Luncheon Meeting with Mrs. Roos

2009-11-16: The ACCJ Kansai leadership welcomed Mrs. Susan Roos, wife of U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos, and a California labor lawyer on her first meeting with the ACCJ Kansai. Mrs. Roos and ACCJ Kansai members discussed labor laws and diversity issues in Kansai and Japan.

Although Mrs. Roos was unable to attend the 2009 ACCJ Kansai Charty Walk & Festival in October, the Ambassador was the Guest of Honor at both the BOG Reception the night before the event and at the Opening Ceremony. Women in Business Committee Chair Mari Nogami spoke about her experiences in the workplace and also as Chair of the committee. Mrs. Roos expressed strong interest in ACCJ Kansai's activities and asked how she and Ambassador Roos could help the ACCJ during their stay in Japan.

ACCJ Kansai Charity Walk & Festival Appreciation Party

2009-11-04: In recognition of and to celebrate the tremendous voluntary effort in making this year's ACCJ Kansai Charity Walk & Festival such a huge success, members and volunteers gathered together at the Garden City Club Osaka for the Charity Walk & Festival Appreciation Party.

On hand to be recognized were several of the Charity Walk & Festival Organizing Committee members who, although not members of the ACCJ, still put in long hours so that all could enjoy and participate in the activities at this year's Charity Walk & Festival. Without the support of such non-member volunteers, the sponsor booths, stage entertainment, food booths, kids' area, and working women's mini seminar/workshop could not have been as successful.

The ACCJ Kansai Chapter is honored and proud that so many non-members devoted their precious time to support our activity.

Michael Bobrove VP-Kansai makes an appreciation speech to all members and volunteers.

Halloween Haunted House (Rokko Island Halloween Festival 2009)

2009-10-31: ACCJ Kansai presented "Halloween Haunted House" in conjunction with the annual Rokko Island Halloween Festival. Thousands of people came to this festival and the Haunted House was one of the most popular attractions. Members and volunteers teamed up to scare Kansai community kids. The event started from 11 a.m., with a costume parade followed by a Costume Contest that was one of the most popular programs, and finished with our great success of the "ACCJ Haunted House" at 8 p.m. Our member companies (Price Club, Hotel Plaza Kobe and Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers) sponsored candy for the "treat" and attracted many children to the "trick," or Haunted House.

Cancer Deaths in Japan: Reformation of Clinical Oncology Trials

2009-10-26: Doctor Ken Kobayashi, Head of Translational Medicine Oncology for Novartis Pharmaceutical's Oncology Development Division, oversees a network of collaborations with twelve preclinical investigators, twenty clinical institutions, and a portfolio of ten phase I/II clinical trials. In the four years since its creation, this group more than tripled the number of phase I studies initiated in oncology by Novartis Japan, compared with the previous five years. Dr. Kobayashi discussed his views on how Japan might become more competitive through full engagement of international clinical drug development trials. He touched upon his success at Novartis Pharma - generating an early clinical development capability in Japan and founding a phase I group of 21 staff conducting both preclinical and early clinical studies within only four years of beginning his assignment.

Dr. Kobayashi is convinced that there is a solution to Japan's drug lag issue. He is passionate about improving Japan's competitive position to fight the scourge of cancer and has worked tirelessly to grant Japanese sufferers access to newer and better drugs.

The New Economy: International Economic Outlook

2009-10-23: Dr. Somnath Basu, Professor of Finance at California Lutheran University, Director of its California Institute of Finance, and Professor of the Helsinki School of Economics Executive MBA Program, presented his international economic outlook to ACCJ members. Dr. Basu spoke about how the recent debacle in the financial markets has opened up a plethora of issues that require serious attention from all market participants. He stated that perhaps the most serious concern is the emergence of a "mixed" economy where both public and government-owned enterprises will coexist with private enterprises. In his view, the historical performances of such economies have been fairly dismal since these conditions are bound to usher in additional regulation of financial markets. He further explained that such new regulations are likely to focus on ways to mitigate the probability of similar failures in the future, however, he noted that the structure of regulation should not be constructed on the basis of how the markets failed the people but instead on how people failed the market.

