BCCJ ACUMEN, June 2013

WOMEN IN BUSINESS SUMMIT

P. 16

INTERVIEW: BRITISH COUNCIL

P. 27

RIJ: LIVING IN LIMBO

P. 31

THE 50-YEAR FRIENDSHIP

June 2013 | ¥900

The Magazine of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan

AN OASIS IN OMOTESANDO Rock star’s fashion brand inspired by British music and culture Page 42

PLUS INDUSTRY & A-LIST: Office Solutions & Design | Visiting Japan | Sustainability Anniversary | Award | Consulting | Design | Film | Health | Media | Arts | Community And much more

P. 44

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 6

June 2013

29 AWARD A Day of Pride at the Palace Ever wondered what happens at a Buckingham Palace investiture?

32 44

20

MUSIC The 50-year Friendship London Symphony Orchestra marks anniversary of first Japan visit 7 PUBLISHER Never Too Early to Plan the BBA Simon Farrell 8 MEDIA UK–Japan News 11 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR A Great Year for Anniversaries Lori Henderson MBE 12 MEDIA What you missed in the Japanese press 15 PRESIDENT 65 Years Young Alison Jambert 16 COVER STORY Women in Business Summit The next generation of women leaders in business

VISITING JAPAN Looking to Europe and Beyond

DESIGN Creating Colourful, Festive Funerals

22 SUSTAINABILITY Doing Well by Doing Good

44 MUSIC The 50-year Friendship

24 ANNIVERSARY Legends and Facts

46 FILM Bard to the Future

27 INTERVIEW Jeff Streeter

48 ARTS EVENTS Contemporary Eyes III Sunrise and Sunset, Harry PotterTM: The Exhibition, The Dresser, Sarah Brightman Japan Tour, The Royal Ballet, Roppongi Hills and Mori Museum 10th Anniversary Exhibition All You Need Is LOVE: From Chagall to Kusama and Hatsune Miku

29 AWARD A Day of Pride at the Palace 30 CONSULTING Time for a Change 31 CHARITY Living in Limbo 32 DESIGN Creating Colourful, Festive Funerals

19 COMPETITION JMEC 19 Winners Announced

INDUSTRY Office Solutions & Design 36 A-LIST 39 The Tenant Representative Advantage

20 VISITING JAPAN Looking to Europe and Beyond

42 FASHION An Oasis in Omotesando

50 COMMUNITY BCCJ, charity, education, design, fashion, film, sport 52 HEALTH Planning a Trip to Paradise?

53 IF YOU ASK ME Dragon in Shallow Waters?

54 BOOK REVIEWS At Home Abroad Tohoku Comfort Food

The British Chamber of Commerce in Japan

BCCJ Mission To strengthen business ties between Britain and Japan, promote and support the business interests of all our Members, and actively encourage new business entrants into the Japanese market as well as Japanese investment into the UK. Leaders President: Alison Jambert Eat Creative K.K. Vice-president: Suzanne Price Price Global 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 Ex Officio Sue Kinoshita British Embassy Tokyo Jeff Streeter British Council Japan BCCJ ACUMEN Editor in Chief Simon Farrell British Chamber of Commerce in Japan 12F Ark Mori Bldg.

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

CONTRIBUTORS

President Robert Heldt robert@custom-media.com Creative Director Cliff Cardona Art Director Paul Leonard Deputy Editor Megan Waters

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.

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

JEREMY SUTTON-HIBBERT

Publisher Simon Farrell simon@custom-media.com

VICTORIACAZZOLIPHOTOGRAPHY

www.bccjacumen.com Produced by Custom Media K.K.

Philip T Gibb OBE is a financial services professional with over 39 years experience advising private clients with their financial planning needs.

He has lived in Tokyo for 10 years and is BCCJ President Emeritus 2010–2012.

Jane Best MBE is chief executive officer of Refugees International Japan (RIJ).

She has worked with RIJ since 2000, travelling to many countries visiting projects funded by RIJ and researching issues relating to displacement.

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

Julian Ryall is Japan correspondent for The Daily Telegraph.

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.

Akasaka Palace Bldg. 1F 1-4-21 Moto-Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0051 www.custom-media.com Warning/Disclaimer Custom Media and the BCCJ will not accept liability for any damages caused by the contents of BCCJ ACUMEN, including, but not limited to, any omissions, errors, facts or false statements.

Opinions or advice expressed in BCCJ ACUMEN are not necessarily those of the BCCJ or Custom Media. © 2013 Custom Media K.K.

JEREMY SUTTON-HIBBERT

Client Services Manager Sam Bird samuel@custom-media.com

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.

Andrew Stevens has many years experience working in the commercial real estate industry in Japan. He has assisted other multinationals at the world’s leading international real estate firm, and is one of the most experienced foreigners in the commercial leasing field here.

Dominic Carter is chief executive officer of The Carter Group, a Tokyo-based consulting firm. Dominic has lived and worked in Japan since the late 90s.

Nicola Yeboah is a British doctor who graduated from the University of London in 1999. She has a Japanese medical licence and is currently working in Tokyo as a general practitioner.

Antony Tran is a Tokyobased photographer who specialises in events, commercial, portraits and street photography. www.antonytranphoto.com contact@antonytranphoto.com 090-3545-7461

JUNE 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 5

Here Comes the Sun With easy access to key leisure and business spots and with superb city views, The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon by HULIC offers warm and professional hospitality along with luxurious accommodation and a tempting 24-hour restaurant.

• Elegant neighbourhood of fascinating Edo culture • Prime views of TOKYO SKYTREE and old Asakusa • Harmonious blend of modern and traditional Japan • Featuring Slumberland, Hansgrohe, William Morris • Central location convenient for work and play • European cuisine served around the clock • Skilled staff trained as “Asakusa Concierges”

Cool down this summer on our spacious open-air terrace.

2-16-11 Kaminarimon Taito-ku Tokyo 111-0034 Tel: 03-5826-3877 | Fax: 03-5826-3871

www.gate-hotel.jp

Kamina

Kamina

rimon Do

ri

rimon

Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station Exit 2

Toei Asakusa Line Asakusa Station Exit A4

PUBLISHER

Never Too Early to Plan the BBA

W

ith a full season or two before the sixth British Business Awards (BBA), it feels strange as we plan—the aircon running—the BCCJ’s flagship event, traditionally held closer to winter.

But why start so early? I joined the recent inaugural meeting of this year’s BBA task force, led by BCCJ Vice-president Suzanne Price, and was gobsmacked by the sheer scale of the work, decisions and details facing the organisers, who are mostly volunteers.

Despite each previous BBA evening having been a huge success—last year’s drew a record number of nominations and a sell-out 180 guests—many fresh ideas were tabled to present an even better one in 2013.

I learned that, while many elements of the 2013 BBA are not yet confirmed—some are revealed by BCCJ Executive Director Lori Henderson MBE (page 11) and BCCJ President Alison Jambert (page 15)—one

certainty is that guests will enjoy a very special black tie evening on 1 November at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo.

Featured will be British-themed—and unique in Japan—ambience, as well as high-quality food, beverages and entertainment plus, naturally, the muchanticipated awards ceremony itself.

It may be a cliché to say that everyone’s a winner, but the fact is—even for those who do not win an award—just being nominated can be a priceless treat for accompanying clients, staff, vendors, investors, friends and even family members.

Less well known is that the nomination procedure is also a rare chance, indeed, to help firms identify their strengths, weaknesses and potential.

To actually be a winner at the BBA—which recognises excellence and promotes success, innovation, social contributions, ethical behaviour and environmental sustainability—is a prestigious endorsement of projects,

leisure and relaxation at Pacific Islands Club Saipan

www.picresorts.com

+1 670 234-7976 reservations@picsaipan.com

initiatives and other achievements that can be used in future marketing material.

Often it is said that few people can put on a bash like the British, so expect your Japanese and other anglophile associates to be especially curious about—and keen to attend—the proceedings.

Needless to say, corporate tables— especially the “best ones” near the stage— are in demand from day one so, as they say, you are advised to book early; BCCJ members will be informed when bookings and nominations can be accepted.

Having helped with a number of BBA nominations in the past, I am familiar with the emotions involved, and can assure you the BBA is a very special ceremony. The awards are keenly contested and eagerly accepted, and I look forward to seeing you on the night.

Simon Farrell Custom Media simon@custom-media.com

LATEST UK–JAPAN REPORTS

London, Tokyo Top Wealth List The UK capital topped the list as the city with the most multi-millionaires in the world, while Tokyo was in second place, according to a list issued by Wealth Insight Ltd on 8 May. London boasts 4,224 multi-millionaires (individuals worth more than £19mn), while Tokyo has 3,525 multi-millionaires.

Singapore came in third (3,154) and New York City fourth (2,929).

As for mere millionaires—those who have net assets of $1mn, excluding their

main home—London was in third place (281,000), New York City in second place (389,000) and Tokyo in the top spot (461,000).

The wealth analytics firm believes that the ultra-rich are drawn to London for a number of reasons, including its status as a financial hub, location in a convenient time zone and quality of life.

The US has the most millionaires in the world (5,231,000) followed by Japan; the UK (675,000) is in fifth place.

Media Firms Share TV Content Japan International Broadcasting Inc. has signed a deal with Virgin Media Inc. to bring the NHK TV channel to Virgin customers, according to a press release issued on 13 May. The 24-hour channel provides Englishlanguage service for viewers worldwide, offering news and a broad variety of

Brum Pupils Make Film on Death Row Man Two students from Birmingham’s King Edward’s School have made a film about a prisoner in Japan who has been on death row for 45 years, according to a press release issued on 10 May. The nine-minute film tells the story of Iwao Hakamada, a former professional boxer who was sentenced to death in 1968 for the 1966 murder of four people.

Hakamada is currently waiting to hear whether he will be granted a retrial. He has testified that he was beaten by police and forced to sign a false confession after he had been interrogated.

The film features pupils and staff members of the school talking about notable events that have happened in their own lives, with each of the 45 years Hakamada has been on death row represented.

The student filmmakers are both members of the Amnesty International society at the school. Members of the human rights organisation are helping to publicise the film.

8 | BCCJ ACUMEN | JUNE 2013

programming from Japan, the Asian region and other parts of the world.

Virgin Media will now have full use of NHK’s global network, while viewers of the UK cable TV service will be able to watch Japanese news, music and cooking programmes.

Most Popular Nations Poll The UK is the third-most positively viewed country in the world, while Japan is in fourth place, according to the BBC World Service Country Ratings Poll, issued on 23 May. More than 26,000 randomly selected people in 25 countries were surveyed face-toface and by telephone in the annual poll.

Respondents were asked to rate 16 countries and the European Union on whether their influence in the world was “mainly positive” or “mainly negative”.

Germany took the top spot, with 59% rating it positively, while Iran was, once again, the most negatively viewed nation.

Germany displaced Japan, which saw its positive rating drop from 58% to 51%, and its position fall from first to fourth place.

The UK saw a bigger increase in positive ratings than any other country. It climbed to third place in the table, possibly in part because it had hosted the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Oldest, Rarest Whisky for Sale

The Number One Drinks Company has launched Karuizawa 1960—Japan’s oldest and rarest whisky—at the Tokyo International Bar Show, Harpers Wine & Spirits Trades Review reported on 8 May. The Nagano Prefecture maker of the mature whisky, Karuizawa Distillery, was set up in 1955 but ceased production in 2000.

However, the UK firm bought the remaining cases of the whisky from the distillery in order to bring alcohol from

smaller, independent distillers to a wider international audience.

Modelled on traditional Japanese puzzle boxes and handmade by a British cabinet maker, the Karuizawa 1960 box is adorned with pieces from the original ex-sherry cask head. In addition, the bottle and packaging have been designed by an Edinburghbased studio.

Only 41 bottles of the 53.2% single malt are available and are priced at £12,500 each.

Artist Helps Beach Project

Princess Mako: Scots Studies “Fruitful” The granddaughter of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko has said that her experience studying at the University of Edinburgh was “very fruitful”, The Japan Times reported on 29 May. The 21-year-old daughter of Prince Akishiro and Princess Kiko studied art history and other subjects at the university during an exchange programme while she was enrolled in the International Christian University in Tokyo.

During the nine months she spent in Scotland, the princess had “lots of opportunities to speak English”.

In addition, she visited art museums in Paris as part of her curricular activities and travelled around the UK during her free time.

She is planning to travel to Europe again, to increase her knowledge of foreign cultures and peoples before returning to Japan in summer.

Brewer Exports Craft Beer The Number One Drinks Company has signed exclusive agreements with several critically acclaimed craft brewers to export Japanese beers to the UK, Talking Retail reported on 10 May. The managing director of the firm has a keen interest in the local craft brewing scene.

The artisan beers will be available in the UK on a pre-order basis from specialist drinks firm Utobeer.

University Designs Tool to Crowd Source Data

ACT4. CO

A well-known Japanese sculptor has visited the Isle of Man to support a volunteer beach-cleaning organisation, the BBC reported on 14 May. Sayaka Ganz, who is known for her animal creations made from recycled plastic, visited the island from 15 to 25 May. She worked with volunteers to clean the south coast of the island in Beach Buddies’ efforts to make the Manx coastline the cleanest in Europe.

The artist is exhibiting her work at the Isle Gallery in St John’s until 14 June.

Ganz’s Imagining the flight of wisdom

Mizkan Deal Secured Bibby Distribution has signed a three-year contract with Mizkan Group Corporation, the Northamptonshire Telegraph reported on 17 May. The Japanese food manufacturer has acquired from Premier Foods a series of well-known UK products, including Sarson’s vinegar and Branston pickles.

Under the new agreement, the firm will manage the entire UK warehousing and distribution arrangements for the Sarson’s, Haywards and Branston brands.

The UK firm has employed an additional 100 workers and opened a new warehouse and distribution centre as a result of the deal.

Rock Band Signs Asia Deal Franz Ferdinand has teamed up with Tokyobased music firm Hostess Entertainment, according to a press release issued on 22 May. The British band’s label, Domino Records, will release their fourth album, Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action, on 21 August in Japan through its long-running arrangement with Hostess.

The band previously had an agreement with Sony for its releases in the region, where it has sold almost 1mn albums and headlined at most of the biggest festivals in Asia.

The new album will be released in August.

University of Southampton scientists have designed a new tool for use in combining nuclear radioactivity data in Japan, according to a press release issued on 16 May. The device harnesses the power of crowd-sourced radiation data—an innovative resource that became available after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and disaster.

The crowd-sourced sensor network, known as the Cosm network, provided relevant data to authorities and local citizens for monitoring the evolution of the disaster.

