By Anna Kitanaka -- J@pan Inc’s column concerning business conditions in an emerging market -- As the opposition to British rule in India mounted at the turn of the 20th century, the populace (second-largest in the world) began to push for self-rule and total independence. The outcome was a closely guarded society, eager to administer the deathblow to colonialism by cutting off inroads for foreign investment in the country. Nevertheless, following WWII, India pursued capitalist economic policies, flanked by some of the oldest financial institutions in Asia, such as the Bombay Stock Exchange, founded in 1875. Becoming one of the hotspots for foreign soul-seeking tourists during the hippy era, India remained firmly on the map as a cheap tourist destination.

By Willhemina Wahlin and Dr Kaoru Natsuda -- Japan’s bid for a UNSC permanent seat: pipe dream or viability? -- There seems to be one point agreed on by almost everyone when it comes to the United Nations Security Council: It’s a time capsule of the post-World War II global power structure, hardly representative of the 21st Century political landscape, and reform is badly needed. But here the consensus comes to an abrupt halt. The sticking point: everyone seems to want an expansion of the permanent seats available, but no one can seem to agree on how many, and to whom the honor should be bestowed upon—and why. Japan has long been campaigning for permanent membership of one of the most exclusive clubs in the world, but it has an uphill battle ahead if it is to convince its closest neighbors that it deserves one. But the real question is, does anyone really deserve a seat?

By Kevin Mcgue -- The difference between the perfect business suit and one that is merely adequate can mean the difference between a strong first impression and one that is instantly forgettable. Too many men settle for suits that are not quite the shade or pattern they had in mind, or buy shirts knowing that the collar is just a bit too loose, and the sleeves a touch too short. The perfect suit is not one in which every stitch is evenly spaced—that can be found in virtually any mass-produced garment. The perfect suit is one that satisfies on all levels and affords its owner a sense of confidence and well-being. Finding the perfect suit can seem like a daunting process, which is why many people don’t bother. However, it can be a fascinating journey during which you will encounter traditional craftsmanship, and discover your own sense of style as well as taking the average customer into the world of bespoke tailoring.

By Sarah Noorbakhsh -- The best dive this side of Izu -- I was thankful to finally step off the ferry and on to my destination. Not because I was eager to leave the Sarubia Maru, whose spacious quarters had been my home for the overnight voyage, but because I had been staring at Hachijo-jima in the distance for the past half hour and was impatient to see what awaited on this small island. We docked and I was met by the welcoming smile of Yoshiyuki Ooishi, long time island resident and dive shop owner. The weather had cleared up from the previous day’s rainstorm, and the blue sky peered down as we cut straight across the gourd-shaped island down palmlined roads. With mild westerly breezes, it was a perfect day for diving.

Brief biographies of who's coming and going in the foreign business community. -- In collaboration with Santa Fe Relocation Services Japan KK, the J@pan Inc Arrivals & departures column takes a look at some of the key figures of Japan's expatriate business community who are either just landing in Japan or flying off to new places. -- Jeremy Gibb -- Alain Piraux -- Shaun Conroy -- Matthias Terrettaz -- Dan Petersen

By Ken Worsley -- Back and Forward is a regular column that takes a slightly irreverent look at some of Japan’s biggest business stories. -- Higher costs, falling profit... -- ...and hotels look at consolidation, overseas operations... -- ...while Seven-Eleven rolls the dice in China... -- ...and Steel Partners swings its hair -- Overtime pay? Is nothing sacred anymore? -- Whale meat imports; where’s the butter?

Compiler: Burnaby -- J@pan Inc is offering a prize of two free tickets to see Tokyo Sinfonia—Japan’s fi nest chamber orchestra conducted by Robert Ryker. All correctly completed entries will be entered into our prize draw. Please send answers to: J@pan Inc Communications, 3F Maison Tomoe Building, 3-16-1 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062

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