ACCJ Names Kikkoman President & CEO Yuzaburo Mogi 2003 Person of the Year

2003-12-19: The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) has named Kikkoman President and CEO Yuzaburo Mogi as its 2003 Person of the Year in recognition of his pioneering investments in the United States, which demonstrated the benefits that foreign direct investment brings to both countries. Mr. Mogi took his quintessentially Japanese product--soy sauce--and produced it first in America's heartland, the state of Wisconsin, and later in California. He employed Americans and manufactured where potential consumers lived and worked. He also created a market where none existed before, and brought a new flavor to American cooking.

Mr. Mogi is an outstanding entrepreneur, with clear-cut visions, and serves as a model for young businesspeople everywhere. After joining Kikkoman, he transformed a Japanese soy sauce maker into the world's largest producer of soy sauce, with worldwide name recognition. The company today also has production facilities in Europe and other parts of Asia, including China.

Mr. Mogi's ties to America go far beyond his business relationship. He was the first Japanese to receive an MBA from Columbia, and has served as a trustee of that university until September 2000 and is now trustee emeritus as well as being president of the Columbia Alumni Association in Japan. He is a key member of the Japan-U.S. Business Conference and has played an active role in the International Youth Foundation, a global public foundation to improve the conditions and prospects for young people. As the chairman of the Japan-Midwest U.S. Association, he has fostered stronger ties between the two countries.

In Japan, Mr. Mogi served with distinction for many years as co-chair of the Japan-America Cooperative Conference (JACC), a joint effort by the ACCJ and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry to resolve selected trade disputes and provide a forum for their members to exchange information and ideas. JACC scored numerous successes with joint position papers on concrete issues such as telephone and mailing rates, the use of premiums, the labor system, air and sea logistics, and taxation. He has also served as the vice chairman of Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives) for eight years, until April 2003.

"As an entrepreneur myself, I greatly admire the drive and vision that Mr. Mogi showed in going to the United States," said ACCJ President Lance E. Lee, "particularly at a time when few Japanese business leaders would have attempted it. We are proud to honor such an individual as our 2003 Person of the Year."

Japan Telecom Chairman William Esrey Outlines Strategic Opportunities in Japan's Telecom Market

2003-12-17: The E-Business Committee welcomed William T. Esrey, the recently appointed chairman of Japan Telecom, on December 12 at the Westin Hotel in Ebisu to outline the opportunities emerging in the fixed-line communications market for his new firm.



Covering everything from the implications of technological advances on services to the impact of pro-competitive government policies on the communications industry, Mr. Esrey explained why the time is right to build Japan Telecom into a player able to rival the likes of NTT and KDDI to ensure that consumers, enterprises, and Japan itself all benefit from the innovations being derived from the proliferation of IP technology.

ACCJ Elects Debbie Howard President for 2004; First Woman to Lead the Chamber

2003-12-04: In an historic ballot, Debbie Howard became the first woman to be elected president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ). Chosen to lead the Chamber in 2004, Howard brings a mix of both Fortune 500 and entrepreneurial experience to representing the increasingly diverse interests of ACCJ member companies.

Howard has lived in Japan for 18 years, and heads up Japan Market Resource Network, a market research firm that advises multinationals in mainstream consumer categories such as automobiles, airlines, and branded luxury goods, as well as those in specialty businesses such as consumer financial products, IT, and healthcare/pharmaceuticals. Howard earned a BA from the University of South Carolina's School of Journalism, and later did graduate work at Georgia State University's Business School. She has spoken before international business audiences on marketing in both the U.S. and Asia-Pacific region.

An ACCJ member for 12 years, Howard is currently a Vice President, completing her third term on the ACCJ Board of Governors, and also chairs the Leadership Forum--a regular gathering of ACCJ officers and the leaders of the Chamber's more than seventy committees. She has been a key participant in the ACCJ's recent FDI project, and previously served for over three years as vice chair and chair of the Marketing Programs Committee.

"I am honored to be selected to lead the ACCJ in 2004," Howard stated. "The ACCJ plays an important role in offering ideas on how to achieve structural reform to improve the business environment in Japan for all businesses including American and Japanese. I look forward to strengthening that role further in the year ahead, and to providing our 3,200 members with value-added networking and business information programs."

