Behind the Scenes at Daimaru

2008-12-18: In a first for the Kansai Chapter, members and guests were able to partake in a special VIP tour of the Daimaru Shinsaibashi store in Osaka prior to the December Leadership Series event featuring Yasuyuki Kobayashi of Daimaru. From the time that he entered Daimaru in 1973, Mr. Kobayashi has been well traveled within the company, working in Hakata, Osaka, Kobe, Sapporo, and Tokyo.

Yasuyuki Kobayashi, Corporate Officer and Executive General Manager, Daimaru, elaborates on his career to the audience at the Daimaru Shinsaibashi store in Osaka.

Since opening in 1717 in Kyoto, Daimaru has blossomed into 18 stores nationwide with the Sapporo store launched in 2003. Following that successful opening, Mr. Kobayashi was asked to reinvigorate the flagship Tokyo Daimaru. Again, he succeeded in creating a fashionable image and highly desirable place to shop in the heart of affluent Japan.

"Sustainable Development in America"

2008-12-12: Highlighting the fact that the population of California is expected to double to more than 75 million people over the next 50 years, Josh Knoefler of Knoefler Enterprises spoke about how the Green Village Redevelopment Project in San Diego is designed to provide energy and water for residents at a time when energy and water shortages are on the rise in California.

Josh Knoefler, President, Knoefler Enterprises Inc., illustrates a point to the audience regarding the Green Village Redevelopment Project.

With over 1,100 residential units, commercial real estate, and park facilities planned, Green Village will incorporate eco-friendly "green" concepts such as alternative energy sources and a recycled water system that could produce reclaimed water for irrigation, common facilities and high-tech cooling water systems in a land locked region fronted by the Pacific Ocean, Mexico, and mountain ranges to the East.

"How to Think Like a Designer and Why It Matters"

2008-12-02: Back at Procter & Gamble's auditorium for the second time this year, Garr Reynolds focused his talk on the design element in presentations to captivate one's audience through visual communication.

If, over the years, presentation software such as PowerPoint has gotten better, why have presentations not? In response, Mr. Reynolds stated that part of the problem lies in presenters only focusing on how to use the presentation software tools themselves instead of how to amplify their own ideas and messages.

ACCJ Kansai member and presentation design guru, Garr Reynolds, engages in an interactive conversation with the audience at P&G located on Rokko Island in Kobe.

To sum up his presentation, Mr. Reynolds mentioned that there are ten fundamental design principles that one should recognize and adhere to, which are:
1. It's not about the tools
2. Start in analog mode
3. Take a risk, lose the fear
4. Look for the "strong"
5. Put yourself in their shoes
6. Show restraint
7. Remember: vision trumps all other senses
8. Aim for a high signal-to-noise ratio
9. Embrace empty space
10. Learn to see the lessons all around you

Meeting the Governor of Osaka

2008-11-28: In the first formal meeting between the ACCJ and Osaka Governor Toru Hashimoto, Jiri Mestecky and Kiran Sethi informed the Osaka Governor about the ACCJ Kansai's recent activities, such as the 2008 Walk-A-Thon, and the overall mission of the ACCJ.

(Left to right) External Affairs Committee Chair Kiran Sethi, Osaka Governor Toru Hashimoto, Kansai Chapter Governor Jiri Mestecky, and Kansai Chapter Office Director Keizo Yamada pose for the camera after their meeting.

From his side, the Governor stressed the importance of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the area and highlighted the recent projects that the prefecture has undertaken to make it an attractive destination for foreign capital. He was also very enthusiastic about holding next year's Walk-A-Thon in the Nakanoshima redevelopment area.

Recent Developments in the Japanese Anti-Monopoly Act

2008-11-27: Specializing in the Anti-Monopoly Act as an attorney at Kikkawa Law Offices in Osaka, Professor Akira Negishi dissected the Anti-Monopoly Act for ACCJ members and guests. Professor Negishi clearly outlined the four actions prohibited by the act 1) private monopolization, 2) cartels, 3) unfair trade practices, and 4) mergers.

Akira Negishi, Professor Emeritus, Kobe University, and Economic Law Professor, Konan Law School, receives a question from the audience at the Osaka Securities Exchange Building.

Professor Negishi also highlighted the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC)'s involvement in cases brought against the Marine Hose sector, Microsoft Corporation, and Yamada Denki in 2008 as examples of how the act is applied.

