2005-12-13: ACCJ President Debbie Howard, members of the ACCJ leadership, and ACCJ staff threw a party at the Roppongi bistrot, Roti, to honor the 2005 ACCJ Volunteers of the Year and formally present them with certificates of appreciation. Congratulations to the 2005 ACCJ Volunteers of the Year, William Bishop, Richard Boyden, Andy Conrad, Vincenzo Lufino, Stephen Montgomery, Akihiko "Tiger" Oga, Eric Sedlak and Grant Tanabe!
2005 ACCJ Volunteer of the Year, Akihiko "Tiger" Oga, receiving his certificate from ACCJ President Debbie Howard, for being an "integral part of the committee's dynamics ... setting an example and raising the quality of the ACCJ experience for many."
2005 ACCJ Volunteers of the Year Vincenzo Lufino and Stephen Montgomery put on a fantastic Hollywood-themed extravaganza for the 2005 ACCJ Charity Ball, resulting in yet another Charity Ball fund-raising record at 13,043,521 yen.
2005 ACCJ Volunteer of the Year Andy Conrad was recognized, along with Richard Boyden (not pictured) for "indispensable work on the ACCJ task force that crafted and executed a series of recommendations to the Japanese Diet" as part of the ACCJ's growing advocacy efforts.
2005 ACCJ Volunteer of the Year Eric Sedlak received his award for "tirelessly and selflessly working to raise the Legal Services Committee to a new level of excellence through successful programming and strong contributions to advocacy, not only through work on the Legal Services committee and a YK Conversion viewpoint, but also by helping to coordinate and assist the Privatization Task Force and launch the Labor Mobility Task Force."
2005 ACCJ Volunteer of the Year Grant Tanabe, whose "work on the ACCJ's Leadership Guide has helped to bring this fundamental component of ACCJ leadership support to the next level of excellence." He was also "an indispensable driver behind the Leadership Best Practices workshops, helping to ensure the resoundingly positive feedback and institutionalization of the workshops within ACCJ operations."
2005 ACCJ Leader of the Year Bill Bishop was recognized for "raising the level of excellence in the ACCJ's Doorknock activities" and as "an educator responsible for a series of highly effective workshops on advocacy."
ACCJ Election Results for 2006
2005-12-05: Click here to view the press release.
2005 ACCJ Charity Crystal Ball a Blockbuster:
Hollywood - A Night With The Stars
2005-12-03: The ACCJ's fifth annual Charity Crystal Ball, held on a magical December 3rd, was a merry frolic of Hollywood glitz and Westin Tokyo opulence. The sold-out event included many fun moments, an open bar, a six-course meal, and two bands batting bow-tied and ball-gowned dancers back and forth across the hall till the bewitching hour. The Mike Price Orchestra played whirl-and-dip-your-partner swing and the most romantic themes of the silver screen, while The Little Sister Band's hyper-thermal renditions of rock and pop favorites set in motion any remaining bodies that possessed native power of locomotion.
ACCJ President Debbie Howard and Charity Ball Co-Chairs Vincent Lufino and Stephen Montgomery saw the opportunity to approach double the record for charitable proceeds raised by the previous Charity Crystal Ball in the early response of the top level, "Hollywood Gala" sponsors, Aflac, Bear Stearns, Citibank, and Fedex. "The enthusiastic generosity of the Gala sponsors set the momentum early for the entire event," said Lufino.
Prizes were won at every table, and auctioned or raffled for more than a million yen, and the proceeds committed through the prizes will shortly determine the exact amount that will be delivered to charity, in addition to more than 100 gift bags from the sponsors.
President Howard looked perfect as the glamorous Hollywood Star handing out "Oscars" to each of the Gala Sponsors and introducing guests of honor the Ambassador and Mrs. Schieffer. In exquisite Motion Picture Academy style she held the world in her hand for the golden moment and to great applause thanked the audience "for such a wonderful send-off at the end of my second term as president."
The Crystal Charity Ball is the evolution of a long tradition at the ACCJ of holding the season's not-to-miss gala event, which mixed in the charity component to channel the gratitude of ACCJ members into the community. Financial donations in excess of costs will be given to the 2005 Charity Ball beneficiaries. The Community Services Fund council of the ACCJ Board of Governors has chosen the charities below recognizing that they are well-managed and meet worthy needs in the community.
