General Edition Sunday, April 10, 2005 Issue No. 322
+++ INDEX
- What's new
- Services lineup
- News
- Candidate roundup
- Upcoming events
- Property
- News credits
============ Proprius Investments Ltd. Seminar ==============
Presenting: How to Invest Profitably in U.S. Real Estate
Date: Tuesday, May 17th 2005
Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Location: Mitsubishi Bldg, 10F, Marunouchi, Tokyo
(Site map: http://www.scs.mec.co.jp/access)
For reservations and more info, go to: http://www.propriusltd.com
=====================================================
+++ WHAT'S NEW
The Chinese street demonstrations against Japan, taking place in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzen at present seem to have taken everyone by surprise, including even the Chinese authorities, who took a lenient approach while it suited them. It's hard to say whether the demonstrations were initially staged -- given the proximity of their timing with the ongoing territorial dispute over gas fields to the south of Japan -- or whether they really are a development of Internet networking encouraging tens of thousands of young people to converge at various Japanese landmarks.
The news reports are that the protests arose from the activities of one Lu Yunfei, an anti-Japan activist, who in
just a few weeks has managed to get more than 1.2m people sign Internet petitions opposing Japan's campaign to join the United Nations Security Council. The petitions were being carried on the three main Chinese Internet portals: sina.com, 163.com and sohu.com.
Certainly, here at Japan Inc., we can testify to the hatred that some Chinese bear towards the Japanese. Our main web site, www.japan.com, has been the target of many DoS and hacker attacks, considerably slowing down user access and page updates. And the emails we are receiving daily from China are unprintable. But while on the Internet nothing really surprises us, this very physical manifestation -- the demonstrations -- was indeed a surprise.
What ever the reason for their cause, it has to have the Japanese Foreign and Trade Ministries worried, because if the protests were to spread, they could have a severe impact on trade between the two countries. There are well over 10,000 Japanese companies operating factories and trading operations in China, and even if just a few of them were to be targeted in a spontaneous wave of violence, memories of the cultural revolution are still fresh enough that fear alone would keep employees and vendors away from the others in droves.
Also, let us remember that in the highly controlled environment of the Chinese Internet, nothing like this
would be allowed without the implicit consent of the authorities. So just what is going on? Have the Chinese
central planners come up with a new way to needle Japan by proxy? Or are we witnessing a popular groundswell of resentment that goes much deeper and which will become more apparent as the Chinese are able to afford a measure of self expression. Either way, with so many Japanese exports and imports being conducted with China, even a minor amount of disruption against Japanese companies would be very effective in causing real economic pain back in Tokyo.
...The Information Janitors/
============= AMT Group's Exclusive Seminar ===============
"Leadership Awareness Seminar" (in Japanese) at AMT Group's
Development Den in Yotsuya. 10:00 - 15:00, May 17 & 19
In a small group (maximum 6 participants):
- Learn and apply new leadership & coaching tools
- Access 100+ ways to motivate yourself and others
- Practice presenting before a group of peers and professional coaches
Total investment: JPY97,000.
E-mail [email protected] for details and to register.
And...for a FREE subscription to Andrew's Ax Leadership
Development newsletter, e-mail [email protected]
<http://www.amt-group.com >
=====================================================
+++ SERVICES LINE-UP
Contact [email protected] if you want your company here.
- Personal International Investor -- a convenient source of ideas and information on how to invest profitably as an expat in Japan. Every Wednesday, 48 weeks of the year. Completely free.
http://japaninc.typepad.com/personal_intl_investor/ - Advertise with Japan Inc newsletters. JIN and Terrie's Take cost just 2 yen per person to reach 50,000 people. Great for last minute offers and event advertising. [email protected].
- Get a low-cost office in Tokyo, at the Venture Gas Station incubator. Just JPY80,000/month, in Minami-Aoyama. Spaces closing fast -- enquire now. [email protected]
- J@pan Inc. magazine has gone quarterly. Subscriptions now just JPY3,600 a year. Sign up at
http://www.japaninc.com/mag/subs.html - Find new bilingual sales staff -- a specialty for DaiJob.com, [email protected]
- Anyone can buy a .JP domain...online...real-time...in English! Register now at:
http://www.JapanRegistry.com
================ STAR Financial Management ==============
Providing retail and institutional investors with bespoke, non-commission driven investment advice and portfolio management services. STAR is totally focused on adding value for its clients through superior risk-adjusted rates of return whilst delivering the highest levels of professional excellence, integrity and service. For more information, go to www.starfml.com or contact us at 03-3667-1671.