2008 ACCJ-JASO Thanksgiving Dinner

2008-11-20: For the second consecutive year, the ACCJ Kansai Chapter along with the Japan America Society of Osaka (JASO), held a special turkey dinner in celebration of Thanksgiving. With over 100 people in attendance at the Mayor's Mansion located in Miyakojima, Osaka, participants were able to enjoy turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, etc.

ACCJ & JASO members and guests sample the Thanksgiving feast provided for them at the Mayor's Mansion.

ACCJ member Brenda Panichi (left) poses with Iwao Yokoyama and Mary Anne Jorgensen during the 2008 Thanksgiving Dinner.

The Osaka-based comedy troupe the Pirates of Dotombori were also on hand to provide some entertainment as a special feature. In addition, several participants went home with some lovely prizes from the prize raffle drawing courtesy of Panasonic Corporation and Yellow Tail.

An Assessment of the November U.S. Elections

2008-11-17: In from Washington D.C., Douglas Bergner, who co-founded Global Policy Group, gave an in-depth look into what lies ahead for the Obama Administration once it is firmly in place in January 2009.

With the Democrats gaining a majority in the House of Representatives and close to holding a majority in the Senate, President-elect Obama and the Democratic party should be able to get most of their supported issues passed in Congress.

Douglas Bergner, President, Global Policy Group, breaks down what challenges the Obama Administration faces at the Robert Half Osaka office.

Mr. Bergner remarked that President-elect Obama, who is attempting to run as close to a non-partisan campaign as can be, may run into roadblocks in dealing with "his" government, which is being characterized as more "left" than him.

Regarding the deficit, Mr. Bergner added that it could possibly swell to over one trillion yen for the 2009 fiscal year, so President-elect Obama does have his work cut out for him after he is sworn in on January 20, 2009.

Walk-A-Thon Appreciation Reception

2008-11-14: In recognition of and to celebrate the tremendous voluntary effort in making this year's ACCJ Kansai Walk-A-Thon a huge success, the Kansai Chapter held a Walk-A-Thon Appreciation Reception at the Ramada Osaka. As a showing of thanks to those non-members who greatly contributed to the event, Vice President Michael Bobrove and Community Service Committee Chair Kojiro Dan recognized all those who went above and beyond the call of duty to make the 2008 Walk-A-Thon the success that it was.

ACCJ members and guests mingle during the reception held to signify the recent success of the 2008 Walk-A-Thon.

Osaka Bay Industrial Cruise

2008-11-06: Thanks in part to the Osaka Business & Investment Center (O-BIC), ACCJ members and guests were able to board the city of Osaka's public relations boat for a special tour of the ongoing construction around Osaka Bay. With the U.S. Consul General Edward Dong in attendance, participants were able to view Sharp Corporation's massive LCD panel manufacturing facility from the water among other sites still under construction.

ACCJ members and guests stand for a group photo prior to boarding Osaka City's boat.

P&G Max Factor Japan - The Success Behind SK-II and Why Diversity Grows Business

2008-10-27: For the October Leadership Series at the Hilton Osaka, ACCJ Kansai Women in Business Committee Chair, Mari Nogami, spoke about her role in managing more than 1,800 employees as President of P&G Max Factor Japan. Leading up to her current role in July of 2006 as the first female President of P&G Max Factor Japan, Ms. Nogami stressed that especially among Fortune 500 companies, those with more diversity and with female board representation time and time again outperform those with less diversity and no female board members.

Mari Nogami, President of P&G Max Factor Japan and chair of the ACCJ Kansai Women in Business Committee, illustrates a point to the audience during the Q&A session at the Hilton Osaka.

2008 Walk-A-Thon

2008-10-18: Once again blessed with crystal clear skies, over 2,000 people came out to Meriken Park in Kobe for the 3rd Annual ACCJ Kansai Walk-A-Thon.

U.S. Consul General Edward Dong, Hyogo Prefecture Governor Toshizo Ido, and ACCJ President Allan Smith were among the VIPs who gave speeches during the opening ceremony to kickoff the day's festivities. With booths showcasing food from around the world and stage performances featuring Universal Studios Japan, Dance Collection by Megumi Kurihara, and a host of other acts, there were plenty of activities to keep everyone occupied.