Growth! Bloomberg LP Speaks to Kansai

2009-10-16: Mr. Peter T. Grauer, Chairman of Bloomberg LP, has overseen the company's expansion from its core business of providing real-time financial data to its current position as one of the world's largest news-gathering organizations. Mr. Grauer, a frequent visitor to Japan, took the opportunity of his first trip to Kansai to speak to business and political leaders from the region. He outlined Bloomberg's Asia expansion strategy amid the financial crisis.

2009 ACCJ Kansai Charity Walk & Festival

2009-10-03: The 2009 ACCJ Kansai Charity Walk & Festival, blessed with beautiful weather, was held on Saturday, October 3, 2009, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at Osaka, Nakanoshima Park. More than 4,500 people were estimated to have passed through the event sight with at least 2,000 people actively participating in the festivities. Special guests that attended the opening ceremony were the U.S. Ambassador to Japan Mr. John Roos and Mr. Billy Blanks, the 'Taicho' of Billy's Boot Camp, who led the warm-up exercises.

The 2009 Charity Walk & Festival continues to be a unique and strong asset of the ACCJ Kansai's efforts toward Kansai community support and diversity. ACCJ Kansai again obtained tremendous support and recognition from the U.S. Embassy, Osaka Prefecture and City, and the ACCJ BOG, including personal remarks from ACCJ President Tom Whitson.

Full dedication from ACCJ Kansai, including EXCOM, CSC and WIB committees, office staff, passionate team members and volunteers made it possible to manage this large-scale event for charity. The Task Force and Charity Walk team worked for the last 6 or more months to make this event work. Congratulations to all for a job well done! For more on the event: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEUvj_7NFsY&feature=player_embedded#

Opening Ceremony - ribbon-cutting.

Group photo - Ambassador Roos, Mr. Billy Blanks, Kansai government officials, Sponsors and ACCJ Leadership.

Warm-up Exercise with Billy Blanks.

An Evening with the Board of Governors of the ACCJ

2009-10-02: The ACCJ leadership and local government leaders gathered for a very special evening at the Mayor's Mansion in Osaka. This special gathering featured a large number of the ACCJ Board of Governors and officials from the surrounding prefectures and city governments. Other special guests were the recently arrived Honorable U.S. Ambassador to Japan Mr. John Roos and, as a special guest, Mr. Billy Blanks, the 'Taicho' of Billy's Boot Camp, who led the warm-up exercises for the Charity Walk and Festival the following day.

The evening focused on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and how the American business community in Japan is a driving force in this area. With the ACCJ Kansai's premier CSR event, the Charity Walk and Festival, scheduled to be held on the following day (October 3rd), the Kansai Chapter welcomed members and guests to a very special networking event to kickoff an exciting weekend full of festivities.

This year's sponsor company representatives, P&G and Eli Lilly, shared their companies' thoughts on diversity.

Mayor Hiramatsu welcomes Ambassador Roos.

Guests gathered in the Reception Hall of the Osaka Mayor's Mansion.

Ms. Vanessa Asell, Fitness Walking Global Merchandising Coordinator for Asics Corporation in Kobe

2009-09-15: Ms. Vanessa Asell, Fitness Walking Global Merchandising Coordinator for Asics Corporation Head Office in Kobe, Japan, related stories of her life working in Japan to the different feelings that a "NY marathon runner" experiences (from Brooklyn to the crazy Obama-powered Bronx). She spoke of her positive stories and milestones and also the tougher parts, such as crossing the high bridges and the 100-block stretch on First Avenue - similar to the challenges as the first Westerner and woman at Asics.

Ms. Vanessa Asell, with Asics shoes and the same outfit she wore during a NY marathon, speaks on her career and marathon experiences.

ACCJ Kansai FALL Meishi Exchange

2009-09-10: The ACCJ Kansai FALL Meishi Exchange was held on Thursday, September 10 from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm at Sky Banquet, "Ciel Bleu" on the 35th floor of the Swissotel Nankai Osaka in Namba. The Swissotel chefs under the careful direction of Swiss native & General Manager, Mr. Christian Schaufelbuehl, created an authentic feast of SWISS delights including Raclette Cheese over potatoes garnished with pickles & gherkins and popular desserts.