To help people gain an understanding of crowd-sourcing projects, the researchers have developed the Japan Nuclear Crowd Map (JNCM), which combines sensor readings provided from three main crowd-sourced radiationmonitoring services into one database.

The JNCM is also available as a smartphone application that allows users to see the radiation heat map while data is being collected and the radiation level at their current location.

Group Picked for Manchester Project The alliance among Hitachi, Ltd., Daikin Industries, Ltd., Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., and Mizuho Information & Research Institute, Inc. has been selected to take part in the Smart Community Demonstration Project in Greater Manchester, according to a press release issued on 23 May. The project, led by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, will see the delivery of Japanese cutting-edge technologies that will contribute to the UK’s transition to a low-carbon society.

The UK is aiming to supply over 15% of its energy demand with renewable energy sources by 2020.

The consortium will conduct a feasibility study, which is expected to be completed by December. Based on the results, the project should move to the demonstration phase by the end of March 2016.

JUNE 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 9

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A Great Year for Anniversaries BCCJ, UK–Japan links, Choshu Five celebrate a special year UK–Japan Relations: 400 Years We will host 400 Night at the Conrad Tokyo on 18 July. The special event will celebrate the 400th anniversary of diplomatic, trading and cultural relations between the UK and Japan.

At this landmark gathering—supported by the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Japan–British Society— BCCJ members and friends are invited to enjoy the spirit of discovery and mutual regard that has inspired many successful collaborations and a remarkable friendship between two societies on opposite sides of the world.

“Though separated by ten thousand leagues of clouds and waves, our territories are as it were close to each other”—Tokugawa Ieyasu, letter to King James I, October 1613.

Throughout the year, the UK-based Japan400 festival is celebrating historical links between the UK and Japan. They began in 1613, with a remarkable sea voyage and an exchange of royal gifts.

A programme of events is being delivered in London and other parts of the UK, focusing on art, theatre, science, enterprise, history and culture.

Japan400 showcases existing links and aims to further enrich the dialogue and the dynamic relationship between the two countries.

The BCCJ is delighted to play a part in supporting this project. http://japan400.com/

Choshu Five: 150 Years This year marks the 150th anniversary of the arrival, in 1863, of the Choshu Five in the UK. Hailing from western Japan, five members of the Choshu clan studied at University College London before returning to their motherland to play a decisive role in the development of Japan as a modern nation.

The delegation included Ito Hirobumi, Japan’s first prime minister and the father of the Japanese constitution, as well as other key figures of the Meiji Restoration (1868).

Supported by the British Embassy Tokyo, in September the British Council will hold a symposium titled Following in the Footsteps of the Choshu Five. The conference will assess the delegation’s legacy and promote discussion on global leadership in the modern age.

To be held on the evening of 1 November at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, the sixth BBA promises fine wines, a great British menu, and the dazzling excitement of the awards ceremony.

We are delighted to be welcoming virtuoso violinist Diana Yukawa, who in 2000 debuted in Japan. She has since released three successful albums with Sony Music and BMG Japan. In addition, she has collaborated with Robin Stapleton and Grant Llewellyn, conductors of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra and the BBC Concert Orchestra.

At this year’s headliner event, guests can expect an unforgettable musical experience from this talented artist.

If you have any memories, photos or other memorabilia that could help us celebrate Japan400, the Choshu Five or the BCCJ’s 65th anniversary, please email: info@bccjapan.com

British Chamber of Commerce in Japan: 65 years As mentioned on page 15, we will celebrate the 65th anniversary of the BCCJ at this year’s British Business Awards (BBA).

The first online bilingual video channel dedicated to successful

Business in Japan

Expertly produced bilingual video interviews featuring top executives and other thought leaders in Japan and abroad.

See and hear experts analyse key industry issues, trends and insights with subtitles in Japanese or English.

New videos are emailed to our vast database of key business decision-makers every month.

To view interviews or subscribe: BIJ.TV

Would you like to be interviewed or have your event covered by BIJ.TV?

Contact: BIJ.TV@custom-media.com | 03-6804-5267

Lori Henderson MBE BCCJ Executive Director

LATEST INTERVIEWS

PIONEERING CORPORATE TRAINING Our first Japanese-language interview features Dr Greg Story, President of Dale Carnegie Training Japan, speaking about his company’s pioneering corporate training methods.

ACCJ SPRING MEET & GREET We caught up with members and guests of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan at their 2013 Spring Meet & Greet at the Hilton Tokyo hotel.

MEDIA

WHAT YOU MISSED IN THE JAPANESE PRESS

BY MARK SCHREIBER

Abenomics at Work?

Rolls-Royce Ghost—sales by the luxury carmaker increased in Japan over last year.

When things get better for the average person, they will generally go out and spend their extra money.

The Sankei Shimbun (28 April) uses the term puchi zeitaku (petit luxury) to describe this phenomenon, which may be an indicator of rising consumer confidence.

In an internet survey of 1,400 adults regarding consumption, 7.3% of respondents told the newspaper that they felt like splurging on something, up 1.5% year on year.

Equally telling is the 27.9%—down 5.8% from 2012—who said they planned to spend even less than usual.

At the other end of the spectrum, sales in the first three months of 2013 surpassed those of the IT boom that had taken place 10 years earlier, a marketing executive at foreign luxury vehicle importer Cornes Motors Ltd. told the Nikkei Business (22 April).

Orders for Ferraris, Maseratis and RollsRoyces, priced at ¥10mn and over, were up 20% year on year, and super-luxury models costing ¥20mn or more had doubled, he said.

During February and March, sales of jewellery and high-priced brand items at department stores were said to be doing well.

“While we saw some price increases for luxury brand goods, due to the yen’s

depreciation, this has had no effect on customers’ desire to purchase. Moreover, purchases per customer have risen”, according to Koji Suzuki, president of Takashimaya Co., Ltd. The middle classes, however, are feeling the squeeze in the form of higher consumer prices and social service costs. Firms that cater to wage earners and their families are expecting the business environment to remain severe.

The article concludes that economic recovery cannot be proclaimed until the blessings of Abenomics show signs that they have trickled down to the masses.

Working to Reduce Waste Sixteen major firms—including foodstuffs manufacturers, distributors and retailers—have formed a working group to seek a means of reducing the volume of merchandise returns and disposal.

But accomplishing this, it is believed, will require the industry to change longestablished business practices. As a result of their deliberations since last autumn, Shukan Toyo Keizai (18 May) reports that, from June, delivery times will be extended on an experimental basis.

The shomi kigen (best-before date), which appears on processed foods, indicates the recommended time until which good flavour is maintained. Slightly extending this presents no problems in terms of safety.

However, as the dates approach, food manufacturers are unable to ship goods

12 | BCCJ ACUMEN | JUNE 2013

from their existing inventories, on top of which they must also accept returned, unsold goods.

This has come about through the rule-of-thumb system—also known as the one-third rule—that is in force.

Distributors and retailers initially accept one-third of the production lot of food with a shelf life of six months (for example, two months’ worth) as a means of promoting food freshness.

The system, which has been widely used since the 1990s, has led to a massive quantity of returns. According to industry estimates, they reached a value of some ¥113.9bn in 2010.

While a portion of returned merchandise is reshipped to discount retailers, most of it is discarded. This accounts for

approximately half of the estimated 8mn tonnes of food wasted each year in Japan.

The working group has proposed that the one-third limit be extended to one-half, which manufacturers estimate will reduce the amount of unshipped goods by as much as 60%. This will help manufacturers’ bottom line by reducing the cost of disposal of expired items, while avoiding excess production.

The possible disadvantages include the likelihood of retailers cutting prices as the cut-off dates approach, as well as a drop-off in sales demand by customers who insist that their food be as fresh as possible. “We’ll need to watch closely to see how things develop”, said an executive at a major retailer.

MEDIA

How Diets are Developing When survey firm Macromill, Inc. asked 1,030 men and women between the ages of 20 and 70 if their diets had undergone changes compared with two years ago, 60.8% replied in the affirmative.

The most pronounced changes in their activities, as reported in the Nikkei Marketing Journal (15 May) were, in descending order: modifying the items in one’s menu (up by 56.3%); moving about more in the course of daily activities (54%); performing light exercises at home (48.4%); and not snacking late at night (44%).

Interestingly, 49.5% of respondents said they felt a sense of enjoyment from their efforts at dieting. “More people are realising that they won’t feel the effects from dieting unless they stick with it”, explained Masaki Furuya, head of the Japan Diet Health Association.

“This shows how dieting has been evolving, with more people becoming aware of the right ways to [diet]”, he added.

And, in what is surely one of the most innovative recent consumer incentives, the all-female share house Beauty & Diet Esaka in Osaka’s Suita City has begun offering reduced monthly rent to female tenants who can show they have lost weight, according to the 17 May issue of the same newspaper.

The basic rent is ¥45,000 and, for each kilogram lost, rent is reduced by ¥1,000. Lose five kilogrammes, and the tenant need only pay ¥40,000—at which point the limit kicks in.

There’s also a disincentive against weight gain, as the same scale works in reverse, with penalties in increments of ¥1,000 per kilogramme (up to ¥50,000).

The new house, which was converted from a firm’s dormitory for single workers, is currently at full capacity with all 26 rooms taken, mostly by working girls in their 20s as well as students.

The operator was quoted as saying that, while the entrants expressed interest in dieting, none specifically raised the point that they hoped to reduce their rent through weight loss.

An Osaka shared house charges less rent if you lose weight.

Lightweight and economical motorbikes, such as this Honda CRF250, are in demand.

Cheaper Models Drive Bike Boom Motorbike sales have suddenly taken off, with some manufacturers reporting a three-fold, year-on-year rise in demand for lightweight 125–250cc models.

According to J-Cast News (17 May), sales have been boosted by major model changes in 2012 that resulted in improved fuel consumption and lower sticker prices.

Sales of 125–250cc models rose 168.4% YoY in February, and 162.3% in March and 139.4% in April by the same comparison.

Meanwhile, Kawasaki report demand up 305.8% YoY and Honda 189.0% YoY. All four major manufacturers reported boosted sales across the board. “Even while sales were in decline, a strong latent demand remained. We have made moves to exploit this demand”, explained a Honda Motor Co., Inc spokesperson.

The key factor in stimulating new demand was reducing the cost of ownership. Until recently, for instance, few owners were said to have paid much attention to the fuel consumption figures of their two wheelers.

In the past, models that were exported to different world regions featured slightly different configurations. Now, extensive standardisation has made possible considerable price savings.

Further, Honda is hoping to appeal to younger buyers—whose interest in motorcycling in recent years has been declining—by pricing its newer small-displacement models of 110–125cc below ¥300,000. “It is hoped that fathers’ enthusiasm for motorbikes will start to spill over into their children’s age group”, said a spokesman for Baiku-Oh and Company, a chain that specialises in used models.

JUNE 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 13

PRESIDENT

65 Years Young BCCJ marks its anniversary with special events

T

hank you to everyone who attended Professor Ian Neary’s fascinating talk on Shinzo Abe’s return, titled “A New Dynamism or a New Dead End”, at the Shangri-La hotel last month.

While Abenomics is still in its early days, the BCCJ wishes it success.

Meanwhile, it has certainly sparked fresh global interest in Japan.

Like Abe, the BCCJ has its own three arrows. The remit for our recently elected executive committee is as follows.

• Promote and support business interests of members • Strengthen UK–Japan business ties • Attract UK business to Japan; promote Japanese investment in the UK At the first official meeting of the newly elected executive committee, I was struck by its energy and enthusiasm to raise the bar. I’m sure they will do an excellent job.

Among the benefits we provide our members are the high-value events we host. They offer opportunities to network at senior levels with UK and Japanese organisations and individuals.

I’m very much looking forward to hearing more about Central Japan Railway Company’s global ambition from Chairman Yoshiyuki Kasai at our 18 June event, “Running a Railway—From Central Japan to the World”.

Looking further ahead, the annual British Business Awards (BBA) is another opportunity to strengthen and celebrate ties between the UK and Japan.

This year, the chamber marks its 65th anniversary, an event we will celebrate on the night of the awards, in the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo’s Grand Ballroom. Please mark Friday, 1 November, in your diary.

The awards night will showcase British excellence across all industry sectors, while guests will be treated to a special performance by Japanese-born British

violinist and songwriter Diana Yukawa.

Nominations for awards can be made commencing in July.

As well as a great night out, the annual BBA night provides members with an opportunity to entertain clients and colleagues, as well as to support and share members’ achievements.

But, throughout the remainder of the year, there will be plenty of other events that you may like to join. I encourage you to visit our website for the latest information on these.

I look forward to seeing you soon! www.bccjapan.com

Alison Jambert BCCJ President @BCCJ_President VICTORIACAZZOLIPHOTOGRAPHY

spend less time digging Find vital information faster.

Including all those things you buried years ago.

The power of memory www.crownrms.com Tel: +81 3 5447 2500 sales.jp@crownrms.com

EVENT

The ACCJ’s Women in Business Committee members

Women in Business Summit The next generation of women leaders in business

By Megan Waters

T

he Seneca Falls Convention, held in New York in 1848, was the first conference in the Western world to be organised by women. It sparked the women’s movement in the US and could even have inspired the founding of the U.S.–Japan Council (USJC) in 2009.

On 27 May, the council and the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) held a Women in Business Summit at the Tokyo American Club. It was a rare opportunity for representatives from

16 | BCCJ ACUMEN | JUNE 2013

Japan-based organisations that focus on the advancement of women in business to meet and discuss their tips for success.

The event included two keynote speakers, a panel discussion and buzz session, as well as a training session conducted by Yoshiko Otani, president of Office Otani and a certified trainer for Dale Carnegie Training, and Suzanne Price, BCCJ vice-president and representative director of Price Global.

The government, seemingly supportive of women in business, has seen encouraging moves by Japanese firms, including Hitachi, Ltd., who recently announced that, by 2020, they plan to

increase the number of women in senior management from 400 to over 1,000.

The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan and the Democratic Party of Japan have both implemented policies reflecting their aspirations: by 2020, having women account for 30% of senior positions in government and the private sector.

In addition, the government of Japan recently established a multi-ministerial panel, comprising the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology. Within two years, the panel is to set up a new agency that will formulate childcare-related policy.

EVENT

Panelists were (from left) Moni Miyashita, senior advisor at McKinsey & Company; Hiroko Tatebe, founder and executive leader of the Global Organization for Leadership and Diversity; Aiko Doden, senior commentator at NHK; Elizabeth Handover, president of Intrapersona K.K.; Debra Nakatomi, president of Nakatomi & Associates; and Jan Yanehiro, journalist.