The ACCJ Kansai Chapter Walk-A-Thon Organizing Committee is especially thankful to the event's Platinum Sponsors - P&G Japan, GE Japan, Eli Lilly Japan, and Universal Studios Japan - for their continuous support and generous contributions. The committee is also grateful to all sponsors, vendors, entertainers and volunteers who contributed time, donations, energy and effort to make the day a terrific success.

Official ACCJ Kansai Walk-A-Thon Website: http://www.accjwalkathon.org.

VIPs gather around the sake barrels for the kagami biraki during the opening ceremony at the 2008 Walk-A-Thon.

Many of the event organizers and volunteers gather for a group photo opportunity prior to starting the walk at Meriken Park in Kobe.

A group of young dancers pose for a picture before showtime.

A CSR Evening with the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

2008-10-17: With a good representation of the Tokyo-based Board of Governor (BOG) members in town, the ACCJ Kansai Chapter held its CSR-related evening reception on the eve of the Walk-A-Thon charity event for the second consecutive year.

ACCJ Vice President Michael Bobrove (second from right), shares a laugh with the U.S. Consul General Edward Dong (left), Hyogo Prefecture Vice Governor Tomio Saito (second from left), and Kobe City Mayor Tatsuo Yada during his opening remarks at the Crowne Plaza Kobe.

Erica Kitamura, a 12th grade student at Canadian Academy, gives a few remarks after being recognized for designing the 2008 Walk-A-Thon logo at the Crowne Plaza Kobe.

An intricate ice sculpture featuring the ACCJ logo was created by the staff at the Crowne Plaza Kobe to set the tone for the evening.

Held at the luxurious Crowne Plaza Kobe on the 35th floor overlooking the city of Kobe, the evening had high profile representatives from various city and prefecture governments to celebrate the CSR activities of the ACCJ in the Kansai region.

An Inside Look At Sony

2008-09-30: For the September Leadership Series, the ACCJ Kansai Chapter welcomed Kansai native Masaru Miyamoto to share his insight working for one of the most famous electronics companies in the world. Relying on his 29 years of experience inside Sony, Mr. Miyamoto explained the uniqueness of Sony's leadership style and also what lies ahead for consumers with regards to future products being developed by the company.

Masaru Miyamoto, General Manager, Sony West Japan, discusses Sony's brand strategy and its continued investment in the company's employees at the Garden City Club Osaka (GCCO).

2008 Fall Meishi Exchange

2008-09-18: High in the sky from the 35th floor of the Swissotel Nankai Osaka, ACCJ members and guests gathered for the 2008 Fall Meishi Exchange, which was co-sponsored by the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI).

A special thank you to Yellowtail for being the wine sponsor of the evening, to International Solutions Group (ISG) for donating a lovely BBQ set, and to the Swissotel Nankai Osaka for providing excellent service and quality in making the meishi exchange event a very memorable one.

Handling duties as the event's emcees, Samuel Yohannes and Chris Christophers of the Living in Kansai Committee take a moment to pose for the camera during the 2008 Fall Meishi Exchange.

Drinking Yellowtail wine at the 2008 Fall Meishi Exchange, Kazuhiro Kobayashi, Kenji Yasuda, Kazuko Kamado, and Darren Morrish pose for a snapshot.

Development into a Biomedical Metropolis: Experiences from the BioClusters of Kobe and Osaka

2008-09-16: Highlighting the strengths of the Kobe BioCluster centered on Port Island and the Osaka BioCluster in Senri, Gregory Rall of the Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation (FBRI) spoke very frankly on the recent advances made in biomedical research, Kansai's efforts toward achieving a regional supercluster, and his thoughts on what lies in store for the industry moving forward.

Gregory Rall, International Collaboration Coordinator for the Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation (FBRI), illustrates a point to the audience at the Osaka Securities Exchange Building.

Kansai Leadership Welcomes New U.S. Consul General

2008-09-12: In welcoming the new U.S. Consul General Edward Dong to his post, ACCJ Vice President Michael Bobrove and ACCJ Governor Jiri Mestecky sat down with Consul General Dong and newly commissioned Political and Economic Affairs Consul David Tulloch. After being updated on the Chamber and its activities in Kansai, Consul General Dong expressed his interest to continue the Consulate's supportive relationship with the Kansai Chapter.

(left to right) Political and Economics Affairs Consul David Tulloch, U.S. Consul General Edward Dong, ACCJ Governor Jiri Mestecky, ACCJ Vice President Michael Bobrove, and Director of the Kansai Chapter office Keizo Yamada pose for a picture in front of the U.S. Consulate in Osaka.

