For the past 29 years, TUJ has been offering undergraduate degree programs, graduate programs for business professionals, and customized training courses for international corporations.

MBA Program With Executive Concentration
TUJ offers an internationally acclaimed and AACSB-accredited MBA program, which will enable you to accelerate your career by studying even as you continue to work. Based upon the extensive use of U.S.-based professors, you earn the same MBA degree as students who study at the Temple University main campus in the U.S., right here in Tokyo. There are six different intakes during the year, which gives you the ability to start studying at Temple when you are ready.

- The only AACSB-accredited American MBA in Japan
- Financial Times EMBA ranking 2010: 14th in the U.S. and 43rd in the world
- Saturday classes
- Entire program conducted in central Tokyo
- Case studies and texts reinforced by real-life experience
- Diverse study environment
- Entry point six times a year

Tailored Corporate Training Courses
TUJ’s Corporate Education Program draws on the entire range of educational resources of the university to develop programs that meet the specific training needs of globally-minded corporations and organizations. As an experienced training consultant and solution provider, TUJ can design and deliver in English and Japanese a wide range of customized training programs from a single English course to a company-wide training system.

- Pre-Hire/New Hire Training
- Business English Training & Other Language Training
- Intensive Training
- TOEIC® Preparation Course
- Business Skills Training
- Business Management Training
- Training Program Consultation and Creation

For more information, please contact:
tel: 0120-86-1026
e-mail: tujinfo@tuj.ac.jp
web: www.tuj.ac.jp

IUJ’s Global Partnerships to Link Japan to the World

The problem: How to truly globalize the companies in Japan to be able to effectively expand into Asia, thus improving the vitality of the firm. Answer: focus on human resources. IUJ is prepared to help.

The International University of Japan is a graduate school in Niigata. IUJ has formed partnerships with around 40 companies in Japan such as FastRetailing/UNIQLO, Takeda, Mizuho, Panasonic, GE, and Microsoft. They are part of the IUJ Global Partnership network aimed at leveraging the IUJ advantage for the improvement of human resources through customized training programs, academic degree programs, and access to our talented students representing about 50 countries. Access includes active cross-cultural discussions in English in our non-degree programs and degree programs, plus access for strategic employment positions, and project-based summer internships.

The IUJ Global Partnerships will capitalize on IUJ’s unique positioning as a link between Japan and the world. IUJ’s vast network of alumni from over 100 countries can give far reaching benefits for our partnership firms.

IUJ is coordinating a network of Chief Human Resource Officers (CHO). The aim of the network is to share information and knowledge regarding the HR crunch: best practices for training programs for overseas assignments, and introducing non-Japanese talent into the company smoothly for the long term.

With the IUJ Global Partnerships, IUJ hopes to become a key part in linking Japan to the world.

For more information, please contact:
tel: +81 (25) 779-1104
e-mail: info@iuj.ac.jp
web: http://www.iuj.ac.jp

McGill MBA Japan

Reinvent your future with a world class MBA in the heart of Tokyo

McGill University’s Desautles Faculty of Management has been offering Japan’s leading Master of Business Administration program for over 12 years.

McGill’s unique 18 month program, taught by professors flown in from McGill’s home campus in Montreal, Canada, is among the best weekend programs for working professionals anywhere in the world. Studying while you work lets you bring new outlooks, skills, and mindsets that you can apply right away to the business challenges you face. The McGill MBA Japan program, an integrated program with deep coverage in Finance and Global Strategy and Leadership, works towards a degree from McGill University, ranked among world’s top 20 universities by the Times Educational Supplement. In 2011, The Financial Times ranked the Desautels MBA program among the world’s best programs. No other program in Japan can offer the quality, depth, or prestige of McGill.

With students from over 18 countries, including the U.S., Canada, China, India, Thailand, Germany, and Taiwan, the McGill MBA Japan programs offer a truly diverse, global learning environment right in the center of Tokyo. Hosted on the superb facilities of the Hilton Tokyo in Nishi-Shinjuku, the McGill MBA Japan program puts you in touch with the heart of business in Japan and Asia.

Find out how McGill can help you reinvent your career and your future by attending an Open House Session or by contacting McGill for an individual consultation.

