japan as a Royal Navy interpreter.

After 200 years of attempts by the East India Company and others to expand trade with Japan, the Earl of Elgin concludes a treaty, which opens selected Japanese ports and secures the first permanent British diplomatic mission in Edo.

1600

Tokugawa Ieyasu

16 | BCCJ ACUMEN | MAY 2013

1613

Tokugawa Hidetada’s suit of armour

1859

Sir Rutherford Alcock KCB, the first permanent British representative in Japan, arrives in a climate of rapidly developing trade relations. Exchanges of information and ideas proceed quickly, most notably with the Choshu clan’s decision to send five students to University College London. The Choshu Five return to Japan with extensive knowledge that plays an important part in the construction of the modern nation.

1863

A British fleet bombards Kagoshima, Kyushu, in retaliation for the 1862 murder of a British merchant by the Satsuma clan. The incident reflects the still-delicate bilateral relationship.

1868

The Meiji Restoration (1868–1912) heralds increasing Japanese interest in foreign ideas. Trade—and the British community in Japan—continues to thrive.

1869

Prince Alfred, the first Duke of Edinburgh (1844–1900), visits Japan. This is the first in a long series of exchange visits by members of the royal and imperial families.

1870

Foreign Minister Iwakura Tomomi leads an 18-month mission to the UK, reflecting increasingly strong bilateral relations.

1902

The signing of the Anglo–Japanese Alliance affirms the bilateral friendship and leads to closer co-operation.

1910

The Great Britain–Japan Exhibition introduces Japan and its people to a broad sector of British society.

1613

John Saris arrived in Hirado in 1613 aboard the Clove.

ANNIVERSARY 1914

The start of World War I sees the UK and Japan fighting on the same side.

1921

Prince Hirohito visits the UK, marking the first time a Japanese crown prince has been allowed to travel abroad.

1941

The UK–Japan relationship cools as the political events of the 1930s unfold. In December 1941, the UK and Japan are formally at war. Britons living in Japan and its territories, as well as Japanese in Britain and its territories are confined: some are repatriated while others are imprisoned throughout the war. In addition, many British and commonwealth soldiers and civilians in Asia become prisoners of war. Their experiences cast a deep shadow over bilateral ties for many years.

1951

The Treaty of San Francisco brings a formal end to wartime hostilities. Both countries begin to rebuild their relationship.

1953

The British Council is established in Japan to promote the UK: its culture, education system and economy.

1961

Princess Alexandra visits Japan. This trip and Prince Hirohito’s presence at the coronation in 1953 of Queen Elizabeth II re-establishes links between the royal and imperial families.

1970

The Osaka Expo—following the Tokyo 1964 Summer Olympics—further restores Japan’s place in the international community of nations. The stage is set for a long-lasting boom in UK–Japan relations.

1971

YKK Corporation becomes the first Japanese firm to open a factory in the UK.

1975

Queen Elizabeth II comes to Japan on a state visit.

1988

Sanko Gosei, in conjunction with Marubeni Corporation, becomes the 100th Japanese firm to invest in the UK.

www.bbr.co.jp

ba.com

www.bbcjapan.co.jp

www.britishcouncil.or.jp

1988

glaxosmithkline.co.jp

In 1988, Sanko Gosei became the 100th Japanese firm to invest in the UK.

www.kreabgavinanderson.com

MAY 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 17 MAY 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 17

ANNIVERSARY

www.robertwalters.co.jp Anjin: The Shogun and the English Samurai marked the opening of the Japan400 Festival.

www.sihm.co.jp

1989

Within the year, some 50 Japanese firms invest in the UK—a high point for economic relations.

1990

UK90, a three-month festival, promotes cultural relations between the UK and Japan.

1991

The Japanese government holds a Japanese festival in the UK, for the first time bringing many Britons into contact with aspects of Japanese culture.

1995

The foreign ministers of both countries endorse a UK–Japan action agenda. It proposes concrete ways of developing bilateral co-operation. The regularly reviewed and updated document continues to underpin the development of the relationship.

1998

The British government, together with the British Council, holds UK98, a UK festival in Japan. The prime minister, Tony Blair, visits Japan to launch the festival and, during the year, Emperor Akihito pays a state visit to the UK.

1999

The UK opens the British Trade Promotion Office in Fukuoka, Kyushu, following the 1995 opening of the British Consulate in Nagoya.

2001

Ten years after the first festival of Japan in the UK, the Japanese government holds Japan 2001—its second such year-long event. Crown Prince Naruhito visits the UK to attend the opening ceremony with the Prince of Wales.

2002

To celebrate the centenary of the Anglo–Japanese alliance, the British Embassy Tokyo launches a campaign to plant English oak trees in every Japanese prefecture.

2008

Celebrations mark the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UK and Japan—dating back to the 1858 Anglo–Japanese Treaty of Amity and Commerce.

To mark the event, the UK government holds UK–Japan 2008, to honour what is best in terms of the creative and contemporary UK, as well as to promote UK–Japan collaboration.

2013

Japan400 recognises the 400th anniversary since the presentation of credentials from King James I to Tokugawa Ieyasu.

www.toptechinfo.com

www.wedgwood.jp

The 150th anniversary of the Choshu Five’s visit to the UK.

http://japan400.com Facebook: Japan400 Twitter: Japan400dotcom

18 | BCCJ ACUMEN | MAY 2013

PROFILE

FT: The Honest Financier’s Friend Enemy of the Bull and Bear marks 125 years

Angela Mackay: useful content is the secret to longevity.

By Julian Ryall • • • •

First issue in 1888 cost just one penny FT Weekend: fashion, art, books, travel Highest ever online subscriptions in Japan New joint venture with Nikkei Inc.

F

amously pink and the mustread publication for anyone in the business world, the Financial Times recently marked its 125th birthday.

The lead story in the inaugural edition— which cost one penny—was headlined “The Southern Railways: Temporary Rupture of Negotiations”. An explanation of the new publication’s aim styled it as the friend of the “honest financier” and the enemy of both the bull and the bear.

While, over the intervening years, the paper may have changed in appearance and now be available on platforms that were inconceivable to its original editor, the FT’s values remain the same.

“It’s the usefulness of the content”, said Angela Mackay, managing director of the paper’s operations in the Asia– Pacific region, when asked the secret of its longevity.

“People turn to it every day for not so much the hard news, but for the interpretation of economics, business and geopolitics”, Mackay said. “A person in business can look in [the FT] and find something that will help them make a decision every day. It has relevance”.

Another popular attribute of the publication has been the evolution of its weekend version, which “really switches gears” with its focus on fashion, art, books, travel and leisure, she said.

As one of the world’s key financial hubs, Japan has always been an important location for the FT, which has a staff of 19 who are located in offices that overlook the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo.

“Japan is the second-biggest source of advertising and subscriptions for us in the region, after Hong Kong, and the market here has clearly bounced back since the trials and tribulations of the [2011 Tohoku] earthquake and tsunami”, she added. “The momentum that we picked up in 2012 is carrying on into 2013 and, across the Asia–Pacific [region], the digital side of our business grew 33% year on year—double every other region”.

Subscriptions in Japan to the online version of the paper are at a record high of 316,000, while the number of people who sign up for the printed version pushes total subscriptions here up to 602,000.

The FT has its competitors—in increasing numbers since the explosion of online media—but the newspaper’s integrity and reputation count for a great deal in its campaign for readership.

“It is a constant battle because we have to show that we have the very best content, but we are lucky to have prestige, to be respected and be a respectable brand”, she explained.

First issue was published in London on 13 February 1888.

The respectability means that there are some business people who refuse to be interviewed by journalists from any other publication, while it also enables the FT to attract heavy-hitting guest editors such as US economist Lawrence Summers.

However, the broadsheet was sufficiently astute, in the early years of the internet revolution that engulfed the media, to know that it could not afford to rest on its pink paper laurels.

FT.com was launched in 1995, and the FT Alphaville blog—winner of the Best Business Blog in the 2008 and 2009 Webby Awards—was started in 2006.

The website’s metered pay model was introduced in 2007 and was subsequently adopted by other leading newspapers, including The Daily Telegraph and the New York Times.

In 2012, the number of subscribers to FT.com overtook the number of those to the print version. Available on everything from smartphones and tablets to desktops and e-readers, the FT is immediate and accessible in every marketplace, and is unencumbered by delivery deadlines, Mackay added.

“It was very important to get the transition from print to digital right”, she said. “We are doing very well but there is also a constant danger of twiddling too much. There has to be flexibility and we are constantly monitoring [sales] to keep up with the pace and pressures of new and social media”.

In addition, the FT has numerous products that are used in business schools, and can count 25 of the world’s top 50 business schools as clients—something that the paper is planning to build on. There are also plans for a major drive into the Chinese market, while FTChinese.com already has 2mn readers.

In Japan, the FT announced in late March an extensive collaboration with Nikkei Inc. that will cover content syndication, sales, education and events, such as symposiums and seminars that could attract global leaders in politics, economics and business.

“We are trying to spread out and look at new areas and opportunities—although not too much”, she explained. “After all, after 125 years, we know what we do well and plan to continue doing that”.

MAY 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 19

INTERVIEW

Yuzo Yagi President, chairman and CEO of Yagi Tsusho Limited

By Megan Waters

What do you personally like about British style/fashion?

While British products have a great tradition and heritage, they are innovative and contemporary. Fashion moves on, but style remains.

With our global marketing know-how, we can give heritage brands a new lease on life.

Why do you think the brands of Barbour, MACKINTOSH and J&M Davidson appeal to the Japanese market?

These brands have a very particular character and appeal to fashion- and lifestyle-conscious men and women.

Recently, we have been focusing not only on importing and selling British clothing, but also on conveying to the local market the British heritage and lifestyle behind the products.

The marriage between the heritage of these brands and our marketing knowhow makes these products more attractive to Japanese customers and those around the world.

Yuzo Yagi: UK products stand for tradition, heritage, innovation and modernity.

In 2012, Yagi Tsusho Limited won a British Business Award for UK–Japan Partnership.

What does this mean to your firm and how will you continue to bring British heritage, culture and lifestyle to the Japan market?

The difference in culture in conducting business. In addition, when bringing over British products, they first need to be modified in some way, such as size. We alter the items so Japanese consumers can understand the true value of the brands.

As well as importing a number of British brands into Japan and distributing them around the country, we invested and took over MACKINTOSH and J&M Davidson to secure the future development of the brands.