How Trek Bicycle Corporation is attempting to solve some of the world's biggest problems

2008-08-26: Since opening the Trek Flagship Store Kobe in Suma in July 2007 and with the grand opening of the Roppongi Hills store scheduled for next week, Philip McGlade has been busy solidifying Trek's presence in the Japanese market.

Philip McGlade, Director of Asian Business, Trek Japan Corporation, discusses what Trek believes in at the Trek Store Kobe Rokko.

Attacking such issues as obesity, traffic congestion, and pollution, Mr. McGlade said that the severity of these issues could be greatly reduced if people rode bicycles. Mr. McGlade also believes that it is imperative for local and regional politicians to ride bicycles themselves to spread the word about the benefits associated with bicycle riding.

Summer Bash at the Crowne Plaza Kobe

2008-08-22: High above the Kobe skyline on the 35th floor of the Crowne Plaza Kobe, ACCJ members and guests gathered for a summer bash like none other. With a smorgasbord of sumptuous food served by the Grand Chef, Mr. Kobayashi, and free flowing drinks, members and guests mingled in an exquisite atmosphere symbolic of the Crowne Plaza Kobe.

ACCJ Kansai Business Programs Committee Vice-Chair, Pabel Delgado, poses with Yumi Nozaki during the Summer Bash on the 35th floor of the Crowne Plaza Kobe.

The Burgeoning Sake Business of Japan

2008-07-10: Hailing from the legendary Nada area sake brewing company, Hakutaka, Mr. Akira Sawada held a taste-testing session with three different kinds of sake to challenge everyone's taste buds following his speech about recent trends in the sake industry. Mr. Sawada also provided a sake barrel filled with sake for the traditional "kagami biraki" to kickoff the networking portion of the evening at the Garden City Club Osaka.

Akira Sawada, Vice President & COO of Hakutaka Company, poses for the camera during his presentation at the Garden City Club Osaka.

Omron: A View From Within

2008-07-03: On assignment at Omron Healthcare's headquarters in Kyoto from its European office for the past 18 months, Adrian Gee-Turner has experienced first-hand what it's like to be the first non-Japanese manager working for Omron Healthcare.

Adrian Gee-Turner, Manager, Omron Healthcare, demonstrates a point to the audience during his talk at the Hilton Osaka.

During his talk, Mr. Gee-Turner discussed the management decision-making process and the planning process at Omron Healthcare, which became a spin-off of Omron Corporation in July 2003. Highlighting the product planning process, Mr. Gee-Turner stated that it takes three years from start to finish for a product's existence to be realized.

Michael Bobrove, ACCJ Vice President - Kansai, receives Certificate of Appreciation

2008-06-30: Michael Bobrove, Vice President - Kansai, received a Certificate of Appreciation from Mr. Takashi Kugai, Director-General of the Kansai Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. The award was in recognition of Mr. Bobrove's considerable contributions toward promoting foreign investment and introducing foreign corporations to the Kansai region.

Drilling through the concrete ceiling: a personal perspective on challenges facing senior female executives in Japan

2008-06-10: As the June Leadership Series speaker, KVH CEO and President, Miyuki Suzuki discussed how even with the approval of recent favorable legislation, ambitious Japanese women still face a formidable "concrete ceiling" on their paths up the career ladder.

Miyuki Suzuki, President & CEO of KVH, illustrates a point to the audience at the P&G Japan headquarters in Rokko Island, Kobe.

Ms. Suzuki has had an extensive career in the telecommunications and media industries while serving at various posts in Reuters, Japan Telecom, and LexisNexis in Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand, London, Bahrain and Toronto.

"Hot Issues in Japanese Public Insurance & Employment Law"

2008-06-03: In addition to breaking down the McDonald's ruling involving unpaid overtime work that was handed down by the Tokyo District Court in January, Aki Tanaka spoke at length about new employment laws that were enacted earlier this year.

Aki Tanaka, Attorney at Kitahama Partners, highlights the basic rules of overtime work for ACCJ members and guests at the Garden City Club Osaka.

Yoshihiko Ono, Social Insurance and Labor Relations Administrative Attorney at Yoshihiko Ono International Labor Consulting, discusses worker's compensation.

Covering the pension systems of the U.S. and Japan, Yoshihiko Ono explained how one could be eligible to apply for the benefits associated with each system. Mr. Ono also shared information regarding recent changes in the law that eliminates paying social security into multiple countries' schemes.