ACCJ Women in Business Committee co-chair Deborah Hayden said: “Japan, sadly, ranks the worst in the world for women directors: only 1.1% of company boards have female members. The average in developed countries is 11.8%”.

Founded here in 2012, the council serves to strengthen US–Japan relations.

It brings together a variety of leaders and engages stakeholders, while exploring issues that benefit communities, businesses and government entities in both countries.

According to Hayden, the focus of the women in business committee is advocating for gender and diversity inclusion; equal opportunity for women to excel at all levels of organisations; and a productive working environment for everyone, from new entrants to directors.

“We must all raise our voices to make sure the government and senior business leaders in Japan understand that women can have a choice—between child-rearing and a career”, she said.

“The glass ceiling is slowly cracking”, she added.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recently pledged to increase the number of board

ACCJ President Larry Bates

members in Japanese firms and admitted that women are the driving force of the economy.

“Japan ranked 101 out of 135 countries in the 2012 World Economic Forum [WEF] Global Gender Gap Report, mostly due to the low participation of women in leadership positions, corporations and politics”, explained Mitsuru Chino, executive officer and general manager of the legal division of ITOCHU Corporation.

“During this time, it is not as if Japanese companies have done nothing in striving to lessen the gender gap”, said Chino who, in 2004, helped her firm start a diversity programme and was recognised as a young global leader by the WEF. According to Chino, to promote gender diversity some Japanese firms have started initiatives, including the targeted hiring of women, introduction of flexible work hours, offering of longer maternity and paternity leave, and making available mentoring programmes. Some progress has been seen.

“However, much more is needed to close the gender gap, both at a larger scale and at the grassroots level”, she said.

“Women can do a lot to empower other women”, she added. This could include taking on a mentee or encouraging a fellow colleague to apply for a better position within the firm.

“The confidence of Japanese women needs to be boosted, and every woman should help and encourage others to find their hidden potential and talent”, she added.

“It is shameful to have such a low percentage of women represented in senior positions in the world’s thirdlargest economy”, said Sakie Fukushima, president and representative director of G&S Global Advisors Inc. In addition, firms should support women to ensure they continue building their careers.

According to a survey conducted by the Japan Association of Corporate Executives

(Keizai Doyukai), the majority of firms in Japan are diversifying their boards by recruiting independent board members from outside the firm.

Meanwhile, the poll found that, according to executives in charge of employing new graduates, if hiring decisions were made solely based on university marks and interviews, 70% of the new hires would be women.

Some 67% of the firms surveyed indicated that their managerial strategy already included, or planned to include, the introduction of diversity in the decision-making boards.

Although Abe has been implementing new policies for the promotion of women, Fukushima is concerned that the proposals are all based on the old notion that child rearing is a woman’s task.

“Men should also have the right to engage in activities for which women used to be primarily responsible, such as child rearing”, said Fukushima.

“We know that we still have a long way to go but, one of these days, I hope that men and women can participate in society based on full equality”, she added.

Tips for Success Each table of attendees came up with a practical tip for success.

Below are BCCJ ACUMEN’s top 10 tips.

• Learn how to take credit when deserved • Support other women • Speak out and make it be known what you can do • Create a positive, energetic aura • Don’t be afraid to try new things • Never be afraid to ask questions • Don’t be afraid of what you don’t know • If your firm doesn’t give you opportunities, move to another one • Surround yourself with good people who help better your weaknesses • Don’t be afraid to ask for help

JUNE 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 17

COMPETITION

JMEC 19 Winners Announced

By Julian Ryall Photos: Antony Tran • • • •

Business plan contest for aspiring managers British Airways gold sponsor in annual event Judge: BCCJ President Emeritus Phil Gibb JMEC 20 seminars start in August

T

he 19th Japan Market Expansion Competition (JMEC) has produced a new crop of 62 talented and capable businesspeople, with Team Aurora emerging as the overall winner.

This year, the contest again was fiercely fought and attracted 11 teams, up from the eight that had participated 12 months earlier. They were feted at the annual awards ceremony at the Tokyo American Club on 5 June.

Founded by the Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan in 1993, the competition is today supported by 17 foreign chambers of commerce in Japan. The idea of the competition is to have entrants work in teams to sharpen their skills as up-and-coming managers, while at the same time helping each client firm develop a high-quality business plan tailored for the Japanese market.

Announcing the winners of this year’s competition, BCCJ President Emeritus Philip T Gibb OBE emphasised that the JMEC contest is challenging and time consuming, but that those who have been put through its paces will have learned a great deal about themselves and their ability to work in a team.

“JMEC, in my opinion, is the best practical business training and learning

experience that there is”, Gibb said. “And what makes it even more remarkable is that all those taking part had to do [the work for the JMEC competition] in addition to their regular jobs”.

The reports submitted by the teams were equally impressive.

“The quality of some of these plans was far superior to some that have been put together by professional marketing companies, and that for a measly ¥1.2mn”, he said.

The victorious group was Team Aurora, comprising of Adolfo Gomez, Yusuke Shimada, Shunpei Utsumi, Izumi Yamamoto, Isa Rondon Ichikawa and Ai Nakagawa. Darren McConkey, managing director of Eye on Asia KK, served as a consultant to the team, while Mitch Murata, executive advisor with Bellrock Media KK, was the team’s mentor.

“Team Aurora’s presentation and thinking was as good as anything I have seen from marketing agencies in ‘real life’”, said Dominic Carter, CEO of The Carter Group and project client of the winning team.

“They took my concept forward in such a clear and convincing way that I intend to use the JMEC plan to launch the Wa Group business starting pretty much immediately”.

Second place went to Team Bonfire, with Team Glass Half Full in third place.

Dr Mikiya Mori, director of Temple University’s Fox School Executive MBA programme in Japan, was equally impressed by the report submitted by the second-place team.

“The JMEC team did a tremendous amount of research on the value that

(Left) Team Aurora won JMEC 19.

(Below) Second-place winners, Team Bonfire, received return tickets to London from Vishal Sinha, (second from right) BA manager for Japan and Korea.

students and companies put on an MBA, their motivation in committing to an MBA course, and an analysis of the competitive set for our EMBA market”, Mori said.

“The team’s recommendations were well laid out and gave us reasons to expect that following their business plan will lead to the outcomes they project.

“JMEC exceeded our expectations”, he added. “Temple is very pleased with the JMEC business plan and our long history as a JMEC sponsor organisation”.

The prizes include tablet computers from Hewlett-Packard (for the first-place team) a well as British Airways return air tickets to London, and domestic air tickets from Jetstar Japan—JMEC’s newest sponsor.

To date, there have been 954 graduates of the competition from more than 54 countries. There have been 178 business plans written for JMEC project clients, including some firms that are household names around the world, such as Dyson, Bang & Olufsen, The Financial Times, Lloyds TSB Bank plc and Waterford Wedgewood plc.

The JMEC 20 programme is scheduled to begin in August, with information seminars held to enable potential participants to find out more about the programme.

As happened this year, the schedule for the coming year has been broken down into four phases, the first period of training and development to run from November to December.

The lectures and workshops will focus on entry and expansion into the Japanese market and business planning, and will be followed by preparation of the business plan for five months from January.

With guidance from a mentor and a business consultant, each of the teams will be required to develop an effective plan for a firm operating in the Japanese market. The plan will cover the areas of business strategy, marketing, distribution, finance, organisation, human resources and legal issues.

The plans will be judged in May, on the basis of written and oral presentations, before the winners are announced next June. www.jmec.gr.jp/

JUNE 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 19

VISITING JAPAN

Looking to Europe and Beyond Former Tokyo envoy brings industrial giant to Maidenhead as EU hub

By Julian Ryall • Infrastructure, energy, IT, machinery • Parent firm’s first foreign board director • Employs 11,000 in Europe

F Sir Stephen Gomersall KCMG is Hitachi’s director and group chairman for Europe.

20 | BCCJ ACUMEN | JUNE 2013

rom rail transport systems to thermal and nuclear power generation, construction machinery, enterprise-level data storage solutions and automotive components, Hitachi, Ltd. has become a major part of the British industrial scenery.

A good deal of the firm’s expansion plans, for the UK and beyond on the Continent, are the result of efforts made

by Sir Stephen Gomersall KCMG. He first came to Japan in 1972, as a language student of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, and rose to serve as British ambassador to Japan for five years commencing in 1999.

“Hitachi has shifted from being a producer of consumer goods and high-

grade components to becoming a major supplier of social infrastructure, nowhere more so than in the UK”, Sir Stephen told BCCJ ACUMEN. “With our recent large investments in the transport and nuclear power sectors, we have committed to projects which will provide employment and work for the UK supply chain for decades.

“We selected the UK as a hub, within the European Union, from which to extend our business into other European markets in future”, he added.

Hitachi’s corporate headquarters are in Maidenhead, Berkshire, and the firm has about 2,000 employees throughout the UK at present. The number is projected to double as the firm builds new factories, rail depots and power stations.

Appointed Hitachi’s chief executive officer for Europe in October 2004, Gomersall was responsible for creating and executing a growth strategy for the Hitachi Group’s 27 firms operating in Europe. In addition, he was in charge of building relationships with

VISITING JAPAN governments and key customers throughout the region.

A key part of his task now is to help internationalise and localise the operations of the firm’s major businesses, as well as to secure engineering and financial support from Japan. This allows the enterprises to grow faster and make significant acquisitions.

Success in those endeavours saw him appointed the first non-Japanese board director of the parent firm, while still focusing on Europe.

Hitachi manufactures locally in all five of its main sectors and Sir Stephen identified the firm’s strength in both engineering and information technology as its outstanding capability.

“With this we can provide reliable systems for the control of large-scale infrastructure, such as energy grids or traffic-control systems, building on experience we have developed in Japan”, he explained.

In the UK, one of the most high-profile achievements has been the launch of the fleet of Javelin high-speed trains, which have quickly established a reputation for reliability. They are opening doors to more railway projects.

“In the Intercity Express Programme, we will provide and maintain fast, lightweight trains for the trunk routes to the west and south-west, and on the east coast”, he said.

“With our factory in Newton Aycliffe, we will also be bidding to build Crossrail trains for the new London suburban line.

“At the same time, we are developing our presence in the signalling and rail traffic management sector, which will enable more intensive and economic use of the UK rail network”, he added.

Hitachi is synonymous with huge mining projects.

“Japanese manufacturers and operators will also have a lot of knowledge and technology to contribute to the UK’s High Speed 2 project in due course”.

Beyond the transport sector, the area of energy management is growing in importance, be it at the national grid level or in terms of individual buildings and homes.

Hitachi is engaged in a number of trial projects with local partners to provide and develop new technologies.

In addition, attention is being focused on the management of big data. Governments, professionals and enterprises are being helped to make good decisions, as well as use and keep secure the vast amounts of data generated by automated processes.

Hitachi has nearly 11,000 employees across Europe, where it reports annual

Reliable high-speed trains are opening doors to more railway projects.

revenues of around €7bn. Outside the UK, its manufacturing-related operations include a data storage facility in France, the manufacture of construction machinery in the Netherlands, an air-conditioning factory in Spain, and a thermal power engineering firm in Germany.

The firm is also moving into fastergrowing areas of Europe, including Poland, Romania and Turkey, as markets for procurement as well as sales.

Sir Stephen believes that the firm is comfortable headquartered in the UK. “In addition to the ease of communication, the UK offers a relatively transparent and trustworthy environment, so while there are still many challenges in investing here for the long term, Japanese feel more confident in the UK than in more volatile or less wellknown markets”, he said.

The downside is the ongoing economic uncertainty and the possible impact on jobs and production were the UK’s relations with the EU to deteriorate.

“Most Japanese companies invested in the UK as a platform to operate across the EU and we are no exception”, he pointed out.

However, Sir Stephen is optimistic that the firm has a bright future in the UK and on the Continent.

“Hitachi will always be a company of dedicated engineers. That is in the company’s DNA”, he explained. “But as we shift increasingly to foreign markets, we are acquiring new talent in, for example, the areas of finance, project management, design and commercial negotiation to make us a more rounded and locally agile player”.

JUNE 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 21

SUSTAINABILITY

DOING WELL

BY DOING GOOD Global firm is on target to achieve initiatives by 2020

By Megan Waters

“When I’m advising British companies about their approach to the Japanese market, I always emphasise the value of a longterm perspective: loyalty will be repaid with loyalty”, said British Ambassador Tim Hitchens.

“Unilever provides the perfect illustration—there can’t be a household in Japan now that does not have a Unilever product in their kitchen or bathroom.

“At a time when Japan is trying to position itself as a base for Asian headquarters, it’s fascinating to know that Unilever’s first factory—100 years old this year and still in production in Kobe— was seen as their bridgehead for entering the Chinese market, too.

“There is much for both Britain and Japan to learn from Unilever’s story”.

Ray Bremner OBE is president and CEO of Unilever Japan Customer Marketing K.K.

22 | BCCJ ACUMEN | JUNE 2013

F

ounded in 1930, Unilever now boasts products used daily by more than 2bn consumers around the world.

The firm’s portfolio of over 400 brands includes food, beverages, home and personal care products.

The firm resulted from the merger of British soap maker Lever Brothers and Dutch margarine producer Margarine Unie. In 1905, William Lever, founder of Lever Brothers, came to Japan—already an export market for Lever products— where, in 1913, he set up Lever’s first factory in Kobe. It still stands today.

Lever was convinced that Japan was a market of the future and that he should invest heavily in the country.

In 1928, the factory closed.

The firm made a comeback to Japan in 1964, the year of the Summer Olympics, and then invested heavily here to expand the business, entering several new categories by exploiting the strength of their global presence.

One of Unilever’s earliest personal care brands is Lux, which became the brand leader in hair care in Japan while, at the end of the 1990s, Dove was launched with great success.

To meet the needs of highly demanding Japanese consumers, Unilever adapts their brands in all points from formulations to advertising.

Further, Lux has developed over 20,000 shampoo prototypes to date for the Japanese market.

The founder of Lever Brothers, William Lever, came to Japan in 1905.

With women making up 75% of their consumer base and most of the purchases of Unilever products made by women, Unilever is a firm believer in diversity.

In Japan, many still believe that women should be devoted mothers and housekeepers. This can often hold them back from building a career.

“As a principle, Unilever is against the idea of quotas, as we believe employees should be promoted on merit and not gender”, said Ray Bremner OBE, president and CEO of Unilever Japan Customer Marketing K.K. “Our challenge is that, as you go through the organisation, the more senior the post, the fewer women we have”, he said.

