One of the biggest challenges for a non-Japanese manager to deal with is when they are parachuted into a situation and are required to take on, train, and motivate a battle hardened crew of veterans - particularly sales, administration, or customer support veterans. This situation most frequently happens when you are part of a merger with a Japanese firm, a joint venture, or you have been appointed to replace an under-performing manager in a foreign-owned business that has been left too long on its own, and whose employees have forgotten who they actually work for.

A collaboration between Bandai and Buffalo has produced a child-safety computer to stop kids being subjected to the dangers of the internet.
Epson have brought out a new LCD projector with a amazing contrast and the ability to create a 100inch screen.
To go with the projector, Sony's new LocationFree Home HD enables us to transport audio and video signals inside and outside the home.

J@pan Inc Magazine Presents:
Music Media Watch.
The writer is taking a short break and will return in December.

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