"Uncovering Bio Billions in Japan"

2008-05-26: Hailing from the UK, Dr. Claude Kaplan, who has an extensive background in helping universities, government research institutes, multinationals, and SMEs exploit their intellectual property, spoke to the ACCJ Kansai Chapter at length about how one goes about evaluating the technologies being developed in Japan's publicly-funded research institutions.

Dr. Claude Kaplan, Senior Consultant and Director for IP Pragmatics, demonstrates a point to the audience at the Osaka Securities Exchange Building.

Regarding patents, Dr. Kaplan said that of those that do not fail, 25% will be licensed, 50% will generate revenue, and less than 25%, which equates to 3 out of every 100 filed, will generate more than $100,000 in licensed revenue.

2008 Spring Meishi Exchange

2008-05-22: The newest hotel to join the Kansai Chapter, Ramada Osaka, was the site of the 2008 Spring Meishi Exchange sponsored by the ACCJ Kansai Chapter and supported by the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and the Japan-America Society of Osaka (JASO).

With over 140 business professionals in attendance, the stage was set for the Kansai Chapter to shine as opening remarks included introductions by the Kansai Chapter leadership, recognition of Erica Kitamura, winner of the Walk-A-Thon logo competition for the second straight year, and a toast conducted by Yutaka Ueda of Osaka Prefecture.

The 2008 Spring Meishi Exchange was a multi-cultural affair.

To cap off a festive evening, several lucky participants were able to go home with some attractive prizes courtesy of the Ramada Osaka.

1300 Years in the Making: The Nara Revolution

2008-05-15: As the May Leadership Series featured speaker, Nara Governor Shogo Arai talked about not only the valuable experience he gained from being a student at Syracuse University but also his time spent in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Transportation, and the Japan Coast Guard before becoming governor last year.

Shogo Arai, Governor of Nara Prefecture, shares a laugh with the ACCJ Kansai Chapter at the Ramada Osaka.

With Nara Prefecture celebrating its 1,300th anniversary in 2010, Governor Arai spoke at length about what is in store to commemorate the birth of Japan's ancient capital city.

Managing the Media in a Crisis

2008-04-24: In a very interactive session on "How to handle the media in a crisis 101," David Wagner challenged the members by introducing role-play situations that made participants confront the media in times of distress.

David Wagner, Director, Communications Training Group, Gavin Anderson Japan, awaits a question from the audience at the Ramada Osaka Hotel.

Definitely an eye-opening experience, Mr. Wagner advised the members about one's posture, mannerisms, voice tone, and response time among a host of other tricks of the trade to make one's experience at the mercy of the media as stress-free as possible.

USS Chafee

2008-04-14: Thanks in part to the U.S. Consulate General Osaka-Kobe, a limited number of ACCJ members were able to experience a VIP tour of the USS Chafee, an Arleigh Burke Class Aegis Destroyer in the U.S. Navy fleet, which stopped by Osaka Port for a few days. The USS Chafee is named after former Rhode Island Governor and Secretary of the Navy, John Lester Hubbard Chafee.

ACCJ members and staff pose for a group picture in front of the USS Chafee.

The USS Chafee, an Arleigh Burke Class Aegis Destroyer in the U.S. Navy, docked at Osaka port.

USS Chafee Statistics:
Overall Length: 509 Feet
Beam: 66 Feet
Top Speed: 30+ Knots
Displacement: 9,217 Tons (Full Load)
Crew: 348
Mother Port: Hawaii

ACCJ Kansai Chapter to Invite Charities in Kansai to Apply for Contributions: Proceeds Raised at the 2nd Charity Walkathon to be Donated

2008-04-02: The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) Kansai Chapter announced today that it will donate the proceeds raised at its 2nd Charity Walkathon for "Improving the Environment for Working Women in Japan," held on October 20, 2007, to worthy charitable organizations which support working women in the Kansai area. The ACCJ Kansai Chapter is now accepting applications (English, Japanese) from non-profit organizations.

Deal Making in East Asia: The Past, Present, and Future

2008-03-26: In town from the U.S., Matthew Krebs of Life Science Analytics spoke openly to the ACCJ about not only the Japanese market, but also recent developments in the emerging markets of China, Korea, and India in the area of biotechnology.