The British Business Award means a lot to us, because it has provided encouragement to our staff who have been working non-stop on promoting these brands.

We will certainly continue to promote not only British heritage, but also contemporary fashion here in Japan.

What changes, if any, would you like to see in the fashion industry to improve UK–Japan business relations?

What do you believe is the greatest asset that British firms can offer the Japanese market?

The British government should encourage British companies to make products in their home country. They should try to concentrate on innovative products that are made in the UK.

True British value and lifestyle.

What has been your company’s biggest challenge in working with British firms/ brands?

How would you compare working with British firms and with other foreign firms?

The British would appear to be the best communicators, in the written form, and when managing an organisation.

What are your plans for Yagi Tsusho Limited and the Barbour, MACKINTOSH and J&M Davidson brands here?

We are aiming to develop these brands and make MACKINTOSH and J&M Davidson luxury global brands.

In addition, we have quite an ambitious plan to promote other excellent British brands in Japan and around the world.

How has the UK helped in your firm’s growth?

Established in 1946, Yagi Tsusho has been importing British textiles and fashion goods to Japan and successfully marketing the Made in Great Britain label here for more than 40 years.

We have a never-ending desire to work with the UK because we have a great respect for British style.

In this regard, the UK and British fashion have greatly contributed to our company’s growth, especially since around 1960.

20 | BCCJ ACUMEN | MAY 2013

www.mackintosh.com

The MACKINTOSH flagship store is located in Aoyama, Tokyo.

INTERVIEW

David Swan Managing Director of Robert Walters Japan and Korea

By Megan Waters

What services, solutions and products does your firm provide in Japan?

In 2000, we expanded our specialist recruitment business to Tokyo. At that time, not many foreign recruitment firms were operating in Japan.

Since then, we have added an office in Osaka, and have expanded our coverage.

We now place bilingual professionals in jobs across a range of areas, including the consumer goods, healthcare, industrial and technology sectors.

Robert Walters Japan focuses on the specialist career segment of the market. We thus place experienced, bilingual professionals who are typically seeking junior to managerial whitecollar positions.

In addition, we have a team who recruit exclusively for Japanese firms that are globalising. I feel this is special among foreign firms.

How do you differ from your competition?

Robert Walters is the leading foreign specialist recruitment firm operating in Japan. While we access the largest database for bilingual candidates, our goal is not simply to be the biggest recruiter but, rather, the best.

We recently expanded our end-to-end professional contract recruitment service for businesses in both the Kanto and Kansai regions.

This strategy enables us to offer flexible staffing options that have given us an edge over our competitors.

Our non-commission model is exclusive to Robert Walters and ensures that our consultants work as a team and focus on accurately matching client requirements to professionals with the most relevant skills and experience.

Why did your firm decide to invest in Japan?

We opened an office here based on the suggestion of a client who worked in the finance sector.

While we recognised from the start that the country’s culture and approach to business are distinctive—unlike established recruitment markets such as the UK—at that time Japan was underdeveloped from an industry perspective.

Have your operations changed since coming to Japan? If so, how?

I’ve seen rapid change and innovation during my time with Robert Walters. Asia now accounts for over half of our group’s global business and Japan is the secondlargest market behind the UK in our global network in 23 countries.

In addition, we have diversified our recruitment offerings to cover all professional sectors. Ten years ago, we did not recruit for some of our currently strongest performing areas, such as the healthcare, online and professional contracting sectors.

What have been the major challenges?

When we arrived in Japan, the job-for-life mindset still prevailed. Now, mid-career changes are more common; employers and staff understand the value that recruitment consultancies provide.

Another challenge has been to remove the stigma surrounding temporary work.

Increasingly more companies are finding that contracting is a valuable way to add flexible headcount. Further, professionals have found that contract work can be a lucrative and reputable career option.

How do you expect your business might change?

I believe that our business with Japanese companies will grow. More local firms are moving abroad to bolster weak domestic demand. These firms need professionals who understand foreign markets and speak other languages, most often English.

Initially, we thought we would be dealing primarily with large corporations.

However, many small and medium-sized Japanese companies are requesting our services.

What changes would you like to see in your sector to boost UK–Japan business relations?

From a recruiter’s point of view, more deregulation of the labour market would enable Japanese companies to react more swiftly to changes in the business environment. This would help Japan become significantly more globally competitive.

Numerous firms here have spoken about seeking more rights to dismiss workers in order to avoid situations

in which retaining staff would be detrimental to a struggling company.

What do you see as the greatest asset that British firms can offer the Japanese market?

I believe British firms are exceptionally good at understanding foreign markets and integrating in diverse cultures. To enter a new market successfully, adapting to local sensitivities is essential.

With an increasing number of Japanese companies moving abroad, the ability to tailor their strategies to the local market will be of great value.

What is the major benefit Japanese firms can derive from working with British entities?

I believe that Japanese and foreign firms are very similar, in that we both favour long-term business relationships.

British companies have a history of global success and, thus, can offer a broad perspective and global reach to support businesses.

For example, increasingly more Japanese companies are operating across South-East Asia. Through our global network, we are able to source qualified Japanese professionals who have language ability in Japanese, English and, often, another Asian language.

What are the main opportunities here for foreign firms?

Japan still has numerous opportunities for firms, but they must be selective regarding where they look. For example, Japan’s ageing society has driven business demand among healthcare, software development and telecommunication companies.

We are also finding that an extremely high proportion of females are leaving the labour pool after childbirth, despite their education and, often, high level of English competency. Encouraging female participation could mean a huge potential addition to the workforce.

MAY 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 21

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Warning: Reform or Fail Japan firms need more women board members, outside directors and foreigners to balance power, reform economy and draw FDI

By Julian Ryall • • • •

Concern at slow change of pace “Paltry” 1.1% of board are female Do firms really want to reform?

UK has good governance model

B

ritain is a global leader in the area of corporate governance and there are many lessons that our firms have learned that are also applicable in Japan, according to speakers at a recent symposium organised by The Nippon Foundation.

The speakers expressed concern, however, at the slow pace of change in corporations in a country that is widely considered to be a “special case”. They also questioned whether there is a

genuine desire for reform in Japanese boardrooms.

Evidence indicates that investors are increasingly shying away from putting money into firms that fail to have more outside directors on their boards; resist women or foreign nationals joining the highest echelons of their management; are at a disadvantage in global markets, due to an inability to communicate in English; or have not reformed the structure and format of board meetings to make them more efficient.

Firms that are not evolving in these critical areas, the analysts suggested, are not attracting capital and will slip behind their international rivals.

“I have detected a kind of defensiveness in many of the relationships that I have had with Japanese companies”, said Simon Learmount, a lecturer in

“Japanese firms are defensive”.

22 | BCCJ ACUMEN | MAY 2013

corporate governance at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School.

“I think the one thing that is very important to understand is that long-term investors have an interest in making sure that the companies in which they invest are successful. This should be welcomed with open arms”.

The UK has seen a shift in the concepts behind corporate governance to “a more nuanced and inclusive debate”. This is thanks, in part, to the ongoing examination of the importance of appropriate government in firms, and the implementation of a number of new regulations and recommendations.

For example, the 2010 UK Corporate Governance Code states: “The purpose of corporate governance is to facilitate effective, entrepreneurial and prudent management that can deliver the longterm success of the company”.

This makes it clear that the directors’ primary duty is to the firm, rather than to shareholders.

Change began in the UK in the wake of financial scandals at firms such as Polly Peck International and Coloroll, which demonstrated just how easy it was to fabricate corporate accounts, Learmount said.

One of the most important conclusions of the Cadbury Committee’s report, issued in 1991, was that there needs to be a balance of power on a firm’s board as well as more external directors.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

While there has been progress in this area—more than half the firms listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange have at least one outside director—this is partly because the exchange stipulates it and firms are merely moving to compliance, said Meryam Omi, head of the environmental, social and governance section at the investment management arm of the British financial services firm Legal & General Group plc.

Japanese firms often state that they wish to appoint an outside director who has experience in the sector in which the firm operates, because they already have a solid understanding of the business.

However Omi believes this is a mistake.

“The value of an outside director is in having someone who is completely different and does not think like everyone else on the board”, she said. “They have different solutions and strategic thinking that can be immensely important”.

Christina Ahmadjian, a professor at the Graduate School of Commerce and Management of Hitotsubashi University, was in complete agreement with that way of thinking.

“If you ask a lot of Japanese companies about balance, they will say that the allinsiders model is OK for them”, she said, adding that this approach “is dangerous in Japan”.

“I still can’t figure out who makes the decisions at Japanese companies, on corporate governance or other issues”, she added. If you look at the economy as a whole and compare it to other Asian markets, [you see] the strong hand of government and corporate government organisations [in those markets]. Not in Japan.

“Outside directors help balance”.

“I think what is remarkable is that foreign investors have not had the influence that they expected to have”.

Addressing the issue of female representation in boardrooms here, Omi said it is “a real shame that 50% of the population is under-represented on Japanese boards”.

While women account for 11.1% of board members in developed countries and 7.2% in emerging markets, the figure in Japan is a paltry 1.1%, she pointed out.

Equally important is the question of having foreign nationals in Japanese boardrooms, particularly given that, with a shrinking market at home, firms here increasingly need to look overseas for markets and profits.

Omi pointed out that many firms have fared poorly when setting up in an overseas market because they lacked an understanding of, and experience in, that market. This could be remedied were such firms to have greater foreign representation on their boards.

It is fair to say, she added, that if a Japanese firm wants to succeed

“Who decides on governance?”

in a foreign market, it would help immeasurably were the firm able to show there are outsiders on the board.

Moreover, such changes would not go unnoticed by investors.

Omi said she believes that within the next three to five years, at least onethird of the members of Japanese firms’ boards should be independent directors.

The need to make this change is most critical in medium-sized and large firms— particularly those with business overseas.

The next step would be to increase the proportion of outside directors to 50%.

There needs to be a reconsideration of the actions of boards here; how often they meet, how long they meet, and the formats of their meetings, she added. In addition, outside directors need to be provided with meaningful support and training if they are newcomers to a sector.

But the context of any changes that take place is vitally important in Japan, said Learmount.

“The UK provides a good model of how corporate governance worked for the UK. [The model] is appropriate for the systems that we have in place, our employment, the way our markets work and so on.