For more information, please contact:
tel: 03-3342-3430
e-mail: inquiry@mcgillmbjapan.com
web: www.mcgillmbajapan.com

A leading international school just 35 minutes from central Tokyo

Founded in 1924 as a pioneer in international education, Yokohama International School (YIS) remains committed to providing the highest quality, balanced education to internationally minded students ages 3–18 in an inquiring, supportive and exciting learning environment. Located on an attractive campus in the historic Bluff district of Yokohama, only 35 minutes by train from central Tokyo, YIS is an independent, not-for-profit school fully accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

YIS students represent nearly 50 nationalities, and our highly qualified teaching staff is likewise multinational. Moreover, our educational programs reflect the best practices in international education today. This starts in our Early Learning Center, where we introduce the inquiry-based Primary Years Program of the International Baccalaureate, complemented by the child-centered, experiential principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach. The PYP is also the framework for our elementary school, where we integrate academics, values and attitudes across the curriculum while challenging students to become active and thoughtful inquirers.

In middle school our curriculum extends the inquiry-based approach of the PYP while preparing students for the demands of high school. In the 2010-11 academic year we started the phased implementation of the IB Middle Years Program, which will be fully implemented across grades 6-10 in the 2014-15 academic year. Our academic program in high school centers on the IGCSE in grades 9 and 10 and the IB Diploma Program in grades 11 and 12. Some exciting initiatives for the 2011-12 academic year include the launch of our Connected Learning Community, which will include the provision of a laptop computer for every student in the secondary, and the introduction of a new Global Citizen Diploma program, complementing the IBDP.

The school’s academic record is strong; our high school external examination results, for example, are consistently well above international averages and our graduates matriculate to leading universities in North America, Europe and around the world. At the same time, we emphasize the importance of balance in students’ lives, offering a wide array of extracurricular activities and community service opportunities. But what really makes YIS a great school is our people—our students, faculty, parents and alumni. We invite you to visit us and experience the YIS community first-hand.

For more information, visit www.yis.ac.jp or call us at 045-622-0084.

Tokyo International School

T.I.S. was founded in 1997 by international parents, Patrick & Ikuko Tsuboya-Newell. Their mission is “To nurture confident, open-minded, independently thinking, well-balanced inquirers for global responsibility.” They have developed a model that focuses on how you can see, hear and feel the mission to ensure it is alive and a core reflector at T.I.S. T.I.S. is often described as “Truly International.”

T.I.S. is co-ed and non-denominational and has a student population of 320 students coming from over 45 different countries, from Pre-K through Grade 8. T.I.S.’s extensive facilities are located in Central Tokyo and our 11 school buses serve all nearby residential areas.

The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and officially teach the IB Primary Years and Middle Years Programmes (www.ibo.org) to ensure rigor and that our students will be successful in transferring on to their next school.

T.I.S. is one of the first Apple model schools in Asia, students and teachers have access to approx. 300 wireless computers. About 40 different after-school activities are offered each term, including sports, languages, computers, and many others.

At T.I.S., students are prepared to become 21st Century citizens through inquiry-based, relevant integrated learning, student empowerment and the development of the positive human characteristics defined in our Mission Statement and the IBO Learner Profile. Our teaching philosophy and curriculum standards are presented more in detail on our website at www.tokyois.com.

For more information, visit www.tokyois.com or call us at 03-5484-1160.

St. Mary’s International School

High-quality education and facilities located in Setagaya, Tokyo

St. Mary’s International School is a boys’ school set in a picturesque nine-acre campus in residential Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. The school was founded in Mita in 1954 by the Brothers of Christian Instruction and moved to its present location in 1972. We have just completed our campus reconstruction project and offer secure, modern, well-equipped classrooms as well as an athletic field, gymnasium, swimming pool, spacious band room, choir rooms and practice rooms, art facilities and computer labs.

St. Mary’s is an accredited school with more than 900 students ranging from Readiness Program (pre-First Grade) to Grade 12, representing more than 55 countries. Boys at all levels are exposed to a rich and varied college preparatory curriculum encompassing their mental, physical and spiritual development. In high school, students have the option of entering the International Baccalaureate program, a prestigious and rigorous academic program offered in 140 countries worldwide and recognized by many leading universities.

