Contact Information & Map Marunouchi Fukao Bldg. 5F 2-11-24 Marunouchi Naka-ku Nagoya 460-0002 Tel:81-52-229-1525 Fax:81-52-222-8272 Nagoya Staff Noriko Kato Chubu Operations Manager   Here is a map to the ACCJ's Nagoya office in PDF format.

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Chubu News

Cross Cultural Education Options

2010-02-27: The ACCJ would like to thank the panelists and everyone who attended the 3rd annual Cross Cultural Education Options seminar. The event was of great success with 45+ people in attendance. Lowell Shepard from Hope International served as the moderator for the event and guided the panelists and attendees through a thought provoking discussion on education. The panel consisted of George Pruitt (Nagoya International Junior & Senior High School), Bill Fugate (Laporte International English School and International Kindergarten), Fleur Sweetman (St. George Academy & Treehouse International School) Rob Risch (Nagoya International School) and Erin Sakakibara (Parent Extraordinaire).

Why Japanese Companies Must Change Their HR Practices to Succeed

2010-02-17: Professor Go Yoshida, from the University of Nagoya's Office of International Strategic Planning, discussed key trends that are forcing changes on Japan's traditional HR management. Among these are globalization, demographics, and the transition from the "information age" to the "conceptual age." Collectively, these trends are forcing Japanese companies to hire more foreign workers and seek people with greater creativity. 

How to Start a Business in Nagoya

2010-02-10: The Chubu IBC would like to thank the presenters and attendees of last week's event, How to Setup a Business in Nagoya. 30 people attended this event, and the discussion was lively and informative. Jason Morgan, Steve Brown, Sean Gallagher, and Chris Zarodkiewicz shared the depth of knowledge and experience between them, and each spoke at length on topics ranging from establishing or incorporating in Japan, raising capital, marketing to the Japanese and foreign markets, and partnering with Japanese citizens.

"Strong Yen, Weak Economy" A Look at Japan's 2010

2010-01-27: HSBC Premier sponsored this market outlook seminar which took place in Hilton Nagoya. William Pesek Jr., Asia-Pacific columnist for Bloomberg News, gave a presentation on how Asia's biggest economy was doing and how investors should plan for 2010.

Shinnenkai

2010-01-22: The ACCJ Chubu Chapter celebrated the arrival of 2010 on January 22 at The Westin Nagoya Castle. Allan Smith, ACCJ 2010 Chairman, and Marc Wall, the new Minister-Counselor for Economic Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, attended.

The Winter Meet & Greet "Mexican Christmas"

2009-12-04: The Living in Chubu Committee organized a wonderful Mexican Christmas party at Shooters Bar & Grill. Many people came to the party, and some people wore Santa hats and sun boleros. They played a game together and enjoyed nice meals in a pleasant atmosphere.

IBCP Program: Internationalizing Nagoya: Progress, Challenges, and the Road Ahead

2009-11-26: The IBCP Launch Program was held at Hilton Nagoya. Masahiko Hosokawa, former Director-General of the Chubu Bureau of Economy,Trade and Industry (METI), was chosen to be the first speaker. Mr. Hosokawa played a major role in establishing the Greater Nagoya Initiative and is currently a professor at Chubu University.

A Woman's Perspective on Entrepreneurship

2009-10-14: Carline Pover, an author and publisher of various books and magazines, discussed how to avoid certain business risks and how to start and promote a business based on her personal experiences.

Aichi America-Japan Society Happy Hour and Oktoberfest Celebration

2009-10-02: The AAJS and ACCJ Happy Hour event was held at Shooters Sports Bar & Grill. It was a new event which provided opportunities to communicate with the Japanese and international communities. Many university students also joined in the event.

ACCJ Chubu's 2nd Annual Golf Tournament

2009-09-27: The ACCJ Chubu Chapter's Living in Chubu Committee organized its 2nd Annual Golf Tournament on Sunday, September 27 at Fuji OGM Excellent Club Mitakehara Topia Course in Kani-City, Gifu. Participants enjoyed golf and a fun awards ceremony.

Product Sourcing? How to find what you want and get what you pay for!

2009-08-26: Jonathan Gregory, Manager of the Sourcing Section at Oak Loan Marketing, advised attendees on how to find domestic/overseas suppliers and how to deal with Chinese suppliers.

Welcome Ceremony for the USS Chosin

2009-08-25: ACCJ Chubu members were invited to tour the USS Chosin on August 25th. The USS Chosin is commanded by Captain Timothy T. Smith.

Japan - From Kamikaze Capitalism to Smartpower Dynamism

2009-07-16: Over the past decade, Jesper Koll has been consistently ranked as one of the top Japan strategists. He has written two books in Japanese, "Towards a New Japanese Golden Age" and "The End of Heisei Deflation," and has been a member of several government advisory panels. Currently President and CEO of Tantallon Research Japan KK, Mr. Koll discussed the conflicting forces that will influence Japan's future at this ACCJ event and what it takes to emerge a winner from the global crisis.

