Passion in the pages
The World Cup, queen’s birthday, economic promise and a new editor have been making a buzz at Custom Media, publishers of BCCJ ACUMEN. So here is our latest recruit Kathryn Wortley to introduce herself as she takes on the formidable challenge of producing the official magazine of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan.
“It is with much excitement—and butterflies in my stomach-—that I pick up the editorial reigns of BCCJ ACUMEN from Brandi Goode. I would like to thank her for her support and dedication to ensure a smooth transition.
My first month working on the BCCJ ACUMEN team has certainly been an interesting one. I was delighted to attend a BCCJ lunch event with former First Minister Lord Jack McConnell (see page 16).
Having worked in Scotland for many years—for various NGOs and as a journalist—I was eager to hear his take on Scottish independence, and I was not disappointed.
His arguments provided an international perspective that commentators have argued is lacking in the debate. He mentioned the impact on Wales and Northern Ireland, an issue that is close to my heart given that I was born in Northern Ireland and spent some years there working in local newspapers.
I went on to read Film & Media Studies and Japanese Studies at the University of Stirling and Kansai Gaidai in Osaka, and my love for Japan was born. I returned to Japan to work as a teacher before moving into cross-cultural services. Most recently, I was writing content for the Export to Japan website at the British Embassy Tokyo.
I am delighted that my two passions—writing and Japan—have come together in ACUMEN. It is a privilege to work on such a distinguished publication.
Not only does it speak to its membership by providing business and market insights alongside cultural and general interest pieces, but it is accessible to a wider audience. I look forward to introducing myself to those of you I have not had the pleasure of meeting yet.
Japan is full of promise at present. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s measures to stimulate the economy are causing a renewed optimism.
The Rugby World Cup 2019 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020 not only enable Japan to showcase itself to the world, but to learn and develop from the hosting experience. These developments, I believe, spell even more exciting opportunities ahead for the BCCJ and its members.
Our boys in Brazil
As this edition is delivered, all eyes will be on Brazil for the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup. In a host country where “the beautiful game” occupies pride of place, we can no doubt be guaranteed a good show.
Like myself, I’m sure many of you are looking forward to the month-long display of world-class football and, of course, supporting England and Japan over a few drinks down at the pub. I would like to wish both countries success.
This June also marks the 88th birthday of Her Majesty the Queen. On behalf of the ACUMEN team, I would like to wish her many happy returns of the day”.