We also welcomed Mr. Dieter Sommerhalder, Consulate-General of Switzerland, and the traditional Swiss Ensemble, ENZIAN. From the Alpine horn welcome, we were all treated to a visit to Switzerland for the night. There were chances to win prizes including Lunch, Dinner & Stay Vouchers from Swissotel Nankai Osaka plus prizes from other member companies such as Garden City Club Osaka, Hotel Plaza Kobe, Billboard Live Osaka, Kobe Bay Sheraton, and Hilton Osaka.

Authentic Swiss food prepared for ACCJ members and guests.

Alphorn Greeting and Swiss traditional Yodel.

Mr. Christian Schaufelbuehl, General Manager of Swissotel Nankai Osaka with custom-tailored chef's wear serves authentic Swiss dishes for ACCJ member and guest.

ACCJ Kansai Exclusive Event CIRQUE DU SOLEIL - Corteo

2009-09-01: The family spirit of ACCJ Kansai came out as 38 adults and 15 children enjoyed the spectacular CIRQUE DU SOLEIL - Corteo show at the Nakanoshima, New Bigtop. The event included an exclusive after the show in a theatre presentation by Ms. Heather Reilly, General Manager, Corteo, on the show and background of CIRQUE DU SOLEIL. There was also a question and answer session followed by a backstage tour for children.

Some of the comments received from participants: "World class family entertainment. The show itself was great and the speech afterwards was very informative;" "Arranging to hear from the General Manager and a tour for the kids greatly enhanced the overall experience and added a lot of value;" "Great show, enjoyed everything about it, good for the kids and family as well."

Ms. Heather Reilly, General Manager, Corteo tells the secrets of CIRQUE DU SOLEIL and the show, Corteo.

"Asia's Post Lehman World" sponsored by HSBC Premier - Featuring: Bloomberg News' Asia Pacific Columnist, Mr. William Pesek Jr.

2009-08-26: ACCJ Kansai, HSBC Premier and Bloomberg teamed up to provide an informative business seminar that focused on how the economy and financial markets have changed since the Lehman Brothers crash last year and where we are headed. The seminar also focused on how Asia will play an important factor in reshaping our changing world environment.

Official Visit to Mayor Kawashima of Nagahama City

2009-08-25: Michael Bobrove ACCJ Vice President - Kansai made an official courtesy call on ACCJ corporate member Nobuya Kawashima, Mayor of Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture. During their meeting the Mayor expressed his desire to create a closer relationship between the ACCJ and Nagahama City. In a follow on to this visit, the Mayor paid a visit to ACCJ Tokyo to meet with Executive Director Sam Kidder.

Michael Bobrove with the Mayor of Nagahama City. Mr. Nobuya Kawashima.

Summer Beer Garden Party

2009-08-06: The ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka's Beer Garden on the 5th floor terrace, popular for it's great food & drink menu and atmosphere, is completely sold out almost every night. However, as ACCJ Kansai's 10th and newest corporate hotel member, the hotel went out of its way to prepare a table for ACCJ members to enjoy the festivities.

Mr. Richard Rennie, General Maneger of the hotel, gave us a warm welcome with complimentary Champagne for the "Kanpai" and several prizes including a weekend stay at the Club Floor of the hotel for the raffle. The hotel also prepared a big strawberry shortcake for us! Hard Rock Cafe Osaka and the Garden City Club Osaka also donated prizes for the raffle.

Members and guests enjoying the special area prepared for them by the hotel.

Mr. Richard Rennie, General Manager of the ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka, draws a name for one of the raffle prizes.

Members and guests gathered around the big strawberry shortcake.

Compliance Issues in Japan

2009-07-23: Mr. Yutaka Kiso, Attorney, Kitahama Partners, a former prosecutor and presently an attorney with Kitahama Partners, a leading Japanese law firm specializing in international matters, spoke on the theme of "Business Compliance - Issues for Foreign Companies." He explained his professional analysis regarding vital compliance issues for foreign companies in Japan.

In his presentation, Mr. Kiso presented a case study based upon the recent, well-known incident involving the death of a Japanese boy in an elevator manufactured by Schindler Elevator. He addressed questions such as why a large, world-famous company such as Schindler Elevator, which was previously thought to have been taking sufficient safety measures, suffered such damage to its reputation in Japan that the company could still not obtain new contracts more than two years after the incident.