How to attract Customers by using Web 2.0

2009-07-08: Bruce McCaughan (WSI of Nagoya), Robert Sanzalone (Online Marketing Specialist), and Robert Moore (Rob4artstuff) came to share their specialized knowledge on how to attract and retain customers by using twitter, facebook, and flickr.

ACCJ Summer Meet & Greet Party

2009-07-03: ACCJ Chubu's Living in Chubu Committee organized the Summer Meet & Greet party at E oriental banquet in Kanayama. It was a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new people.

Labor of Love: The Plan to Revolutionize an Overlooked Japanese Industry

2009-06-25: Stephen Mansfield, CEO of New Perspective (asset management company for Japan Leisure Hotels) talked about his views of the leisure hotels business in Japan.

Greater Nagoya Initiative/ACCJ Chubu Chapter Pre-Walkathon Welcome Reception

2009-05-23: The Pre-Walkathon Reception took place at Toyota Techno Museum, the day before the Walkathon. Mr. James Zumwalt, Charge D'affaires, American Embassy Tokyo; board members from The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan; and Greater Nagoya's business leaders attended the reception, shared time together, and exchanged information.

(from left) ACCJ Chubu Business Program Committee Vice Chair Mr. Mike Wright (United Technologies Pratt and Whitney), ACCJ Chubu Business Program Committee Chair Mr. Steve Brown (Zergsoft), and ACCJ President Mr. Tom Whitson (KPMG FAS), GNI Chairman Mr. Mike Shibata (NGK Insulators), and ACCJ Chubu Membership Relation Committee Chair Mr. Michel Weenick (PAE).

Nagoya Castle Tour: Board of Governors.

Local Talent Series part XIV: ­ The California Patio Story

2009-05-13: Eric Hladaliliek, the man behind California Patio, soon to be Nagoya's biggest success story, talked about how anyone with a little grit and determination can spot an opportunity and build a business from scratch.

Charity Challenge Special and Walkathon Kick-off Party

2009-04-16: The Walkathon Kick-Off Party brought together the sponsors, organizers, Nagoya International School students and other great supporters of the 2009 Walkathon with the Walkathon Charities for a fun party. The annual T-Shirt design competition was presented by Nagoya International School for the 2009 Walkathon T-Shirt, and we started off our 2009 Walkathon Campaign in style! A perfect opportunity to network, learn about CSR through the Walkathon and start making a difference in 2009!

Mud Wrestling with Doug Jackson

2009-04-08: After starting out with a New Member Orientation Session and heeding the IBC Committee Chair's advice asking small children and people with pacemakers to stay far away, we moved quickly into the main event - Mud Wrestling with Doug Jackson. Although Mr. Jackson, the chair of the Tokyo Independent Business Committee and former ACCJ Communications Director, came prepared to get down and dirty, his presentation was completed without any injuries of any kind or participants getting covered in mud. Mr. Jackson did however, get into the ring and show us how to communicate about our companies like pros and why it matters now more than ever. Along with a few body slams, Mr. Jackson enlightened us to the intricacies of writing and editing copy for print and online communications in order to provide a consistent, positive and correct image of ones company.

Hanami Party

2009-04-03: The Living in Chubu Committee organized a wonderful Hanami Party in Tsurumai Park. The turnout was a mix of the regular faces as well as few new ones. We look forward to expanding this event to make it bigger and better for years to come!

(from left) United Technologies Pratt and Whitney's Mr. Trevor Ngo, Mr. Paul Boordic, Mr. Dennis Lischak, ACCJ Chubu Living in Chubu Committee Co-Chair Mr. Will Keating (Interlink), and ACCJ Chubu Independent Committee Co-Chair Mr. Chris Oostyen (H&R Consultants).

Start a Business Now: Why Entrepreneurs should love a bad economy

2009-03-19: Jim Weisser (CEO and co-founder of PBXL, and governor of the Tokyo ACCJ) discussed the secrets of his success and why a bad economy can actually be the best time to start a business or fire up your existing one.

A Fireside Chat with Mr. Scott Reid, a BIG-WIG at Oak Lawn Marketing

2009-03-11: The Chubu Independent Business Committee brought together a great group of local business people to glean wisdom and inspiration from Mr. Scott Ried, Managing Director, Brand and Sales Operations of Oak Lawn Marketing. Mr. Reid, who is also the head of the local Tokai Japan Canada Society, brought along a sizable contingency of Canadians to the meeting. Scott's presentation focused on the things that every small business owner needs to learn if they want to take their business big. He also provided a great amount of information related to Oak Lawn Marketing and the strategies and policies that have helped it become such a successful company.

