JIN-480 -- J@pan Inc Magazine September 2008

J@pan Inc Newsletter
The 'JIN' J@pan Inc Newsletter
A weekly opinion piece on social, economic and political trends
in Japan.
Issue No. 480 Wednesday September 3, 2008, Tokyo
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JIN September 2

J@pan Inc Issue 80, September 2008
The September edition of J@pan Inc magazine including our
entrepreneur special is out now. Here are the highlights:

On the cover: From Start-up to IPO

New Zealand entrepreneur Tim Williams went from brainstorming
some ideas over BBQs and beer to taking his Internet company,
ValueCommerce, public. Williams talks about his naive
beginnings in business, raising $35 million in venture capital
and surviving the Dot.com bust. The next step? Becoming the
Amazon.com of the wine business.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_tim-williams

Also in the entrepreneur special:

You Know it Don't Come Easy:

On the road to success there are always pitfuls but for
entrepreneurs trying to find their feet, they can prove
disastrous. Four entrepreneurs talk about the hurdles start-ups
need to be prepared for as well as those unexpected setbacks
that can ruin a fledgling small-to-medium-sized company.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_entrepreneurs-lessons-learned

Foreign Entrepreneurs, taking advantage of the 'gaijin factor':

Dave Mori, president of the Entrepreneur Association of Tokyo,
writes about the opportunities and advantages of foreigners
looking to set up their own entrepreneurial enterprise in Japan.
Overcoming the language barrier is the first major wall that
foreigners have to face, either by themselves or with the
help of bilingual staff. But being a duck out of water can be
turned into a plus and standing out of the crowd and taking
advantage of the expat network can be a big bonus to the
foreigner entrepreneur.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_gaijin-factor

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Diamond Dealer:

Mark Hiroshi Willis knew his future lay in diamonds. After
starting with an Indian company he moved to the Belgium-owned
Allied diamonds, taking over the entire Japanese operation
before eventually going solo. Now the American entrepreneur
also runs a boutique side-business, dealing with a lucrative
niche market of expats.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_diamond-dealer

The Gangsters Castle:

Sitting in the middle of Roppongi lies the rubble of the 3,800
square-meter site of the infamous TSK.CCC Terminal building.
Once owned by yakuza Hisayuki Machii, the infamous Ginza Tiger,
the site now is embroiled in a complicated web of yakuza ties
that are keeping it from being redeveloped. Writer Brett Bull
digs into the mess.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_property-rights-and-fraud-in-...

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The Silver Market Phenomenon:

The shifting demographics in developed nations across the globe
are a mounting challenge that governments and business leaders
are attempting to tackle. But for savvy marketers, the growing
elderly market is a land of opportunity. Japan is the test case
for all other major markets and companies and giants like
Nintendo are raking in the gold from the silver market.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_aging-society-in-japan

Subprime, Year Two:

As the global banking industry continues to feel the effects of
the subprime mortgage the world is looking for the silver lining
to the cloud. While the nation`s financial industry isn't left
unharmed, things may be looking better from these shores.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_subprime-in-japan

The Decline of Luxury brands in Japan?

The Luxury brands sector here has been dubbed 'the world's only
mass luxury market' but as sales decline, retailers are left to
wonder what's in store for the luxury sector.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_decline-of-luxury-brands-in-j...

No Longer Lost in Translation:

For those learning Japanese the biggest barrier is often the
kanji barrier. Now innovative kanji reading pen the
Quicktionary2, promises to break down the kanji walls for
frustrated students. We take a look at the pen and the man
behind it, Mike Kato, CEO of company Japan21.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_lost-in-translation

---------- Metropolis and eigoTown.com Party --------------

Join over 300 party animals for drinks, food and music!

September 6, 2008: 7:00pm - 10:00pm @ Feria, Roppongi.
After 10pm, feel free to stay and party the night away until
the early hours!