STAR Financial Management is licensed and regulated by the Ministry of Finance (Japan) - License no. 1237 Kanto region
======================================================
+++ NEWS
- New adhesive sheet removes old paint
- New US Ambassador takes residence
- Japan steps up US dollar buying
- Japanese women live to 85
- Pension crack down set to expand
-> New adhesive sheet removes old paint
Sliontec Corp. has created a sheet of adhesive that can be used to peel off old paint simply by applying it to a
painted surface. The new material is applied to the painted surface for 10-20 hours, and the adhesive softens the paint then strips it off. Given how time consuming and messy it is to remove paint at present, the company reckons it has a hit on its hands. The product will cost JPY5,000 to JPY10,000 per sq. m. (Source: TT commentary from nikkei.co.jp, Apr 8, 2005)
http://www.nni.nikkei.co.jp/AC/TNKS/Nni20050407D07JSN09.htm
-> New US Ambassador takes residence
The new US Ambassador, Mr. J. Thomas Schieffer, arrived in Japan this last week, following the departure of
predecessor Howard Baker. Schieffer was originally an attorney in Dallas, and came to know President Bush through his representation of oil and gas companies. He is expected to focus on security and trade issues while posted to Japan. (Source: TT commentary from yahoo.com, Apr 8, 2005)
-> Japan steps up US dollar buying
After a lull in currency intervention, Tokyo is back in the markets with a record $67bn of US dollar purchases in
January this year alone. In addition, the Japanese government is buying massive amounts of US government debt, amounting to 1/3, or $104bn, of the total new debt issued by the USA during the first 9 months (Jan-Oct) of 2004. As a result, experts estimate that the Japanese contribution has kept US bond rates a surprising 2% lower than they should really be, at 4.1% instead of 6%. (Source: TT commentary from journalstar.com, Apr 8, 2005)
-> Japanese women live to 85
According to WHO, Japanese women have the longest life expectancy in the world -- living to an average 85 years old. Japanese men, in comparison, only last to 78, tying with their counterparts in Switzerland and Sweden. While Japan celebrates an increasing number of centenarians, the country with the shortest life expectancy, of just 35 years, is Swaziland, with people in 26 other African countries not lasting longer than 50 years. (Source: TT commentary from yahoo.com, Apr 7, 2005)
http://asia.news.yahoo.com/050407/kyodo/d89abdq00.html
-> Pension crack-down set to expand
If you are an employee and not paying your pension, get ready for increased pressure from the government.
Apparently the Social Insurance Agency is upgrading its ability to enforce payment collections. The agency will choose 100,000 delinquent members of the public in fiscal 2005, and send them notices to pay, followed up with collection agents armed with binding orders from the court and the power to seize assets. ***Ed: As we've said in the past, if you don't want to be part of the national Social Insurance program, then sign up for the self-employed version, which is much, much cheaper. (Source: TT commentary from nikkei.co.jp, Apr 7, 2005)
http://www.nni.nikkei.co.jp/AC/TNKS/Nni20050406D06JFA07.htm
NOTE: Broken links
Many online news sources are now removing their articles after just a few days of posting them, thus breaking our links -- we apologize for the inconvenience.
=================== Email Marketing Works ================
Study after study shows that email marketing ranks among the most effective, and cost-effective, methods of reaching your audience. However, constructing an effective email marketing campaign involves far more than simply stuffing your customer's inboxes. Follow up mailing, reporting, personalization, autoresponders and, of course, crafting of the appropriate message are all essential components of a successful campaign.
Ashley Associates Ltd. (http://www.ashleyassociates.co.jp) is a leading provider of email marketing solutions. For more information, or to request a free white paper please contact [email protected].
======================================================
+++ CANDIDATE ROUND UP
DaiJob, Inc's executive placement team, AMBITION Consulting
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DaiJob has great candidates. Contact Alex Burr at [email protected], or Ph: 03-3499-3040 for details.
-> Marketing/Merchandising Manager for Consumer Goods
Female, early 30s, Japanese, Business level English
Experience:
- 6yrs Merchandiser for Italian luxury brand
- 2yrs Buyer/Store Manager for US brand owned by Japanese major retailer
- Control ladies and men's RTW/Shoes/Leather goods
- Responsible for all merchandising aspects
- Extensive knowledge in Fashion
* Looking for JPY8M. Available at 4-6 weeks notice
--------------------------------------------
-> CTO/Start Up Manager - Technology, Entertainment
Male, mid-30s, British, Business Japanese
Experience:
- Entrepreneurial and start up management at CxO level
- Solid experience managing business development in Japan, N. America & Europe
- Solid experience managing outsourced development
- 7+ yrs corporate management
* Looking for JPY15M. Available in May
--------------------------------------------
-> Business Development Manager - Telecom/Mobile
Male, early 30s, Japanese, Business level English
Experience:
- 4yrs Biz Dev. Mrg in mobile content
- Strong relationship with major carriers in Japan, US, EU & Latin America
- Negotiated & managed licenses for characters and artists
- Acquired 100K subscribers in 3yrs; awarded 7th most accessed site from i-mode users among 3K sites
* Looking for JPY7.5M. Available at 4 weeks notice
Contact Alex Burr at [email protected], or Ph: 03-3499-3040 for details.
