Will the rise in M&A numbers continue? While the subprime mess in the USA appears to be drying up the type of leveraged financing needed for M&As overseas, it is our view that the trend to buy companies here, and especially buying on credit (LBOs) will not only continue but in fact increase. Read Terrie's Take Now

Gadget Watch is a round up of the latest new gadgets and gizmos breaking into the markey in Japan. Read Now

Training really can transform a company, whether you're in the services business or in manufacturing. It helps people see a common goal and to work towards it. It also helps them understand each other a bit better and try to overlook the issues of different value systems and cultures. Further it sets expectations team-wide that help restrain those with "expansive personalities" from trampling over the more reserved.

This week’s JIN comes from a young woman who worked in the hostess trade in Japan. It chronicles some of her experiences and wider observations about the industry. To be continued... Read Now