August 2012
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Beat the Heat
Tokyo is not only the biggest city in which I’ve ever lived, but also one of the hottest. In my native US midwest, the heat and humidity usually settle for one week at a time, only to be chased away by dramatic thunderstorms.
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Generating Ideas With Focus Maps
Witnessing the silent rows of downcast eyes around the meeting room after your heroic call for ideas and input can be a character-building experience in Japan. You may wonder, “How did this country get to where it is, when nobody seems to have any ideas?” Or, even, “Is my leadership insufficient to the task?”
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Beware the Year of the Water Dragon
Since the beginning of 2012, we have seen the word Libor in newspaper headlines almost every day. The scandal surrounding the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)—the inter-bank lending rate—involved a series of fraudulent actions that resulted in numerous investigations. It will lead to a substantial change in the financial system, and has been one of the biggest issues so far this year. I am very sure that there is a feng shui connection.
It's Only Rock 'n' Roll?
For decades, one of Britain’s greatest exports and attractions has been music. The Fuji Rock Festival seems to become more UK-centric every year and 2012 was no exception, so we sent along photographer Chris Willson to capture the atmosphere for BCCJ ACUMEN readers. We also profile—and borrowed some images from—Mikio Ariga, who is living the dream as the only official photographer in Japan of what is perhaps the UK’s most proficient export in the rock industry, The Rolling Stones.
British Business Awards
From the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, to the UK government’s GREAT campaign and the World Shakespeare Festival 2012—this year presents the UK with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase capabilities, enhance international relations and maximise global reach.
At Home with the Stones
Offstage, Mick is far less of an extrovert, while Keith likes nothing more than to listen to the playback with the crew after a rehearsal. Charlie values his privacy and prefers not to be seen as a rock ’n’ roll drummer, while Ronnie has exchanged Guinness for iced tea.
Poll Reveals Britons' Favourite Cars
Japanese carmakers are the UK’s most reliable used car brands, according to a survey of cars, between three and 10 years old, released on 25 July.
Canoeists Cross English Channel
Two kayakers from the 11 March 2011 quake zone have crossed the Strait of Dover to thank the UK for its help after last year’s earthquake, reported the Mainichi Shimbun on 12 July.
News in Brief
Your monthly digest of UK-Japan news.
Iconic London Property Sold
The BBC’s TV centre has been sold to the owners of Japan’s leading property firm, the Financial Times reported on 16 July.
Summer Release for Wizard E-tales
Japanese eBooks of the Harry Potter series will be released this summer, according to a press release issued on 4 July.
Govt Orders UK-Made Trains
Hitachi, Ltd will build 600 new train carriages for the UK Department for Transport to help strengthen UK manufacturing, The Daily Mail reported on 26 July.
Tokyo 2020 Bid Venue Judges Named
Lord Norman Foster, the designer of Wembley Stadium, is on the panel that will judge participants in the contest to remodel the venue for Japan’s 2020 Olympic bid, according to a press release issued on 20 July.
What You Missed in the Japanese Press
Fears Grow over Industrial Spying, Auditing Housewives, Now It's One-coin Car Rentals, What "Buried Treasure" Do You Have at Home?, Hotels Get Creative
Book Reviews
You've GOT to Read This Book! and Hedge Fund Activism in Japan
Garden Made for Gold
Kazuyuki Ishihara won the gold medal in the Artisan Garden category at the Royal Horticultural Society’s annual Chelsea Flower Show in late May, bringing home his seventh award from the world’s most famous gardening event. And of that medal total, no fewer than four have now been gold.
Let's Go to the Gate
When the Gate Hotel Kaminarimon welcomed its first guests on 10 August, it did so equipped with a philosophy and long-term objective. Occupying the building’s third to 14th floors it stands out—although not as tall—as does its impressive new neighbour across the Sumida River, the Tokyo Skytree.
Viewing the Cloud Homogeneously
Cloud infrastructures must meet the highest requirements relating to data protection and availability. But how can the quality requirements be met and data security be guaranteed? Service providers show significant differences here. What should companies take note of when selecting the provider?
Rubble in Paradise
The island of Pohnpei has a state-of-the-art airport that is the envy of the Pacific, thanks to the efforts of Brian Moore, the British manager of the project for Japan’s Penta-Ocean Construction Co., Ltd.
Sick as a Parrot
The Briton who laid the foundations of football in Pohnpei is calling on the sport’s highest ranks for funding to develop the game in this Pacific outpost.
International Schools
While concerns surrounding last year’s disasters in Tohoku and the current economic climate linger, expatriate parents in Japan face a perennial cause of anxiety: where to send the children to school.
British Music—Then, Now and Beyond
In an ideal setting, high up among gentle streams and in a wooded valley, about 140,000 music lovers at the Fuji Rock Festival 2012 on 27–29 July enjoyed dozens of acts, among them 1970s and 1980s classics sung by Elvis Costello, Ray Davies and The Specials.
Diversity in Our DNA
"Two Wheels + Testosterone”, announced our July cover and, while I thoroughly enjoyed the fascinating article, I would like to point out that our members with oestrogen are equally welcome to enjoy Triumph’s superb motorbikes.