HELP Asian Women's Shelter
A shelter for abused women and their children
Nonohana No Ie
A home for orphans and neglected children
Second Harvest Japan
An organization that helps feed the hungry in Japan
YMCA Challenged Children's Program
Camps for mentally and physically handicapped children
The ACCJ Homeless Fund
A fund maintained by the ACCJ for charities that focus on the issue of homelessness in Japan
The ACCJ would like to thank the following sponsors for their generosity and support:
HOLLYWOOD GALA: Aflac - Bear Stearns - Citigroup - FedEx
PLATINUM: Amway
GOLD: The Daily Yomiuri
SILVER: AIG - Allied Pickfords - Coca-Cola Japan Co., Ltd. - Cosmo - Daimler Chrysler - Godiva Japan, Inc. - Midas - Morgan Stanley - Shinsei Bank - State Street - White & Case
Prize Sponsors:
DIAMOND: - American Airlines - City Club of Tokyo - Chanel K.K. - Estee Lauder - Four Seasons Tokyo at Chinzan-so - Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer - Northwest Airlines - Skill House Staffing Solutions - United Airlines - Westin Tokyo
EMERALD: - De'Longhi Japan Corp. - Halekulani on the Beach at Waikiki - Herman Miller Japan, Ltd. - InterContinental The Grand Yokohama - Radisson Miyako Hotel Tokyo - Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment Japan
RUBY: - Capitol Tokyu Hotel - Grand Hyatt Tokyo - InterContinental Tokyo Bay - Oakwood Residence Roppongi T-Cube - Palace Hotel - The Strings Hotel Tokyo - Tokyo American Club - The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd. - The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa
CORPORATE GIFTS: - Costco Wholesale - The Daily Yomiuri - Nestle Japan Group - Sony Pictures Entertainment - Takara Co., Ltd - Walt Disney Internet Group (Japan)
Also in gratitude to:
- Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment Japan and The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd.
- Adrienne Westmore and Shannon Schuster for designing and producing all of the decoration for the evening.
- Vincent You and the Westin Tokyo.
- Allied Pickfords, Premier Asian Tigers, Crown Relocations, and Schenker-Seino for providing the wine waiters for the evening.
- Kroll International Inc. for security consulting.
- Orca International for providing the sparkling wine for the welcome drink.
November 2005
Japan & U.S. Succession Rules and Transfer Taxation for Foreign Residents of Japan
2005-11-03: In a joint presentation, PricewaterhouseCoopers teamed up with White & Case to deliver a comprehensive look at the Japan and U.S. succession and transfer taxation rules that apply to most foreign nationals and U.S. citizens residing in Japan. Michael Shikuma began the presentation by going through the succession rules from a legal perspective to help the audience determine whether Japan or home country succession law applies. He said the key to making the determination is based on domicile, location of property, type of property, citizenship and home country law. It was clear that a simple answer is not easily found.
Michael Shikuma
Continuing the presentation, Michael Kato and Rachel Bentley discussed the U.S. estate and Japan inheritance tax. Mr. Kato said that in order to begin any estate or inheritance planning it is important to understand what the potential exposure may be, how the tax is calculated and what opportunities are available within the tax code to help manage the liability. He explained how the U.S. tax law applies to nonresidents and noncitizens who are married to U.S. nationals. Rachel Bentley then explained the Japan inheritance tax, the calculation and potential impact for foreign nationals residing in Japan. The presentation concluded with some planning ideas and examples of how tax savings could be achieved.
Michael Kato and Rachel Bentley
October 2005
Vodafone: The Demands Of The Japanese Market
2005-10-05: In his presentation to ACCJ members and guests at the Westin Hotel, Bill Morrow stated some of the challenges that Vodafone has faced and some of the lessons learned upon entering the Japanese market. He said the key to success is the importance of not underestimating the value of customer expectations, cultural differences and harmony with government competitors and suppliers. Acknowledging and managing cultural differences, both in company culture and in the marketplace, play a critical role for any foreign manager operating in Japan.
Bill Morrow, President, Vodafone K.K.
BOJ Governor Toshihiko Fukui offers BOJ's Perspective on the Japanese and Global Economies
2005-10-03: Answering an invitation from the Financial Services Committee of the ACCJ, Bank of Japan (BOJ) Governor Toshihiko Fukui, who has led BOJ since March 2003, offered 200 ACCJ members and their guests a candid "snapshot" of the current state of the Japanese and global economy, observing that the Japanese economy's "well-being depends on its ability to efficiently and effectively adapt to changing environments." Other areas covered in his address included the influence of emerging economies on the global economy, the rise of crude oil prices and its effect on global economies, and the need for restructuring of public finances to assure steady economic growth.
Bank of Japan (BOJ) Governor Toshihiko Fukui.
September 2005
ACCJ President Howard Testifies Before U.S. House Ways & Means Committee
2005-09-28: Link to the full text of Ms. Howard's testimony on the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee website.
http://waysandmeans.house.gov/hearings.asp?formmode=view&id=3801
Circus Juggernaut - Cirque du Soleil
2005-09-22: Aerial acrobats, quirky clowns and a live band enchanting the audience in an event transcending traditional circus acts are all part of the "Alegria 2" experience - Cirque du Soleil's production currently on tour in Japan.
With 14 productions currently touring the world, such as "Varekai," "Quidam," and "Saltimbanco," the Cirque du Soleil juggernaut employs a remarkable 3,000 individuals, composed of 40 nationalities and 25 languages. It not only makes for an exciting show, but also poses serious production challenges from time to time. Marketing Manager of Cirque du Soleil's Alegria 2 production, Montse More, told all to ACCJ members and guests in Kansai.
Arriving in Japan in 1992, Cirque du Soleil has entertained more than 5 million fans. Building upon the popularity of its "La Nouba" production at Walt Disney World and Resort in Orlando, Florida, Cirque du Soleil will soon become a permanent fixture inside Tokyo Disneyland in 2008.
Montse More (far left), Marketing Manager of Cirque du Soleil's Alegria 2 production currently touring Japan, fields questions from ACCJ members and guests following her presentation on September 22.
Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Make the Competition Irrelevant
2005-09-01: Super-strategist duo W. Chan Kim and Rene Mauborgne, authors of the new and record-breaking best-seller, "Blue Ocean Strategy," and professors at France's INSEAD graduate business school, spoke to a capacity crowd of more than 130 ACCJ members and guests and 70 additional attendees from six other chambers of commerce in Japan.
Kim and Mauborgne are rapidly establishing a reputation for holding the secrets to a radical new way of approaching a competitive market, namely by remaking it in your own image, complete with an ocean of your own to swim in. To complete the picture: you are in the "blue ocean," where you define the competitive terms, and everybody else is in the "red ocean," where the competitive terms are implicit.
In an often illuminating, sometimes humorous, and always engaging style, the Kim and Mauborgne duo tag-teamed and tandemed their way through numerous examples of how to gain perspective on "red oceans" of heated competition in order to break away into blue oceans of your own. They illustrated how incumbents and newcomers each have their advantages and, after a very lively question and answer period, left every member of the audience with the certainty that a unique blue ocean is only a matter of making.
Dynamic duo W. Chan Kim and Rene Mauborgne work the capacity-room during the Q&A..
Launch of Tokyo Business Entry Point by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government
2005-08-31: Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara alongside ACCJ President Debbie Howard, JETRO President Osamu Watanabe, JCC Chairman Nobuo Yamaguchi, and other VIP guests participated today in the launch of the Tokyo Business Entry Point. The new service developed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government acts as a "one-stop information portal for foreign-affiliated firms" offering a wide range of services. The services, not limited solely to business information, also incorporate vital information concerning daily life. Consultation services will provide foreign residents, among other things, with assistance in seeking foreign language medical services, various educational institutions, and housing information. For more information please visit http://www.tokyo-business.jp
August 2005
U.S. Speaker of the House, J. Dennis Hastert, Starts Asia Tour With The ACCJ
2005-08-01: Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert kicked off his recent Asia tour in Tokyo by holding an intimate meeting with the ACCJ Board of Governors and the Japan operation heads of many leading ACCJ member companies. The Speaker, who was accompanied by six members of Congress and his senior staff, spoke to ACCJ officers about topics including the razor thin margin by which CAFTA passed the House--a single vote. The Speaker, who taught economics to high school students for 16 years, described the difficulties in convincing politicians of the merits of free trade when their constituents are losing jobs to overseas producers that enjoy various tax advantages and lower labor costs. Drawing on his own experience studying economics in Japan, he also demonstrated a keen understanding of the high stakes involved in the Japan Post Privatization process. This is the Speaker's first trip to Japan since January 2002, which also included a meeting with ACCJ Leaders.
Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert accepts certificate of appreciation from ACCJ President, Debbie Howard.
July 2005
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Shoichi Nakagawa Speaks Off The Record to ACCJ Members and Guests
2005-07-20: Dressed in his sharpest Cool Biz business casual, six-time House of Representative member and current Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Shoichi Nakagawa spoke to the ACCJ on July 20, delivering a frank and off the record account of his unique perspective on a range of economic and political challenges facing Japan. Minister Nakagawa, who has also served as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, was hand chosen by Prime Minister Koizumi to fill the post of Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in Koizumi's fourth cabinet, during which time the Ministry has had to respond to challenges ranging from verified cases of BSE in the United States to soaring trade with China, to the increasingly prominent need for environmental conservation.
Minister Nakagawa spoke at length on a number of the biggest issues of the day, such as the emerging role of China on the international economic scene, CAFTA, the friction over U.S. beef imports, oil and energy conservation, and China's UNOCAL bid, among others, sharing his insights and providing plenty of personal anecdotes. Minister Nakagawa made sure to save time for Q&A from the audience, allowing ACCJ members to pose their most pressing concerns and issues to yet another of Japan's top government decision-makers.
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Shoichi Nakagawa
Presentation Zen -- Garr Reynolds Gets All Hands Clapping Again
2005-07-05: "You will learn at least one thing from me today," Garr Reynolds, Associate Professor, Marketing, Kansai Gaidai University, and former Manager of Worldwide User Group Relations at Apple Computer, Inc., promised to ACCJ members and guests at the beginning of "Presentation Zen." But that was an understatement. Any of the many tips and techniques discussed by Mr. Reynolds at the event would raise a typical presentation to a higher level.
You have seen it all (and, yes, probably used it all) before in presentations: pages chock full of bullet points, animated graphics jittering for attention, the same clip-art fit to every kind of subject, plenty of data and no central point or meaning, presenter reading word-for-word from the presentation... It doesn't have to be that way.
Reynolds noted how lately tools such as Power Point are being accused of causing the problem in the first place, but, standing in front of a slide featuring nothing but a picture of an ordinary hammer to support his point, Reynolds declared, "It is not the tool, but the way people use it." In an hour's worth of discussion, he made mastery of it a much more plausible prospect, with emphasis on how to convey complex subjects in a simple style.
He summarized, "In one word, what presentation Zen means to me is 'simplicity.'" "The bar is so low," Reynolds said more than once, "that this is a real chance to differentiate yourself."
