We are often asked if the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) has a separate group or committee for women, young professionals or a particular industry. The answer is no. Our aim is to focus on integration rather than separation, to encourage interaction rather than division, while strengthening UK–Japan commercial ties and promoting business between members.
That mission has proved attractive. The BCCJ is a network of 200 firms equating to almost 900 members. Attendance at our 40 events per year—designed to be hubs for involvement and innovation, across gender, age, job roles and interests—has increased by 106% since 2011.
Be a shaper
Our Executive Committee (Excom) is responsible for chamber development through task forces. If you want to get involved contact info@bccjapan.com.
Any BCCJ member keen to get involved with an industry-specific committee is encouraged to join the European Business Council in Japan, the trade policy arm of 17 European national chambers of commerce and business associations in Japan.
Your leaders
The nomination period for the BCCJ 2016–17 Excom and presidential elections opened on 22 February. By the nomination deadline on 25 March, we had received 15 nominations. Since the number did not exceed 15, no election will be held, and the following candidates will serve. Candidates who served on the 2015–16 Excom are indicated by an asterisk.
- Alison Beale, University of Oxford Japan Office*
- David Bickle, Deloitte Touche Tomatsu Tax Co.*
- Jonty Brunner, British Airways*
- Steve Crane, Business Link Japan K.K.*
- James Dodds, KPMG*
- Simon Farrell, Custom Media K.K.*
- Philippe Fauchet OBE, GlaxoSmithKline K.K.*
- Iain Ferguson, Lloyd’s Japan Inc.*
- Emily leRoux, Michael Page Japan
- Guy Perryman, Guy Perryman
- Reiko Sakimura, Clifford Chance Law Office*
- Noriko Silvester, Candlewick Co., Ltd.
- David Swan, Robert Walters
- Richard Thornley CBE, Individual Member*
- Trevor Webster, Individual Member*
David Bickle indicated his willingness to serve a further year as chamber president and Excom chair. He qualifies for, and is therefore proposed to serve, in these roles.
Chris Heffer of the British Embassy Tokyo and Matt Burney of the British Council Japan will continue to represent their respective organisations as ex officio of Excom.
BCCJ members are invited to welcome Excom at our annual general meeting on 27 April at the Shangri-La Tokyo. Proceedings will be followed by a party hosted by the BCCJ. Sign up to secure a spot: www.bccjapan.com.
