December 2012
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Business Embraces Video
Seen a good video lately? If you are like most corporate executives, you probably have. Chances are you’ve viewed YouTube to catch up on industry trends or best practises.
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Feng Shui Business Forecast 2013
According to the ancient Chinese lunar calendar, 2013—the year of the water snake—starts on 10 February.
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Engaged, Energised, Motivated Employees
This title sounds good doesn’t it or, after a spot of self-reflection, is depression beginning to seep in? Why don’t we have more engaged, energised and motivated employees?
Book Reviews
All the Emperor's Men: Kurisawa's Pearl Harbor
Who Needs Referees?
When Frank Lampard let fly from 18 meters, smashing the ball onto the underside of the crossbar and over the white line in the knockout stages of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, everyone could see he had scored a spectacular equaliser.
Synergy and Synthesis
Nick Wood can trace his musical career back to the day at boarding school when he realised that students who signed up for piano lessons were excused from prep.
Shoulder to Shoulder …
Whether it is heard at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing in Belgium or at any of the dozens of war cemeteries from Normandy to Singapore and beyond, the Last Post bugle call being played on 11 November never fails to move those who hear it.
Are You a Meeting Monster?
Every year I facilitate a session on managing meetings for participants of the Japan Market Expansion Competition (JMEC).
Disability and the Workplace
The Japanese government recently implemented regulations requiring that, in firms with 50 or more employees, individuals with disabilities must account for at least 2% of the staff.
Raising the Bar
December marks an important anniversary for the legal profession in Japan, with foreign law firms celebrating a quarter of a century since they were permitted once again to practice in this jurisdiction.
After the Typhoon
When Japan decided not to buy the Eurofighter Typhoon as its next-generation fighter aircraft, there was deep disappointment among the firms in the consortium that had designed it, including the UK’s BAE Systems plc and Rolls-Royce plc.
Mission Accomplished
The recent trade mission to Japan to promote Scottish food and drink paid an immediate dividend after The Scottish Deli announced that its next order from Japan had tripled in size, thereby adding five top-end fish and shellfish products to its range of exports.
Pass the Salmon, Please!
Among the things that struck Richard Lochhead—a member of the Scottish Parliament and cabinet secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment—on his first visit to Japan, were the quality and presentation of food, as well as the passion that Japanese people have for what they eat.
Stay in Touch!
The British Chamber of Commerce in Japan is now serving our membership through eight up-to-the-minute communications channels, which are designed to support, promote and engage with member firms and the greater UK–Japan relationship.
My Favourite Numbers
The BCCJ 2012 British Business Awards (BBA) were the culmination of months of hard work and careful planning.
What You Missed in the Japanese Press
Hitto Products Despite Tough Times, Duty-free System to Be Streamlined, Thirst for UK-style Pubs, Do You Walk on Escalators?
Whiskies Win Top Awards
Two Suntory Holdings Limited whisky brands have won the top prize at a UK competition, media reported on 6 November.
Famous Sakura Seeds Donated
Seeds from a famed flowering cherry tree in Fukushima Prefecture have been given to London’s Royal Botanic Gardens, media reported on 15 November.
Railway Museums Join Forces
The Railway Museum in Saitama City plans to form an alliance with the UK’s National Railway Museum in York, The Yomiuri Shimbun reported on 26 November.News in Brief
Your monthly digest of UK-Japan news.
Arts Events
Arts events compiled by Yoko Yanagimoto
Tree of Hope
Refugees International Japan (RIJ) held the opening ceremony of its 23rd Tree of Hope campaign in Akasaka’s Karajan Plaza, Ark Hills on 27 November.