DaiJob's executive placement team, AMBITION Consulting!
================== Book Promotion =======================
SO POLITE ON THE SURFACE...but why is service so poor where it really matters--in hospitals, banks and real estate brokerages? A new book smashes Japan's service myth and explains how outsiders can lead the way meeting the REAL needs of Japan's consumers. "Full of ideas for making money," says China Economic Review. See www.sayingyestojapan.com
======================================================
+++ UPCOMING EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
---------- Information Management Network -----------------
Japan Cup of Investment Management - May, 2005 * Tokyo
The Japan Cup of Investment Management is an outstanding educational and networking program for institutional investors throughout Asia. This year's program will begin with an inside look at the investment practices of pension plans in Asia and around the world. The afternoon will focus on such timely topics as the move to free-float, portable alpha strategies and alternative investments, indexing for hedge funds, asset/liability management, global fixed income strategies and transitioning international portfolios. Join over 400 attendees to hear the industry's leading experts in investment management. For additional information, go to www.imn.org/etm738/jie
-----------------------------------------------------------
============= Proprius Investments Ltd. Seminar =============
Presenting: How to Invest Profitably in U.S. Real Estate
Date: Tuesday, May 17th 2005
Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Location: Mitsubishi Bldg, 10F, Marunouchi, Tokyo
(Site map: http://www.scs.mec.co.jp/access)
For reservations and more info, go to:
http://www.propriusltd.com
======================================================
======================== ICA EVENT ====================
Special Joint Round Table Discussion on Mobile Technology
TOPIC: "Telematics: Consumer Applications Take-off with 3G Mobile"
RSVP required complete event details at www.icajapan.jp/
Date: Thursday, April 21, 2005
Time: 6:30 Doors open, buffet dinner included
Cost: 3,000 yen (members), 5,500 yen (non-members), Open to all - Location is Foreign Correspondents'
Club http://www.fccj.or.jp/static/aboutus/map.php
======================================================
______________________________________________________
IT events announcements are priced at JPY50,000 per week.
For more information, contact [email protected]
======================================================
+++ THIS WEEK'S PROPERTY
-> Centenary Quays
This river front community development, features villas priced to let you enjoy your annual holidays in tropical
sun and surroundings, then sub-let the rest of the year through the management office. Centenary Quays is a secure, gated community with an on-site manager, just a few kilometers from downtown Brisbane. 78 residences set in lush, tropical surroundings with lap pool, BBQ facilities, outdoor entertainment area and cabana.
The two bedroom, 168.9 sqm (internally) villa for sale includes professional finishes and inclusions - such as
imported European appliances including cooktop, electric oven, rangehood, dishwasher, microwave oven and dryer, designer kitchen and bathroom tapware. Granite benchtops are featured throughout. The "plantation" colour scheme and interior design of natural fibres, tans, ochre reds, brown and creams reflects the harmonious environment but lends itself beautifully to your own personal touches.
The spaciousness of this villa is superb. The master bedroom includes a sitting area, walk-in-robe and luxurious
ensuite. The open living areas extend onto outdoor living and dining terraces. Enjoy the view of the parkland and Brisbane River whilst entertaining guests on the 16.8sqm covered balcony. The 36.8sqm garage comfortably holds two large cars, or partition part of it off for storage.
Location: Amazons Place, Jindalee, Qld 4074
Price: AUD$645,000.
Return: Two years rent guarantee (current rental rates
AUD$440-460)
* Photos at http://japaninc.typepad.com/australian_properties_e/
E-mail us at [email protected] for more details on any property listed here.
======= JETRO Business Japanese Proficiency Test ============
(The JETRO Test)
Seeking a job or hoping to advance your career in a Japanese company? Do you know how well you communicate in Japanese in a business setting?
The JETRO Test is designed to objectively measure and evaluate your ability to communicate in a variety of business situations. Applications are now being accepted for the next JETRO Test this June 19th.
For more information, please visit: <http://www.jetro.go.jp/jetrotest/>
======================================================
END
SUBSCRIBERS: 23,173 as of April 10, 2005
(We purge our list regularly.)
+++ ABOUT US
STAFF
Written by: Terrie Lloyd ([email protected])
SIGN UP: E-mail [email protected]
(No subject or body text needed)
FEEDBACK
Send letters (Feedback, Inquiries & Information) to the
editor to [email protected].
ADVERTISING INFORMATION
For more information on advertising in this newsletter,
Contact [email protected].
Copyright 2005 Japan Inc. Communications Inc.
_______________Japan Inc is worth every penny!______________
Don't forget you can get deeper analysis on Japan's hottest new businesses and technology from the
quarterly edition of J@pan Inc. 1-year subscription JPY3,600(Japan). It's so cost effective you can even get
your company to pay for it! Go to: www.japaninc.net/mag/subs.html for details.
======================================================
Comments