“I think that simply looking at UK structures and processes, and then trying to apply them to Japan, would be a mistake”, he added. “It is the principles of the reform that are more important: the inclusiveness of the debate, the ways the recommendations are implemented, the importance of enterprise and strategy.

“This all needs to be debated”, he said.

“If we spend too much time just looking at the UK and our examples, it will end in failure. Instead, trying to understand the processes is very important”.

MAY 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 23

COVER STORY

Scotland makes many wave- and tidal-energy systems.

Making Waves in Tidal Energy Scots help post-quake Japan exploit power of the oceans

By Julian Ryall • • • •

North of border tops world in wave energy Tokyo asks Edinburgh for technology help Scots trade mission targets Japan this year Strong support from UK, Scots govts

I

n a series of sea lochs and inlets on the western coast of Orkney, northern Scotland, there is movement in the water.

Contrasting sharply with the grey of the Atlantic, a series of five red and yellow tubular sections move in the ocean’s constant swell. Each time the connected sections rise or sink with a wave, the energy of the breaker is transformed into electricity.

The brainchild of Edinburgh-based Pelamis Wave Power Ltd., the ingenious device is just one of the wave and tidal energy systems that are being tested in the waters around the Orkneys, under the aegis of the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC).

Since it was first set up in 2003, EMEC has developed such a reputation that the Japanese government is planning to use

24 | BCCJ ACUMEN | MAY 2013

it as a blueprint for its own marine energy research facility.

In March 2012, the centre signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ocean Energy Association of Japan to provide advice and support regarding the design, setting up and operation of the Japanese facility. It has attracted new enthusiasm in the aftermath of the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in March 2011.

No final decision has been reached on where the Japanese version of EMEC will be constructed, although the shortlist includes Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture— among the areas hardest hit by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Another region that might host the research facility is Nagasaki Prefecture.

Announcing the deal, Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth John Swinney said: “Scotland is blessed with some of the world’s greatest green energy resources offshore.

“Through EMEC’s unrivalled expertise and the critical mass of companies now developing wave and tidal technologies in Scotland, we are leading international

efforts to harness the unbridled energy of the seas to deliver safe, secure and sustainable energy and help protect the planet for future generations”.

“This new partnership between Scotland and one of the world’s great industrial powerhouses is very welcome, given our shared heritage for innovation and engineering”, Swinney added.

“Just as ‘the father of Japanese lighthouses’, Richard Henry Brunton, helped Japan build a network of lighthouses in the late 19th century to protect sailors from the perils of the sea, our two nations are now working together to harness those very same forces of nature to generate clean energy”.

To further cement the links between wave and tidal energy research facilities and firms, a trade mission of Scottish firms is scheduled to visit Japan this year.

According to Scottish Development International (SDI), Scotland has a long history of academic research into ways of utilising the nation’s impressive wave and tidal resources, with studies by Professor Stephen Salter at the University of Edinburgh having broken new ground in the 1970s. Today, the university’s Institute

COVER STORY

“ The Scottish government wants Scotland to be the first country to successfully deploy a wave or tidal energy farm”.

for Energy Systems is also at the forefront of research into marine power technology.

“The Scottish government has set world-leading targets for the development of renewable energy, including [sourcing] 100% of Scotland’s electricity consumption from renewables by 2020”, Anne MacColl, chief executive officer of SDI, told BCCJ ACUMEN. “This is driving innovation and entrepreneurship across a number of renewable energy technologies, including wave and tidal energy”, MacColl said.

“The Scottish government wants Scotland to be the first country to successfully deploy a wave or tidal energy farm”.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has estimated the world market size for wave energy at 8,000– 80,000TWh per year. The top end of this estimate is five times the current global energy consumption.

In the UK, the technically and economically recoverable resource has been estimated to be 50–90TWh of electricity per year, or 14–26% of current UK demand.

Given that Scotland accounts for 25% of Europe’s tidal-energy and 10% of its waveenergy resources, the potential is vast.

With funding in place, the next step will be to move from research and development to commercialisation of this renewable energy source.

Pelamis was established in 1998, when a support mechanism was set up by the British government to help promote marine renewables.

“At that point, I recognised that this support could be the opportunity to prove that wave power is more than just a good idea and had the potential to be a commercially viable method of generating electricity”, Richard Yemm, founder of the firm and inventor of the Pelamis design, told ACUMEN. “Through the work completed over the past 15 years, we are confident that the Pelamis system is the best and most advanced wave energy technology in development”, Yemm said. His firm is focused on bringing the Pelamis wave energy converter to the commercial marketplace.

“Right now that means demonstrating the technology, enhancing its performance—while reducing costs to become competitive with other renewable sources of energy—and developing suitable sites at which wave farms could be deployed”.

Yemm’s device consists of five sections linked by universal joints that permit flexing in two directions. The machine floats, semi-submerged, on the water surface and faces in the direction from which the waves are coming. As waves pass along the length of the machine and the sections bend in the water, the movement is converted into electricity via hydraulic power take-off systems housed inside each joint. The power is then transmitted to shore along subsea cables.

The machine operates in water depths greater than 50m and typically is installed 2–10km off the coast. The device is rated

at 750kW and, on average, one machine will provide sufficient power to meet the annual electricity needs of approximately 500 homes.

Pelamis already has set some world records for marine energy including, in 2004, the first export of electricity from an offshore wave energy converter to an inshore grid network. Then, in 2008, it delivered the world’s first multiple machine wave farm to Portugal. However, Yemm admitted that it has not always been plain sailing.

“Developing wave power technology is not an easy task and some of the learning processes naturally show you what doesn’t work, rather than what does”, he said.

“We’re over 15 years into the development of Pelamis, including building a total of six full-scale, gridconnected machines. And so, thankfully, we’re now at a stage of proving and enhancing components and features.

Pelamis technology already works; now we need to make it better and cheaper”.

EMEC, established with funding of around £30mn, plays a critical part in that research and is capable of simultaneously testing 14 tidal and wave-energy designs.

The centre’s Billia Croo test site was selected because it has some of the greatest wave-energy potential in Europe, with an average wave height of 2–3m. The highest wave recorded there was 17m.

EMEC’s second main test site is at the Fall of Warness, chosen for its highvelocity marine currents, which can reach 8 knots in the spring tides.

MAY 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 25

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Japanese firms have been more receptive to alternative energy sources since the triple disaster.

“Our waves are the last great untapped renewable energy resource. Once we have successfully developed technologies to capture this energy, they can make a massive contribution to world energy supply”, said Martin McAdam, chief executive officer of Aquamarine Power, which is utilising EMEC to put its Oyster technology through its paces.

Two full-scale demonstration models are currently acting as wave-powered pumps, with each pump pushing highpressure water to drive an onshore hydroelectric turbine. Testing of the first Oyster device began in 2009, and the Oyster 800 is today producing electricity, according to McAdam.

“All ocean energy technologies have to face the challenge of making devices that can withstand the harsh ocean environment of our waves and tides”, he added. “Making devices that perform reliably and cost effectively is a challenge

for us all. The best way to do this is to install full-scale devices in real sea conditions and learn as much as we can”.

Firms that are making use of EMEC are fulsome in their praise for the “tremendous support” and financial backing of both the Scottish and UK governments, as well as for the introduction of world-leading marine energy tariffs for energy production.

Japanese firms have been more receptive to alternative energy sources since the triple disaster, and the UK is in a good position to assist with the relevant technologies, said Matthew Matsumoto-Prouten, head of the UK Trade & Investment’s manufacturing and industrial team at the British Embassy Tokyo.

“British firms are so strong in these areas because we have been doing it for so long, our companies have good track records, and there are plenty of

good universities behind the research”, Matsumoto-Prouten explained.

The focus in Japan appears to be more on the potential of wind power, in part because the technology is readily available and has been tried and tested over many years.

“Wave and tidal power are still in their infancy, but Japanese firms—including such large names as Kawasaki Heavy Industries—are now looking to develop devices to capture and harness these sources of energy”.

Later this year, Kawasaki is scheduled to install a tidal stream energy converter—a 1MW machine affixed to the seabed—at the Fall of Warness test site.

The Scottish firms are undeterred by the competition, and believe there are plenty of waves to go around.

“Scotland is currently in a position to lead the development of wave and tidal power technologies”, Yemm said.

“In addition to the significant wave and tidal power resources found around Scotland’s coasts, the existing oil and gas industry in Scotland provides valuable expertise and facilities when it comes to the challenges of working offshore.

“Support from both the Scottish and UK governments has helped to nurture the industry through its early stages, including the establishment of EMEC”, he added. “And Scotland has a proud history of innovation and engineering that we’re building on as an industry”.

Further information: The European Marine Energy Centre, www.emec.org.uk Pelamis Wave Power Ltd., www.pelamiswave.com Aquamarine Power, www.aquamarinepower.com

MAY 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 27

POLL

FCIJ Business Confidence Survey Economy expected to markedly improve over next six months

By Megan Waters

T

he 23rd Foreign Chambers in Japan Business Confidence Survey received 293 valid responses from members of business organisations and 18 foreign chambers of commerce.

Conducted between 10 and 19 April, the half-yearly survey shows an expected significant improvement in views on the Japanese economy compared with the previous poll (October 2012).

Pollees expect the economy to grow significantly over the next six months, and even predict a slightly higher expansion rate for the 12-month period.

That said, the positive economic expectations did not fully tally with the

reported and/or projected performance of the respondents’ firms—most likely due to the weakening of the yen.

Sales grew over the past six months, but at a lower rate than had been reported in the October survey. Similarly, profits grew at a somewhat slower rate.

Respondents’ sales forecasts seemed more optimistic for the upcoming six months than they had been in October, although profitability was expected to grow at a slightly reduced rate.

The strategies of foreign-affiliated firms in Japan continue to be bullish. Only 71% (74% in October 2012) of respondents expect further growth, with 26% hoping to sustain current levels. Meanwhile, 2% are planning to downsize, although only 1% are considering withdrawing from Japan.

The survey included two new questions: one question regarding Abenomics, and the other free trade agreements.

Respondents had conflicting views on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s policies but, when asked about the EU–Japan Free Trade Agreement, members of European chambers of commerce were rather positive.

However, the opinions of the nations wishing to be included in the TransPacific Partnership Agreement were less positive.