June 2005
Katsuya Okada, President, Democratic Party of Japan Speaks on "Definite Change"
2005-06-21: Promising that there will "definitely be a change in government" in the next general election, Katsuya Okada, co-founder and current President of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), addressed ACCJ members and guests in a policy-oriented speech on how Japan's foreign and security policy would be different when the DPJ is no longer the largest opposition party, but rather the ruling party, in Japan.
Okada presented the main points of the DPJ's new policy piece, "Toward the Realization of Enlightened National Interest; Living Harmoniously with Asia and the World" and emphasized a marked distinction between Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and DPJ policy, arguing that misguided and poorly executed foreign policy influenced by vested interests has caused Japan to pursue a narrowly defined national interest at the expense of its real national interest.
Okada stressed the need for Japan to reform its foreign policy agenda by committing to improving relations with its Asian neighbors for a peaceful and economically integrated East Asian community, reshaping how Japan interacts with Asia, and consequently reshaping how Asia interacts with the world.
An extended Q&A followed the speech, with discussion ranging from FTAs to the Yasukuni shrine to the balance of power between elected legislators and government officials. The ACCJ was proud to host yet another of Japan's top political leaders as they addressed Japan's foreign business community.
Workshop 1 on Innovative Personal Effectiveness Plays to Capacity Crowd
2005-06-08: In response to the overwhelming interest from ACCJ members in skills development and training events, the Human Resources Management Committee hosted its first in a three-part workshop series entitled "Do it Now: Increase Your Personal Efficiency." Facilitators Martin McDonald and Naomi Downing, of Impact (Japan) Ltd., took the packed-to-capacity room through a series of activities designed to improve personal efficiency by first identifying unconscious work habits and then reshaping those habits through special techniques for prioritizing, planning and scheduling.
After an intense workshop, attendees gathered in the handsome City Club library for a wine reception and the chance to network and learn more from the facilitators.
The second in the HRM Committee's Innovative Personal Effectiveness series should prove to be equally popular: entitled "6 Thinking Hats," this workshop will help participants learn how to use the power of perspectives in problem solving and thinking process. Be ready to sign up in August for the event, which will be held on September 6.
May 2005
U.S. Legacy Airlines: Comeback Time
2005-05-25: Northwest Airlines CEO, Douglas M. Steenland, spoke to a full house on May 25 at the Westin Hotel. Steenland remarked on the current challenges that U.S. legacy airlines are struggling to overcome. Particularly in the U.S. market, start-up airlines have dropped prices and created stiff competition. Northwest Airlines, along with other veteran airlines in the Japan market, are going through a transition period and need to return to profitability. Going forward, Steenland believes that investing for the future, through improving airport facilities and routes and building the fleet, is the best way to pull out of the slump.
Northwest Airlines CEO, Douglas M. Steenland
"Prime Minister Koizumi: A Political Analysis" Minoru Morita, political commentator
2005-05-23: Minoru Morita, one of Japan's preeminent contemporary political commentators, shared his insightful analysis of the current state and likely projection of Japan's political and economic trajectory to an audience of over 80 ACCJ members and guests on Monday.
Gathering in the Tokyo American Club's largest banquet hall, Morita discussed at length his predictions for Prime Minister Koizumi's future, the privatization of Japan Post, the implications of Koizumi's economic policy, the significance of the impending July 3 Tokyo Metropolitan elections, and Koizumi's likely cabinet reshuffle in the fall, helping the audience gain a greater appreciation of the interconnectedness of many of the headlines dominating the daily papers.
Morita spoke in a refreshingly accessible manner as he educated the audience on many of the complexities involved in dissolving the Diet and gathering a consensus within the LDP to assure passage of the Japan Post privatization bill. Taking great care to avoid falling into partisan punditry, Morita gave a balanced view of the current political and economic state of affairs in Japan. He also shared his grave concern over the growing under class in Japan and the social implications he predicts such class stratification will have on Japan's future, but he added that he has hope for the much needed "fresh breeze" that local autonomy movements could potentially create in Japan. The audience was able to interact directly with Morita in a fascinating Q&A following the main presentation.
Minoru Morita
The Boeing Story in Japan
2005-05-18: ACCJ members and guests filled the Roppongi Hill Club's banquet hall to capacity to hear Dr. Robert "Skipp" Orr, president of Boeing Japan, speak informally about Boeing's successes in Japan over the last 50 years. Speaking about the commercial, defense, and space businesses that Boeing Japan is engaged in, Dr. Orr highlighted his points with a number of personal anecdotes while discussing Boeing's past, present, and future. ACCJ members and guests also had the unique opportunity to directly interact with the head of the largest aircraft provider to Japan in a Q&A session following the main presentation.
Dr. Robert "Skipp" Orr, president of Boeing Japan
April 2005
Secretary Mineta Praises Japan, Urges Open Skies
2005-04-11: Secretary Norman Mineta, who was born in Japan, and visiting for the first time as Secretary of Transportation, expressed his views on the U.S.-Japan transportation relationship as an ACCJ guest speaker. "This trip" the Secretary said, "brings together three of the things that are dearest to my heart: the country of my birth, the country of my ancestry, and the focus of my life's work - the transportation systems that bring greater prosperity to the people of both of our great Nations."