Selected to join Ms. Howard on the 2004 Executive Committee were Vice Presidents John Diefenbach, President of PAE Design & Facility Management; David H. Satterwhite, Ph.D., the Managing Director of the Economist Conferences--Japan and Economist Corporate Network--Japan; and Allan D. Smith, Regional Vice President of Legal and Government Affairs for AIG Companies (Japan and Korea). They join incumbents John Kakinuki, Partner, Baker & McKenzie/Tokyo Aoyama Aoki Law Office; Kumi Sato, President of Cosmo Public Relations Corporation; Kansai Chapter Vice President Norman R. Solberg, Attorney and Counselor at Law/Gaikokuho Jimu Bengoshi, Solberg International Law Office; and Chubu Chapter Vice President Michel D. Weenick, the President of NGO Architecture. Thomas W. Whitson, a partner at KMPG, was again elected to serve as the Chamber's Treasurer.

Chosen to serve as Governors in Tokyo were Royanne Doi, Vice President and General Counsel, State Street Japan; Glen S. Fukushima, President and CEO, Cadence Design Systems, Japan; Robert F. Grondine, Partner, White & Case LLP; Tad Johnson, General Manager, P&W Aftermarket Japan KK; Charles D. Lake, President, AFLAC Japan; Kirk Patterson, Dean, Temple University Japan; Richard Waller, Senior Director of Finance, Apple Japan, Inc.; and Charles Whitehead, Citigroup Country Officer, Citigroup Japan. In a separate ballot in Kansai, Werner Geissler, President--Japan Operations, Procter & Gamble Far East, Inc., was elected to represent the Kansai Chapter as Governor.

The above ACCJ officers will join Governors Nicholas E. Benes, President, JTP Corporation, K.K.; Thomas Jordan, President, Jordan and Associates, Japan; Donald P. Kanak, President, AIG Companies--Japan and Korea; Midori Kaneko, Communications Director, Nestle Japan Group; Lance E. Lee, President, IGC (Japan) Ltd.; Terrie Lloyd, CEO, LINC Media/Japan Inc./DaiJob.com; Robert Roche, President, Oak Lawn Marketing, Inc. (Chubu Chapter); Mark Schwab, Vice President--Pacific North, United Airlines; and Yasu Tsuchiya, Vice President and Representative Director, General Electric Japan, Ltd.

November 2003

Debating the Future of Foreign Direct Investment in Japan

2003-11-20: On November 19, Professor Kyoji Fukao of Hitotsubashi University presented his landmark empirical study--commissioned by the ACCJ--on the actual state of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Japan and the benefits FDI brings to the Japanese economy. He focused on FDI as a key to economic revitalization, discussed misperceptions about FDI, and spoke about the various obstacles to increasing FDI in Japan. He praised Prime Minister Koizumi's leadership in setting the goal of doubling FDI in five years, but warned that the government risks failing in its quest if further steps to change the business environment are not linked to acccountable agencies and persons.



In a spirited response, Keio University Professor Haruo Shimada--Prime Minister Koizumi's principal advisor on FDI policy--criticized the press for negative and erroneous reporting, especially for interpreting the Fukao Report as concluding that Japan would not be able to double FDI by 2008. He also took the ACCJ to task for not realizing that the press might distort the report in ways that could be used by opponents of reform.

Prof. Shimada concluded, however, by welcoming the study as an important contribution to the debate and inviting both the ACCJ and Professors Fukao and Tomofumi Amano to work closely with the Japan Investment Council in making a greater inflow of FDI a reality.

Vodafone's Vision of the Mobile World

2003-11-14: Dr. J. Brian Clark, Vodafone's CEO for the Asia-Pacific region, spoke off the record to nearly 200 ACCJ members and guests on November 12 about what is happening in Japan's "mobile space" and Vodafone's role in it, Vodafone's record of being a leader in innovation, and the company's future strategies.



While Dr. Clark touched on how standards and technology choices by Japan and other governments and industry players affect the industry, he stressed that it is most important for everyone to understand that what customers care most about is the delivery of services.

Fourth Foreign Chambers Information Group Business Confidence Survey Results Released

2003-11-11: The results of the most recent Foreign Chambers Information Group Business Confidence Survey are now available, presented at an FCIG luncheon on Friday, November 7. The overall outlook was significantly more positive than last time, and directionally consistent with the tankan survey.