Cost: 5,000 yen
Show this email at the door to get in for 3,500 yen

All-you-can drink + Prizes!
(Trip for two to Macau courtesy of Viva Macau)
DJs + Single people

Click here to register: www.metropolis.co.jp/iparty/
Nearest stn: Roppongi

CORPORATE SPONSORS WELCOME

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Fashion:

For Western men, finding a suit that fits can sometimes be
difficult in Japan. Isetan Men's have filled the gap in the
market with made-to-order suits, tailored for the market.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_made-to-order-suits

Travel:

Writer Sarah Noorbakhsh tastes what Yamanashi, Japan's answer
to Napa Valley, has to offer.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_japan-wine

Japan: Global Star Performer:

The first installment in Jesper Koll's monthly column. This
issue he argues that Japan will be one of the great winners when
the world hits its next up-cycle.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_japanese-economy

Seeing the Light:

Japanese companies continue to push their eco-friendly
products but just how effective are they?
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_japanese-companies-changing-t...

----------------- ICA Event - Sept 11 ---------------------

Event: SUMMER NETWORKING PARTY!!

Topic: Joint event with ACCJ ICT Committee and the
Indian IT Club

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

Date: Thursday, Sept 11, 2008
Time: 6:30-8:30pm - includes open bar and buffet
Cost: 6,000 yen (members), 7,000 yen (non-members)
Open to all-Venue is Monsoon Cafe, Azabu Juban
http://www.monsoon-cafe.jp/en/azabu_juban/home/location/printer

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Executive Interview: Seiichi Shimada, President Japan Housing
Finance Agency:

Shimada talks about the state of the housing industry in Japan.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_japan-housing-finance-agency

Business Break & Trends in Japan:

Our regular round-up of new businesses, IPO Watch and
trend news, this month on toys.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_business-break

Retail Watch:

Our monthly spotlight on retailers. This week: Sony Plaza

Measure for Measure:

Industry and economic environment statistics, plus a focus on
classy convenience store, Natural Lawsons.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_sony-plaza

-------------Japan Inc is worth every penny!---------------

J@pan Inc is Japan's only English-language business magazine.
Authoritatively chronicling business trends in Japan, each
beautifully designed full-color issue brings you in-depth
analysis of business, people and technology in the world's
second largest economy. Don't miss another issue! JPY 8,000
for 1 year (12 issues) JPY 15,000 for 2 years (24 issues)
Visit http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_subscriptions to subscribe.

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Chamber of Commerce Interview:

J@pan Inc talks to Manfred Hoffman, Executive Director and
Delegate of German Industry and Commerce.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_manfred-hoffman
.
Inside Out: Cambodia:

Our column on emerging markets considers risks and
opportunities in Cambodia and Cambodia-Japan relations.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_business-in-cambodia

Arrivals & Departures
Who's coming and going in the international business
community here in Japan.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_arrivals-and-departure

NEW: Sudoku
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_sudoku

Back & Forward
Ken Worsley's satirical take on the economy.
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_back-and-forward

J@pan Inc Classifieds
Jobs, Services, Events, Support
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_classifieds
Job Finder
http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_september_2008_job-finder

I hope you enjoy this issue.

Michael Condon
Editor-in-chief

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Buyout and Leveraged Financing Japan 2008
Tokyo, Japan 10th and 11th Sept 2008

This conference on Buyout and Leveraged Financing Japan 2008
is well-timed and provides the opportunity for participants
to assess buyout and leveraged buyout activities in Japan.

It aims to explore the business opportunities for investors,
corporate needs of leverage over equity and also the market
for venture capitalists and private equities.

The event will also discuss the evolving relationships between
bankers, investors and sponsors.
Featuring distinguish speakers from Nomura Securities,
Deutsche Securities, Nikko antfactory, Merrill Lynch Japan
Securities, JPMorgan Securities Japan, Rex Holdings and many
other distinguish speakers.

Supported by: J@pan Inc Magazine, Japan PFI Association,
Corporate Financial Systems Journal, Hedgeweek,
JCN Newswire and Fraud Watch.

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STAFF
Written by: Michael Condon, Editor-in-Chief, Japan Inc Magazine
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