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

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INDUSTRY | LEGAL & COMPLIANCE

Anti-bribery and Corruption Law: Renewed Intent Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and UK Bribery Act

By Patric McGonigal International Arbitration Partner Hogan Lovells Tokyo

F

irms operating globally should take note. Revised guidance from both the US and UK authorities together with strong statements of renewed intent signal that enforcement actions are expected to continue to heat up in the years ahead.

The United States Department of Justice (DoJ) has put on record that, together with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), it is “leading a fight against corruption around the globe”.

For its part, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) in the UK, now under new leadership, has pledged to rebuild its reputation as “primarily a crime-fighting agency”, focused on prosecuting corruption.

United States—Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Firms should not be lulled into a false sense of security. While recent figures show that the number of new enforcement actions have gone down, the scope of enforcement activity under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) of 1977 has expanded.

Last year saw the launch of high profile investigations against Marubeni Corporation, Eli Lilly and Company, Allianz SE and others, as well as the imposition in some cases of independent monitors, such as compliance consultants.

Underlining its approach, US President Barack Obama’s administration has confirmed that, despite ongoing calls for reform, it is “unequivocally opposed to weakening the [FCPA]”.

In November 2012, the DoJ and SEC published A Resource Guide to the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The guide is intended to provide information about the DoJ and SEC’s FCPA enforcement approach and priorities.

Key features of the guide include confirmation of the far-reaching jurisdiction of the FCPA—even actions with apparently tenuous connections to the US may fall within its remit, such as,

30 | BCCJ ACUMEN | MAY 2013

sending emails, texts or a wire transfer through the US or its banking system.

Also emphasised is the importance of having in place clear guidelines and processes for corporate hospitality. The key question is whether any corrupt intent lies behind the gift. The guide also sets out factors the DoJ and SEC have historically taken into account when determining whether to prosecute FCPA cases.

United Kingdom—Bribery Act 2010 The Bribery Act 2010 came into force in July 2011, amid increased global anticorruption activity and, although the legislation represented a determined attempt to emulate the more aggressive approach of US authorities, the SFO soon faced criticism for its poor enforcement record.

There has not been a single corporate prosecution and only three relatively modest individual prosecutions under the bribery act. It is this record that the SFO is aiming to change.

The bribery act created a number of new offences, including prohibitions on bribery of foreign and domestic officials, commercial bribery, receipt of bribes and failing to prevent bribery. It also extends the arm of British law far beyond its territorial reach, applying to any UK firm or citizen operating anywhere in the world.

Further, any firm that “carries on a business” in the UK may be liable for failing to prevent bribery that occurs under its watch anywhere in the world.

The penalties that may be imposed include unlimited fines and up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

Despite the tough new legislative regime, the SFO’s approach was widely perceived to be unduly skewed in favour of compromise over prosecution.

Following a leadership change at the SFO in early 2012, the office has indicated its intention to prosecute offences under the bribery act. By way of illustration, the guidance previously issued on facilitation payments, self-reporting and corporate hospitality (which had indicated a lenient approach) has been withdrawn.

In addition, the SFO’s more recent policy statements stress that it will prosecute where appropriate, and that self-reporting is no guarantee of civil settlement.

However, the more collaborative approach previously adopted by the SFO was in no small part due to the agency’s dwindling budget (currently at about £30mn). The budgetary constraints are likely to worsen, and it therefore remains to be seen whether the promised tougher stance will materialise, given the continued lack of resources available to the SFO for investigation and prosecution of bribery offences.

The UK government has introduced a parliamentary bill that, if passed, will permit the use of DPAs to reach a negotiated settlement with firms that have fallen foul of the anticorruption regime.

DPAs, which are already available to US prosecutors, would encourage selfreporting and allow the SFO to agree not to prosecute corruption offences in return for compliance with any investigation, financial penalties and other conditions.

If such civil settlement agreements do become available, they are likely to prove a useful tool to the SFO, given its restricted budget.

Practical Consideration for Global Business A quick look at surveys, such as Transparency International’s annual Corruption Perceptions Index, shows that the existence of corruption in developing countries and those with still growing economies where global businesses are increasingly looking to invest, remains a significant issue.

These recent developments in the US and UK, and the renewed enthusiasm for prosecutions (perhaps in part driven by the need, at least in the UK, to fund subsequent investigations) indicate that the danger to firms doing business internationally is growing. Thus, there is an ever-increasing need to give proactive attention to compliance with anti-corruption laws and prevention of corporate misfeasance.

Firms should regularly review their internal anti-corruption policies and procedures, in relation to facilitation payments, for example, and consider seeking independent assistance to rigorously stress test their compliance programmes and ensure such procedures are adequate.

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Based in Tokyo since 1990, Hogan Lovells has a pre-eminent Japan practice. Our multilingual and multicultural team of seven partners and 20 lawyers provides domestic and international clients with a broad offering of legal services in both outbound and inbound matters.

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Working as administrative documentation lawyers since 1995, our office deals mainly with immigration matters and the incorporation of companies in Japan for non-Japanese. In addition, we help foreign firms with accounting and payroll calculation.

We have over 15 years’ experience in these fields and can help with immigration problems and business administration matters.

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MAY 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 31

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LEGAL & COMPLIANCE | INDUSTRY

Compliance: Avoiding Traps for the Unwary

By Daiske Yoshida Latham & Watkins Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise

A

lmost all public firms mention their commitment to compliance on their websites and publicity materials.

Such pronouncements are important, but they are nothing more than empty words unless they are backed by action.

On the right are four points to keep in mind when putting together and maintaining an effective corporate compliance programme.

Never think: What I don’t know can’t hurt me.

Ignorance is not a defence. Compliance is not limited to adherence to local laws, such as those relating to labour issues and workplace safety. Rather, it can encompass a wide range of guidelines, industry standards, ethics rules and, in some cases, foreign laws.

For example, US laws against price-fixing cartels, bribery of foreign officials, accounting fraud, and trade with embargoed countries—such as Iran and Cuba—have ensnared numerous

non-US firms and individuals.

Sometimes the result has been massive fines and jail terms.

The UK’s Bribery Act 2010 also has had reverberations around the world.

Such laws can create liability through the conduct of third-party agents and business partners.

Considering the enterprisethreatening nature of these offences, it is essential to stay well informed.

Get advice from the right people.

Don’t hesitate to seek advice from lawyers who specialise in compliance issues, so you can identify potential risks and be adequately prepared.

Finding an advisor with the right experience and expertise is essential.

For example, a lawyer who handles your day-to-day corporate work or employment law issues might not be

knowledgeable about how to deal with an antitrust problem.

A lawyer might focus on risks in his or her jurisdiction without adequately considering risks in other countries.

Ask to be introduced to specialists, seek out recommendations, or reach out directly to lawyers who are known to practise in these areas.

Have practical rules and procedures in place.

Having a comprehensive code of conduct is important, but often the stipulations are general and do not explain what to do if a problem arises.

Ensure you have detailed rules and procedures in writing, ideally in different languages if your firm has global operations.

Designate a crisis management team who will be immediately informed should a problem arise. Make sure that they are trained on what to do in every foreseeable situation.

Be prepared to impose a legal hold as quickly as possible, ensuring that potentially relevant documents and data are preserved. Employees sometimes panic and delete large numbers of documents, many of which may be totally innocuous (such as family photos and junk mail). Yet this could lead to criminal charges for obstruction.

In addition, make sure to have plans for public relations and investor disclosures, with input from legal counsel.

Implementation

Daiske Yoshida: corporate compliance programmes must be supported by actions.

The best-written rules and procedures will not be effective unless they are integrated into each employee’s everyday conduct.

Periodic training is essential, especially focusing on areas with higher risks, such as giving antitrust training to sales people, and anticorruption training to people in certain countries.

There must also be monitoring and periodic audits to check that the rules

are being followed. And, going back to the first point, the rules should be reviewed and updated based on the latest legal developments.

The goal of a corporate compliance programme is to establish a culture of compliance, in which all employees are committed to respecting all applicable laws and regulations, as well as to maintaining high standards of business ethics.

MAY 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 33

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MANAGEMENT CONSULTING | INDUSTRY

Strategy Isn’t the Issue Seminar shows people are the main problem in firms

By Dr Greg Story

I

recently attended a highly interactive corporate planning and strategy event in Tokyo, together with many prominent local chief executive officers from global players.

I thought the event would be fascinating as I usually thoroughly enjoy sessions that grapple with the complexities of corporate strategy.

On offer were the meaty issues of strategy development, competing portfolio investment allocations and resource prioritisation. However, the attendees’ responses were surprising— big picture strategy wasn’t the critical issue for them.

Instead, people were the problem.

How do they hire, develop, and retain the talent? Key people issues were all about employee attitudes—risk aversion, groupthink, conformism and lack of innovation—and how to overcome them.

Also mentioned was the need for more diversity in the leadership team.

Not just ethnic or gender diversity, but idea diversity.

Customer relationship management (CRM) tools were seen as blunt objects when leadership lags and teams don’t provide input, do so inconsistently, or just don’t act on findings.

Sales people resist CRM. They are usually expressive types who find doing data input as exciting as watching paint dry. They feel it is a pointless diversion from their real work: talking face-to-face with clients. Sales leaders need to play a strong role here.

At the event, it was noted that mergers and acquisitions constantly spew out people-centred problems. The new organisation unifies the corporate logo, vision, mission, value statements and brand livery, but achieves no real cohesion. The blue team and the red team persist, well after the integration.

There are often silo problems to spare within firms that haven’t merged, meaning that different divisions are like baronial fiefdoms battling with each other for resources, prestige, patronage and advancement.

It gets even more exciting when you throw the recently merged firm into the

mix: employees with different pay scales, IT systems, record keeping mechanisms, seniority ideas, administration and HR systems.

Nobody wants to change because they are too busy defending what they had before the barbarians arrived.

The common point for me that emerged from all the discussion was the need to achieve change in the people themselves.

Why is this so difficult? Because we are change resistant! We have eliminated risk in just about every facet of our lives. The boss, however, wants me to do new or different things that are full of risk and take me out of my comfort zone? Maybe not!

So how do we get sustainable change?

The obvious solutions are training methodologies and leadership. The usual training that is encountered may be interesting, but is often almost impossible to use.

What are the practical next steps? Your team goes back to their desks, does the same things, in the same way, and gets the same results. Is this good enough?

I have attended a number of public training sessions in Japan over the last two years, including the workshop of a famous management professor. I found that attendees did get interesting information but, in every case, received almost no clue about the application of the information. For me, this reinforces why people are so hungry for practical outcomes, and want things they can execute immediately.