Mineta lauded the strength of the U.S.-Japan relationship, which is demonstrated by the close friendship between Prime Minister Koizumi and President Bush. Japan and the U.S.'s common vision for the future is evident in the variety of ways they have cooperated on transportation and technology innovation. The Secretary highlighted several U.S. - Japanese collaborations, including developing environmentally friendly hydrogen-based fuels, vehicle safety, aviation safety, technology and manufacturing. He pointed out that the U.S. has much to learn from Japan about creating a railway system that is safe, efficient and profitable.
Mineta expressed a strong desire for the U.S. and Japan to continue discussions to promote market liberalization in aviation, which would culminate in the conclusion of an "open skies" agreement. He stressed that the U.S. is already moving forward with open skies agreements with other nations that will pave the way for greater market liberalization, enabling commerce, human resources, and innovation to flow more freely. He noted that the U.S. has signed significant accords that include a maritime agreement and a landmark air services agreement that has substantially liberalized the U.S.'s relationship with China. He also noted that later in the week he would be traveling to India to sign a new open skies bilateral agreement.
The Secretary expressed concern that if Japan continued to maintain its current restrictions on the aviation market, then commerce would flow to other countries who have opened up their markets. He ended his remarks by recalling what Secretary Rice mentioned on her trip to Japan last month. She noted that the U.S. and Japan have "joined together as a Pacific community, turning a great ocean into a bridge, not a barrier, between nations." She also stressed that we have achieved much together because we have been open to new projects, new ideas and new partnerships. Secretary Mineta concurred with hope that, "one of those partnerships will be in opening our transportation markets to help our two nations facilitate the flow of trade, the exchange of technology, and the interaction of people who share so very much in common."
Secretary Norman Mineta
March 2005
ACCJ Privacy Law Seminar Convenes 300
2005-03-23: Approximately 300 ACCJ members and guests attended ACCJ's Privacy Law Seminar at the Tokyo American Club to take guidance from representatives of the Cabinet Office; the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare; the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications; and the Financial Services Agency.
In each of their welcoming remarks, ACCJ President Debbie Howard, ACCJ Governor and Privacy Task Force Chair Jay Ponazecki, and the Minister-Counselor for Commercial Affairs Samuel Kidder highlighted the importance of understanding the new law as the flow of information moves with ever increasing speed and efficiency.
The event was simultaneously translated, and costs were significantly offset by the generous sponsorship of Acxiom, GE, IMS Japan K.K., Morgan Stanley Ltd., Morrison & Foerster LLP, Pacifica Consultants, Prudential Financial Inc., and Visa International.
Amazon Japan Sees Success with Innovative Formula
2005-03-21: President of Amazon Japan, Jasper Cheung, told ACCJ members and guests that Amazon Japan strives to be not only the biggest online shopping company, but also the most customer-centric company.
One case in point is Amazon's controversial policy of allowing customers to post negative reviews. Cheung remarked on the doom that many predicted would result from such a policy, and explained that giving customers an uncensored voice and allowing customers to read negative reviews helps them to choose the book they really want, and it helps build a relationship of trust with all customers. With it's rapid growth in Japan, Amazon sees success with the formula even in a culture where negative opinions are known to be especially repressed.
Cheung said that "high returns and high margins" are the keys to Amazon's business model in Japan.
President of Amazon Japan Jasper Cheung
Starting and Running a Business in Japan
2005-03-16: Four ACCJ member entrepreneurs spoke to a full house last week in the first of the ACCJ's and Canadian Chamber of Commerce's "Starting and Running a Business in Japan" seminar series. The panel provided the insight of proven success on a wide range of topics related to the exciting challenge of starting and running a business in Japan.
Debbie Howard, President of the ACCJ, and President of her own market research company, JMRN, noted that while "being a self-starter and believing in yourself," are important, "having a strong constitution physically" is necessary to meeting the sometimes very stressful day-to-day challenges. Paul Goldsmith, President of Panache Corporation, said that you also need to be "paranoid." Preparing for the worst will help lessen damage during difficult times.
All four agreed that, when starting your own business, there will be difficulties that could make many give up, and you need to prepare for such high hurdles. You need to have your financial house in order, too, before you undertake starting your own business.
Mike Alfant, President of Building 2, said that it's easy to become obsessed with your company, and it's very important to invest in yourself - whether that be through further education or, as Howard suggested, by rewarding yourself with a day of golf on a warm sunny day.
Sporting metaphors were prevalent at the event, with emphasis on staying in the game. As James Yellowlees, President of Pacifica Consultants, remarked, "You don't hit a lot of home runs - you hit a lot of singles."
Kanagawa Chief and 46 Fighters Take on Central Government
2005-03-14: Kanagawa Governor Shigefumi Matsuzawa is not one to shy away from strong opinions. To a diverse audience of ACCJ members, reporters, and a television camera, he referred to himself and the governors of Japan's 46 other prefectures as "reform-minded chiefs," and did not hesitate to name numerous central-government objects of his "Fighting Association" ire: Ministry of Education? We don't need it. Ministry of Health and Welfare? Don't need it. Ministry of Construction? Ditto.
The "Fighting National Governors Association" sounded its first battle cry when it presented the specifics of 9-10 trillion yen in central government subsidies that the Governors declared could be scrapped in favor of transferring a fraction, 8-9 trillion yen, in tax revenues directly to local governments. Such reform, still being fought for, would be a major blow to the system of political patronage.