ACCJ Kansai Leadership makes official visit to Mayor Yada of Kobe City

2009-07-22: The Leadership of ACCJ Kansai, Vice President - Kansai, Michael Bobrove, Community Service Committee Chair, Kojiro dan and External Affairs Committee Chair, Kiran Sethi met with Mayor Yada of Kobe City.

During the meeting the ACCJ Kansai Leadership reconfirmed ACCJ's commitment to the Kansai Region and requested support for this year's 2009 ACCJ Kansai Charity Walk & Festival event to be held in Nakanoshima, Osaka on Saturday, October 3 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Mayor Yada, Michael Bobrove (seated front row), Kojiro Dan and Kiran Sethi.

ACCJ Kansai Leadership makes official visits to Kansai Organizations

2009-07-17: The Leadership of ACCJ Kansai, Vice President - Kansai, Michael Bobrove, Governor - Kansai, Jiri Mestecky and External Affairs Committee Chair, Kiran Sethi, met with the Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Chairman Mizukoshi, the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), Vice Chairman Kato and the Kansai Economic Federation, Vice Chairman Matsushita.

During the meetings the ACCJ Kansai Leadership reconfirmed ACCJ's commitment to the Kansai Region and requested support for this year's 2009 ACCJ Kansai Charity Walk & Festival event to be held in Nakanoshima, Osaka on Saturday, October 3 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Kiran Sethi and Michael Bobrove with Chairman Mizukoshi and other officials of the Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Kiran Sethi (3rd from left), Jiri Mestecky, Osaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry Vice Chairman Kato, Michael Bobrove and Director Kohzuki (OCCI).

Kansai Economic Federation Vice Chairman Matsushita and Michael Bobrove, Vice President - Kansai (front row) Kiran Sethi (3rd from left) and Jiri Mestecky (back row).

ACCJ Kansai Meishi Exchange

2009-06-25: A great success with an outstanding turnout of more than 100 enthusiastic participants, the event had a Mexican theme with 10 cases of Corona beer donated by Mitsukura Corporation (Price Club). A total of 8 door prizes (7 for members and 1 for guests) including a set of 4 tickets to see the Hanshin Tigers play the Yakult Swallows at Koshien Stadium, donated by Douglas Schafer (Toyo Beverage), were raffled off to the delight of all..

A special ceremony was also included to present Erica Kitamura with the first ever ACCJ Kansai Walk-A-Thon Scholarship Award, given to an outstanding female to support her university or higher level education. Erica was unanimously selected by the ACCJ Kansai Executive Committee for her contributions to the design of the official Walk-A-Thon logo in 2007 (contest winner), 2008 (contest winner) and 2009 (appointed by Kansai EXCOM) among other contributions to receive a 2.53 GHz MacBook Pro to support her studies in design. She will attend the Virginia Commonwealth University this Fall.

Edward Dong, U.S. Consulate General, gives the toast with Corona Beer.

Attendees exchange Meishi in a casual atmosphere with live Mariachi music.

ACCJ Kansai Walk-A-Thon Scholarship Award is given to Erika Kitamura by Kojiro Dan, Community Service Committee Chair.

HSBC's Strategy in Japan

2009-06-11: Mr. Francois Moreau, Managing Director & Head of Personal Financial Services, HSBC Japan, gave the audience an insight into HSBC's strategy for the Japanese market and also spoke about his experience and the challenges faced starting this banking business in Japan, which is highly competitive and governed strictly by Japanese banking law. Having also worked for HSBC in other countries, Mr. Moreau also highlighted some of the specifics of the Japanese market. Held at P&G's Auditorium on Rokko Island the speaker and the attendees enjoyed this strategy focused Leadership Series event.

Following the event a networking party was held at the Hotel Plaza Kobe which provided excellent service thanks to strong staff dedication and the warm hospitality of the Hotel's president who was present throughout the event.

Business Committee member Akio Matsumoto thanks Mr. Francois Moreau.

Kansai World Barbecue Classic (KWBC)

2009-06-06: Team Australia, Team Canada and Team USA with the official blessing of the Japan Barbeque Association competed in what will go down in ACCJ Kansai Chapter History as one of the most hotly contested events of all time. Blessed with fantastic weather, the perfect venue at the Ramada Osaka Rooftop Beer Garden and more than 100 BBQ enthusiasts all 3 teams did their best to come out on top.