On this page you'll find the full report in English and Japanese, as well as a short version, also in English and Japanese. For PDF versions of either the full report or a summary, see the links below:

English full report:
http://www.finland.co.jp/fcig/fcig_survey03-2.pdf

Japanese full report:
http://www.finland.co.jp/fcig/fcig_survey03-2-j.pdf

Short summary in English:
http://www.finland.co.jp/fcig/FCIG_survey0310.pdf

Short summary in Japanese:
http://www.finland.co.jp/fcig/FCIG_survey0310-j.pdf

To those of you who participated in the survey, our thanks. Those of you who did not participate might consider doing so when the next survey is conducted in spring 2004.

October 2003

U.S. Secretary Evans Calls for Level Playing Field

2003-10-31: On October 30, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Donald Evans called for a level playing field in international trade while stressing the importance of corporate accountability and enforcement of international trade rules. On his way back from Beijing, Secretary Evans made time in his schedule to speak to the ACCJ about the importance of global security and economic security necessary to allow the citizens of the world to compete freely in the world market and increase their standard of living. He praised Prime Minister Koizumi for his leadership in putting Japan back on the path toward economic recovery. Secretary Evans also expressed his optimism about the U.S. economy, citing the increase in job creation and corporate investment, but mentioned that more job growth and stability is needed.



Secretary Evans also congratulated the Chamber on its newly released report on foreign direct investment (FDI), pointing out that FDI can be a motor for growth and increased productivity. He concluded his remarks by reaffirming the strength of the U.S.-Japan relationship, and called on both countries to live up to their responsibility as world leaders by promoting economic stability and global security.

Ambassador Baker Addresses ACCJ Annual General Meeting

2003-10-29: U.S. Ambassador to Japan and Honorary ACCJ President Howard Baker, Jr. opened yesterday's Annual General Meeting with an upbeat speech that focused on the current strong state of the U.S.-Japan relationship. In his comments to an audience of over a hundred members and guests, the Ambassador touched on his views on the future of that relationship as well as on other regional issues.

ACCJ President Lance E. Lee led off the business portion of the event with his "State of the Chamber" address. Mr. Lee talked about how the organization has worked hard to find opportunities to offset the unfavorable economic environment this year by implementing creative new membership recruiting and retention programs such as Win-Win and the New Member Orientation. Mr. Lee also noted that the ACCJ was very active, as evidenced by the fact that the Chamber will likely have over five hundred committee events this year, topping last year's record of 468. He mentioned that the high level of activity extended into the Chamber's advocacy role as well, with accomplishments such as the D.C. and Diet Doorknocks, a good number of "Viewpoint" position papers, and the landmark FDI study that is being released October 29.

ACCJ Executive Director Donald Westmore introduced the slate of candidates for the 2003 election that had been proposed by the Nominating Committee, chaired by Marc Fuoti. The voting members in attendance approved all the candidates.

The two presidential candidates, incumbent Mr. Lance Lee and challenger ACCJ Vice President Ms. Debbie Howard, presented their respective platforms.


US Ambassador to Japan and Honorary President of the ACCJ Howard Baker opening yesterday's Annual General Meeting.

Boeing Employees Community Fund Donates to ACCJ Community Service Fund

2003-10-16: For the second year in a row, the Boeing Employees Community Fund has made a generous contribution to the ACCJ Community Service Fund.

At a presentation ceremony on October 16, ACCJ President Lance E. Lee and Community Service Fund Chair Dr. Thomas Jordan accepted a mock check for US$5,000 from Paul C. Anderson, Boeing's regional manager for Japan, PQA Field Operations/Asia Pacific, who also serves as chairman of the Boeing Employees Community Fund here.

Boeing employees based in Japan contribute to the fund, many of them giving up to one percent of their salary. Last year, almost US$22,000 was collected and distributed. According to Anderson, the local committee has a "prioritization system" that rates all potential recipients. Many of thefund's recent contributions have gone to organizations helping kids and/orthe handicapped.

In addition to their two donations to the Community Service Fund, the Boeing employees have also provided generous support over the years to the ACCJ's Nagoya Walkathon. Anderson noted that the ACCJ's charitable activities in Japan are akin to those of the United Way in the United States, and added that having an umbrella organization such as the ACCJ Community Service group that performs due diligence and decides on the appropriate size of donations to various charities helps the Boeing fund execute its fiduciary responsibilities.


ACCJ President Lance E. Lee and Community Service Fund Chair Dr. Thomas Jordan accept a mock check for US$5,000 from Boeing's Paul C. Anderson

Richard Katz: "Zombies" Preventing Japan's Economic Recovery

2003-10-08: On October 8, author and commentator Richard Katz pronounced claims that Japan has turned to corner toward a sustained economic recovery as "premature."