To attract and retain talent that is reflective of its consumer base, Unilever has introduced a number of changes to create an inclusive environment and promote work-life balance.

These include flexible working hours, the option to work from home, as well as a number of different types of child support.

“The number one challenge we have in business, I think, is the amount of overtime that is perceived as being necessary to fulfil your obligation to the company.

“We’re trying to really cut that, so people leave the office much earlier [than before]”, he said.

SUSTAINABILITY

The proportion of women in management positions increased from 39% in 2011 to 41% in 2012, compared with the Japanese average of 9%. Three women were recently added to the leadership team.

Unilever has always had sustainability at the heart of its DNA and when Lever established the business, he believed that you had to do well by doing good.

The Sunlight brand of household soap, the firm’s first product, was aimed at making hygiene commonplace in Victorian England where hygiene was a major issue. Almost everybody could afford to buy the high-quality, inexpensive product that raised the standard of hygiene across the country.

Sunlight helped raise hygiene standards in the UK.

Meanwhile, Margarine Unie was providing an affordable alternative to butter for a malnourished population.

Thus the pillars of nutrition and hygiene are the foundation on which Unilever has built its sustainability plan.

“The strength of our initiative is that it really is linked to Unilever’s values. From the earliest days we were convinced that businesses should address the challenges that society faces”, Bremner explained.

“Today we live in a world where climate change is accelerating, natural resources are being depleted, and the gap between rich and poor is increasing. Our brands need to be part of the solution”, he added.

Unilever’s vision is to double the size of the business while reducing their environmental footprint and increasing their positive social impact. Their sustainability plan has three goals, to be achieved by 2020: help 1bn people improve their health and well-being; halve the environmental footprint of their products; and source 100% sustainable agricultural raw materials.

The firm is on target, or ahead of target, for 45 of their 50 goals.

However, a remaining concern is consumer usage.

“Water shortage is a big issue for us, because almost every product we sell uses water either in manufacturing or in its usage”, he explained.

A baseline study indicates that consumer use accounts for 85% of the water footprint and 68% of the greenhouse gas footprint across the value chain of Unilever products.

Thus, the firm decided to try to inspire consumers to decrease their shower time by one minute every day to save energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“We want to be able to show people that what you can choose in the supermarket and how you use it, can make a difference. If 2bn people take small actions every day, that will start making a difference to the world”, he said.

Another concern is waste from packaging. To try to overcome this, Unilever launched refills in Japan in 2003.

These have been hugely successful. Today refills account for about 80% of the sales of personal care brands.

“The question now is how to get people thinking about buying things in a different way.

“We have started making bigger packs costing slightly more, but actually saves the consumer money on average”, he added.

Unilever was the first firm to use sustainable palm oil and now, according to Bremner, the firm purchases all their palm oil from sources that have been certified as sustainable.

“This shows that one company can start to make a difference and other companies will follow. And that’s really what we

think is important: being seen as an example to other companies.

“Over the longer term, we want to see this as the beginning of a new way of doing business”, he said.

In Japan, the tea in all Lipton tea bags is sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified estates (excluding Darjeeling and Earl Grey). Meanwhile, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream shops sell 14 flavours that are Fair Trade certified.

In addition, the firm is focusing on supporting survivors of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami through its brands and volunteer activities that are led by employees.

Unilever plans to grow its Japan business not only by winning market share, but also by expanding their categories and bringing new opportunities to Japan.

“We believe consumers are going to look to businesses to be more responsible, and that they want to buy brands they feel stand for something that is important to them”, he said.

By 2020, Bremner believes that consumer awareness will be far greater, a necessary change if something is to be left for the next generation.

“I think consumers will place more demands on businesses to act in a different way and be shapers of society—rather than wait for society to mandate change. I’m also sure that Unilever will want to be at the forefront of sustainability initiatives”, he said.

The Kobe factory, set up in 1913, still stands despite the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake.

JUNE 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 23

ANNIVERSARY

Legends and Facts The third part of our series on 400 years of UK-Japan relations covers a summit on William Adams, the first Englishman in Japan

By Julian Ryall Photos: Hirado City Hall • • • •

Shipwreck survivor is well regarded here Call to reappraise some of his traditional tale Story has gaps, inconsistencies, ambiguities Plans to remake the Shogun mini-series

A

little over 403 years after William Adams became the first Englishman to set foot on Japanese soil, the contribution that he made to Anglo–Japanese relations has been celebrated at the inaugural Anjin Summit held in Hirado, Nagasaki Prefecture.

Part of the Japan400 series of events marking four centuries of Japan–Britain ties, the two-day summit was hosted by the town that had cemented ties with the

UK after having become a trading post for the East India Company. The organisers announced that the summit would, henceforth, be an annual event, and that its location would rotate among the four Japanese towns with which Adams is most closely connected.

“Like many of my generation, I first came to Japan as a research student with a copy of James Clavell’s Shogun in hand”, said 59-year-old Dr Richard Irving, a professor at the Kwansei Gakuin University School of Policy Studies in Hyogo Prefecture.

“A year or so later, I found a copy of PG Rodgers’ The First Englishman in Japan in a Barnsley [South Yorkshire] market for 40p”, Irving recalled. “My interest in Adams has been maintained ever since.

Over the years, one or two interesting new perspectives on his life have emerged from my studies”.

Among the dignitaries at the Anjin Summit was British Consul-General in Osaka Simon Fisher.

24 | BCCJ ACUMEN | JUNE 2013

According to history, Adams was aboard the Dutch ship Liefde that was shipwrecked in April 1600 off Usuki, in what is now Oita Prefecture. Initially threatened with execution by Portuguese Jesuit priests, the crew were imprisoned at Osaka Castle on the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the daimyo of Edo and future shogun.

Adams reportedly met Ieyasu three times during the summer of 1600, and impressed him sufficiently with his knowledge of ships, shipbuilding and nautical mathematics that the two men became friends.

As well as the mayors of Hirado and Usuki, the leaders of Yokosuka, in Kanagawa Prefecture, and Ito in Shizuoka Prefecture, attended Hirado’s Anjin Summit.

Ito is where Adams built two modern ships to add to Ieyasu’s fleet, which had been destroyed in a devastating tsunami that occurred in February 1605.

The site of Adams’ estate, granted to him by the shogun out of gratitude for all his assistance and advice, is located in Yokosuka.

Professor Irving, who took part in the summit panel discussions, said there always have been gaps in people’s understanding of Adams’ story, as well as numerous inconsistencies. He is currently working on a new book, describing Adam’s life and times.

The main speaker at the summit was Reverend Henmi from Yokosuka, who is the head priest at the temple next to the site where Adams’ house stood after he was granted an estate by the shogun.

After Adams’ death, his Japanese wife became a nun at the temple.

“My own conclusion would be that parts of the traditional story concerning Adams should be questioned, and that this summit is an ideal opportunity to initiate a reappraisal of his life and times”, Irving said.

“This includes not only his personal background, but also the people and events surrounding him after his arrival in Japan”.

The scale of the inaugural event is evidence of the regard that Japanese, even today, have for a man who history books here still call “anjin Adams” (sea-going pilot Adams).

ANNIVERSARY “Adams and Ieysau shared values and the same rational view of the world.

This led the two men to develop a deep friendship beyond that of a shogun and a retainer”, said Akihiro Ozeki, a local historian and author of a book that explores the history of Hirado.

“Adams became a hero in Japan and helped bring about changes in the internal situation in Japan”, Ozeki explained.

He believes that research into Adams’ life in Japan has not progressed much since the Meiji era (1868–1912) and has become “shrouded in legends, with the boundaries of historical fact and legend ambiguous”.

This is why Ozeki is advocating the creation of a permanent Anjin Society to examine this critical passage in Japanese history.

“The close relationship between Adams and Shogun Ieyasu, and the fact Adams was made samurai, are significant in the early history of UK–Japan relations”, said Irving. “Having been the first Englishman in Japan, his story is known to have inspired the next generation of English traders who arrived in the 19th century.

“The romance of [Adams’] story will never go away, and certainly deserves

Dr Richard Irving joined the summit panel discussions.

another telling. He will always be a figure with whom English people in Japan will associate, and Japanese, too, are familiar with him”.

This appeal was boosted by Clavell’s novel that is based on Adams’ exploits.

Further, there are plans afoot to remake the 1980 Shogun mini-series—an updated version would inevitably attract new attention to Adams’ tale.

Dignitaries who attended the summit included the British consul in Osaka Simon Fisher, his Dutch counterpart, the governor of Nagasaki Prefecture, local members of the Diet and the mayors of the four towns that have links to Adams.

In addition, Susan Haydock, the honorary mayor of Medway in Kent, represented Gillingham, where Adams was born.

IT Solutions from Network support to software development for SMEs

Enjoy a Gourmet Italian Dining Experience with Spectacular Views of Tokyo!

With elegant décor, delectable cuisine, exquisite settings, and breathtaking city views, we are proud to be one of Tokyo’s leading Italian restaurants for the past 15 years.

Reservations: 03-5537-1926 47F Caretta Shiodome, 1-8-1 Higashi Shimbashi Minato-ku Tokyo 105-7047

www.bicetokyo.com Opening Hours Weekdays: 11:30~15:30 (LO 14:00), 17:30~23:30 (LO 22:00) Weekends and Holidays: 11:30~15:30 (LO 14:00), 17:00~23:30 (LO 22:00)

Comprehensive set of IT services for Small and Medium Enterprises Cost-effective IT solutions cover bilingual IT Helpdesk to Data Centre Services. Technical competencies include Windows and Linux Servers, Infrastructure setup, Networking, IP telephone systems and VMware. IT Staffing solutions offer the right IT Consultants, whether short or long term.

Specialties include Software development, Websites, iPhone/Android development; IT infrastructure design & setup; Office relocations; Outsourced IT support for SMEs; Data Centre Services (Break-Fix, Remote Hand, Asset Management, etc.); and Project Management training.

Jidai Bldg. 4F, 1-7-5 Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0072.

Tel: 03-6909-4441, Email: yukio.okuzumi@toptech.jp www.toptechinfo.com Japan

India

Hong Kong

The following companies join BCCJ ACUMEN in celebrating four centuries of Japan–UK ties.

jp.augustawestland.com

www.bbr.co.jp

ba.com

www.britishcouncil.or.jp

glaxosmithkline.co.jp

www.hays.co.jp

www.kreabgavinanderson.com

www.robertwalters.co.jp

www.sihm.co.jp

www.wedgwood.jp

26 | BCCJ ACUMEN | JUNE 2013

INTERVIEW

Jeff Streeter Director British Council, Japan Custom Media

Please tell us a little about your background and career.

I am from Devon in the UK, and grew up on a farm. I studied English Language and Literature at university and have worked for the British Council—mostly outside the UK—for many years. I really enjoy living in Tokyo.

For what reason did the British Council come to Japan?

The British Council opened its Japan office in 1953, since when it has been working to build fruitful relationships between the two countries. We are celebrating our 60th anniversary in Japan this year.

What services and products do you provide here?

We work in the areas of English, the Arts, Education and Society, through which we provide various services and products that support Japan’s global jinzai (human resources) agenda, as well as our cultural relations activities.

Our activities in the area of English are diverse. Not only do we offer a wide range of English-language courses to students, corporations and organisations, but we also provide online English learning materials and applications for all generations.

In addition, we offer the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)—one of the major English exams in the world.

Aptis, our newly launched English exam service, has been designed to assess the level of English communication skills and can be tailor-made, based on an organisation’s needs.

Our partnerships enable us to run better activities together by utilising each other’s expertise.

What is your opinion on the recent proposal, by the Liberal Democratic Party’s education reform panel, that TOEFL be required to enter, and graduate from, public universities?

I have followed with great interest the recent announcements.

Given the need—expressed both by the government and businesses—to improve

Jeff Streeter: It is important to tackle the current state of English-language testing here.

foreign language learning in Japan. I agree with the panel that it is, indeed, important to tackle the current state of English-language testing in the country.

However, we also believe in choice.

I think it will be great if students and institutions have the opportunity to choose from among different exams— especially UK ones!

For example, IELTS is the most popular international English proficiency test in many parts of the world for those who wish to study or work in an Englishspeaking environment. In 2012, it was taken by over 2mn people.

The test is already widely used in Japan, including by The University of Tokyo, and is offered here by ourselves and Eiken—another nonprofit organisation that is dedicated to enhancing English language levels in Japan.

educational institutions. We teach the courses at global and local companies in Japan, and at many leading universities.

Why is the level of spoken English in Japan perceived to be lower than that in many other countries?

We believe that this is partly due to Japanese being very shy about making mistakes. We encourage students through our classes to gain confidence in speaking English.

We emphasise that English will open doors, and that learning English can be fun!

Some critics blame foreign teachers, in part, for the low level of English-speaking ability in Japan. How do British Council teachers— and lessons—differ?

The UK has always been one of the most popular destinations for Japanese students. About 4,000 of them go to the UK every year to study at institutions of higher education.

The recent trend is to learn business English in the UK as the country has a well-deserved reputation for offering high-quality English teaching.

All our British Council teachers must have a Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and at least two-years’ teaching experience.

Through our global network, we share our experience and knowledge and stay up-to-date with trends in English teaching.

In addition, we are committed to teacher development. We use communicative approach methods to teach real English that enables learners to communicate with others through the medium of the language.

In recent years, how have student numbers been at the British Council in Japan?

Are Japanese people interested in British culture? How about those outside Tokyo?

While the student number at our classes has been firm, we are seeing more business people at the classes than before, due to current global business needs.

The trend also has had a positive impact on our customised English training courses for companies and

I find that Japanese people generally enjoy the culture of other countries, including the UK. We believe there is a huge interest in British culture. We have seen from our own activities, and those of our partners across the country, that there is an appetite all over Japan for UK arts.

Are more Japanese than before studying English in the UK?

JUNE 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 27

AWARD

A Day of Pride at the Palace Ever wondered what happens at a Buckingham Palace investiture?

By Philip T Gibb OBE BCCJ President Emeritus

A

t 10am on Friday 17 May, 2013 we arrived at the south gate of Buckingham Palace to begin a day of celebrations, starting with my investiture as an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE).

We knew that the queen would not be officiating on the day as the Union Jack, rather than the Royal Standard, was flying above the palace. However, our spirits were not diminished and we were curious as to whether Prince Charles or the Princess Royal would be overseeing the proceedings.

The footman greeted us and our names were checked to make sure we were in the right place for the investiture. Although I knew that the establishment is good at pomp and ceremony, it is only when you get to experience it first hand that you truly appreciate the work that goes into making it feel seamless.

