Managing Change
One of the most rewarding things about working here at Computing Japan is the chance to work with minds like Bill Auckerman. Whether answering grammar queries from across the cubicle wall or giving us insight on the machinations at MITI, Bill has been the bellwether for us since our first issue in 1994. Always patient, always ready with a bit of data or a telling anecdote, Bill helped to bring forward a new animal; an indispensible English-language magazine in Japan. Not another magazine about movie listings, the hottest gaijin bars, the trendiest tourist traps, or the alternative lifestyles of lefthanded tattoo artists (not that I've got anything against the movies), but a valuable resource for professionals. Computing Japan is the most relevant and highly respected English-language magazine published in Japan today. Period. We have Bill Auckerman to thank for that.

Much in the way our industry is changing, so must we. From Terrie Lloyd's vision in 1994, Computing Japan has paralleled (and sometimes foreshadowed) the trends in our industry. Now we, among others, are convinced that even bigger changes are coming. Deregulation, globalization, just-in-time custom manufacturing, direct models, world monetary funds, electronic commerce, and the ever-present Internet are conspiring to make this the most exciting time to be alive. But of all the uncertainty ahead, of one thing you can rest assured; we will continue to be the most relevant voice on Japanese markets and industry.

Having said that, I would ask for feedback on how we can improve Computing Japan as we near the millennium. From the big-picture to the devilish details, we would love to hear comments, suggestions or criticisms. Our goal is to continue serving our readers with the kind of information they need to manage change, whether reading us cross-legged on a futon or stretched-out at 30,000 feet in business class. Tell us how you first found us, what you read with relish, what you hate, what you photocopied and gave to your coworkers, and what you wish we would cover but never do.

Finally, I'd like to tell you about a free service we offer our readers. We have put enormous effort into giving you access to relevant and hard-to-find information. Looking for a new job? Want info on trade shows in Japan? Need to find a localizer? Want to read (in English) the top stories from the Japanese technology press? Go here: http://www.computingjapan.com.

Thanks, Bill.