The leadership issue is related to training because leaders’ own training determines how effective they are in maximising the potential of the people in their organisation.

The vast majority of leadership training involves heavy theory, bulk information download, sprinkled with a bit of discussion (if you are lucky!). Where are the concrete things that the leader can take back to their desk and start implementing immediately?

Behaviour change has to be the goal for the leaders and their teams. If you don’t think you can change, you won’t expect that your team or the organisation can change.

Filling heads with information won’t do it. This is the knowledge trap—

Behaviour change has to be the goal for the leaders and their teams.

intellectually “I know it” but, in practice, “I don’t do it”.

Getting people over this knowledge trap needs a robust system to be effective. At the same time, we need to work on comfort zone expansion to change attitudes.

Next we need a lot of practical drills to get the “I know it” out of our heads and get the “I do it” into our bodies, as the new default skill.

This is the formula for getting change in organisations. The methodology exists— let’s use it!

MAY 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 35

CHARITY

TELL: “Forty for the Future” Counselling service’s campaign to mark 40th year and raise ¥40mn Special guests included Robert Leivers, president and chief executive officer of the Samaritan Institute, TELL’s accrediting institution; Reverend Yukio Saito, founder of Tokyo Inochinodenwa (Japan’s first suicide prevention hotline) and the country’s leading figure on suicide prevention; and guest speaker Eric Hipple, a former professional American football player who became an advocate for mental health awareness following his son’s Ian de Stains OBE was master of ceremonies at the 40th anniversary event. suicide at the age of 15. Other guests included former TELL volunteer

By Ian de Stains OBE counsellors, some of whom go back to the very earliest days.

• New initiatives, logo and chairman Over the past 40 years, the helpline • Telephones get 7,000 calls annually has responded to over 200,000 calls and, • Counselling, child protection outreach, each year, it handles around 7,000 calls parenting workshops, suicide prevention, for help, according to Jason Chare, TELL’s disaster response director of Life Line Services.

“The callers have genuine counselling orty years ago, a lone volunteer issues: depression, anxiety and cultural in a small room somewhere in adjustment, as well as certain emergency Tokyo picked up a phone and situations such as domestic violence, said: “Tokyo English Life Line. sexual assault and, of course, suicide”, Can I help you?” said Chare.

No one knows what issue the caller “Indeed, the high suicide rate in Japan in that case needed to talk about, but in is a continuing challenge”, he added. the years that have followed, volunteer In addition to counselling those who counsellors have dealt with everything are suicidal, TELL has developed a suicide from simple requests for information and prevention programme that teaches the the need to talk about marital, cultural or community how to recognise the signs other difficulties, to potential suicides. and take action if someone around them In April, Tokyo English Life Line (TELL) appears to be in trouble. celebrated its 40th anniversary with a Callers to the lifeline comprise all ages gathering hosted by Ambassador of the and nationalities but, according to Chare, Kingdom of the Netherlands to Japan the majority are Japanese. There is a Radinck Jan van Vollenhoven at his pressing need for more volunteers.

Tokyo residence.

Currently, there is no English language The event was an opportunity for the telephone support in Japan outside the organisation to thank its many volunteers core time (9am–11pm). Plans are in place and sponsors—past and present—and to to train volunteers in the Kansai region, announce new initiatives, including a thus support and donations from the local new logo (designed by McCann Health community are urgently needed.

Communications). On the night, Craig TELL has continued to evolve over Saphin was introduced as the new chair. the years and, in 1991, reached a He has taken over from Dr Tsuyoshi very important milestone with the Akiyama who, as TELL’s chairman of establishment of TELL Counseling. In the board since 1999, had served with addition to conducting specialised testing great dedication, skill and energy, programmes, the face-to-face service has and who will continue to serve as so far provided professional care to more chairman emeritus. than 6,500 people and currently admits

F

over 300 new cases each year.

“Over the past 40 years, we have blazed a trail for mental health awareness in Japan. We have supported Japan’s international community through professional counselling, child protection outreach, exceptional parenting workshops, suicide prevention, and disaster response”, said Linda Semlitz, clinical director of TELL Counseling.

“But we must look to the future and the work that remains to be done”, she added.

The 40th anniversary event presented an opportunity for TELL to not only launch its new brand, but also to announce its “Forty for the Future” campaign. The drive aims to raise ¥40mn before March 2014, to ensure that the organisation can continue to provide world-class, effective support and counselling services.

Corporate and individual pledges are, of course, welcome at any time. However, one innovative way of supporting TELL’s ongoing work is to choose a day to save a life.

In this initiative, donors can sponsor one shift, or even a whole day (four shifts). The sponsorship can then be dedicated to any special occasion—a birthday or anniversary, say. Moreover, the donor will know that, through their funding, they are truly making a difference in someone else’s life.

Indeed, they may even be helping to save that life. www.telljp.com

TELL Chairman Emeritus Dr Tsuyoshi Akiyama (left) with guest speaker and former National Football League quarterback Eric Hippel and Chairman Craig Saphin.

MAY 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 37

ADVENTURE

Scuppered, Saved and Happy Socks Oxford grad resumes record global solo row for charity after dramatic rescue

By Julian Ryall

U

tterly undeterred by Tropical Storm Mawar scuppering her initial attempt to be the first person to row solo across the North Pacific from Japan to Canada in May last year, Sarah Outen set out once again from Choshi Marina, Chiba Prefecture, shortly after 3:30pm on 27 April on the toughest leg of her journey by bicycle, kayak and rowing boat around the planet.

This leg of the British adventurer’s London2London: Via the World odyssey involves a 4,500nmi row across the largest ocean in the world that will mean she is at sea for 150–200 days aboard Happy Socks, her ocean-going rowing boat.

If successful, 27-year-old Outen will become only the third person to have rowed west to east across the Pacific— both previous successes have made landfall in the US. Numerous attempts to make the crossing have failed.

In the first 24 hours after she put to sea, Outen had managed to cover 30 miles; picking up the Kuroshio Current that should help propel her towards her destination.

But she is very aware that the hardest part of the journey still lies ahead.

Originally from Oakham in Rutland, East Midlands, Outen’s first attempt to cross the Pacific was brought to an abrupt end when her previous boat, Gulliver, was hit by Mawar. The storm generated 15-metre waves, while winds gusted at more than 80mph. Her boat had capsized 20 times.

Rescued by the Japan Coast Guard, Outen returned to the UK and spent the next nine months planning to continue her journey.

“The North Pacific has already proven itself to be the most gruelling part of the whole London2London expedition”, Outen said. “Physically and mentally, I know I will be exhausted most of the time: the distance, weather conditions and my complete isolation will make it hugely challenging.

“Even so, I am ready for it and keen to get out there once more”, she added.

“There are so many beautiful things about being alone on the ocean—the wildlife is my favourite part”.

Outen, who graduated from the University of Oxford in 2007, started kayaking aged 12 and undertook her first major expedition in 2009 when she rowed

“I am an ocean girl at heart, I love being so close to the water and living to the rhythms of the wild. The energy [of the ocean] is magic and the dynamics are so exciting”.

38 | BCCJ ACUMEN | MAY 2013

ADVENTURE her way into the Guinness World Records by becoming the first woman to row solo across the Indian Ocean. The journey was, in part, inspired by the death of her father seven years ago and raised funds for a charity that helps those suffering with rheumatoid arthritis.

Her aim now is to use the latest expedition to raise £100,000 for a number of charitable organisations, including CoppaFeel!, the Jubilee Sailing Trust, the Motor Neurone Disease Association and WaterAid. “I am an ocean girl at heart”, she said before her departure. “I love being so close to the water and living to the rhythms of the wild. The energy [of the ocean] is magic and the dynamics are so exciting.

“There are no guarantees of success out there and it will take every ounce of physical and mental strength and a good dollop of luck to make it across safely”, she added. “But I believe I have the best possible chance: physically and mentally I am strong and determined to give [the expedition] my best shot”.

Follow Sarah’s progress: www.sarahouten.com/

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SPORT

Internet resolves confusion behind colourful history of cricket in Japan

By Mike Galbraith • Marking 150 years of cricket here • Proof of first match found just last year • Navy team armed in fear of ronin attack

I

COURTESY OF WYN EVANS

n June, the quintessential English game of cricket will become the first major Western sport to hit the 150-year mark in terms of documented matches.

Records and photographs related to the first cricket match played in Japan were discovered last summer. They indicate that the game took place in June 1863, between the Royal Navy and a team of Yokohama civilians.

Rumours of a game played in 1863 had not been substantiated earlier. So, it had been said that the first cricket match in

James Campbell Fraser, a Yokohama resident (1861–68), sent photos and papers relating to the game to the MCC.

40 | BCCJ ACUMEN | MAY 2013

COURTESY OF MARYLEBONE CRICKET CLUB

Stumped!

Mounted photo of the Yokohama, or Shore Team, given to the MCC by team captain James Campbell (second from right).

Japan was the Garrison vs. Royal Navy match, reported in the Japan Herald (12 November, 1864 issue).

Further, according to the Collected Writings of Sir Hugh Cortazzi (1999), “The first cricket match in Japan was held in 1864 between the Army and the Navy”.

The four innings’ totals in the Herald story match those mentioned by Cortazzi.

Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the rediscovered match was that the players wore revolvers, or had weapons close at hand.

Polar explorer Sir Albert Hastings Markham KCB (1841–1918), who played for the naval team in the match, was quoted in Cricket magazine (16 April, 1908) as saying, “It is, I suppose, the only match on record in which the players had to be armed”.

The writer states the article was based on papers and photos sent to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) by James Campbell Fraser, a Yokohama resident (1861–68), who captained the Yokohama team.

Fraser’s account begins, “It took place in the year 1863 in Yokohama”, and goes on to explain that the few Europeans there were often warned that they would be killed, but laughed off such threats.

One day, however, British Chargé d’Affaires Edward St. John Neale warned foreigners that they would be attacked by masterless samurai “on a certain day” that, historical records suggest, was 25 June. This day was set to kill any foreigners who had ignored the expulsion order issued in the name of the government.

Neale advised the Englishmen to evacuate to China, but they would do so only if the British government guaranteed them against any losses. Neale was unable to promise this, so the Britons decided to stay and defend themselves if attacked. The presence of Royal Navy ships in the Yokohama harbour offered some peace of mind.

