Compiled by Ken Worsley -- Hard information on selected economic sectors and industries -- Automotive -- Consumer Electronics -- Mobile Telephony

By Scott Cavanaugh -- What are Japanese companies doing to change the earth? -- When the Kyoto Protocol was adopted in December 1997, Japan instantly became one of the leaders in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. During that time, the Japanese government, along with many Japanese corporations, publicized sweeping changes that would be enacted to counter the negative effects of the previous 150 years of industrial activity. The idea was that Japan, with its eco-friendly ideas, would become the envy of the other industrialized nations. But this has not become reality.

Seiichi ShimadaBy Sarah Noorbakhsh -- J@pan Inc talks with President Seiichi Shimada about the current state of Japan’s housing and real estate markets -- Once a government organization, in April 2007 the Japan Housing Finance Agency (JHF) was established as an Incorporated Administrative Agency under then Prime Minister Koizumi’s plan to privatize government services. The organization is now the first to offer Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS) in Japan.

Winning Team from JMEC 14By Beckie Cassidy -- Bringing a new set of eyes to companies looking to improve their business in Japan -- Developing a viable business plan for the Japanese market can be a daunting task for foreign companies unfamiliar with the local market and culture. With a set of challenges specific to the nation, incorrect assumptions can prove disastrous. While businesses work to develop their own plans, they often remain oblivious to fresh and innovative strategies that students at business schools are developing, possibly even for their own companies.