Matthew Krebs, Account Manager of Life Science Analytics, is on the receiving end of a question during his presentation at the Osaka Securities Exchange Building.

Transforming a Traditional Japanese Insurance Company and Breaking Stereotypes

2008-03-18: As the March Leadership Series featured speaker, ACCJ Kansai member Bijan Khosrowshahi of Fuji Fire and Marine Insurance, explained how his ability to lead brought him to be the first and only non-Japanese CEO of a publicly traded insurance company in Japan. Since assuming the helm of Fuji Fire and Marine in 2004, he has led the company to achieve the highest return on equity (ROE) in the insurance sector while being rated A- by both international and domestic rating agencies.

Bijan Khosrowshahi, President and CEO of Fuji Fire & Marine Insurance Company Limited.

Presentation Zen: How to Design and Deliver Great Presentations in Today's World

2008-02-20: Following up on his earlier popular presentations for the ACCJ in 2004, 2005, and 2006 in Kobe, Osaka, and Tokyo, presentation designer and internationally acclaimed communications consultant Garr Reynolds shared his experience and views on presentation design and delivery. The full capacity audience at P&G's Auditorium was thoroughly delighted by Garr's know-your-subject and keep-it-simple approach.

Garr Reynolds in the midst of another great presentation.

Welcoming the New Mayor of Osaka

2008-02-12: In welcoming the newly elected Mayor of Osaka to his post, ACCJ Vice President Michael Bobrove sat down with Mayor Hiramatsu at the Mayor's Mansion to discuss the 2008 Walk-A-Thon in addition to a host of other activities that the Kansai Chapter is planning for the coming year. In response, Mayor Hiramatsu expressed his interest to continue the city's supportive relationship with the Kansai Chapter in the years to come.

ACCJ Vice President and Kansai Chapter Head, Michael Bobrove (left) with recently elected Mayor of Osaka, Kunio Hiramatsu (right).

P&G Strategies and Leadership for Sustainable Success

2008-02-06: To kickoff the 2008 Leadership Series, Procter & Gamble Japan Chairman and Governor of ACCJ Kansai Ravi Chaturvedi spoke candidly about how to achieve not only success for one's corporation but also more importantly "sustainable" success that will lead to the future growth of the company.

Speaking to a packed house at the Garden City Club Osaka, Ravi Chaturvedi expounds on the principles that have made Procter & Gamble one of the leading consumer goods companies for the past 170 years.

Business Ethics from a Legal Perspective

2008-01-23: With the large number of corporate scandals in recent years, such as Enron, Worldcom, Livedoor and others, ACCJ Kansai Business Programs Committee Chair, Jiri Mestecky highlighted the legal and ethical obligations owed by directors and officers to their corporations and shareholders. Introducing several theories, "contracts theory," "entity theory," and "nexus of contracts theory," Mr. Mestecky gave the audience lots to consider when dealing with in-house policies.

Registered Foreign Attorney and Partner of Kitahama Partners, Jiri Mestecky proves a point during his talk on fiduciary duty and corporate ethics at the Osaka Securities Exchange Building.

ACCJ Kansai Shinnengoreikai Welcomes the Year of the Rat

2008-01-17: The ACCJ Kansai Chapter celebrated the "Year of the Rat" with its annual Shinnengoreikai at the Garden City Club Osaka in Umeda. ACCJ Vice President Michael Bobrove provided a look back at 2007 and a look forward to 2008 in his state of the chapter address. In a symbolic ceremony, Kazumichi Machino, Managing Director of the Office of Urban Revitalization and Promotion of Osaka City, the 2007 Walk-A-Thon host city, passed the Walk-A-Thon trophy to Kyoji Ueda, Executive Director of the International Affairs Office of Kobe City, which was announced as the host city for the 2008 Walk-A-Thon.

U.S. Consulate General Daniel Russel (far left) along with ACCJ members and guests pause for a moment of silence for those who lost their lives 13 years ago in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.

Vice President of the ACCJ and Head of the Kansai Chapter, Michael Bobrove (left) presents a certificate of appreciation to former Living in Kansai Chair, Raymond Tait (right) for his contributions to the Chapter during his time as head of the committee from late 2005 to early 2007.

Thanks in part to our generous sponsors listed below, many of those in attendance went home as prizewinners!

Eva Air
Garr Reynolds
Garden City Club Osaka
Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Northwest Airlines
Oakwood Apartments Shinjuku & Yotsuya
Wall Street Associates