With 80,000 government employees under his executive leadership, Governor Matsuzawa feels he is much more able to get things done than he was as a member of the Diet, where reform was synonymous with criticizing the ruling party to no effect. After all, according to Governor Matsuzawa, the history of reform in Japan is all about the provinces attacking the central government, "never the central government initiating change itself."
With this in mind, Governor Matsuzawa believes that "changing Kanagawa will change Japan."
Kanagawa Governor Shigefumi Matsuzawa
ACCJ Dispels "Egregious Misconceptions" About "Hostile Takeovers"
2005-03-07: The ACCJ received more than 40 reporters and four network camera crews at its Tokyo Offices to publicly dispel "egregious misconceptions" about "hostile takeovers."
ACCJ Chairman and Governor Bob Grondine represented the ACCJ position, outlining three of the most common misconceptions: that upcoming changes to the Commercial Code will encourage foreign companies to engage in "hostile takeovers," that foreign companies are eager to do so, and that there is an urgent need for laws to prevent it.
On the contrary, nothing in the planned 2005 amendments to the Commercial Code will make it easier to propose or execute exchange transactions of a "hostile" nature, and no one is proposing that, explained Grondine. Moreover, "the greatest risk in any M&A is the post-purchase integration of the two companies. If it is hostile, it is even riskier." Grondine explained that by far, "friendly" M&A is preferred, particularly across borders.
"Why are we so concerned about this?" asked Grondine. "Because the goal is to improve FDI in Japan. And if you are looking at improving FDI, you must improve the M&A environment."
Grondine said that the key obstacle to cross-border M&A of any kind, hostile or not, is that tax cannot be deferred on the value of stock exchanged in a cross-border merger, whereas it can in a domestic exchange. In the consideration of new rules regarding M&A, "If there is no tax deferral equal to domestic, the Japanese Government will be seen as completely not committed to the FDI goal," said Grondine.
Many questions were raised by reporters regarding the recent Livedoor bid for Nippon Broadcasting System Inc, which could result in Livedoor acquiring a controlling stake in Fuji TV. Grondine's comments were limited to the welcome focus that the event brings to the M&A environment in Japan. "It's only reasonable that companies should expect a greater degree of clarity about what is and isn't possible in regard to defense measures," said Grondine.
Misinformation on FDI Impedes Sound Decision-Making (English)
Misinformation on FDI Impedes Sound Decision-Making (Japanese)
ACCJ Press Conference
February 2005
You Know You Need a CMO When...
2005-02-28: ...When your CEO hears "I didn't know you do that!" from more than one customer. Symantec CEO, John W. Thompson created the Chief Marketing Officer position for Symantec after one too many visits with customers who were not already aware of key Symantec offerings. A full room of ACCJ members and guests at the Tokyo American Club enthusiastically welcomed Janice Chaffin on February 24 to tell the story of how she took up the challenge after 20 years at Hewlett Packard.
Chaffin encountered several well-run organizations within Symantec, each with its own relatively successful marketing program. However, each also had a unique view of the customer. "They all had different perspectives on who the customer is," said Chaffin. "Somebody had to be able to pull back and form a single perspective."
Chaffin compared Marketing VP roles to CMO roles, noting the particular emphasis that a CMO has on "driving the company to a customer-centric culture." The "big challenge," she said, "is marketing how you market" to a global organization.
Chaffin's challenge is a product of the accelerating pace of business today. Citing statistics from Spencer Stuart, she noted that "while the average tenure of a CEO is 53.8 months, a CMO only has 22.9 months to get to get it right."
Symantec CMO Janice Chaffin took several questions at the end of her presentation. In this photo, she responds to a question on how performance measurements for her role were developed.
Jesper Koll Optimistic on Japan
2005-02-14: In his annual up-date to the ACCJ, the charismatic Jesper Koll told an audience of over 180 ACCJ members and guests that Japan Inc. is well positioned for moderate growth over the next few years.
Mr. Koll contends that the perception of the international press and of many people that Japan is no longer a major economic powerhouse is simply wrong. Japan is now over its banking crisis, and other important structural changes are in place with more on its way.
Japan has exited its long-term recession with an export lead recovery, as it has always done in the past. The big difference today is that 80 percent of the exports are going to China, as opposed to past Export-lead recoveries where the majority was going to the U.S. Moreover, according to Koll, the variety of goods being exported are much wider and the number of industries benefiting from it is greater.
The Japanese have in large part realized that they cannot compete with China in the manufacturing of low and medium technology products, but realize advantages from relocating some manufacturing to China, and in the short and medium term supply industrial technologies, machinery, and other goods and services needed by China to build up its infrastructure. This activity has halted the hollowing out of Japan's industry, and Japan and China are now linked in what Koll calls a "co-dependence."
Japan's longer-term picture has high potential as well, as Japan continues to "upgrade the quality of its capital stock," and by doing so will stay a technology leader. He pointed out that while "this year's sexy machine, the iPod," with about "10 million units sold," comes from a U.S. company, "approximately 40% of the components are made in Japan" and at this time "can only be made in Japan."