Although some indicators have improved and economic reforms have certainly occurred, he said, there are no signs that the key indicator--productivity--has finally begun to climb back up. While nonperforming loans have dropped, the number of bankruptcies has as well, which means that nonperforming companies (aka "zombies") are still being kept on life support. Until these companies either exit the market or restructure, it will be difficult to revive Japan's economy. Katz noted that Japan needs to spend money to create an effective social safety net to help displaced workers while the economy restructures. The country also needs to institute tax cuts for individuals to stimulate demand and create real competition to raise productivity. "Japan needs gas (fiscal spending), but it also needs an engine (reform)," he said. It may take ten years, but eventually Japan will recover, Katz concluded, because the Japanese ethos will carry the country to success.

First DaimlerChrysler Cup a Perfect Hole-in-One

2003-10-03: To counter recently strained transatlantic relations and to further increase business relations amongst the international business community in Japan, the European and North American business communities in Tokyo held a friendly golf tournament at Atsugi International Golf Course on September 26. Sponsored by German-American auto giant DaimlerChrysler, the tournament brought together 140 players from the American and Canadian chambers of commerce on one side and the European Business Council on the other side.





Using the double Peoria (shin-peria) scoring system under which an average score for each team is computed, the Europeans came out on top by 1.5 strokes. The tournament was the first of its kind to take place in Tokyo, and will be played annually in the future.

September 2003

Nestle Chairman Shunichi Fujii on Building Brands

2003-09-11: On September 10, Nestle Japan Group Chairman Shunichi Fujii presented the fascinating story of how Kitkat became on of Japan's best-selling chocolate bars and best-known brands. First invented in 1936, KitKat debuted in Japan in 1971 and has had 32 years of unbroken growth. Much of the success of the product is attributed to the development of the brand.


Nestle Japan Group Chairman Shunichi Fujii.

In his presentation, Mr. Fujii, who was intimately involved with KitKat's introduction 32 years ago, explained how the brand was developed, nurtured, and tweaked over the years to keep up with changes in societal trends while keeping true to its basic characteristics. "We kept the continuity of the brand expression 'Have a Break,' but the meaning has changed over time," he said. "Brands are the best carriers of corporate trust."

Chiba Gov. Akiko Domoto on Politics and Prefectural Growth

2003-09-10: On September 9, Chiba Governor Akiko Domoto spoke about politics and her own prefecture's moves to reshape itself, demonstrating along the way the charm and presentation skills that have served her so well as a TV Tokyo reporter and now as a member of Japan's Upper House.

Governor Domoto feels that towns, cities and prefectures need freedom from what she labeled "Kasumagaseki bureaucrats," particularly in terms of their finances. Increasingly, she stated, these entities need to be financially autonomous from the central government. An independent politically, she could not resist taking a few well-pointed jabs at the Liberal Democratic Party and its four presidential candidates. She noted that the popularity of many independent candidates with Japanese voters today signifies how few voters trust party-bred politicians.


Chiba Governor Akiko Domoto.

In discussing the prefecture she leads, Gov. Domoto referred to Chiba as a model of postwar Japan: Moving from an agricultural and fishing base in 1946 when it had a population of two million, Chiba now has six million citizens and is seeking to become a base for companies specializing in biotechnology and nanotechnology. Having Narita International Airport and several universities well known for their research centers helps support the governor's vision for the future.

Shinzo Abe Speaks to the ACCJ

2003-09-05: Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe gave an exclusive off-the-record speech about current politics in Japan to a packed room of ACCJ members and guests at the Tokyu Capitol Hotel on September 3. His candid speech covered a wide range of topics, including the upcoming elections, Japan's economic situation, structural reform, the importance of the U.S.-Japan security arrangement, North Korea and the progress of multilateral talks, Article 9 of Japan's constitution, FDI, and Prime Minister Koizumi's policies and goals.


Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe.