Cross Cultural Education Options

2009-02-28: The Living in Chubu Committee organized and sponsored a event in February aimed at international families in Nagoya faced with educational choices for their children. The Keynote address was delivered by Dr. Robert Risch of Nagoya International School, who presented a superb and global perspective on international education and then focused on TCK (Third Culture Kid) and the special challenges and opportunities they face. Dr. Robert Risch then joined other panelists: George Pruitt, Headmaster of Nagoya International Junior and High School, Stephen Geisler of Kakuozan International Preschool and Gloria Nakane, a long term resident of Nagoya whose children have now grown up.

(from left) ACCJ Chubu Living in Chubu Co-chair Mr. Lowell Sheppard, Ms. Gloria Nakane, Mr. Stephen Geisler, Mr. George Pruitt and Dr. Robert Risch.

IBC Local Talent Series, Episode 1: Steve Edwards

2009-02-12: The IBC Committee held its first event of the year and also the first presentation in our Showcasing Local Talent Series on Thursday, February 12 at Shooters Bar & Grill. Nagoya's new business entrepreneur and newest member of the ACCJ Chubu Chapter, Steve Edwards, with his many years of experience in the U.S. working with video and movie production, provided everyone who attended the event with a detailed overview of the video production craft and the tools and skills which are used to provide quality video and picture productions. Steve also is a professional in voiceover productions and photography.

Shinnenkai

2009-01-23: The ACCJ Chubu Chapter celebrated the arrival of 2009 with a great event on January 23 at The Tower Restaurant in the Nagoya TV Tower. Over 110 people were in attendance including the acting Ambassador, Mr. James Zumwalt and Thomas Whitson, ACCJ 2009 President. After the traditional cracking of the sake barrel and the kampai by the Chairman of Brother industries Ltd., Mr. Yoshihiro Yasui, members and guests enjoyed the atmosphere, food and drinks of the restaurant on the park. The nijikai was held at Platinum.

(from left) ACCJ President Mr. Thomas Whitson, Brother Industries Chairman Mr. Yoshihiro Yasui, U.S. Embassy Charge d'Affaires Mr. James Zumwalt, U.S. Consulate Nagoya Principal Officer Mr. Max Kwak, and ACCJ Vice President Chubu Mr. Chris Zarodkiewicz.

Champagne Ball

2008-11-21: This year's 3rd annual Champagne Ball and Awards dinner was bigger and better than the last with almost 350 members of the ACCJ and the Tokai Japan Canadian Society in attendance. With two bands, including a 20-piece big band, playing all the favorites from the 20s and 30s and the incredible service of the Hilton Nagoya, the reviews of the event were very positive. The evening kicked off with a short speech and Kompai from Max Kwak, U.S. Consul from the American Consulate Nagoya, and Allan Edwards, Canadian Consul in Nagoya. Awards were given out to members of both groups and the people's choice award was won by Joan Stewart. Michel Weenick was honored with a plaque for his 8 years of service as ACCJ Vice President, as he will be finishing his term at the end of December.

Leader of the Year: Michel Weenick was honored with a plaque for his 8 years of service as ACCJ Vice President.

Volunteer of the Year: The Boeing Corporation.

(from left) Nagoya International School Headmaster Mr. Robert Risch, Inoac USA's Mr. Carl Malz, ACCJ Vice President Chubu Mr. Chris Zarodkiewicz, and Japan Service Dog Association's Ms. Tomoko Takayanagi.

Steve Burson receives the ACCJ Leader of the Year Award.

1st Annual Golf Tournament

2008-11-09: The ACCJ Chubu Chapter held its 1st Annual Golf Tournament on Sunday, November 9, at the Midorigaoka Country Club in Nagoya, Aichi. Prizes were awarded and a great day of golf was followed by an onsen and dinner in the country club restaurant.

We had a great group of sponsors and participants, not only from the ACCJ, but also from other organizations within the community and other areas of Japan. A special thank you to Hisa Kato for making the reservations and allowing us to use his membership at Midorigaoka Country Club. We would also like to give our appreciation to Midorigaoka Country Club for its hospitality and support in hosting this event. We are confident that this tournament will grow over the years to become one of the ACCJ Chubu's premier events and will provide a venue for building friendships, business contacts and a showcase for our sponsors.

Walkathon

2008-05-18: 2008 brought this international festival to its 17th year maintaining itself as the largest international charity event in Chubu. More importantly, it brought together nearly two thousand members of the international and Japanese communities to support the vital work being conducted by local NPOs and charitable organizations. This year's Walkathon raised over 8 million yen in donations that will be given to local charities throughout the area. Live music, great food and a grassroots network of volunteers led by the ACCJ and the Nagoya International School made this annual event another success. Look for next year's event to be held in Tsurumai park on May 24. For more information please go to http://www.nagoyawalkathon.com.

Opening remarks by Deputy Mayor, Nagoya City, Mr. Yoshio Inden. (on the back from left) Boeing Japan Regional Manager Mr. Mark Beaumont, President of Oak Lawn Marketing Mr. Harry Hill, President of Kondo Sanko K.K. Mr. Seisho Kondo, #1 Walkathon tickets seller Mr. Tsutomu Adachi.

Walk check point with Boeing Volunteer team.