The official judges vote gave Team Canada, a Kansai/Nagoya tie-up, lead by Chris Campbell and Allan Edwards 1st prize overall. The people's popular vote went to Team Australia leaving Team USA 'heading back to the practice grill' for a rematch in the Fall.

With a 48% response rate to the Event Survey and only Excellent or Very Good responses for Overall Quality it was truly a monumental event for ACCJ Kansai.

Team USA - wearing uniforms specially prepared for the event.

Team Canada - hard work leads to victory.

Team Australia - the people's popular choice.

Official judges with a view of the festivities in the background.

ACCJ Kansai MARKETING IN A DOWN ECONOMY; REINFORCE DON'T REINVENT

2009-05-28: In down markets, many companies see the marketing function as the first area in which to cut costs. Mr. Vucsko discussed the opposing strategy by illustrating the value of a continued marketing effort even during revenue drops and diminished growth. He went on further to comment on the importance of using marketing budgets wisely for brand reinforcement, and the pitfalls of introducing new products, service and marketing during these difficult times.

Barry Vucsko fields questions from the audience after his very stimulating presentation on brands and marketing.

Currently a Creative Director, at Dentsu Inc. in Osaka, Japan, Barry Vucsko is an accomplished international marketing professional with 20 years of experience in brand strategy, advertising, sales promotion and interactive design and development.

2009-05-15: ACCJ Vice President and Kansai Chapter Head, Michael Bobrove, ACCJ Kansai Governor Jiri Mestecky and ACCJ Kansai Community Service Committee Chair, Kojiro Dan, met with the Mayor of Osaka, Kunio Hiramatsu, and his advisors at Osaka City Hall in a closed meeting to request support for the 2009 ACCJ Kansai - Charity Walk & Festival - to be held at Nakanoshima on Saturday, October 3 as part of the Aqua Metrpolis Osaka 2009 festivities. With the Charity Walk & Festival making its second appearance in Osaka, Mr. Bobrove, Mr. Mestecky and Mr. Dan were confident that corporations will again come out in full support of this annual charity event with the support of the Mayor's office.

The Mayor of Osaka, Kunio Hiramatsu, accepts the Charity Walk & Festival trophy upon hearing that Osaka was chosen as the site of the 2009 ACCJ Kansai Chapter Charity Walk & Festival.

ACCJ Kansai Governor Jiri Mestecky, Mayor of Osaka, Kunio Hiramatsu, ACCJ Vice President and Kansai Chapter Head, Michael Bobrove and ACCJ Kansai Community Service Committee Chair, Kojiro Dan at City Hall.

The Greater Value of Pharmaceuticals

2009-05-14: Mr. Alfonso (Chito) Zulueta, President & General Manager of Eli Lilly Japan, exemplifies a career distinguished by consistent achievement. This led to his taking the reigns of Japan operations.

At the event he put into context the value of pharmaceuticals by highlighting how, for example, in the U.S. for every dollar spent on newer medicines replacing older medicines, healthcare costs are reduced by $6.17 and how new treatments have cut the death rate from heart disease over the past 30 years by 50 percent. In addition, Mr. Zulueta identified and suggested solutions for overcoming key barriers in Japan to the growth of a knowledge-based, globally competitive Japanese pharmaceutical industry.

Panasonic: Overseas Marketing Strategy & Practice

2009-04-23: Electronics is one of the growth engines of Japan, and Panasonic is at the center of the industry. Mr. Hitoshi Otsuki, Senior Managing Director and Panasonic's Head of Global Business, spoke about Panasonic, its overseas marketing strategy and gave several examples of its execution. He also shared his views and experiences in doing business overseas.

Mr. Hitoshi Otsuki concludes his presentation at the Hilton Osaka's Naniwa Room. HIs presentation was followed by a networking party during which time everyone in attendance had the chance to speak with him personally.

Mr. Otsuki joined Panasonic in 1970. He was deeply involved in the early days of development of overseas markets for microwave ovens. He became President of Panasonic UK in 2000; Chairman and CEO of European Business in 2003. He became Managing Director and Head of Global Business in 2007 and is currently leading Panasonic's growth in overseas markets.