August 2003

JC Foodsnet's Merle Aiko Okawara on Entrepreneurship

2003-08-29: Merle Aiko Okawara, chairman of JC Foodsnet Co., Ltd., spoke about her experiences in establishing her company, a food manufacturing firm that pioneered the pizza industry in Japan. Interwoven in her fascinating thirty-year account of Japan's changing business environment and culture, Ms. Okawara told us how she beat the odds and defied the many market experts who said frozen pizza would never find a market here. She won a major victory ten years ago by publicly listing her company, becoming only the second woman and the first foreigner to accomplish that feat. The market experts told Okawara that her idea would not succeed because, among other reasons, Japanese home cooking at that time did not include baking. In fact, Japanese homes did not event have toaster ovens. But Okawara did not let that stop her, instead developing a way to bake pizza in a makeshift oven using a frying pan and aluminum foil. While far from perfect, that method is still being practiced by people today. When it came to capitalizing her business she took the same out-of-the-box approach, negotiating long payment terms with suppliers when banks turned down her loan requests. When one key supplier could not extend more credit, she successfully proposed a joint venture business with the company that improved conditions for both businesses. Her main takeaway message for non-Japanese businesspeople operating in this market is that the ability to think out of the box and use approaches that are different from those of their Japanese colleagues can be a valuable business edge.


JC Foodsnet's Merle Aiko Okawara (center) with Independent Business Committee co-chairs Tania Basile (left) and Karl Hahne (right).

Fuji Xerox Chairman Yotaro Kobayashi on Corporate Societal Responsibility

2003-08-04: Fuji Xerox Company Ltd.'s Chairman, Yotaro Kobayashi, is one of Japan's leaders in the movement to reform corporate governance. On July 30, he held a Chamber audience captivated as he spoke about some of the efforts in this area currently under way at the Keizai Doyukai, the Japan Association of Corporate Executives. Mr. Kobayashi shared an outline of a new system for rating a company's corporate societal responsibility (CSR) that is due to be introduced this fall. This "corporate evaluation standard" is designed as a framework for encouraging and measuring the active participation by all of a company's stakeholders in reshaping the economy and society and creating new values.


Fuji Xerox Company Ltd.'s Chairman, Yotaro Kobayashi.

July 2003

2003 D.C. Doorknock Confirms Japan's Importance

2003-07-25: ACCJ representatives visited Washington, D.C., from July 15 to 17 during the Chamber's annual D.C. Doorknock. The twelve-member delegation, led by President Lance E. Lee, met with key representatives in the Bush administration and Congress to stress the importance of the U.S.-Japan relationship.

The 2003 D.C. Doorknock confirmed that the U.S.-Japan bilateral relationship has never been better. The two countries are cooperating on a myriad of issues that may not be make headlines but are nonetheless critical to international security and regional economic stability.

The ACCJ delegation stressed that it is crucial for the U.S. government to continue to engage Japan and encourage our ally to move ahead with regulatory reforms, corporate transparency, and market-based solutions. Bush administration representatives readily agreed with the ACCJ that an economically stable and healthy Japan is essential for broad-based cooperation with the United States on political and security issues.

Meetings with members of Congress confirmed the ACCJ's sense that Japan has for the most part fallen off the radar screen on the Hill. Congressional representatives uniformly agreed that this is not necessarily a bad thing, since bilateral issues that make waves on the Hill are generally negative ones.

On more specific policy issues the ACCJ delegation expressed concern that Congress may still consider eliminating the foreign income exclusion provision, Section 911, which we believe would fall short of achieving its stated objectives and instead have a serious negative impact on U.S. competitiveness and influence.

During their meeting with Undersecretary John Taylor, the ACCJ delegation commended the Department of Treasury for concluding the new U.S.-Japan Tax Treaty and encouraged the government to ratify the treaty as soon as possible.

The ACCJ also expressed its deep concern in a meeting with Assistant Secretary James Kelly, and Representatives Sensenbrenner, Leach, and McDermott about new visa procedures that will come into effect August 1. The new procedures, which would require face-to-face interviews to obtain short-term U.S. entry visas, will hamper the ability of our members to conduct business and have a chilling effect on the willingness of Japanese citizens to visit and study in the United States.

Lastly, the ACCJ expressed support for accelerating economic reform and the Koizumi Cabinet's target of doubling the stock of foreign direct investment into Japan by 2008. The delegates explained that while Japan's M&A market is still in the early stages of growth, U.S. companies view this as a good opportunity to take advantage of recent and ongoing market reforms and long-term growth potential.

The ACCJ conducts two annual Doorknocks, one in Tokyo to talk with Japanese Diet members and one in Washington, D.C. to talk with U.S. political leaders.

Hot Summertime Meet and Greet

Over 220 members and guests attended the Members Meet & Greet on July 11. The hottest networking event of the summer took place at an exciting new venue, the Hotel Intercontinental Tokyo Bay, and the crowd networked and enjoyed the great buffet, free-flowing drinks, and the nighttime view of Tokyo Bay. Many lucky attendees also went home with great prizes, courtesy of the event's many sponsors. The ACCJ particularly wishes to thank the evening's diamond sponsors: Ishin Hotels, United Airlines, APC Japan, Servcorp, and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, for their support.