The Life Guards, resplendent in immaculate red and white uniforms with shiny breastplates, stood like statues in the reception area while we were directed to the cloakrooms to divest ourselves of cameras and mobiles before being invited to ascend the grand staircase.

The magnificent paintings, sculptures, and ornate ceilings oozed history and opulence as we tried not to trip as we gazed around, hoping that one foot was still going in front of the other.

The award recipients were directed to the Picture Gallery, a room that could easily be mistaken for a museum as the walls are adorned with a magnificent collection of Italian, Dutch and Flemish masters mainly from the 17th century.

While waiting for the ceremony to start, I introduced myself to the growing number of people in the reception area.

On the day, 93 people—from military and civil backgrounds—received awards.

Graham Cole, an actor from The Bill TV series, paralympians Mark Colbourne (cycling) and Hannah Cockcroft (athletics), members of the armed forces, including Lance Bombardier Benjamin Parkinson of the Royal Artillery, as well as Nana Nyarko, for services to London’s

Philip Gibb with members of the Queen’s Body Guard of the Yeoman of the Guard, the oldest remaining UK military corps.

buses were collecting their awards. They represented a real cross-section of the public who were all rightly recognised for the various contributions they had made to society.

The instructions for the investiture were delivered in a humorous, yet appropriate, way so everyone knew exactly what to do and when, including how correctly to address the Prince of Wales, who would be officiating.

The national anthem signalled that the Prince of Wales had arrived in the ballroom and the investiture had begun.

My name was called, and for the seventh time since 10am, I was asked to confirm my name and award.

After moving into an adjacent corridor through the back of the ballroom, the Prince of Wales was visible on a small dais in the centre of the room. He was surrounded by a number of people wearing military uniform, including five members of the Queen’s Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard and two Queen’s Gurkha Orderly Officers.

After leaving the ballroom, the recipients entered an adjacent corridor to be called to appear before Prince Charles.

We were instructed to move when one’s surname was called, turn to face the prince, bow one’s head and walk forward two or three paces to the front of the dais.

The prince pinned the medal on the hook that had previously been placed on my jacket and offered his congratulations.

He led the conversation and asked whether I wore my kilt in Japan and the

state of business here. He then offered his hand to shake—the signal to withdraw backwards with bowed head. It seemed like several minutes had passed but, in reality, it was probably only two.

On leaving the ballroom, my medal was removed and placed in a box, which was later given back to me with an order of service. I was then directed to the back of the ballroom to watch the remaining guests receive their awards.

As the proceedings continued, the Orchestra of the Band of The Royal Artillery played a selection of music from Elgar to Ravel. At 12:10pm the orchestra played the national anthem and the Prince of Wales and his entourage left the ballroom. We were then all invited to leave.

The official photographs were being taken in the quadrangle after the ceremony and, as the Yeoman of the Guard arrived out of a side door, a carriage drawn by two magnificent bay horses arrived to take them back to their barracks. It was too good an opportunity to miss: I had to have my photograph taken with the Yeomen.

My feelings about the day can be summed up in one word: pride. Pride at being recognised for the work I had done in promoting British business in Japan; pride in wearing my kilt; pride in being British and visiting Buckingham Palace; pride in having my partner Anne, my sister Jane and my daughter-in-law Kirsty with me; and pride in being part of a truly memorable experience.

JUNE 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 29

CONSULTING

Time for a Change UK firms should now take another look at Japan

By Dominic Carter Chief executive officer The Carter Group

A

fter years of reporting on a Japanese consumer in retreat, we believe we are starting to see a sea change.

Even in recent weeks, the tone of our conversations with people around us has become much more positive.

The cautiously optimistic are turning into the simply optimistic, and those who have been fatigued by years of insecurity caused by financial and natural disasters are finally coming out of their shells.

To the credit of the creativity of Japanese business, marketers have, for some years, been furiously innovating to meet the challenge of a consumer stuck in neutral.

One notable trend has been the elevation of the everyday staple into something just a little bit special. A name has even been coined to express this idea—petit zeitaku (luxury). This is a means by which consumers can get a cheap but meaningful boost by buying upgraded versions of items to fulfil their everyday needs.

Today, examples of this abound in the market and are increasing by the day. The proliferating specialist stockists and sections in shops offer the chance to discover premium value in everyday goods.

Even in the more utilitarian channels, such as 7-Eleven, basics such as bread, beer, chocolates and coffee are undergoing upgrades.

These premium items may cost significantly more in percentage terms than the average in their category but, overall, they don’t dent the budget too badly.

Further, they have come to represent the perfect pickme-up in a bad economy.

Now that the country’s financial situation is on track to recovery, look for these items to become entrenched as one of the bases of an overall boom in premium goods and experiences.

While one is always best advised to stay cautious in a market that has disappointed time and time again, for British businesses that understand premium marketing, now seems a good time to have another look at Japan.

Providing the Highest Level of IT Support & Project Management International Best Practices.

Local Expertise.

IT Services and Project Management • Onsite Consultants • On-Call and Remote Support • Managed Services • IT Infrastructure and Data Centers • Relocations and Re-stacks • IT Strategy Analysis and Consulting • Business Continuity Planning • Technology Upgrades • Regional Presence

The cautiously optimistic are turning into the simply optimistic ...

TOKYO 30 | BCCJ ACUMEN | JUNE 2013

HONG KONG

SHANGHAI

SINGAPORE

CHARITY

Living in Limbo Refugees have much to give, but their growing plight hinders development, security and business. We can help

By Jane Best MBE

W

orld Refugee Day is held on 20 June, but for millions around the world, it is every day.

Refugees live a life torn apart, and are living in limbo with little hope for the future.

Moreover, the problem is not going away but, rather, grows each year.

António Guterres, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, recently painted a grim picture of the current situation in which millions of people need help through no fault of their own.

Sadly this is not a new problem; refugees were defined as a legal group following the exodus of large numbers of people from Eastern Europe after World War II. However, the right to seek asylum goes back to AD600.

Conflict and the subsequent displacement it causes cost the world millions of dollars. It affects us all as it hinders development, creates security problems and upsets trade routes.

In addition, camps for the displaced provide recruiting grounds for insurgent groups: disaffected youth with no role in the community and a bleak future.

The plight of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) is exacerbated by the fact that they are not always welcome in their place of refuge, where they often face further discrimination.

Today, there are more IDPs than refugees, because neighbouring countries find it hard to support the huge numbers who are competing for limited resources.

Children in a refugee camp in Jordan

IDPs face similar problems, but getting assistance may be more difficult, since they are still under their sovereign government. In addition, non-governmental organisations need permission to work in a country.

The common image of refugees is one of poor, uneducated groups who are unable to support themselves. This is a distorted view, based on pictures of people fleeing a country with nothing.

The truth is that many refugees have had to leave their wealth behind, and make their way as best they can. Given the right conditions, thousands go on to build successful careers and make valuable contributions to society.

Refugees have important skills to contribute and, in many cases, have made a positive impact on peace negotiations.

They contribute to agricultural production, provide affordable labour, and help vendors maximise their income as a result of skills they have developed in the process of survival.

During George Okoth-Obbo’s recent visit to Tokyo, the director of the UNHCR Africa Bureau told us that, although the costs of the Africa programme cover the immediate emergency needs and day-today care of refugees, they do not address the important issues of employment and the future. That is crucial for rebuilding and dealing with the trauma that refugees face.

Providing hope to displaced individuals is essential. Yes, we need to provide facilities for the displaced, but we must also consider their human needs, such as dignity, self-respect and confidence.

Programmes that provide training in developing (or re-developing, in many cases) leadership skills, peaceful negotiations and legal rights help to address this.

Under the right of return, in which any person has the right to re-enter his or her country of origin, people also have the right to the same property.

The ownership of land is one of the biggest problems in conflict situations.

Returning home is tough in so many ways—expectations vs reality. Nothing is the same and there is usually a lot of rebuilding to be done.

Regaining land is very difficult: it may have been occupied by someone else; documents may have been lost; or the infrastructure may have been badly damaged.

Refugees have no status; they are not able to live in their own land but are not given status in their place of refuge. Children growing up in refugee camps may never be able to prove their nationality.

Think of the problems this causes.

There are the obvious ones—the right of abode and the right to vote—as well as the right to education and the right to health services. From a psychological angle, it means you are nobody.

For millions of people this can go on for years: Palestinians first fled their homes in 1948; Burmese refugees have lived in Thailand for over 20 years; and people in the Casamance region of Senegal have been flowing backwards and forwards across the border with Gambia since 1989.

Although I paint a grim picture of the situation, I often see the positive side when visiting those who are being supported by projects funded by Refugees International Japan.

I often meet people who are making the best of their situation, and it is truly inspiring (a word I use a lot!) to see how much can be done with so little.

These people are asking for nothing more than to lead a normal life of freedom, like you and I. You can help us provide hope for the future—a future for us all.

More details: http://refugeesinternationaljapan.org/

JUNE 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 31

DESIGN

I&S BBDO’s colourful ad campaign for a Japanese funeral parlour celebrates the beauty of a loved one’s life.

32 | BCCJ ACUMEN | JUNE 2013

DESIGN

CREATING COLOURFUL, FESTIVE FUNERALS

Custom Media • • • •

Advert design wins four top awards Took 10 staff three months to finish Inspired by death of director’s father Designer eyes colourful funerals

T

he Tokyo-based advertising agency I&S BBDO Inc. recently won a number of prestigious creative awards, including silver at the Clio Awards— major international creative honours—for their advert design for Japanese funeral home Nishinihon Tenrei.

Funerals in Japan, as in most other countries, are sombre events represented in black and white. The Life is Endless campaign was created to open up new possibilities by bucking the trend of muted colours that are prevalent in the funeral industry.

BCCJ ACUMEN spoke to Mari Nishimura, creative director of I&S BBDO Tokyo.

The Clio is the most recent award that this project has won. Tell us about the other three awards.

We won silver at the 2012 Epica Awards (originally focused only on Europe, but opened to worldwide competition in 2012); a Merit at the 2013 One Show Design Awards (one of the most prestigious worldwide competitions celebrating the year’s best in design); and an in-book award at the 2012 Design and Art Direction Awards (regarded as one of the most difficult awards in the world to win).

What were the most challenging aspects of creating this design?

Since we used a coffin as the motif, we wanted to make our poster the size of an actual person.

Thus, achieving the optimum printing technique posed the greatest challenge.

We had to keep adding colours over and over again to ensure it was printed to perfection.

Do you think, or hope, that this colourful style—rather than traditional sombre, dark shades—will signal a change in how the funeral industry markets itself?

“I believe that when you start questioning things that you’ve been taking for granted, a door to a new world opens”.

Congratulations on winning a Silver Clio Award, for your stunning poster. Please tell us how you came up with the design concept.

I lost my father a while ago. His funeral was held at Nishinihon Tenrei funeral parlour, which asked us to create the ad.

Since then, I have had profound feelings about funerals.

A funeral is an occasion when one can show one’s gratitude to those whom one is leaving behind, so I believe it could be colourful and festive. A funeral is also for the family of the deceased, and it gives them an opportunity to watch over their loved one who is departing on a journey.

This is how I see funerals now, and it is the idea on which my concept is based.

How many members of your team worked on the project and for how long? What did each member do?

About 10 members were involved, including those who worked on the short film that shows the making of the poster.

I led the project together with our art director, while our executive creative director played an important role in giving directions.

It took about three months to finish the project.

I very much hope so. I want my own funeral to be a colourful and festive occasion.

Since religion needs to be considered, I cannot speak for everyone. But I believe it is very important to have some freedom when it comes to funerals.

Has anyone expressed negative comments about this taboo subject, or accused you of being disrespectful to the dead?

No, I haven’t heard any negative opinions so far.

Did the client take a great deal of convincing that this design was the way to go, or did they accept it readily?

While some degree of persuasion was needed, the client basically accepted our design.

They understood that I had created the design as a requiem to my father and out of gratitude to the funeral parlour for helping us conduct a beautiful funeral service for him.

How do you, your team and your firm feel about winning this award?

I hope this beautifully designed poster will help to change perceptions about, and the concept of, funerals.

I believe that when you start questioning things that you’ve been taking for granted, a door to a new world opens. My whole team also believe this.

JUNE 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 33

PUBLICITY

Mars: More than a Cuppa Sharing a hot drink with co-workers promotes interactions, engagement, productivity, morale

T

he modern office, scientists are discovering, can be a stifling and inhibiting space. Partitions cut us off from our colleagues, we are glued to our computer screens for hours on end, and our creative and innovative juices ebb away.

The same researchers have determined that some of the most efficient and dynamic workforces are those that are encouraged to get up from their desks, walk around, and have a chin wag with fellow workers over a mug of tea or coffee.

A 1999 technical report compiled by the Cornell Human Factors and Ergonomics Research Laboratory concluded: “Short breaks accompanied by access to hot drinks during the work day help improve productivity as employees approach tasks with less fatigue, make fewer mistakes, and complete tasks more quickly”.

A second report—a collaboration between Mars Drinks UK, the beverages division of Mars Incorporated, and McKinsey & Company—indicates that taking time out to share a hot drink with a colleague has numerous benefits.

Released in 2008, the study states: “Employees experienced more interactions with colleagues, higher levels of engagement and satisfaction, and improved productivity and morale when using our unique system”.

In 1911, Frank C Mars made the first Mars sweets in the kitchen of his home in Tacoma, Washington, and established the firm’s roots as a confectionery maker.

Today, the firm is headquartered in McLean, Virginia.

The European base for the global firm was set up in Slough, South-east England, in 1932. A production facility in the town was the first in the world to produce the iconic Mars bar.

Several other famous products were devised in this corner of Berkshire, including Twix, Skittles and Opal Fruits.

Mars Drinks operates from its US headquarters in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and its UK headquarters in Basingstoke. The firm specialises in office drinks, which Japan Market Director Issei Tsuneki believes offer far more than just a mug of coffee.

“If there were one reason these drinks are becoming increasingly popular—and important—I would say it is because

they ‘enable office communication’”, Tsuneki said.

“A lot of companies are now creating refreshment rooms that function as a space where staff can communicate”, he said. “It is vitally important that they have great-tasting coffee and other drinks to attract them to that space on a regular basis”.

A report by the Houston-based International Facility Management Association identifies the “Five Cs” that go into the ideal collaborative space: a central location, connectivity such as WiFi access, comfort, CNN for news coverage, and coffee.

A Briton might disagree with the fourth C on the list, and seek to replace it with the BBC, but the rest make a lot of sense.