Mr. Koll also noted that cross-share holding is down, accounting transparency has improved, household propensity to save is dropping, the cost of labor by unit has dropped since since 1994, and that Japan's leadership with the BoJ has a "clear policy goal to end deflation." Through it all, Mr. Koll sees a dollar decline as a result of and in response to structural problems in the U.S., and this would function as a "productivity stick" for Japanese companies.
Jesper Koll
Volunteers of the Year 2004
2005-02-04: ACCJ President Debbie Howard, members of the ACCJ leadership, and ACCJ staff had a small wine-and-cheese party at the ACCJ office to honor the 2004 ACCJ Volunteers of the Year and formally present them with certificates of appreciation. The ACCJ is proud to have many active members working on a wide variety of projects, and every year there are more than a few standouts from which we choose our Volunteers of the Year. Congratulations to our 2004 Volunteers of the Year, Richard Boyden, Joel Glasser, Daniel Lintz, Vincenzo Lufino, and Grant Tanabe!
2004 ACCJ Volunteers of the Year Grant Tanabe and Richard Boyden receive their certificates from ACCJ President Debbie Howard for work on the ACCJ's advocacy initiative regarding the privatization of state-owned enterprises in Japan, including critical researching, drafting, and editing, which enabled the Privatization Taskforce to release two major studies, "Applying Global Best Practices to Privatization in Japan" and "Applying Privatization Global Best Practices to Japan Post." These studies have had significant positive impact on the ongoing debate in Japan about the privatization of Japan Post and other privatization initiatives in Japan.
2004 ACCJ Volunteer of the Year Daniel Lintz receives his certificate from ACCJ President Debbie Howard for tireless organizational oversight of the first and second Financial Technology Seminars, and passionate effort to ensure the success of these events by winning speaking commitments from a very distinguished and broad range of speakers, which resulted in better-than-expected attendance and overwhelmingly positive feedback.
2004 ACCJ Volunteers of the Year Joel Glasser and Vincenzo Lufino stepped in and took charge of the Charity Ball committee only three months ahead of the event -- an act of grace under a lot of pressure indeed. Their disciplined planning skills and commitment to achieving the best event possible lead to the Chamber's most successful Charity Ball to date, generating a record 5,842,500 yen.
Governor Keating - From Oklahoma Bombing To Japan Post Privatization
2005-02-03: Former Oklahoma Governor Keating expressed his concern about the advantages enjoyed by Kampo, Japan Post's insurance operation, in the vivid terms of baseball: "They have the mitt, they have the ball, and they have the bat, and we don't have a mitt, ball, or bat." As the Government of Japan proceeds with the privatization of Japan Post, Keating believes the highest priority should be given to ensuring a regulatory level playing field between Kampo and its private-sector insurance competitors.
Governor Keating emphasized that to achieve a level playing field, Kampo must be subject to the same regulations as private insurance companies by requiring it to pay taxes, remove government guarantees, be supervised by the Financial Services Agency, and pay into a policyholder protection fund. He stressed that Kampo must not sell any new products until a level playing field is established. Governor Keating added that, "This is the No. 1 trade issue to our companies in the United States and very important to the U.S. government as well."
Governor Keating also related the experience he gained while he was Governor during the Oklahoma bombings in 1995 to his views on post 9-11 terrorism and its effect on the economy and consumer spending. Finally, the Governor spoke about social security reform in the U.S., perceiving a need for Americans to learn from the Japanese and begin saving for their retirement.
Governor Keating
January 2005
Ambassador Baker Accepts 2004 ACCJ Person of the Year Award, ACCJ members bid formal farewell
Left to right, top to bottom: David Satterwhite (ACCJ), Glen Fukushima (ACCJ), James Zumwalt (U.S. Embassy), Charles Lake (ACCJ), Dominic Carter (ACCJ), Kumi Sato (ACCJ), ACCJ President Debbie Howard, Ambassador Howard Baker, John Diefenbach (ACCJ)
Ambassador Howard Baker: "The welfare of Japan and the United States are so intertwined, that I think it's essential that we consider it on that basis."
Ambassador Howard Baker: "ACCJ President Debbie Howard presenting Ambassador Howard Baker with the 2004 ACCJ Person of the Year certificate."
2005-01-27: In an event that provided ACCJ members and their guests a last chance to say formal fare-wells to a very distinguished ACCJ Honorary President, Ambassador Howard H. Baker, Jr., accepted the 2004 ACCJ Person of the Year Award. Programs Committee Chair Dominic Carter provided a brief opening to the luncheon event at the Hotel Okura and gave the podium to ACCJ President Debbie Howard, who presented the award.
Ms. Howard's words expressed the sincerest appreciation of the guest of honor. "I do not think it is an exaggeration to say that under your leadership, Mr. Ambassador, the two greatest economic powers in the world have come together in an economic and strategic partnership unlike any other in the world."
Ms. Howard added, "I take comfort in knowing that the policies and initiatives introduced during your tenure to promote and strengthen U.S. ties with Japan will also have a lasting impact on the business environment for not only American but companies of all nationalities."
She inferred from Ambassador Baker's well-known passion for photography a common source for his "discerning eye" and "special gift for seeing to the heart of the matter."