As the “certain day” approached, Fraser wrote: “The native population of Yokohama, including the servants, cleared out bag and baggage. This meant that no business was to be done, and the Englishmen naturally wondered how they should pass the time, for they dare not leave the settlement and go into the country. A cricket match was suggested and a challenge sent to the fleet”.

“A small force armed with rifles was landed from the men-of-war for protection”, wrote Fraser, “and they played with their revolvers on, ready for any emergency. It was a most novel sensation for the wicket keeper, as he carried his revolver backwards and forwards from wicket to wicket and placed it behind the stumps. Fortunately, no attack took place either on that day or afterwards, and very soon the native population began to return”.

Although Fraser provided all the players’ names, he didn’t give the scorecard, or report who won the game.

But, on reading Fraser’s account, Markham notes, “You have omitted to mention the fact that the naval team gave you a ‘jolly good licking’”!

SPORT

COURTESY OF JAPAN SOCIETY, LONDON

The match was discovered on the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack website that states, “[Rawson] played in the first ever cricket match played in Japan, being a member of the Fleet team which beat Yokohama in 1863”.

Just 18 years old in 1863, Rawson’s career was already on the rise, following his exploits during 1861 troubles in China.

He went on to become a noted admiral and finished his working life as Governor General of New South Wales (Australia).

His biography includes a team photo that bears the caption: “The naval side in the first cricket match played in Japan.

The ground was guarded by troops and the players had arms handy”. However, no reference to the match is made in the text.

The belief in the correctness of the date of the first match was reinforced on discovery that Fraser had attended Harrow School.

In a school register entry for Fraser, the following statement appears: “[Fraser] captained the Yokohama side in a cricket match (Yokohama vs. The Fleet), played under curious circumstances at Yokohama in 1863 (see Cricket, April 16, 1908)”.

Yokohama cricket ground in 1863

The victorious Royal Navy Team in 1863. The two players sitting in the centre of the front row later became Admirals Sir Harry Rawson and Sir Albert Hastings Markham.

The words “curious circumstances” and “See Cricket, April 16, 1908” were tantalising. However, internet searches yielded nothing, Harrow School’s archivist was not able to help, and the British Library catalogues show no such publication. Moreover, there seemed to have been no magazine in 1908 called Cricket!

That said, an enquiry to the editor of Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack confirmed that the publication had existed for a few years and suggested a check with Lord’s Cricket Ground.

The issue was soon located and the relevant article containing a description of the “curious circumstances” was forwarded.

The article mentions that Fraser had sent the MCC photographs and papers. When a Lord’s library employee searched the cricket ground’s

memorabilia room, an original framed photo of the Yokohama team was located.

The photographs of the two teams must be the earliest of Western sports teams in Japan and, indeed, among the oldest taken here. It appears that there are no other photographs of cricket teams taken before the first cricket Interport matches played between Yokohama and Kobe in 1884.

The most obvious reason the 1863 game was “lost” is that no newspapers from those troubled months survived.

Another reason might be that Mollison—known as the Scotsman who introduced cricket to Japan in 1868— chose to ignore the game and his former boss in his writings and speeches. In one speech he simply said: “ ... I have been told even cricket matches were played [on the Parade Ground] before my time ... ”.

Japan tours England and Scotland The JCA started their 150th anniversary cricket tour of England and Scotland on 27 April.

The men’s team played six games, including a match against the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) at the Nursery Ground of Lord’s Cricket Ground—the first match Japan has ever played at the home of cricket—and three games in Scotland.

The women’s team—winner of the bronze medal in the 2010 Asian Games and currently ranked 13th in the world—played five matches.

The men lost all matches but performed well against some very strong opposition, while the women’s team beat Scotland in one of their games.

The Scottish Conservative Party is a big supporter of the JCA and its Cricket for Smiles initiative, which has been providing relief to Tohoku since the Great East Japan Earthquake.

A 150th anniversary cricket festival, including a re-enactment and dinner or BBQ, is being planned for 22 June at the Yokohama Country and Athletic Club—founded in 1868

by James Pender Mollison.

Japan’s men’s team played in front of 1,100 people at Lord’s nursery ground.

MAY 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 41

SPORT

Howzat for Holyrood Honour?

Scots-Japan cricketer gonged for services to game

By Julian Ryall • About 3,000 cricket players in Japan • Sponsors wanted to help promotion

T

he Scottish Parliament has recognised the contribution that Alex Miyaji, chief executive officer of the Japan Cricket Association, has made to the promotion of cricket in Japan. In addition, they proposed a match between Scotland and Japan to help the growth of the sport here, and cement ties between the two nations.

The Japan Cricket Association, set up in 1984 by a handful of expats and Japanese with knowledge of the game, was granted non-profit organisation (NPO) status in 2001.

When the motion was lodged in Edinburgh in late 2011 by Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party politician Alex Johnstone, Miyaji was on tour with the Japan national cricket team in the Independent State of Samoa.

“I really didn’t expect any sort of accolade like this”, Miyaji told BCCJ ACUMEN after returning from Samoa, where Japan finished a creditable third among the eight international teams that competed in the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 8 tournament.

“It is a great honour and I am excited by the opportunities to further ties between Japan and Scotland.

“I would like to share this honour with all those who have been involved in growing the game in Japan”, he added.

“Over the years, there have been a lot of people who have contributed in many ways and spent a lot of time promoting a sport that we all love. I’d like to take this opportunity to recognise those people.

“It is also an excellent opportunity to raise the awareness of the longterm challenges that the victims of the [2011 Tohoku] earthquake and tsunami are facing”, he said. “It will take many years to rebuild their lives and cities, but we will continue to do what we can to bring smiles to as many people as possible through Cricket For Smiles”.

The 34-year-old, who was born to a Scottish mother and Japanese father, fell

42 | BCCJ ACUMEN | MAY 2013

for the sport during a summer holiday in the UK. “I was born in Tokyo but we moved to Tochigi Prefecture when I was about two, so I grew up in the countryside”, he said.

“When I was a child, I played baseball and football, just like any kid growing up in Japan. I don’t think I even knew what cricket was until I visited my aunt in Wimbledon for the summer when I was 10 years old”.

At a sports camp, he was introduced to the game that England gave to the world—and instantly fell in love.

“I could pitch a baseball and I’d been a pretty good fielder, so immediately I had a feel for the game, and loved it”, he said. Back in Tochigi, the young Miyaji revealed his new passion to his mother, who managed to get hold of a cricket bat and ball.

When weighing up his further education options, Miyaji noticed that Tokyo’s Keio University had a cricket team and so was sold on attending the institution.

“At that stage, it was more about having fun”, he explained. “There were not many coaches, the players were all of a similar level, but it was fun and I was pretty good”.

Miyaji, a medium-pace bowler who has opened the batting for Sano Cricket Club and at country level, was named in the Japan national team in 2000—his fourth year at university. Since his debut, Miyaji has played in 12 international tournaments on four continents. He hopes to complete the full set by playing in the Americas in the future.

The Scottish Parliament went further than simply recognising Miyaji for promoting cricket in Japan. It also praised his organisation for its Cricket For Smiles programme, established in the aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

“As an NPO, we had a social responsibility to do something when the disaster struck and I asked what cricket could do to help”, he said. “For us, it’s all about putting smiles back on people’s faces, getting people involved and competing. It’s healthy and fun”.

To introduce the children of Tohoku to a game with which they were completely unfamiliar, the programme replaced

Alex Miyaji is CEO of the Japan Cricket Association.

bowlers with a T-stand from which the batsmen could strike the ball.

“It’s all about giving everyone as much fun as possible and, at this stage, it’s not about knowing, for example, the leg-before-wicket rule”, he stressed. “It’s about opening up a whole new world to these children and then, if they want to, they can take the next step of joining a club and interact with people from other parts of the country.

“Ultimately, they can go on to represent their country and share the sport with people around the world”.

Today, there are an estimated 3,000 people who play cricket in Japan, with clubs particularly active at major universities.

The next step, Miyaji revealed, is to attract additional sponsorship to help take the sport to other areas of the country.

Recruitment firm Robert Walters is already a sponsor, and it is hoped that other British firms might be tempted to help—particularly given the English national team’s impressive performances in recent matches.

ART

Desperate, Joyous and Intense Review of Francis Bacon’s Tokyo exhibition

Triptych, 1991 The Museum of Modern Art, New York.

William A.M. Burden Fund and Nelson A. Rockefeller Bequest Fund (both by exchange), 2003 Digital Image © 2013 The Museum of Modern Art/Scala, Florence © The Estate of Francis Bacon. All rights reserved. DACS 2013 Z0012

By Dr Itsuo Nakano

“I

s God an accountant or a butcher?”

This question, in a modern comedy I once attended, resonates in my mind. I remember an intense dialogue between a man and a woman, with nothing else on stage except two chairs.

“That’s rubbish!” might have been the answer of Francis Bacon (1909–1992), the artist often mistaken for a descendant of the 16th century English philosopher with the same name who, ironically, died while experimenting with the effects of freezing on the preservation of meat in 1626.

Bacon, the artist, was fascinated with slaughterhouses, meat and Christian triptychs.

Just as in the play I had seen, a simple piece of furniture—a chair or sofa—is a common visual signature in Bacon’s paintings and is used to introduce the presence of the human body. Before he started his professional career as an artist, Bacon worked as an interior designer.

In one of his paintings, a screaming woman lies naked on a sofa. The bodies in his works are often twisted, fragmented, dislocated, decentred and, perhaps, abused by the eye. Although far from the classical proportion of the human figure commonly seen in Renaissance paintings, it is not totally unrelated to its classical sources. Bacon’s favourite painter was Diego Velázquez (1599–1660), an influential 17th century Spanish artist.

With Bacon, the squeezed, organic, carnal existence of his subjects is

often trapped or caged in geometric constructions; he always drew the frame of a cube or a box to conceal the body.

This is, again, a typical visual signature of the painter.

The more I recognised the repetitive visual signatures—chairs, twisted bodies and boxes—the greater grew my appreciation of the striking contrast between the forms and the colours that capture all the visual elements.

As spotlights serve on stage, Bacon’s colours cast light and shadow into the opaque darkness and dramatically project the body—often surrounded by a dense red, orange or dark blue flat background—to the viewer.

In his triptychs, Bacon’s visual constructions of kinetic action—which, while defying a timeline, have a cinematic approach similar to that seen in the

photographs of Eadweard Muybridge (1830–1904)—tell a story, or an anti-story, of the artist’s inner urge to paint, form, shape, express or harass. But so what?