Having a good time at the Meet & Greet.

Industrial Revitalization Corporation COO Toyama Says IRC Can Do the Job

On July 9, Industrial Revitalization Corporation of Japan (IRC) COO Kazuhiko Toyama spoke to 150 ACCJ members and guests on whether the IRC can solve Japan's debt crisis. At first a skeptic himself, Mr. Toyama now strongly believes the IRC has the right structure to make a positive impact. He cited several reasons for his attitude: the IRC goes beyond financial management and companies with a strongly competitive product, has a sound restructuring plan that includes support from banks, and will allow investors to restructure with IRC support.


Industrial Revitalization Corporation of Japan COO Kazuhiko Toyama.

Mr. Toyama confirmed that foreign firms will have equal and fair access to IRC processes and the investment opportunities it creates. He also mentioned that the IRC is now structured in a way that makes the organization very resistant to political pressures that might have prevented it from operating independently.

Bill Hall on Japan's Aging Society

2003-07-09: Bill Hall, the president of Isis Research Japan, spoke about the potential economic benefits of Japan's aging society at what turned out to be the ACCJ's largest breakfast program this year. Mr. Hall provided an amazing variety of data about the aging population in Japan and its ramifications on business, focusing on upcoming business opportunities. His research on demographics and the over-65 population touched on topics as diverse as increasing divorce rates among the retired and Japan's agricultural policies, the country's military capabilities, automotive accidents and trends,immigration, national savings and investment, national insurance policy, hospital and clinic management, as well as robotics and IT.


Bill Hall, President, Isis Research Japan.

Congratulations to Our "Win-Win" Membership Campaign Prizewinners for June

2003-07-02: The most recent "Win-Win" membership campaign drawing is done, and we've got three winners: Mr. Thierry Porte will receive fine wines valued at 25,000 yen from World Link Discount Telecommunications, Inc., while Mr. Krishen Mehta has won three nights for two in an Ocean Grand Suite with breakfast, including a round of golf for two on the Tom Watson Golf Course from Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Sheraton Resort Seagaia. In addition, Mr. Akira Nagashima has won a Rie Coffee special gift from RIE COFFEE.

Many thanks to these three lucky members for their membership introductions and support of the Chamber, and to the more than one hundred other members who brought in new members.

NOTE: Like many of us, the "Win-Win" campaign is going on vacation, so this will be the last drawing for a while.

June 2003

Bloomberg's Pesek Offers Sobering Analysis of Japan's Situation

2003-06-30: William Pesek's analysis of Japan's situation is sobering. More

AIG Chairman Greenberg Says Japan Should Be Second Growth Engine

2003-06-28: Maurice R. Greenberg, chairman and CEO of American International Group (AIG), Inc., spoke to a packed room at the Palace Hotel on June 24. Mr. Greenberg evaluated the economies of both countries, and described the relations between the United States and Japan as excellent, citing the Japanese government's support of recent U.S. foreign policy as one of the reasons. More

ACCJ's Employment Central Goes Bilingual

2003-06-24: The ACCJ is pleased to announce the launch of the Japanese version of Employment Central (E-Central), our online job posting and resume service. Reflecting the strong networking synergies of the ACCJ, the most influential international foreign business organization in Japan, the service is dedicated to helping companies secure top-level professional staff and assisting jobseekers in obtaining Japan-based positions with foreign and Japanese employers. The Japanese version has been added in response to numerous requests received from employers since the original E-Central site was launched this past February. The ACCJ expects the E-Central Japanese site to significantly boost the number of bilingual Japanese candidates posting resumes on the site and to provide more opportunities for employers eagerly seeking bilingual Japanese professionals.

Keizai Doyukai Chairman Kitashiro: We Need New Businesses

2003-06-13: June 12, 2003: Kakutaro Kitashiro, chairman of IBM Japan and the first executive from a wholly owned foreign entity to hold the same post in the prestigious Keizai Doyukai, spoke to the ACCJ on June 12. More

Takeshi Isayama on Nissan's Big Recovery

2003-06-12: On June 10, Nissan Vice Chairman Takeshi Isayama told the ACCJ how Nissan went from being a company in trouble in the late 1990s to a globally oriented company with a bright future. More