“We want to give many people, from different departments within an organisation, who would not normally have a chance to meet up to do exactly that”, he explained. “A company that wants to go forward needs its staff— its biggest asset—to be able to share information and brainstorm.

“And, if innovation based on those conversations emerges, then that has to be a good thing”, he added.

Mars Drinks, which in 1992 first introduced its office drinks solutions in Japan, has more than 100,000 customers around the world and provides hundreds of millions of drinks every year.

Each sleek and compact system is able to provide a range of beverages from AlterraTM Coffee Roasters, the Bright Tea Co.TM and Dove® (known for its hot chocolate drinks).

Coffee is sourced from independent farmers in countries such as Colombia, Sumatra, Costa Rica and Ethiopia, while extensive research has revealed that, to keep everyone happy, it requires four different combinations of roast and taste: light and smooth, medium and balanced, medium and bright, and dark and intense.

The teas available range from the traditional English breakfast and Earl Grey to green teas, herbal infusions and jasmine tea.

“A few years ago, everyone in Japan was talking about nomu-nication, or going drinking after work with the boss and everyone throwing ideas around”, he said.

“But things are very different now”, he said. “Because of the state of the economy, fewer people are going out for drinks after work. In addition, fewer people are smoking—another opportunity for employees to chat at work—and opportunities to develop a company are being missed.

“We have a solution, a central point where people will be able to drink, think, link and then make things happen”, he said. “And that has to be good”.

JUNE 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 35

THE A-LIST OF OFFICE SOLUTIONS & DESIGN

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

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

AREAS OF EXPERTISE Company Name:

Crown Worldwide K.K.

Address:

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

Telephone:

03-5447-2301

Email:

tokyo@crownrelo.com

Website:

www.crownrelo.com

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

The German Industry Park in Yokohama offers the best possible infrastructure for successfully realising your business in Japan.

We offer offices and technical facilities, R&D, manufacturing, warehousing all under one roof for short communication and decision-making paths.

Other services include highly functional optimum ceiling height and floor load bearing capacity, compressed air, water and high voltage power alongside elegant office spaces.

Company Name:

German Industry Park

Address:

1-18-2 Hakusan Midori-ku Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-0006

Contact:

Shiho Amano

Telephone:

045-931-5701

Email:

germaninfo@egwam.com

Website:

www.germanindustrypark.com

AREAS OF EXPERTISE • Professional network with Hakusan High-Tech Park Members Association, City of Yokohama and Kanagawa Prefecture Offices • In-house management facility services, cafeteria, restaurant, car parking, conference rooms and shuttle bus services

Mars Japan Limited was established in 1976 as a business operation base in Japan for Mars, Incorporated.

The company now operates in three business segments here: pet care, chocolate/ snack foods, and drinks.

We are committed to bringing pleasure to consumers in Japan every day by offering quality products that perfectly match diversifying local needs, while utilising the global scale of the company’s product development expertise and know-how.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE Company Name:

Mars Japan Limited

Address:

1-8-1 Shimomeguro Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0064

Contact:

Kazumi Hasegawa, corporate affairs— Mars Japan

Telephone:

03-5434-3311

Email:

kazumi.hasegawa@effem.com

Website:

www.mars.com/japan/en/index.aspx

36 JUNE 2013 2013 36 || BCCJ BCCJ ACUMEN ACUMEN || JUNE

• Mars Japan imports and markets Mars brands in the categories of pet care, snacks/chocolate and drinks.

• Office drinks service: our extensive range of drinks through the FLAVIA machine has a carefully selected network of distributor partners nationwide.

• Alterra Coffee Roasters™ coffee , The Bright Tea Co.™ teas and Dove® hot chocolate.

• Each freshpack is full of fresh ground coffee, real leaf teas and chocolate to ensure a great tasting drink every time.

• Our unique Fresh Release™ process ensures that each delicious cup is fresh and full of authentic, great tasting flavour.

THE A-LIST OF OFFICE SOLUTIONS & DESIGN

Nelson Space J is an interior architectural design firm that strives for the best results to achieve maximum satisfaction, while providing a personal touch to our work.

We design with passion and always work with our client’s needs in mind.

Company Name:

Nelson Space J Co. Ltd

Address:

Kaika Building 3F 2-7-1 Sotokanda Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021

Contact:

Kenji Hirao, president

Telephone:

03-3252-2798

Email:

khirao@nelson-space.com

Website:

www.nelson-space.com

AREAS OF EXPERTISE • • • • •

Consulting Interior design Product design Design management Facility management

Space Design Inc., operator of BUREX, is proud to offer BCCJ readers the best alternative for office space.

BUREX, an intelligent choice for office space in Tokyo, unites flexibility and excellence in a prestigious address.

BUREX location: just a one-minute walk from Tokyo’s main stations. We have tucked our buildings just inside the main road areas for serene surroundings with excellent access 24/7.

BUREX size: with flexible wall constructions, rental space can grow or downsize to meet your business demands on time, without worrying about the moving cost and time.

Company Name:

Space Design, Inc.

Address:

Meiko Building 3F 1-18-2 Shimbashi Minato-ku, Tokyo

Contact:

Space Design Call Centre

Telephone:

0120-710-677

Email:

adsd@space-d.co.jp

Website:

www.japanoffice.net/en/

BUREX is the answer for smart executives who do not compromise with quality, service and cost.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE • Dedicated receptionists will greet your clients with friendly smiles.

• Services such as receiving packages, mail and taxi reservations.

• Free umbrella rental and other attentive features ensuring you and your clients the warm support of our team every day.

Seventeen years ago, we revolutionised the Japanese market for elevators as the first company that operates as an independent provider for elevator maintenance and repair needs servicing all models by all manufacturers.

We can offer our clients service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at lower rates than provided by manufacturers for maintenance.

More than 1,000 companies to date trust us with their elevator and building maintenance needs.

Choosing our service will reduce your elevator maintenance cost by 30–50%.

Please call us for a free inspection and maintenance plan for your building.

Company Name:

Tokyo Elevator Co., Ltd.

Address:

EE Building 1-19-4 Nihonbashi Kakigaracho Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0014

Contact:

Ma Eika, president

Telephone:

03-3662-1128

Email:

elevator@tke.att.ne.jp

Website:

www.tokyoelevator.com

AREAS OF EXPERTISE • Elevator maintenance, repair and renovation—all manufacturers and models serviced • Building maintenance • One provider for all your building maintenance services—saving you time and money

JUNE 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 37

OFFICE SOLUTIONS & DESIGN | INDUSTRY

The Tenant Representative Advantage Finding better value for your lease

By Andrew Stevens Manager—Commercial Leasing, Tenant Representative H&R Group

L

ocation, location, location. We all know the importance of suitable space to conduct business.

Unfortunately, few firms have the experience in acquiring commercial property to effectively serve this need when it arises.

Tenant representatives specialise in representing tenants in the leasing, acquisition and disposition of commercial real estate. We are real estate professionals who work exclusively for you, the tenant.

So why use a tenant representative?

• Independence: independent agent that advocates solely for the benefit of the client.

• Specialisation: real estate professional with extensive local market knowledge

and expertise in site analysis and selection.

• Value: independence, specialisation in the field, and focus on the tenant’s best interest get you more for your money.

A tenant representative delivers more value to the tenant in a variety of lease transactions. The most common are: helping businesses to relocate from an existing office to a new office; renewing a current lease under more favourable conditions; or providing businesses with ongoing consulting services to develop and implement a winning real estate strategy.

Tenant representatives provide sound and timely advice, from a real estate perspective, as to the suitability of locations, building grades, and even the timing of the move.

Following the search portion of your relationship, you will appreciate the negotiation and real estate contract experience of your tenant representative at the bargaining table.

Often, a firm will shop around by using multiple brokers to search for space, believing that this is the way to get the best deal.

However, a better strategy is to talk to a few prospects and commit to a tenant representative to manage your real estate project for you.

Tenant representatives will often pay for themselves in expediency, better locations, lease terms and conditions.

For example, a tenant representative is more likely to negotiate extra months of free rent for you, as they have no separate relationship with the landlord to protect.

Throughout the property search and negotiation process, tenant representatives seek to win the best possible outcome for their client.

My aim as a tenant representative is to provide small and medium-sized firms with the same high-grade level of service and results as those that are provided by global real estate providers to multinational corporations.

PUBLICITY

High Performance; Motorsport Genes BMW unveils two new luxury M models in Japan

The new BMW M6 Gran Coupe

40 | BCCJ ACUMEN | JUNE 2013

PUBLICITY

T

wo new BMW M GmbH models—the M6 Gran Coupe and the M3 Coupe DTM Champion Edition—were unveiled at the New BMW M Model Japan Premiere on 28 April.

According to Keiichi Hayashi, communication, event and dealer marketing at BMW Japan, the second round of the Super GT Series, held at the Fuji Speedway in Shizuoka Prefecture, was selected as the venue for the premiere. After all, the BMW M represents BMW’s high-performance brand with motorsport genes.

The newest member of the M6 family brings together customary M performance characteristics with additional luxury and aesthetic appeal.

“The top-end model from BMW M combines superb driving dynamics of a high-performance car with incomparably beautiful styling”, explained Hayashi.

Keiichi Hayashi: the top-end model from BMW M combines superb driving dynamics and beautiful styling.

Founded in 1972, BMW M GmbH celebrated its 40th anniversary last year.

The firm was initially created to develop BMW’s racing cars and to facilitate their racing teams, but went on to develop and produce high-performance series production cars. One of these is the BMW 3.0 CSL, which dominated the world’s touring car racing circuit in the 1970s.

Fuji Speedway in Shizuoka Prefecture

Just launched in Japan: the BMW M3 Coupe DTM Champion Edition.

In 1978, BMW Motorsport premiered the M1—a super sport racing car and the very first M Model. The M1’s 3.5-litre six-cylinder inline engine was introduced in the first generation of the BMW M5, launched in 1984.

“In this way, BMW has always transferred innovative technologies that were developed for motorsport to roadgoing models.

“The BMW M represents the pinnacle of BMW road-going models”, he added.

Winner of the Red Dot Design Award—a major international product design competition—the BMW M6 Gran Coupe was recognised for its beautiful styling.

The four-door coupe offers a special combination of functionality with comfort. Its elegant styling is characterised by its flowing roofline and dynamic proportions. They are complemented by bespoke features, including the carbon fibre-reinforced plastic roof.

At the heart of the car is a high revving 4.4-litre V8 M TwinPower Turbo engine

with 412 kW/560 hp that propels the car from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds.

The greater interior space of the coupe allows two rear passengers to enjoy generous levels of on-board comfort. In addition, a third rear seat can be used on shorter journeys.

The second new BMW M model to be premiered in Japan was the new BMW M3 Coupe DTM Champion Edition, launched in commemoration of BMW winning the DTM series championship.

Introduced in 1987, the first generation of the BMW M3 is one of the most successful touring car models ever. It has achieved many wins at international competitions, such as the European Touring Car Championship, and the DTM German Touring Car Masters.

After a break of over 20 years, BMW Motorsport participated in last year’s DTM in which the BMW M3 Coupe won three championship categories: driver’s title, team title and manufacturer’s title.

Inspired by the racing car driven

by Bruno Spengler from BMW Team Schnitzer, which won the driver’s title in DTM 2012, the special edition car boasts many special features.

Production of the BMW M3 Coupe DTM Champion Edition will be limited to 54 units worldwide—the same number as the wins BMW Motorsport has achieved in the DTM. However, only 10 units will be distributed in Japan.

Also present at the event was Nobuteru Taniguchi, who drives a BMW Z4 GT3, in the GT300 class.

Since 2012, BMW Group Japan has been conducting a project to further strengthen its motorsport commitment in Japan.

“Under this project, we have been providing support for the GSR & Studie with Team UKYO—a BMW Motorsport’s customer racing team that participates in the Japanese Super GT Series”, Hayashi said.

JUNE 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 41

FASHION

An Oasis in Omotesando Rock star’s fashion brand inspired by British music and culture

By Megan Waters • • • •

Award-winning brand marks first year here Rock heritage meets quintessential British Praise as Tokyo shop opens in record time Flagship shop, department store pop-ups

L

iam Gallagher, former front man of English rock band Oasis, may not seem like a typical fashion lover. However, Pretty Green, the rocker’s clothing label, has been hugely successful since the 2010 opening of its first store in London.

The menswear brand has won numerous accolades, including the 2010 Drapers Menswear Brand of the Year award, and is the first brand to be so honoured a mere one year after it had opened for

Liam Gallagher’s clothing label mixes rock heritage with a quintessential British flavour.

42 | BCCJ ACUMEN | JUNE 2013

business. In 2011, it was selected as the Best Breakthrough Brand at the renowned WGSN Global Fashion Awards, organised by the Worth Global Style Network Limited fashion trend forecasting company.

The Pretty Green brand mixes rock heritage with a quintessential British flavour. It first went into business in the UK as a wholesaler, before expanding to 12 flagship retail stores, including one shop in Tokyo that opened in July 2012.

“The most successful thing about the brand is that it only took three months from the establishment of the company here to the opening of the Tokyo store”, said Koji Kato, representative director and chief executive officer of Pretty Green Japan K.K. “This is probably the shortest time within which any fashion brand here has opened their flagship store”, Kato added.

In addition to its first retail outlet, in Omotesando, the brand has opened six successful pop-up shops in major department stores, including Isetan.

According to Kato, it is extremely difficult for new brands to achieve a presence at this prestigious retailer.

Then, in April, the brand scored another—its most recent—pop-up store opening: in Yurakucho’s Hankyu Men’s.

The Pretty Green brand has Black Label, Green Label and Denim product lines. Black Label clothing combines

fine fabrics (such as silk and leather) to produce statement investment pieces. The Green Label, meanwhile, offers a variety of everyday casual clothing.

Then there is a limited edition, capsule collection that has been designed exclusively for the Japanese market.

The label also has certain special projects each season that are inspired by music culture.

According to Sony, the Gallagher brothers have a global fan base of about 800,000 admirers, of whom some 300,000 are in Asia alone.

Liam has visited Japan many times and even played with his band, Beady Eye, at Fuji Rock Festival ’12. He also played at other concerts to support victims of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

Kato met Liam Gallagher for the first time when the latter came to Japan for the store opening. “After Liam saw the store, he believed the brand would be a big success here”, he said.

As a keen guitar player and a lover of British music, Kato was drawn to the Pretty Green brand.

“I have always had this notion that fashion and music are stuck together.

I believe that they co-exist and prosper together. Thus, it was a very natural decision for me to join Pretty Green”, he explained.