Bacon’s sexuality could be associated with the theme of his paintings. Was it, then, his forbidden lust that drove his accurate creation?

Bacon lived in a conservative British society where homosexuality was officially illegal until 1967. Thus, was it his anger towards rules that suppressed his individuality? Or, rather, was it actually anger towards mediocrity?

He despised academic education in the fine arts, believing that it inhibited the artistic nature of students. Yet, it cannot be denied that he had a secret admiration for classical forms of beauty in art.

While his motivation for creating works of art could be complex or simple, the interpretation of his artistic creations must be left to the observer.

As can be seen from a photograph of his Reece Mews Studio in London, Bacon seems to have created his visions out of chaotic space. Perhaps chaos made perfect sense to him. I find that chaos creates a tremendous contrast between the sense of order in his paintings and their surroundings. There is a beauty in this absurdity that only a painting can create: desperate, joyous and intense.

The Francis Bacon exhibition is being held at the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo until 26 May. http://bacon.exhn.jp or www.momat.go.jp 03-5777-8600

Francis Bacon’s 7 Reeve Mews Studio, London 1998 Photograph by Perry Ogden © The Estate of Francis Bacon.

All rights reserved.

DACS 2013 Z0012

MAY 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 43

ARTS EVENTS Compiled by Yoko Yanagimoto

To apply for free tickets, please send us an email with your name, address and telephone number by 31 May: yoko@custom-media.com Winners will be picked at random.

| yoko@custom-media.com

UNTIL 28 MAY My Fair Lady

Based on George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, the story concerns Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl who is given speech lessons by phoneticist Professor Henry Higgins. This year marks the 50th anniversary since the Japanese premiere of the hit musical. The performers will include Hiromu Kiriya and Sei Matobu, former top stars of the Takarazuka Revue, the all-female musical theatre troupe based in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture.

Nissay Theatre 1-1-1 Yurakucho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0006

Adults from ¥4,000 03-3503-3111

© SIXTEEN FILMS, WHY NOT PRODUCTIONS, WILD BUNCH, LES FILMS DU FLEUVE, URANIA PICTURES, FRANCE 2 CINÉMA, BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE MMXII

For more details, please visit: www.tohostage.com/myfairlady/

UNTIL 31 MAY The Angels’ Share

Directed by Ken Loach, this Scottish comedy-drama tells the story of a young Glaswegian father who narrowly avoids receiving a prison sentence. He is determined to turn over a new leaf and, when he and his friends visit a whisky distillery, a route to a new life manifests itself.

The title of the film refers to the 2% of the content that evaporates while whisky matures in the cask.

Ginza Theatre Cinema Ginza Theatre Building 5F 1-11-2 Ginza Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061 03-3535-6000 For information on other venues and dates, please visit: http://tenshi-wakemae.jp/

1 JUNE Big Beach Festival ’13

Norman Cook, also known as Fatboy Slim, is a British DJ, musician and record producer. His first Big Beach Boutique was held in 2001 in his hometown of Brighton, and attracted more than 250,000 people.

In 2009, he first brought the festival to Japan, where it has drawn crowds of over 20,000 each year. Many British artists will perform, including Basement Jaxx and Erol Alkan.

Makuhari Kaihin Park 2-116 Hibino Mihama-ku, Chiba 261-0022 11am–8:30pm (doors open at 10am)

www.bigbeach-fes.com/13en/

44 | | BCCJ BCCJACUMEN ACUMEN | | MAY MAY2013 2013 44

Adults from ¥10,500 03-6447-0852

5–7 JUNE James Blake—Japan Tour 2013

The English electronic music producer and singer-songwriter from London was the runner-up in the BBC’s Sound of 2011 poll. He was nominated for the 2011 Mercury Music Prize for his eponymous debut album, James Blake, which was released in the UK in February 2011.

Studio Coast 2-2-10 Shinkiba Koto-ku, Tokyo 136-0082 5 June Diamond Hall Unryu Flex Bldg 5F 2-1-9 Shinsakae Naka-ku, Nagoya 460-0007

6 June Namba Hatch 1-3-1 Minatomachi Naniwa-ku, Osaka 556-0017 7 June Adults from ¥6,000

http://smash-jpn.com/live/?id=1941

9–23 JUNE Othello

William Shakespeare’s renowned tragedy—believed to have been written around 1603—centres on four central characters: Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army; Desdemona, Othello’s wife; Cassio, Othello’s lieutenant; and Iago, Othello’s trusted ensign. The cast will include the well-known Japanese actor and actress Toru Nakamura and Yu Yamada.

Toru Nakamura/Yu Yamada/Masaaki Akahori/Akira Shirai

Setagaya Public Theatre 4-1-1 Taishido Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-0004 15, 22, 23 June, 1pm 13, 19, 20 June, 2pm 9 and 16 June, 5pm 22 June, 6pm 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21 June, 7pm

Closed on 11 and 18 June Adults from ¥5,000

http://setagaya-pt.jp/en/

UNTIL 7 JULY Natsume Soseki and Arts

Natsume Soseki (1867–1916)—art lover and one of the most well-known authors of the Meiji period—spent two years during his early thirties in London. On display will be more than 200 art works mentioned in Soseki’s novels, including Botchan and Sanshiro.

© Tate, London 2013

The University Art Museum, Tokyo University of the Arts 12-8 Ueno Park Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8714 10am–5pm (entry permitted until 4:30pm) Closed on Mondays

The Golden Bough; Joseph Mallord William Turner; 1834; Tate, London

03-5777-8600 Adults from ¥1,500 FREE TICKETS We are giving away five pairs of free tickets to this event.

www.tokyo-np.co.jp/event/soseki/

MAY 2013 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 45 MAY

COMMUNITY At the annual general meeting, the BCCJ held its first Executive Committee (Excom) election in 65 years (see page 11).

Photos: Nina Oiki BCCJ

Ambassador Tim Hitchens CMG LVO opened the event in the Ark Hills Regus office.

Executive Director Lori Henderson MBE announced the new Excom board members.

Alison Jambert, vice-president of Eat Creative K.K., was elected Excom chairperson.

Sue Kinoshita, director of UK Trade and Investment, will continue to represent the British Embassy Tokyo in an ex-officio capacity.

VISIT

Attending the 16 April “Olympic Excitement: London 2012–Tokyo 2020” joint BCCJ– ACCJ event at the Tokyo American Club were (from left): BCCJ Executive Director Lori Henderson; Jonathan Kushner, managing partner at Kreab Gavin Anderson; Roel Louwhoff, chief executive officer at BT Operate & Global Sports Technology; Masato Mizuno, Tokyo 2020 chief executive officer and Japanese Olympic Committee vicepresident; ACCJ President Larry Bates; Graham Davis, head of thought leadership and events at The Economist Group (Asia/Pacific) Limited; and BCCJ President Alison Jambert.

46 | BCCJ ACUMEN | MAY 2013

FCO

NINA OIKI

BCCJ

Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State William Hague (right) met Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida on 10 April in London.

COMMUNITY PARTY

Takafumi Nishijima (left), president of ARM K.K. and Ambassador Tim Hitchens attended the Queen’s Birthday Party on 24 April at the British Embassy Tokyo. The celebrations’ theme, Green is GREAT, showcased UK excellence in sustainability.

CHARITY

Left: Shinichi Koizumi, executive vice-president and representative of the board at Toray Industries, Inc. and (second right) Tokyo English Life Line Chairman Emeritus Dr Tsuyoshi Akiyama at the charity’s 40th anniversary celebration on 5 April at the Tokyo residence of the ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Japan, Radinck Jan van Vollenhaven.

ROLLS-ROYCE MOTORS YOKOHAMA

LAUNCH

Rolls-Royce Asia–Pacific Regional Director Paul Harris presented the new Wraith coupe in Tokyo on 18 April. With a 6.6-litre, twin turbo-charged V12 engine, the Wraith is said to be the most powerful model in the history of Rolls-Royce. The luxury car will be sold in Japan for ¥31.95mn, and is expected to start rolling out towards the end of the year.

CHARITY

Brian Christian (top left), principal of The British School in Tokyo, with teachers and staff at the Oxfam Tokyo Yamathon 2013 on 20 April. Event participants walked or ran around the Tokyo Yamanote railway line loop in under 12 hours to raise money for the charity.

FESTIVAL

Ambassador Tim Hitchens (far right) addressed the Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2013 parade, held on 28 April in Harajuku. In addition to sharing the message of the UK’s commitment to diversity and equality, the ambassador said that the UK is a welcoming destination for visitors from the lesbian, gay and transgender communities.

SEMINAR

The Daiwa Anglo–Japanese Foundation seminar on “Life as a classical musician in the UK and Japan” was addressed by Noriko Ogawa (left) and Susan Tomes; while Dr Robert Philip chaired the event. The two professional pianists and writers—one British and one Japanese—compared notes on life as a classical musician in the two countries.

MAY 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 47

HEALTH

Well-being or Discomfort?

What to expect when undergoing a medical check-up in Japan

By Dr Tom Lomax

O

nly the youngest of my daughters, now six years old, has any interest in becoming a doctor. She is already preparing for her future career; her toy stethoscope is getting plenty of use.

Returning from work one evening, I found her at play with a long line of soft toys acting as patients. When asked what was wrong with them, she looked at me blankly and replied: “Nothing. They are having a check to make sure they stay healthy”.

A few days later, my daughter’s nursery sent us the report on her checkup—the basis for the play session I’d previously seen.

When undergoing a full medical check-up in Japan, a British employee will probably look—and feel—considerably less comfortable than his Japanese coworkers.

This could be because his colleagues have had annual medical check-ups since nursery school, while a surprisingly large number of UK nationals living here have never had a medical before moving to Japan.

As a consequence, the process involved and the ensuing report can cause confusion and consternation.

For anyone who is about to have their first medical here, it is important to recognise the difference in the underlying philosophy between Japan and the UK. An employee in the UK may be offered, or required to have, a medical (paid for by the firm) at regular intervals. However, the employer’s involvement ends there; the process and final report are left to the individual.

An employer would only expect to see a report under specific circumstances—for example, when an employee is being assessed for fitness to work as a pilot.