Prof. Gerald Curtis on Japan's Politics

2003-06-11: At a presentation on June 11, Columbia University Professor Gerald Curtis observed that despite Prime Minister Koizumi's early promises to carry out drastic reform, little has changed in Japanese politics since he took office. Still, with his photogenic flair, foreign policy successes--especially his relationship with President Bush--and boundless optimism, Koizumi has set a new style of leadership for future prime ministerial aspirants. Prof. Curtis predicted that PM Koizumi will get a second term this fall and call for an election in October or November. More

President Lee Speaks to Morpheus About Becoming an ACCJ Member

2003-06-05:

On May 26 at the Park Hyatt in Shinjuku, President Lance E. Lee spoke to actor Laurence Fishburne, currently starring as Morpheus in Matrix Reloaded, about joining the ACCJ. ACCJ Governor Bill Ireton, president of Warner Japan, kindly arranged the meeting.



Governor Bill Ireton, actor Laurence Fishburne, President Lee

Nobel Prizewinner Hartwell on Bringing the Fruits of Research to Market

2003-06-03: On June 3, Dr. Lee Hartwell, winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize in physiology/medicine, stressed the need for academia, business, and government to improve the structure for funding research and bringing viable solutions to market for the purpose of benefiting society. Report here

May 2003

FCIG Business Confidence Survey Results Released

2003-05-29 The Foreign Chambers Information Group released the results of its third Business Confidence Survey on May 28 during a luncheon meeting attended by members of many of the participating chambers. A PDF version of the complete survey report can be downloaded from this page.

In all, 476 individuals representing 15 chambers and organizations responded to the survey--a response rate of 21.2 percent. Of the responses received, 143 (or 30 percent) were from ACCJ members. A profile of the typical participating company is one that has been operating in Japan for 15 years, has 40 employees, and is in the trading, sales, or service industry.

The FCIG survey was designed to offer foreign companies an opportunity to express their views on the Japanese business environment and economic and business outlook. In this respect, it is comparable to the widely reported tankan survey conducted quarterly by the Japanese government.

The FCIG plans on conducting the next Business Confidence Survey in October 2003.

Overseas Security Advisory Council to Offer Info on North Korea, Home Security, SARS

2003-05-26: On May 30, the Japan Country Council of the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) will hold a meeting open to all U.S. companies and organizations in Japan. OSAC serves as the link between the U.S. government and the American private sector overseas on security matters. In addition to a local security update, the featured presentations will address the potential threat from North Korea, home security in Japan, and SARS.

Those wishing to attend should notify Donna Shimizu at the U.S. Embassy Regional Security Office at 3224-5583 (phone), 3224-5197 (fax), or via email. Advance registration is essential so that entry to the embassy can be arranged.

Good News: Foreign Earned Income Exclusion Retained

2003-05-23: U.S. expatriates around the world are breathing a big sigh of relief after news reports confirmed that Congress has decided to leave the foreign earned income exclusion in Section 911 intact. Intense pressure from big businesses with international interests, business organizations, and countless U.S. citizens abroad played a major part in the decision.

Great Spring Social Events

2003-05-18: As Golden Week approaches, we wanted to make sure you knew about several exciting networking and social events occurring on either side of the holiday period, including the Young Professionals Group Golden Party, the Family Barbecue and Chili Cook-Off, the ACCJ Open Spring Golf Tournament, and the Chubu Walkathon. They're all great springtime opportunities to meet and socialize with other members and guests.

Tetsuko Kuroyanagi: A World of Goodwill

2003-05-16: Speaking before an audience of ACCJ members and guests at the Hotel Intercontinental Tokyo Bay on May 14, entertainment veteran Tetsuko Kuroyanagi described her long and fruitful role as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador. Photos

Win-Win Membership Campaign Winners for April

2003-05-01: The April "Win-Win" drawing is over, and we've got plenty of winners. An Xbox and six games now belong to Werner Geissler, courtesy of Microsoft. Graham Harris will receive a 10,000-yen "course dinner" for two at the ever-popular New York Grill from the Park Hyatt Tokyo. Lucinda Lohman-Oota and Masahiko Nakamura have-both won a box of Costco groceries of their choice, courtesy of TheFlyingPig.com. Robert Grondine and Norman Solberg will both receive an Axia "Eyeplate" digital camera supplied by Office Depot Japan. And Toshiari Fukuroi is the lucky recipient of TWO prizes--a night for two in a Grand Room, including breakfast, from the new Grand Hyatt Tokyo, and an Axia "Eyeplate" digital camera from Office Depot.