A 21st Century Business Model where Corporate and Non-Profit Sectors Meet

2009-04-14: The relationship between the corporate and non-profit sectors used to be adversarial, but not any longer. Exciting and effective new business models are emerging, where business and charities not only work together but positively contribute to each others' success.

Bill Werlin, a seasoned corporate leader who has spent a lifetime in the apparel industry, became the General Manager of the Burton Snowboard group of companies in Japan as of April 1, 2009. Prior to Burton, Bill was the General Manager of Patagonia Japan and built Patagonia Japan into a nationally known brand with stores in Kansai, Chubu and Kanto. At the same time, Bill is a thoughtful environmental activist who has forged numerous meaningful relationships with grassroots NGOs. He shared stories from his years of experience in the apparel industry on how the corporate world and NGOs can not only coexist, but also create synergies that result in profits for the company and the better good of the planet. Bill's personal insights both inspired and informed the near to capacity audience as to how companies can make a difference.

Relevant To Japan: The China Environment & Establishing Pharmaceutical Operations

2009-03-24: Recognizing that East Asia has been rapidly gaining importance as a venue of today's world wide drug development, the cooperation among the three countries in order to facilitate drug and therapeutics development is significant. But how do Big Pharma and small bioventures find their place in this? What can they expect of China? And what strategies for establishing themselves can they rely on? Mr. Toyoda answered these and many more intriguing questions concerning establishing pharmaceutical operations no only in China but overseas in general.

Mr. Shigeru Toyoda (speaker, photo left), Strategic Research & Alliances Manager for Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, has over 30 years experience with China and Taiwan.

The New Asahi Towers & An Op-Ed View on Kansai's Role in Japan Policy Formation

2009-03-03: Mr. Ikeuchi was long in charge of covering the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) faction previously led by former Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka. He is also fully acquainted with the current leader of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), Ichiro Ozawa. With the general elections in the near future, we may face a new government. But, who is Mr. Ozawa? What does he bring to the table? And how might Kansai find a role in forming national policy under a new government? Mr. Ikeuchi presented his analysis and anecdotes of a "long-in-the-tooth" liberal news reporter in the know.

Mr. Fumio Ikeuchi, Representative Managing Director of The Asahi Shimbun Company and Director in Charge of Osaka Nakanoshima New Building Construction for the new Asahi Towers building complex going up in Osaka.

Managing Risk Through the Evolving Financial Crisis

2009-02-27: Ms. Taniguchi discussed how to mitigate risk in our business operations. Drawing upon 15 years of experience in external auditing in both the U.S. and in Japan, Ms. Taniguchi advised and answered questions on how best to survive these trying times.

Yasumi Taniguchi (speaker, photo center) is a founding Managing Director of Protiviti Japan and leads the ERM & Internal Audit Practice.

Building Superior Brands in Turbulent Economic Times

2009-02-19: Ms. Kosobud gave the 1st Leadership Series presentation of 2009 on the key principles of sustainable growth. She explained why they are applied in good times and become absolutely critical in the volatile economic times of today. She also discussed how to balance these principles during the product development cycle and through initiative planning. She then explained to the audience how to both reduce business risk and optimize brand performance.

Diane Kosobud, Ipsos President and Global Account Director for Procter & Gamble responsible for building brand equity worldwide.

Triangular Mergers: A New Vehicle For Acquisitions In Japan

2009-01-28: Mr. Taisuke Igaki, Partner with Kitahama Partners' Osaka office who specializes in M&A transactions, and Mr. Yujiro Arakawa, Partner with Kitahama Partners' Tokyo Office who specializes in Japanese tax law, presented one of the ways for non-Japanese corporations to complete acquisitions in Japan through a merger procedure called the "triangular merger." An outline was presented on how to acquire Japanese corporations using the triangular merger from the perspective of a non-Japanese acquirer in light of: (i) procedures under Japan's Corporation Law and Financial Products and Exchange Law, and (ii) tax deferral under Japan's Corporate Tax Law. Allowing questions to be asked during their presentation created a lively exchange of questions and opinions during the nearly 2 hour presentation.

Yujiro Arakawa receives his Certificate of Appreciation from ACCJ Governor - Kansai, Jiri Mestecky.