The debt of gratitude owed by the ACCJ to Ambassador Baker also was abundantly clear as Ms. Howard touched on his invaluable advice and assistance on a broad scope of matters in industries and public welfare where the ACCJ is actively engaged.
Also abundantly clear was the genuine friendship that underpinned Ambassador Baker's relationship with the ACCJ. "Mr. Ambassador, I speak for the entire ACCJ when I say that we will dearly miss you," said Ms. Howard.
In his acceptance speech, Ambassador Baker, who met monthly with the ACCJ Board of Governors, said, "it's because ACCJ, with your breadth of experience and your wise knowledge of the business community here in Japan, has given me a window on what really happens here - what the dynamics are, what the challenges are, what the opportunities are, and I congratulate you for that."
Ambassador Baker's sense of shared destiny for the U.S. and Japan was palpable, and though he briefly entertained the idea that the extraordinary closeness of the two nations might be a mystery best left to academics, he passionately expressed his own thoughts on the question. "It may be that one of the reasons is because we both have - Japanese and Americans have - an instinct for self-government," said Ambassador Baker. "We are both efficient, effective, practicing democracies. We are both not only willing to, but will have demonstrated our ability to, hear what our countries have to say and to translate it into useful public policy. There aren't many large powers like Japan and the United States that can boast that. And it may not be the only reason, or perhaps the prime reasons, why the United States and Japan are so close. But my friends, I believe it is a significant reason."
Ambassador Baker briefly addressed the Okinawa issue, declaring his admiration for the Governor of Okinawa and his wishes, along with those of the U.S. President and Secretary of Defense, to reduce "the special burden on the people of that region."
Remarking on Prime Minister Koizumi's observation at a dinner the night before that his approval rating was down, the Ambassador assured the audience that "the real test of leadership is the ability of a leader to identify problems and opportunities, to act on them notwithstanding what the polls may say - in a word, to lead instead of respond. And I think the prime minister does that extraordinarily well."
Ambassador Baker, who two days earlier included remarks on the virtues of a two-party system in a speech to an assembly of Japan's dominant LDP party, said, "I'm a dedicated, fervent, patriotic American, and I have no hesitation in saying these things, because the welfare of Japan and the United States are so intertwined, that I think it's essential that we consider it on that basis."
Ambassador Baker will turn 80 this year, but he gave special emphasis to the importance of looking further into the future. "Nobody has the real ability to look in the crystal ball and predict... But it's useful, I think, to think about it."
ACCJ Kicks off the Year of the Rooster
2005-01-13: The ACCJ kicked off the Year of the Rooster with a shinnenkai to rival any in its 57 year history. The Hikari Room of the Imperial Hotel was filled to capacity by a party that clearly showed the increasing diversity of ACCJ membership and valued associations. Members of the Diet, revered captains and architects of the post-war "Japanese miracle," and veteran expatriates from all over the world shared the festivities with Japanese and foreign entrepreneurs in a wide range of businesses and disciplines, some only just beginning to settle into their Japanese experience.
President Debbie Howard delivered the keynote, U.S. Ambassador Howard H. Baker, Jr., offered his thoughts on the occasion, and Toshiba Chairman Taizo Nishimuro offered the toast for the new year.
Ms. Howard, newly elected to her second term as President, remarked on the momentum the ACCJ has built as a change agent in Japan for the benefit of all enterprises and communities in Japan. "We were able to make significant progress on many important issues, including foreign direct investment, information technology, banking liberalization, healthcare, legal, education, and more," said Ms. Howard.
Ambassador Baker, winding up nearly four years as Ambassador to Japan was introduced by shinnenkai Master of Ceremonies, Dr. David Satterwhite, as a person who "has brought, clarity, openness, and a disarming sense of humor" and achieved unsurpassed success in strengthening ties between the U.S. and Japan, all in a time of turmoil. At the podium, Ambassador Baker said that it was appropriate to begin with deepest sympathy for the many who are suffering from the quake and subsequent tsunami that struck in the Indian Ocean on December 26. "We hope that 2005 will bring the world greater peace and calm," he said.
Ambassador Baker also noted the "long history of working together" between the ACCJ and the U.S. Embassy and was sure that his successor, Tom Schieffer, who currently is U.S. Ambassador to Australia, will be impressed by what he finds. "Together, we accomplished much that served to strengthen the U.S. - Japan relationship and increase business opportunities between our two countries. We have more work to do, but we can be confident that we can succeed based on the strong framework of relationships we have created together."
Taizo Nishimuro, Chairman of Toshiba and Chairman of the U.S.-Japan Business Council, began his toast with praise for the cooperation between the Council and the Chamber. He also commented on the unprecedented tax treaty between the U.S. and Japan that became effective on July 1, 2004. Not least extraordinary about the comprehensive treaty was that it passed into Japanese law ahead of the passing of the budget--a singularly rare feat. "It will be good for future treaties," said Mr. Nishimuro. He also complimented Ambassador Baker on helping to build a relationship between the U.S. and Japan that has "no comparison in history."
Mr. Nishimuro's toast was offered first to countries affected by the tsunami and hope for recovery. He also raised his glass to the Ambassador, to Debbie Howard and the ACCJ, and to all those in attendance and their families.
Scenes from the 2005 shinnenkai
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