Visit the "Win-Win" page to see the great prizes you might win, and how you can qualify!

April 2003

Win-Win Membership Campaign Winners for March

2003-04-01: The drawing for March - Win-Win - is done, and Gregory Hanes has won two round-trip tickets to the U.S. West Coast from Northwest Airlines. Other lucky winners include Laurence Bates, who will receive steaks imported from Nebraska from ReloJapan K.K.'s JapanDriversLicense.com division; David Satterwhite, three nights in an Ocean Grand Suite with breakfast, including a round of golf for two, from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Sheraton Resorts Phoenix Seagaia; and Deborah Hughes and Scott Erickson, who both won a box of Costco groceries of their choice, courtesy of TheFlyingPig.com.

March 2003

ACCJ Kansai Office Moves

2003-03-31: The ACCJ Kansai Chapter has a new home in the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) Building, and the Kansai office officially opens up for business again on April 1.

Architect Tadao Ando on Design

2003-03-28: Before a large ACCJ audience in the modern Roppongi THINK Zone building on February 24, architect Tadao Ando gave his thoughts on natural, rational design and the current state of design in Japan and the world.

ACCJ Names Shinsei's Masamoto Yashiro 2002 Person of the Year

2003-03-26: The ACCJ has named Shinsei Bank Chairman and CEO Masamoto Yashiro its 2002 Person of the Year for his contributions to FDI in Japan and unswerving support for market-based business models and open corporate governance. A bilingual press release is available here. Mr. Yashiro will also be speaking to the ACCJ on April 3.

ACCJ Urges FSA to Strengthen Investment Trust Performance Reporting and Standards

2003-03-18: In an effort to bolster investor protection and understanding, a new ACCJ Viewpoint position paper urges the Financial Services Agency to instruct the Japan Investment Trust Association and other relevant self-regulatory organizations on how to implement rules related to investment trust performance reporting and standards.

Show Your Colors!

2003-03-17: Show your colors and your pride in being an ACCJ member with an ACCJ logo lapel pin. You can buy these pins at the next ACCJ event you attend, order them by calling any Chamber office, or by sending email to this address. The pins are ¥1800 each, and from now until the end of April.

February 2003

ACCJ Applauds Koizumi Pledge to Double FDI

2003-02-05: The ACCJ today applauded Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's pledge last week to increase employment opportunities by doubling foreign investment in Japan by the end of 2008.

Employment Central is Online!

2003-02-04: long-awaited job posting and resume service, Employment Central, is now online. If you're looking for a great job or a great employee to fill one, follow this link to get to the source.

President Lee to Give Keynote Address

2003-02-03: ACCJ President Lance E. Lee will give one of the keynote speeches at the "International Forum for Next-Generation/Woman Entrepreneurs" symposium, set to take place on Thursday, February 6, at the Tokyo International Forum.

January 2003

Lee Names New Chairman and Advisors

2003-01-29: ACCJ President Lance E. Lee has named two former ACCJ Presidents--Donald P. Kanak, Jr., and Robert F. Grondine--to serve in 2003 as his Chairman and Special Advisor, respectively. Mr. Lee also tapped former ACCJ Treasurer Krishen Mehta as Advisor for the coming year.

ACCJ Presents 9 Million Yen to Charities

2003-01-20: At a ceremony held today at the ACCJ Tokyo office, the ACCJ presented a total of nine million yen to four charities: Special Olympics Nippon, Food Bank Japan, Nonohana-no-ie Children’s Home, and The Rice Project. Special Olympics Nippon and Food Bank Japan will both receive 4 million yen, and a half million yen each will be donated to Nonohana-no-ie Children’s Home in Chiba and The Rice Project. Eight million of this money was raised at the first ACCJ Charity Ball held on November 23 last year; the rest comes from the ACCJ’s Community Fund.

 

 

 

 

Food Bank Japan Executive Director Charles McJilton indicated that the Chamber’s 4 million yen contribution had the “equivalent purchasing power” of 30 million yen in terms of the help it can provide to organizations that FBJ assists. Burt Gilmer of The Rice Project noted that the ACCJ's contribution of 500,000 yen would buy 15,000 food kits and 30,000 onigiri.

President Lee Makes Courtesy Call on DPJ's Kan

2003-01-19: New ACCJ President Lance E. Lee and other ACCJ representatives made a courtesy call on President Naoto Kan of the Democratic Party of Japan last Wednesday, January 15.


ACCJ President Lance E. Lee and DPJ President Naoto Kan.