Japan stands in stark contrast to this; regulations fall short of making it compulsory for employees to have an annual medical. However, government incentives are in place in larger firms to ensure that a high percentage of staff complete their check-up and file the report with their firm. This can lead to

48 | BCCJ ACUMEN | MAY 2013

staff being pursued to have a medical even if they don’t want one.

In addition, doctors employed by firms will check staff medical reports and may even contact individuals to find out what they are doing about a particular problem.

Perhaps this helps keep the workforce in good shape, but non-Japanese might

When undergoing a full medical check-up in Japan, a British employee will probably look—and feel— considerably less comfortable than his Japanese coworkers.

feel that their employer is being intrusive and paternalistic when they are contacted and asked, for example, to take steps to lower their cholesterol.

What should you expect when you step into a clinic in Japan for a check-up?

In many ways, it is similar to visiting a medical centre in the UK and, as there, the doctor’s time is golden.

You should expect to spend half a day in the facility with the most time spent undergoing various tests. At larger clinics, you may be given a menu of additional investigations from which to choose.

Face-to-face time spent discussing concerns is brief and, for those who do not speak Japanese, often unproductive.

There may not be much discussion as to why certain tests are being performed, thus foreigners could end up with investigations that don’t work as well for them as they do for Japanese—for whom they were designed.

An example is the barium meal and stomach x-ray that many readers might have had and vowed never to undergo again.

Japan has one of the highest rates of stomach cancer in the world, due to the Japanese diet: low in fat but high in salt and nitrates from traditionally preserved fish and vegetables.

Westerners have much lower rates of stomach cancer and so almost no medical back home would include a stomach screening by x-ray. Sadly, few Japanese doctors performing medicals will take the time to discuss this, and Western clients are discouraged from skipping the stomach checks.

Meanwhile, the situation is reversed for colon cancers. These are much more common in the West due to the meat- and fat-rich diet favoured there. When past a certain age, anyone eating a Western diet should have some form of colon cancer screening.

This is offered by the UK’s National Health Service to those who are over 60 years of age, while US gastroenterologists recommend that patients aged over 50 have regular colonoscopies. Even an elaborate medical check in Japan may neglect this area.

My view on medicals here is that, although sometimes inconvenient and uncomfortable, overall the good points outweigh the negative ones.

Early detection of high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes can limit the damage caused by these silent conditions.

However, for a foreigner who is a novice to the Japanese system, some extra homework is necessary to make sense of the results and, most important, to figure out what wasn’t considered.

IF YOU ASK ME

Irony of the Iron Lady How I got handbagged by Margaret Thatcher

By Ian de Stains OBE

COURTESY OF SHIBUYA KYOIKU GAKUEN

I

n death, as in life, she was divisive and, no doubt, relished the fact. When news came of the death of Baroness Margaret Thatcher at the age of 87, few could have been surprised.

Strokes had weakened her physically, while dementia had ravaged her famed mental acuity. In her final months, she depended on the generous hospitality of the Barclay brothers for her suite at The Ritz London; her own five-storey home in London was no longer manageable.

The grand funeral finished—a state event in all but name, and one in which she’d had a hand in planning—the postmortem analyses began at once. And on what did the column inches and airtime focus? Well, the obvious: Europe’s first female prime minister; an unprecedented 11.5 years in the post; three landslide victories; and the Falklands War. All but the most left-wing publications chose to ignore (or at least, gloss over) the poll tax debacle in 1990. But, this was arguably the final straw that made even her closest colleagues waver.

Understandably, the main debate was whether Thatcher had made the UK a better place in which to live. She had made it possible for countless families across the country to buy their council homes (although she did nothing to encourage the building of inexpensive housing for those who still needed to rent).

Meanwhile, countless others would curse her for destroying their entire communities. The devastation of the South Yorkshire coalfields was the price of a political triumph over the despised mineworkers’ union led by the equally despised Arthur Scargill.

However, Thatcher never gave a thought to what might be put in place to assist the communities that were so drastically affected.

However, it should be remembered that, while Prime Minister Harold Wilson (1974–76) closed down many more coalmines than Thatcher, he was never criticised for doing so.

In much the same way, Thatcher lived with the “milk-snatcher” sobriquet, despite the fact that the policy of stopping free milk in schools for those aged over

Margaret Thatcher opened the British School in Tokyo in September 1989.

seven was not her idea; it was merely a policy implemented during her time as education minister.

Margaret Thatcher was a complex individual. She was fiercely intelligent but, perhaps, emotionally incontinent.

While her skills as a parent certainly must be called into question, there are many accounts of her acts of kindness.

The Iron Lady—a tag that the Soviet press intended as a barb but which she embraced wholeheartedly—had a softer side to her nature that only a few who were truly close to her saw.

Much of this is perhaps explained— or accounted for—in Charles Moore’s riveting Margaret Thatcher: The Authorized Biography, Volume One: Not For Turning, in which he examines her early life, which Margaret Hilda Roberts had chosen not to examine in the two volumes of her autobiography.

Moore tells of a childhood and early upbringing that many would have found stifling—as Thatcher perhaps did—and how she tried to avoid the dowdiness that she perceived in her mother. She took elocution lessons when quite young, which is the reason for the over-articulated tone that she never quite lost. That was despite employing one of the UK’s best

speech trainers to help her lower the pitch of her voice to sound less strident.

On meeting Thatcher, you were struck by how feminine she was: petite, with a wonderful complexion and the brightest of eyes—all the more devastating when you were on the sharp end of the handbag as I was on one of her last visits to Tokyo.

She had agreed to speak at a BCCJ breakfast but, at the last minute, tried to pull out of the popular event. Pressured to speak, she declined to join the group for breakfast and made a somewhat lacklustre effort, demanding questions from the floor and embarrassing the poor individual who asked the first one.

Afterwards she rounded on me and accused the chamber of being disorganised and amateur. Champion as I always was for the BCCJ, I defended its reputation and told her that I was appalled by her lack of professionalism.

On the following evening, however, Thatcher sought me out at a reception at the British ambassador’s residence and apologised for her bad mood and “careless comments”. Just one month later, Downing Street asked if I would be willing to accept an OBE in the New Year’s Honours list. A coincidence, certainly, but a lovely bit of irony.

MAY 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 49

BCCJ ACUMEN has one copy of each of these books to give away.

To apply, please send an email by 31 May to: editor@custom-media.com. Winners will be picked at random.

BOOKS

Reviews by Ian de Stains OBE

Here’s to People Who Lunch One of the many great pleasures of reading the weekend edition of the Financial Times (FT) is the entertainment value. Although we more frequently turn to the pink broadsheet for authoritative analysis and information, it is reassuring to know that its editors also see value in more light-hearted fare.

A good example is the “Lunch with the FT” column in which everyone from movie stars and politicians, to business tycoons and creative artists sit down with a writer over lunch in the “unforgiving proximity of a restaurant table” to share their views about their work and, indeed, the state of the world.

The list of those who’ve lunched at the FT’s expense is a veritable who’s who, and it should come as no surprise that the quality of the resulting journalism is never less than first rate.

As part of its 125th anniversary celebrations, the FT has produced a handsome book that brings together 52 interviews that were selected from the almost 1,000 that have been published since the column began in 1994.

FT editor Lionel Barber could not have had an easy job in making his choices, but he has succeeded splendidly in mixing the worlds of arts, business, politics, sport and much more: foodies and thinkers, fashion and lifestyle, and— most intriguingly—what he calls poachers and gamekeepers.

It is the sort of book that will be loved by browsers; there is no need to read from cover to cover. It’s ideal as a bedside

book—dip into it and enjoy getting to know one of the subjects in a way you’ve not previously been able to. After reading a piece, more often than not, you feel you’ve been party to the lunch, which is what I’m sure the commissioning editor had in mind.

A glance at the contents page was enough to excite my interest, not least because a friend is included as one of the interviewees. Twiggy (the wife of Leigh Lawson, an old friend and Royal Academy of Dramatic Art Edited by contemporary) is brilliantly captured Lionel Barber Portfolio Penguin

by Lucy Kellaway in a conversation £20.00 that rings so very true that it perfectly echoes some discussions we’ve had around our own dining table when the couple have been in town. with William Dawkins to go to Trader As with so many of the other subjects— Vic’s in the Hotel New Otani. It is, he for example, the novelist Martin Amis— explains over an alcohol-free pina colada, you get a sense that you are meeting just about the only place in town where the real personality as opposed to that he can get something close to the home which the publicist so often requires the cooking of his native Hawaii. journalist to project. Michael Caine, for Another Tokyo correspondent for the example, never once says: “Not many FT, David Pilling, recounts his lunchtime people know that”. meeting with Yuko Tojo, granddaughter Some chapters include the menu of the of the executed wartime prime minister. lunch that was eaten. They range from Perhaps unsurprisingly she is a staunch modest cups of tea and sandwiches to defender of Hideki Tojo’s reputation and more gout-provoking indulgences. It is argues points that surely made lunch a fascinating to see who chooses which less than comfortable occasion. dish (the interviewees also choose where As in the newspaper, some features the conversations take place, which is are accompanied by a delightfully quirky also very revealing). illustration of the subject by James For example, Akebono (the first Ferguson; one could have wished for foreigner in Japan to ascend to the rank many more of these. of yokozuna in Sumo) opted for his lunch

A Taste of Home Photo by Antony Tran

海を渡った 故郷の味 Flavours Without Borders Japan Association for Refugees and Macquarie Group Japan Donations welcome

50 | BCCJ ACUMEN | MAY 2013

There are something like 10,000 foreign refugees living in Japan; a tiny, though not insignificant, fraction of the total number of displaced people around the world. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates the total to be around 10.5mn. Sadly, this figure rises daily.

The Japan Association for Refugees (JAR) was set up in 1999 to help support asylum seekers and refugees in Japan. The organisation should not be confused with Refugees International Japan—a Japanese non-profit organisation that raises funds to support refugees overseas.

With the backing of Macquarie Group Japan, JAR has produced a slim but

very attractive book of recipes that were contributed by Japan-based refugees from 15 countries and regions in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. In turn, proceeds from the sale of the books will be used to support refugees’ lives here.

The recipes range from refreshing salads and light dishes that are ideal as starters, to a variety of curries and spiced dishes, and an eclectic mix of afters.

In some cases, the original ingredients are difficult or impossible to find in Japan. Thus, the contributing cooks have sought out locally available alternatives.

Each recipe is simply set out in both Japanese and English and is beautifully illustrated. www.flavours-without-borders.jp