JIN-464 -- J@pan Inc May/June Issue

J@pan Inc Newsletter
The 'JIN' J@pan Inc Newsletter
A weekly opinion piece on social, economic and political trends
in Japan.
Issue No. 464 Wednesday May 6, 2008, Tokyo

-----------------------------------------------------------
Every PBXL wireless phone comes standard with:
a big color screen,
a 03 Tokyo number,
voicemail,
and more!

Everything you expect from the best office phone system
on the market.

Call today! 03-4550-2557
Get your new phone system in 3 steps: http://www.pbxl.jp/plans

PBXL is Hosted Business Telephony
Monthly seminars at Cisco HQ: http://www.pbxl.jp/seminarstt
More about PBXL: http://www.pbxl.jp/aboutus2
-----------------------------------------------------------

J@pan Inc Issue 77, 2008

The May/June edition of J@pan Inc magazine including our
real estate special feature is out now. Here are the highlights:

The Capital of Asia
As we move into what we hope is the post-subprime era, Asia is
shaping up to be an attractive region for investors with its
blend of sophisticated financial centers and rapidly growing
emerging markets. For the Capital Services Group, its
establishment in Japan during the late 1990s to service loans
for a major US investment bank provided it with the basis of a
platform that now spreads across eight different regional
markets. It is now seeing significant growth in regional
investment in its core areas of service, namely real estate
asset management, loan servicing and technology solutions for
reporting. We spoke to the senior management team and learned
how the group has expanded to its current size and how it is
re-setting the agenda in the market by putting its own capital
alongside those of its clients in projects across the region.
To read the full article visit:
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_capital-success

Also in the real estate special feature:

Safe from Subprime? Brad Frischkorn analyzes the effect of the
crisis in the US on Japan. Including interviews with leading
industry players and analysts we reveal why there are grounds
for cautious optimism. With a systemic aversion to risk and
diversification strategies employed by the REITs, the wider
Japan market looks to be in a relatively healthy state.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_subprime

Japanese Architecture – Japan's unique architectural landscape
has received mixed a opinion. Anna Kitanaka traverses the debate
between those who see Japan as a haven of creative freedom and
those who argue that tight regulations are needed to restore
harmony and consistency.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_architecture

And, for all manner of real estate needs, don't miss our
Real Estate Services Directory
http://tinyurl.com/4yqqup

Under the Media's Skin
In 2005, Kyodo PR and PRAP were the first domestic agencies in
Japan to go to IPO. Based on a series of conversations with
several leading minds in the business, this article considers
how the unique industry here has proved ripe for a blend of
foreign and local techniques. However, it seems that the
top-down advertising model is proving less and less successful
as more subtle ways of getting the message out are beginning to
gain preference. In the words of Robert Picard, Representative
Director of Edelman Japan, "Public relations is posed for a
revolution in Japan." The article includes valuable guidance on
how to choose the right PR agency for your business.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_media-skin

Sending the Right Signals
On other pages we spoke to a Japanese marketing expert who has
helped small-medium enterprises with marketing and PR in Japan.
Kiyofumi Someya of the company Kakudai was the brains behind the
marketing success of a thin strip of metal that improves mobile
reception and battery life. The original inventor had tried in
vain to release his product into the mainstream but it was until
he met Kakudai that he was able to really break the market by
sorting out the branding and, raising the price!
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_signals

Reinventing the Wheel
This edition's focus on technology takes us to Shikoku where
a jewelry designer named Mitsuo Sawada has invented a
four-sided disc with a wheel on each corner that essentially
allow wheel to ascend or descend staircases in a smooth and
continuous manner. Having already patented his invention in nine
countries and making good sales in Japan, Sawada is happy to see
his idea taking off commercially. However, not wishing to leave
his idyllic surroundings in Kagawa, Mr Sawada is now looking to
sell off his enterprise.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_reinventing-the-wheel

---------- Metropolis and eigoTown.com Parties -----------

Metropolis - Tokyo's favorite lifestyle magazine and
eigoTown.com - Japan's premier English language learning
website - join together on May 10, 2008 to bring you
the Metropolis and eigoTown.com Party!

Roppongi hotspot Alife will host over 500 revelers for an
evening of fun with people from different backgrounds
coming together for eating, drinking and making friends.