FASHION Kato began his career in the fashion industry at the influential Japanese brand Yohji Yamamoto. As executive director at the firm’s head office, he helped foster the brand’s international expansion.

In 2007, Kato went to Adidas Japan Inc., where he revamped the marketing and branding systems.

This was followed by a time at Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd. (maker of MUJI products), for which Kato, the astute planning director that he is, developed products in the apparel department.

When international fashion brands launch in Japan, they usually collaborate with leading Japanese trading firms or large apparel firms. However, Pretty Green chose not to go down this path and, instead, to go it alone.

“I believe [Pretty Green’s] decision to go into the battlefield completely alone means a lot.

“Although the [international] men’s fashion industry seems to be shrinking its business in Japan, I believe it is possible for new brands to create new business here”, he said.

In particular, Kato believes that British fashion labels reflect the authentic and classical style of English gentlemen who respect tradition, such as the traditional men’s bespoke tailoring of London’s Saville Row. Thus, the Pretty Green product appeals greatly to Japanese consumers.

“As well as having a basic appeal for Liam Gallagher’s fans, those customers who understand real quality will enjoy our products”, he said.

Pretty Green is different to other premium British brands available in Japan, such as Paul Smith and Fred Perry, in that the brand has a strong link to music and culture.

The fashion label focuses on original product development and branding, and does not conform to the regular notion of apparel.

Gallagher directs the designing of the collection and works closely with the design team from the beginning. He checks

Koji Kato is a fan of British music.

the sample fittings and gives his final approval before production begins.

The fashion label chose Japan as its first foreign market to launch the brand because, according to Kato, Japan is a fashion leader and the most influential market in the world.

“I would like Pretty Green Japan to serve as a regional pioneer. Then I would take the scheme we have developed here to other Asian countries”, he explained.

Kato and his professional team are planning to devise a branding and apparel business strategy that is directly linked to music—unlike that of any other fashion brand.

Not only would they like to start forging ahead in other Asian countries, but they have plans to open stores in Sapporo, Osaka, Fukuoka and Nagoya.

There are additional plans to launch ladies and children’s lines here, but first they would like to add a wider range of accessories to the collection.

“There are many competitors in women’s wear. However, some items in our men’s line can be worn by women”, he added.

The brand wants to organise collaboration events and construct partnerships with wholesalers, rather than only concentrate on selling their products in the retail market.

“For this reason, we are focusing on increasing brand awareness and creating a buzz through pop-up stores in Japan’s main cities. Further, by establishing online stores, we can cover a much wider market than what can be reached through [bricks and mortar] stores”, he explained.

Pretty Green has a strong online presence with a large fan base that follow news, events and parties on Facebook and Twitter.

“We want our customers to get involved in the Pretty Green lifestyle, rather than just in the product.

“I want the customer to understand the brand and the brand philosophy, like a kind of heart to heart communication, rather than to depend on superficial TV commercials or attitudes.

“This may contradict what other mainstream brands are doing, but I believe in it”.

Kato believes that educating staff to become cross-functional, multi-skilled professionals is very important. At least this is what he was taught when he started off in the fashion industry.

“If we can educate employees here, they can use their skills in other companies.

“That would benefit the entire fashion industry—not just one brand”.

The Pretty Green flagship store in Omotesando

JUNE 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 43

MUSIC

By Julian Ryall • More focus on community, family, education • Director lauds warmth, friendliness, trust • Japan is ensemble’s top foreign market

PHOTOS: SUNTORY HALL

A

The 50-year Friendship London’s oldest symphony orchestra marks its golden jubilee of first visit to Japan

44 | BCCJ ACUMEN | JUNE 2013

s the final note of Bruckner’s Symphony No 9 died away in the highest reaches of the Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall, the crowd erupted into applause.

Japanese audiences have a deep knowledge of, and appreciation for, exceptional classical music—and in particular, it seems, when it is performed by the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO).

This regard for the oldest symphony orchestra in London, combined with the many friends and supporters it has found here, keeps the orchestra coming back to Japan.

“Japanese audiences are immensely well informed about classical music, which is deeply rooted in the culture for many people here”, Kathryn McDowell CBE, managing director of the orchestra, told BCCJ ACUMEN. “There is always a strong connection with audiences in Japan when we step onto the platform, and because there are so many beautiful concert halls here, the orchestra sounds so good in these palaces of art”, McDowell explained.

The orchestra marked the 50th anniversary of its first visit to Japan with a series of performances in Osaka, Fukui, Tokyo and Yokohama in early March, following two successful performances in South Korea.

Bernard Haitink, one of the world’s most celebrated conductors, put the musicians through their paces with the Bruckner symphony, while Portuguese pianist Maria João Pires—a Japanophile and classical artist—performed solo pieces by Mozart and Beethoven.

At Tokyo’s Suntory Hall, the orchestra put on its first Family Concert. Aimed at families and children aged between seven and 12, the event was part of its LSO Discovery award-winning education and community programme. This community

MUSIC

Japanese audiences have a deep knowledge of, and appreciation for, exceptional classical music. focus had also been reflected in the invitation to visit London that had been extended last year to some 100 young musicians from across Japan.

As part of the orchestra’s outreach programme, during this trip McDowell and some of the musicians also visited a Japanese school in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture.

“We come to Japan every two years and, at the moment, are developing a special initiative to bring some of the smaller ensembles when the full orchestra does not come”, she said.

“The brass quintet came last year and, in the future, we will bring the wind or strings sections.

“That’s something that is quite special to Japan and historically we have a strong connection here”, she added. “I’m talking with the British Council and the [British] embassy [Tokyo] about how to strengthen those links even further”.

Financial services organisations— the Nomura Group and Moore Group— sponsored some of the performances of the current tour. Previously, supporters have included Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Mitsubishi Corporation, Hitachi, Ltd., Toshiba Corporation and Mizuho Bank, Ltd. Meanwhile, Canon Inc. is supporting the orchestra’s Russian tour later this year.

In addition, this summer the LSO will perform at the world-famous Aix-enProvence music festival held in the French town of the same name during June and July; spend its annual residency in New York in October; as well as visit Germany, China, India, Singapore and Australia.

Widely regarded as the top orchestra in London, the LSO was founded in 1904 and has been based at central London’s Barbican Centre since 1982.

As the world’s most recorded orchestra, it first made gramophone recordings in 1912, and is featured on more than 200 cinema soundtracks, including that for the Star Wars film series.

The LSO set up its own recording label 12 years ago, and Japan now is its secondlargest market after the UK. “There is a real tradition of Japanese audiences anticipating what is happening in classical music and then coming and supporting it when it is here”, said McDowell, who was awarded a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in Queen

Elizabeth II’s 2011 Birthday Honours list for her work in music.

“I would say that the Japanese are ahead of the game when it comes to music.

“I have been coming to Japan for all these years and there is a real sense of warmth as soon as we step onto that platform, and we are very happy to reciprocate that in London”, she said.

“We have been able to ride some storms over the years—economic or whatever— but as well as the warmth, there has also been a real sense of friendliness, loyalty and trust. This is very similar to what we are trying to foster in the LSO”, she said.

JUNE 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 45

FILM

Bard to the Future Radical Shakespeare rework reflects modern Japan and its problems

By Julian Ryall • Adaptation set on stunning Sado Island • Noh masks, dramatic scenery, sheer cliffs, primal forest • Big-screen debut held in Shibuya

The film includes masked dance-drama of Sado Island.

46 | BCCJ ACUMEN | JUNE 2013

W

elsh filmmaker John Williams has taken one of William Shakespeare’s most well-known plays, turned it upside down, inserted a Japanese rock-and-roll band, and set it 30 years in the future and on remote Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture.

The film is such a radical departure from the Bard’s work that it is not at all certain that he himself would recognise it as an adaptation of The Tempest.

“It has taken a long time to turn the original idea into the rather strange beast that it has become”, Williams admitted at a discussion of Sado Tempest the day before the film’s big-screen debut on 16 February at Shibuya’s Eurospace cinema.

The Japanese-language film—which has English subtitles—is set entirely on Sado Island, and weaves into the storyline the traditional culture of the former place of exile. As well as incorporating oni-daiko—a traditional religious masked dance-drama of the island that is believed to ward off devils as well as be a prayer

for a bountiful harvest—together with Noh masks and lyrics, the film makes the most of the isle’s dramatic scenery, from the ruins of a gold mine to the sheer sea cliffs, the primal forest at the heart of the island and the abandoned Sensoji temple.

However, the story begins far removed from the island. The always-angry frontman (Juntoku) of a four-piece punk band (Jitterbug) collapses on stage and all are transported to the island for crimes against the state.

Imprisoned and forced to pan for gold by the warden, they are told they can never escape their exile. The storyline takes a turn with the arrival of a mad woman (Miranda), who repeats lines from Noh plays. She is the daughter of a scientist (Omuro), who had previously come to the island to carry out experiments, but who had doomed the island to permanent winter after a storm had destroyed his secret genetic laboratory.

Juntoku escapes from the prison, begins to put Miranda’s poetry to music, and roams the forest in the heart of the island, meeting cannibals and demons along the way, and even Omuro. But there is a final twist in the tale.

The parallels between Shakespeare’s version of events and the film that Williams has produced are clear, although the differences are stark.

FILM Invited by the local film commission to set a film on the island, Williams said he was stunned by the “astonishingly beautiful” scenery but baulked at the idea of making a promotional film that revolved around the crested ibis that are slowly being returned to the wild.

Instead, Williams said, he was far more interested in the island’s history as a penal colony and, in particular, Emperor Juntoku (1197–1242)—who shares his name with the lead character in the film and was banished to Sado in the 13th century for plotting to overthrow the Kamakura shogunate.

“I was very interested in his story, about his exile there in 1242 and his death at the age of 46, although it is said that he achieved enlightenment before dying”, Williams said. Thus, the tale of an exiled artist was applied to a rock band similarly detached from mainstream society.

The Noh lyrics were inspired by another of the island’s famous exiles, the Noh playwright Zeami Motokiyo, who did his best work during the early 1400s.

“There were a lot of hurdles in terms of the material. I went to Sado about 20 times over three years before we were able to start filming in March 2011”, said

Williams, who has lived in Japan since 1988 and teaches film and translation at Tokyo’s Sophia University.

“I loved all the cultural history that had been left [on Sado Island], and that it was different from the rest of Japan. There was a palpable sense of being different and, in some ways, odd”, he said. “It was the thorny otherness of the island that I liked”.

Williams, who won critical acclaim for his first two Japanese-language feature films, Firefly Dreams (2001) and Starfish Hotel (2007), admitted that he had problems, at times, superimposing

elements of the original Tempest with his own interpretation, but he is satisfied with the final outcome.

“I had wanted to turn [the story] on its head and ask a lot of ‘what-ifs’”, he said.

“The outcome is something of a hybrid film, an odd hybrid creature, but I’m happy with that.

“This is a film about Japan now, not just a Tempest adaptation. It is also a reflection of what is going on in Japan today, and some of the problems that we have here at the moment”. www.100meterfilms.com

ARTS EVENTS Compiled by Yoko Yanagimoto

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

| yoko@custom-media.com

UNTIL 28 JUNE Contemporary Eyes III Sunrise and Sunset

Born in Glasgow, Bruce McLean is a sculptor and painter who studied at the Glasgow School of Art and Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design. McLean has gained international recognition for his artworks and has held one-man exhibitions at numerous locations, including London’s Tate Gallery, the Museum of Modern Art in Vienna and Modern Art Oxford.

KATSURA MURAMATSU

Keio University Art Center (KUAC) 2-15-45 Mita Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8345

Red Studio, 1990 / Untitled, 1988

11am–5pm (open until 7pm on Fridays) Closed on weekends Free of charge 03-5427-1621

www.art-c.keio.ac.jp/en/

22 JUNE–16 SEPTEMBER Harry Potter™: The Exhibition

After numerous stops around the world, the blockbuster exhibition— visited by more than 2mn fans since its 2009 premiere in Chicago—has finally arrived in Japan. The event will showcase scenes from the films’ most popular locations, including the GryffindorTM common room and dormitory, and feature hundreds of authentic props, costumes and creatures.

© WARNER BROS.

Mori Arts Center Gallery Mori Tower, Roppongi Hills 52F 6-10-1 Roppongi Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032

10am–10pm (last entry 9pm) Adults from ¥2,500 03-5777-8600

www.harrypotterexhibition.jp

28 JUNE–28 JULY The Dresser

Written by Ronald Harwood, this popular 1980s play tells the story of an ageing actor’s personal assistant who struggles to keep his charge’s life together. Performed on Broadway and in the West End, the play was made into a film in 1983. The performers are well-known Japanese actors, including Koki Mitani.

Setagaya Public Theatre 4-1-1 Taishido Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-0004

Adults from ¥6,500 03-5432-1526

TAKASHI KATO

Closed on 1, 8, 15, 22 July

48 | | BCCJ BCCJACUMEN ACUMEN | | JUNE JUNE2013 2013 48

For more information on starting times, please visit: www.siscompany.com/dresser/

1–18 JULY Sarah Brightman Japan Tour

The English classical soprano singer made her West End musical theatre debut in 1981 in Cats, where she met composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (to whom she was married from 1984 until 1991). She is well known in Japan, where her songs have been used in many TV programmes and commercials.

Tokyo International Forum 3-5-1 Marunouchi Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005

From ¥13,000 03-5221-9000

For information on dates and venues, please visit: www.emimusic.jp/sarah-brightman/

Sarah Brightman, Dreamchaser, ¥2,500

5–14 JULY The Royal Ballet

The internationally renowned classical ballet company, which last visited Japan three years ago, will perform Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (by English choreographer Christopher Wheeldon) that will include a scene

by British dramatist Nicholas Wright, as well as Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake.

Tokyo Bunka Kaikan 5-45 Ueno Koen Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8716

JOHAN PERSSON

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland 5, 6, 7 July

Swan Lake 12, 13, 14 July Adults from ¥5,000 03-3791-8888

For information on times and venues, please visit: www.nbs.or.jp/english/

UNTIL 1 SEPTEMBER Roppongi Hills and Mori Art Museum 10th Anniversary Exhibition All You Need Is LOVE: From Chagall to Kusama and Hatsune Miku

John Constable The Bridges Family 1804 Oil on canvas 135.9×183.8 cm Collection: Tate Presented by Mrs. Walter Bogue Bridges 1952 © Tate, London 2013

To mark its 10th anniversary, the Mori Art Museum is holding an exhibition on many love-related themes: romantic love, the love of family, and the love of mankind. Some of the approximately 200 artworks— ranging from celebrated contributions and historical artworks, to ambitious new works—have been produced by British artists, including Richard Billingham and John Constable.

