September 2013
are we at the bccj doing enough?
Priority in organising BCCJ events is given to the interests of the audience—which means you.
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Welcome back, myanmar!
A group of McGill MBA students visited this fascinating country in summer, and were immediately struck by the people’s kindness and gentle nature, and the potential that the country possesses.
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What REALLY Makes International Schools Special?
During my more than 30 years of working in international schools, I have found that most students, including American teenagers, are closer to their families because of frequent moves…or the frequent moves of their friends.
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impact of the 2020 tokyo olympics
There is hope that, by restoring the pre-quake image of Japan with the upcoming Games, the positive trends previously seen in the moving industry will also be restored.
Motors Without Borders
Caterham Cars was set to unveil a new addition to its line-up at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 10 September.
Young Scientists of the Future
Students and teachers from the Tohoku area visited the UK this summer for the Young Scientist Workshop Programme, the British Embassy Tokyo reported on 19 August.
Particle Physics Inspires Exhibition
The Super-Kamiokande neutrino observatory in Gifu Prefecture has inspired an art installation on particle physics in a historic London ice well.
Kids Clothing Range Hits Stores
Uniqlo has launched its children’s clothing collection in the brand’s 10 stores across the UK.
Automaker to Extend Sunderland Plant
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has sought permission to expand its plant in the north-east of England.
A Meaningful Contribution
We are delighted to report that, after a summer of book drives organised by BCCJ member firms, our Books For Smiles (BFS) social responsibility initiative has now raised a total of ¥1,611,942!
ELectronics mission a model for b2b cooperation
It all began in July 2011. An invitation was extended by the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry asking that four or five firms visit in January 2012 to showcase advanced UK technology.
BBA: You Judge the Judges
In case you needed more reasons to nominate a candidate for one of the six BBA awards, or attend one of the foreign community’s most prestigious events of the year, here is a list of the diverse and expert luminaries who will serve as judges.
Food, Glorious Food
Anyone who has spent any time in the UK over the last 20 years will acknowledge a revolution in British food.
Quality key to guitars of note
Josh Parkin Guitars (JPG) is a good example of what you can do if you have a honed skill—and the wherewithal to get on an aeroplane, leave your native country, and set up a small, but highly specialised business in a distant land.
News in Brief
Your monthly digest of UK-Japan news
People over Profit
Addressing an audience drawn from the spectrum of UK firms in Japan at a British Embassy Tokyo event in April, Inamori stressed the importance of the mentality of a firm’s employees and its corporate culture.
What You Missed in the Japanese Press
Brand Loyalty: The Best Products and Services; Discount Drugstores Target Thrifty Shoppers; "Photo Antics Harmful, but not Illegal"
Mind Your Manners
The use of honorifics in Japanese, the firm grasp among native speakers of what is being conveyed with the slightest inflection, the respectful bow, and a myriad of other signs, both spoken and unspoken, make this country arguably the most polite in the world.
Europe: In or Out?
Anyone who has followed the history of Anglo-Japanese relations over the past three decades should be aware of the importance of Japan’s investments in the UK.
Basil le roux
We have to learn about the local culture, as well as challenge the status quo where appropriate. We are an international business with offices in 34 countries. Localising what we do while maintaining our values and culture is particularly important.
Philippe Fauchet
Throughout our long history, GlaxoSmithKline K.K. (GSK Japan) has contributed to the health and quality of life of the Japanese people with an extensive list of products and services.
Vishal Sinha
British Airways [BA] has a long-standing history in Japan; in fact, 2013 marks our 65th anniversary of flights to Tokyo.
End of Brainteaser Interviews
Google Inc. recently announced it would stop using the firm’s famous brainteaser interview questions as part of the interview process. According to Google, the questions were “a waste of time”, and I tend to agree.
View from Within
Given the current economic environment, finance leaders and their teams are playing a vital role in business.
Employee Mobility and Talent Management
The management of talent and mobility have been popular topics of discussion in the relocation industry for almost a decade. Employee mobility is on the rise, with an estimated 214mn people now living outside their country of citizenship.
Arts
UK events in Japan, compiled by Yoko Yanagimoto.
Killing the Ums and Ahs
Rambling, mumbling, zero focus on the audience, no power of persuasion, and “I Am the Brand” suicide continue to stunt careers.Should I Be Worried about My Cholesterol?
If and when we find out our cholesterol is high during a company physical, most of us have three questions: “Is it really that high?”, “Why is it high?” and—as the character Pete in the comedy This is 40 might ask—“Does this mean my heart is going to explode?”
Japan400: Sex, History, Art, Music
Events to commemorate 400 years of strong diplomatic, trade and cultural ties between Japan and Britain are continuing in the latter half of the year with exhibits, educational workshops, cultural days and symposiums at venues in both nations.