CORPORATE SPONSORS WELCOME

Website: www.metropolis.co.jp/party

-----------------------------------------------------------

Other articles include:
CEO Interview: Masahiro Ito
We talk to the 25-year-old CEO of interface design company,
YAPPA Japan
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_masahiro-ito

Business Break & Trends in Japan
Our regular round-up of new businesses, IPO Watch and
trend news.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_trends-in-japan

Measure for Measure
Industry and economic environment statistics, plus a focus on
innovative hair dresser, QB House.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_measure-for-measure

The Long Game
Director of the Economist Intelligence Unit in Japan, Graham
Davis gives us his take on market conditions for foreign
business working in Japan.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_the-long-game

Exclusive Interview: Ian de Stains
J@pan Inc talks to the Executive Director of the British
Chamber of Commerce in Japan.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_ian-de-stains

Discovering Kagawa
Down in Shikoku, writer Andrew Cockburn unlocks the beauty of
Kagawa and explores it areas of cultural interest.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_kagawa

Inside Out: Business in Russia
Our column on emerging markets considers risks and
opportunities in Russia.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_business-in-russia

Difficulties and Rewards of Starting a Business in Japan
J@pan Inc is proud to publish the winning entry in a business
writing contest we held at Temple University Japan.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_starting-business

Lacking in Style
Tim Coghlan reviews Japan Fashion Week and finds it somewhat
behind the times.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_lacking-in-style

Arrivals & Departures
Who's coming and going in the international business
community here in Japan.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_arrivals-and-departures

Classic Crossword
It just got harder!
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_crossword

Back & Forward
Ken Worsley's satirical take on the economy.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_back-and-forward

I hope you enjoy this issue,

Peter Harris
Editor-in-Chief

++EVENTS

-- Entrepreneur Association of Tokyo - Wednesday, May 7th --

Title: 'Venture Financing in Japan'

Speakers: Takaaki Hata, Principal of Globis Capital Partners

Are you interested in learning how to raise venture capital
in Japan? If the answer is YES then you are in for a treat
at the next EA-Tokyo seminar.
Takaaki Hata will be sharing his inside knowledge of the
VC industry in Japan and the process for fundraising.

Please sign up early while seats are available.

Date/Time: Wednesday, May 7th, 7:00 pm
Location: Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan
Language: English
Website: http://www.ea-tokyo.com

-------------------- ICA Event - May 15 ------------------

Speaker: Ron DiCarlantonio, founder and CEO of iNAGO Group

Topic: How are Japanese companies innovating
in Customer Service?

Details: Complete event details at http://www.icajapan.jp/
(RSVP Required)

Date: Thursday, May 15, 2008
Time: 6:30 Doors open includes open bar and light buffet
Cost: 4,500 yen (members), 6,000 yen (non-members)
Open to all - venue is The Foreign Correspondents'
Club of Japan

http://www.fccj.or.jp/aboutus/map

-----------------------------------------------------------

Start a Company in Japan

Entrepreneur's Handbook Seminar 31st of May, 2008

If you have been considering setting up your own company,
find out what it takes to make it successful.
Terrie Lloyd, founder of over 13 start-up companies in Japan,
will be giving an English-language seminar and Q and A on
starting up a company in Japan.
This is an ideal opportunity to find out what is involved,
and to ask specific questions that are not normally answered
in business books.
All materials are in English and are Japan-focused.

For more details:
http://www.japaninc.com/entrepreneur_handbook_seminar

-----------------------------------------------------------

Marcus Evans Events - Supported by J@pan Inc

Customer Relationship Excellence, 15th - 16th April 2008, Tokyo
http://www.marcusevans.com/html/eventdetail.asp?eventID=13548
Featuring speakers from American Express International and others

Compensation and Benefits Forum, 27th - 28th May, Tokyo
http://www.marcusevans.com/html/eventdetail.asp?eventID=13778
This event provides Japanese firms the 'how-to' of investing in
their employees to sustain their businesses.
Supported by JSHRM

3rd Annual LNG World, 15th - 16th July 2008, Tokyo
www.marcusevans.com/html/eventdetail.asp?eventID=13569
This event focuses on key operational aspects of LNG business and
current market dynamics to succeed in this competitive market.

'J@pan Inc readers are entitled to a 10% discount upon
registration with Ms. Esther Wong.'
Contact: +603 2723 6736 Email: estherw@marcusevanskl.com
-----------------------------------------------------------

++END