Mori Art Museum Roppongi Hills, Mori Tower 53F 6-10-1 Roppongi Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032 10am–10pm (entry permitted up to 30 minutes before closing)

Open until 5pm on Tuesdays Adults from ¥1,500 03-5777-8600 Free Tickets We are giving away 10 pairs of free tickets to this event.

www.mori.art.museum/eng/index.html

JUNE 2013 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 49 JUNE

COMMUNITY BCCJ

At the first executive committee meeting of the 2013–14 chamber year, held at the British Embassy Tokyo on 15 May, were (from left) Yayoi Sogo, head of the BCCJ corporate social responsibility task force; Suzanne Price, BCCJ vice-president; Alison Jambert, BCCJ president; BCCJ Executive Director Lori Henderson MBE; and Anna Pinsky, BCCJ executive committee member.

BCCJ Executive Director Lori Henderson MBE (centre) and participants in the BCCJ Golf Day at the Tsutsujigaoka Country Club in Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture on 17 May.

CHARITY

37 FRAMES PHOTOGRAPHY

BCCJ

Attending the 51 Night on 23 May at Slainte—an exclusive members-only pub in Ebisu— were (from left) Refugees International Japan President Jane Best MBE; Anne Good, president of Eureka!; and BCCJ Executive Director Lori Henderson MBE.

Refugees International Japan (RIJ) president Jane Best MBE (centre) at the Executive Fight Night II at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo on 24 May. At the Las Vegas-style event, executives took part in professional bouts of boxing. RIJ received all proceeds from the auction and raffle.

CHARITY

Nick Rees (front), Jon Hindley and Ian Smith cycled 256km in three days from Tokyo to Fukushima Prefecture before aborting their ride because of bad weather. They have officially raised ¥2.7mn to date for the Save Minamisoma Project.

50 | BCCJ ACUMEN | JUNE 2013

Ray Bremner OBE (back row, left), president and CEO of Unilever Japan Customer Marketing K.K., with participants in the United Nation’s World Food Programme’s Walk the World charity event in Yokohama on 19 May. Some 3,593 people—including 57 Unilever employees—took part in the event to help end child hunger, and donated ¥3,350,600.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

The British School in Tokyo’s Year 7 pupils visited farmers at an agricultural field centre in Ishigara, Kanagawa Prefecture, on 24 May. The schoolchildren helped farmers plant rice to learn more about life in rural areas.

FASHION

DESIGN

Attending the opening of the 13th Annual World Gardening Fair at the Hotel Okura Tokyo on 1 May were (from left) Sara Hitchens, the British Ambassador’s wife; Princess Takamado; and Nobuo Shirasuna, landscape architect and professor at Kobe International University. The fair featured examples of gardening from all over the world, including a countryside garden with English roses and herbs from the UK.

FILM

Scottish actor Gerard Butler (second from left) with Japanese model Nana Suzuki (left) and comedy duo Harisenbon at a news conference in Tokyo to promote his film, Olympus Has Fallen (120min). Directed by David Koepp and in Japan titled End of White House, the film is scheduled to open in Japan on 8 June.

SPORT

Models wear Stella McCartney’s creations at the 20 May British designer’s fashion event, during which her 2013 winter collection was showcased at the British Embassy Tokyo.

Philippe Fauchet (second row, right), president and representative director of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) plc. with GSK staff and the GSK women’s hockey team at the pharmaceutical firm’s Nikko site in May. The team competed in the final matches of the women’s Japan hockey league on 24–26 May.

JUNE 2013 | BCCJ ACUMEN | 51

HEALTH

Planning a Trip to Paradise?

Take shots and common sense

By Dr Nicola Yeboah • • • • •

Even top spots can have health hazards Hepatitis, malaria, tetanus, diarrhoea Avoid tap water, ice and fresh salads Warning: deep vein thrombosis and driving Check health insurance has overseas cover

S

ummer is on its way and it’s time to make holiday plans. One of the many benefits of living in Japan is the opportunity it gives to explore South-east Asian countries without having to endure longhaul flights and jet lag. However, there are health hazards.

Patients who talk to me about their holidays often say they don’t need any vaccinations as they will be staying in a five-star hotel. Wrong. You can pick up contagious diseases anywhere, including in the most up-market establishments.

My colleagues and I have all seen patients who, even though they stayed in South-east Asia’s most luxurious resorts, contracted hepatitis A—a condition that could have been prevented by proper immunisation.

So what vaccinations will you need?

Travellers should update their routine vaccinations (such as tetanus) and obtain vaccinations specific to their planned destination prior to travelling.

It is important to consult your doctor at least one month before you set off to allow enough time for any necessary immunisations to take effect. Many clinics in Tokyo don’t stock travel vaccines, so call and check whether the injections you need are available.

While vaccinations prevent certain infections, there are some serious ones that can be transmitted by insects and for which no vaccinations are available.

A notable example is malaria, which is transmitted by infected mosquitoes.

Anti-malaria medications are essential for those visiting certain areas in Asia.

Many people worry about the side effects of anti-malaria tablets, and so decide against taking them.

However, the medications are generally well tolerated and the inconvenience

52 | BCCJ ACUMEN | JUNE 2013

of any minor side effects should be weighed against the potential serious consequences of becoming infected with malaria.

The more information you give your doctor about your travel plans, the more accurate will be the advice you are given.

Thus, for example, even if you visit only one country, it may be advisable to obtain anti-malaria medication if you go to certain regions, while travel to other parts may place you in no significant danger of contracting malaria.

Patients who talk to me about their holidays often say they don’t need any vaccinations as they will be staying in a fivestar hotel. Wrong.

You can pick up contagious diseases anywhere, including in the most up-market establishments.

That said, simple precautions to avoid mosquito bites should be taken even where the risk of malaria infection is low to minimal. Wearing trousers and long-sleeved shirts, as well as using repellents containing DEET are recommended.

Some 40–60% of travellers who visit developing countries will suffer from diarrhoea. Although most episodes are minor and self-limiting, they can still

cause significant discomfort and disrupt one’s itinerary.

Contaminated food and water are the culprits, so it is best to avoid tap water, ice cubes and fresh salads (the ingredients of which probably will have been washed using tap water).

In addition, you should avoid food from street stalls and sauces, such as ketchup, on restaurant tables. It is best only to eat fruit that you peel yourself.

If, despite all precautions, you nevertheless get a bout of diarrhoea, rest assured that in most cases it should be over in 1–5 days.

During this time, it is most important to stay well hydrated. However, if symptoms are severe, antibiotics and anti-diarrhoea medications are available.

For travellers visiting remote areas, ask your doctor to prescribe these medications, so that you can use them if necessary.

Besides infections, travel itself can cause medical problems, notably deep vein thrombosis. Although this condition is usually associated with the relative immobilisation endured on long-distance flights—hence the term “economy-class syndrome”—it can occur as a result of prolonged car or train journeys.

One should drink lots of water and move around periodically. Routine use of aspirin is not recommended.

In addition, make sure that in your carry-on luggage you have an adequate supply of any medication that you take on a routine basis.

Remember, too, that the incidence of car and motorbike accidents is higher in developing countries, where they account for about 25% of the deaths of American travellers.

Take time to familiarise yourself with local conditions before driving, and always wear a helmet when on a motorbike.

Lastly, before you jump on the plane, make sure that your health insurance provides cover overseas. If you are planning any high-risk activities, additional insurance is advisable.

Enjoy!

For more information: www.cdc.gov/travel/

IF YOU ASK ME

Dragon in Shallow Waters?

Look at London for lessons in politics

By Ian de Stains OBE

W

hat—if anything—are we to make of the recent upset in the UK’s local elections in which the UK Independence Party (UKIP) won almost 25% of the votes?

Nigel Farage, the party’s leader and an individual used to being disparaged by the mainstream, gloated that a major corner had been turned in British politics.

But he would be wise to remember that even the brightest moon shines only with borrowed light.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister David Cameron, leader of the Conservative Party, which appeared to be the election’s biggest loser, might want to meditate on the wisdom of the Chinese philosophy that shrimps can make fools of dragons in shallow waters.

As so often happens, media coverage in the UK has been split in great part between those who share the UKIP’s key aims (for example, smaller government, a withdrawal from Europe and—most controversially—a new approach to immigration) and those who call for a sense of perspective.

It is not unusual in mid-term elections (as these were and at the local level, too) for there to be a protest vote over the status quo; people are disgruntled.

Currently, there is great dissatisfaction with the Conservative–Liberal Democrat Coalition Agreement. There is a strong feeling that the Labour opposition is impotent—its leader Mr. Bean-with-ahard-on intent on turning left when all indications are that the majority of the country’s voters want to go right.

Within the Conservative party itself, there are growing voices for Cameron to step down ahead of the next general election, scheduled for 2015.

This is all very reminiscent of the situation in the early 1970s, when the party began to lose patience with the then-leader, Sir Edward Heath KG MBE. Heath was seen as inflexible, intolerant, rude and out of touch. True, the country was in a much worse state than now.

However, many of the sentiments expressed then have long echoes.

Opinion polls of the day suggested people wanted to vote against more of the same, rather than for something new—a genuine dilemma for the political planners and manifesto writers.

It should be remembered, too, that when it came to the point where Heath was forced to accept a challenge to his leadership, those casting their ballots largely schemed to make sure he was not re-elected, rather than voting for someone in whom they truly believed. Ultimately, this benefitted Margaret Thatcher, much to the shock of the establishment of the time.

While the injured parties in the recent local elections are right to lick their wounds and examine their navels, they can take some comfort in the fact that the 2015 general election is highly unlikely to see a UKIP majority in parliament.

And what of the lessons—if any— for Japan? It is always difficult, if not impossible, to draw a clear parallel; our electoral systems are different, while our populations are differently educated and inclined in the ways of politics.

Although we may share similar economic issues, the geopolitical ones are very different indeed.

While The City will no doubt look with interest at the evolution of Abenomics, Westminster will be wondering what to make of the increasingly hawkish opinions expressed by Japan’s current leaders: the Inoses, the Hashimotos and— yes—Abe himself.

There was a time when Japanese politicians felt that they could make even the most outrageous comments and, as long as they did so in Japanese, no one outside Japan would notice. Of course, that was never entirely true. These days, it is patently even less the case.

If Abenomics is to restore Japan’s place in the global economy, the time has come for a more responsible political place on the global stage. A serious look at what is happening in the UK right now would surely provide valuable lessons.

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

To apply, please send an email by 30 June to: editor@custom-media.com. Winners will be picked at random.

BOOKS

Reviews by Ian de Stains OBE

Making Sense of It “How come you’ve stayed so long in Japan?” is a question I’m often asked and one that—paradoxically—I find more difficult to answer the longer I am here.

Approaching my 40th year living in Japan, I found Dr Adam Komisarof’s book hugely enjoyable and liberating, because so much of what his subjects have to say echoes my own experiences.

A collection of 12 interviews with long-term foreign residents who work in a broad field of disciplines, the book has an additional three chapters in which Dr Komisarof uses his extensive experience in cross-cultural training and education to analyse the sum of the parts and offer further insights into the contemporary Western experience here.

A number of those interviewed for the book will be familiar to anyone with any experience of Japan; Donald Keene, Karen Hill Anton and the late Donald Richie are outstanding examples. Their responses to the author’s carefully framed questions make for deeply satisfying and thoughtprovoking reading.

In each of the interviews I found myself nodding in agreement with several points, yet I also discovered new perspectives.

I caught myself numerous times saying to myself, “I’d never thought of it in that light”.

I was particularly taken with the profound sensitivity expressed by

Glen Fukushima. A third-generation American of Japanese ancestry, Glen is known to many in the Tokyo community for his sharp intellect and for the significant contributions he has made to international relations and business (he was, for example, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan for two terms).

He explains why he insists on using katakana (the Japanese syllabary used Adam Komisarof for foreign words) instead of kanji Reitaku University Press (Chinese characters) for his family ¥3,400 name: “I don’t want people to mistake me for a Japanese citizen. I didn’t grow up in the Japanese system … I’ve spent a lot of time in Japan but I wouldn’t presume to be a Japanese person, and I would not want to be constrained by rules that Japanese impose on each other but Japanese, I wouldn’t stay in this country not on non-Japanese”. for 10 minutes”.

These are sentiments that would Dr Komisarof’s work is, I suggest, have pleased Donald Richie (in my destined to become required reading view, the finest contemporary Western for anyone interested in understanding commentator on Japanese society as today’s Japan. a whole).

He will no doubt find many In what was probably his last interview, sympathetic non-Japanese readers. My he made an important point in the book hope is that he will also engage some of about his relationship with the country the key Japanese minds in this field. in which he’d lived since 1947: “I never Japan today faces a number of truly said that I fell in love with Japan. A lot of critical problems and an alternative people writing about me have said that I view is often the key to unlocking fell in love with Japan. But it was much unconventional solutions. more reasoned on my part … if I were

Comfort for a Good Cause Edited by Patricia Bader-Johnson 5ive-Planets Foundation Inc.

54 | BCCJ ACUMEN | JUNE 2013

5ive-Planets Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit organisation registered in Japan.

It states as its mission support for innovation in managing scarce resources, and the safeguarding of food production capacity: a sustainable world for future generations.

Questions over food safety arose immediately after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and disaster when the world was made sharply aware of our environment’s fragility.

Not surprisingly, the impact on food production in the Tohoku region was immediate and severe. This book is designed to support the recovery of the region and its communities.

The result of the collaborative efforts of many individuals, the collection of recipes is undoubtedly for home cooking.

There are no great surprises: most of the dishes will be familiar to anyone who has spent any significant amount of time in Japan, while the instructions are clear and simple.

Each recipe is rendered in Japanese and English, which makes the book versatile but—small gripe—the design suffers as a result and the typesetting and photography look somewhat old fashioned and tired.

In addition to the recipes, there are other interesting features—for example, about sake—and some photography relevant to the Tohoku project.

Small actions, big difference Unilever’s history started in 1884, when our founder William Lever launched “Sunlight” soap. Lever’s soap helped to make cleanliness and hygiene commonplace in Victorian England.

Even a small product like a bar of soap can make a difference to people’s lives. Driven by the values inherited from our founders, we have set the ambitious target of doubling the size of our business, whilst reducing our environmental footprint and increasing our positive social impact.

We work to create a better future every day, inspiring people to take small actions that will add up to a big difference.

Unilever Sustainable Living Plan Key targets by 2020

Halve

Help more than

1 billion people improve their health & well-being.

the environmental footprint of our products.

Source

100%

of our agricultural raw materials sustainably.