Students at all levels have the opportunity to join activities and to benefit from the St. Mary’s community. The Elementary School is host to intramural activities, Cub Scouts and other clubs, while older students can choose to get involved in Brain Bowl, junior varsity and varsity athletics, debate, plays and musicals, band and choir performances, Boy Scouts, the yearbook and the school newspaper, The Diplomat. The school also holds celebrations and events each year that are open to school families and the community at large, including Bingo in the fall and the Boys Carnival in May.

St. Mary’s students go on to prestigious universities and become leaders in all walks of life. St. Mary’s alumni include presidents of international banks, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, lawyers, architects, and even doctors volunteering their time and skills to help people in remote South American communities. In the spirit of charity and to instill these future leaders with a sense of community, St. Mary’s has undertaken numerous projects with student involvement to assist the survivors of the great Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, including donations of goods, effort and money. St. Mary’s teachers joined volunteer efforts in Tohoku during Golden Week, and teachers and students together have created a benefit music CD. In addition, the funds raised from the Carnival this year will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society.

St. Mary’s also offers summer school in June. Summer school is open to students from all international schools, boys and girls alike, and features academics, athletics and activities, all taught by St. Mary’s faculty. Children can choose to focus on skills in preparation for the following school year, exercise their creative sides, or join the Day Camp program and work off their summer energy.

St. Mary’s International School
1-6-19, Seta, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8668
tel: 03-3709-3411 Fax: 03-3707-3411
e-mail: admissions@smis.ac.jp
web: http://www.smis.ac.jp

Professional, bilingual legal guidance for all your international business needs

White & Case first distinguished itself in the Japanese legal market as one of the first Western law firms to establish an office in Tokyo in 1987. The Firm again distinguished itself in 1995 when it became the first firm of foreign qualified lawyers in Japan to establish a joint enterprise with Japan-licensed bengoshi.

Today we are proud to be independently recognized as one of the leading firms in Japan advising Japanese and international clients on their domestic legal needs in Japan and their global legal needs across our network of 37 offices in 25 countries.

We believe the key to our success is our ability to provide integrated teams of Japanese lawyers with international experience alongside foreign lawyers fluent in Japanese, providing the most effective combination to advise our clients in the fast-moving bi-legal, bilingual and bicultural environment that exists today in Japan.

Our lawyers regularly advise on and provide innovative solutions to complex local and cross-border transactions and disputes. As a full-service law firm, we regularly advise clients on virtually all forms of business matters, including corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, financial transactions, regulatory and compliance, investment funds, projects and energy, commercial disputes, real estate, and taxation.
White & Case has nearly 90 qualified lawyers in Tokyo, comprising both bengoshi and lawyers admitted in other jurisdictions, principally the United States and United Kingdom. Our lawyers are regularly recognized for their market-leading experience, and many have been working together as a team for more than a decade. Most importantly, they have devoted themselves to understanding the domestic legal market to better appreciate the opportunities and challenges faced by our clients and provide the best service possible.

Our Practices
White & Case has one of the leading cross-border mergers and acquisitions practices in Japan, led by seasoned international and Japanese lawyers recognized as long-standing leaders in the Tokyo business community. In the fast-moving and complex world of cross-border M&A deals, we offer dynamic, real-time legal advice in our clients’ native business language allowing them to move quickly to capitalize on market opportunities.

Our well respected bank finance team is recognized for their extensive experience in syndicated loans and all manner of secured and unsecured financing transactions, securitizations and structured financings. We are at the forefront of leasing and asset based financing transactions in Japan, including aircraft, ship, equipment and rolling stock transactions.

White & Case’s award winning Tokyo investment funds practice advises on a wide range of fund structures, and is the counsel of choice for many fund managers executing complex cross-border fundraisings. Our practice provides legal and regulatory know-how that enables clients to establish consistently successful investment funds in Asian markets and around the world.

Our Tokyo projects and energy team has advised on some of the most prominent deals in the world, including most of the LNG projects in the market today. Our team advises on project structuring and development, financing, offtake and transportation, government regulation, construction and maintenance, and other related issues. We advise across sectors ranging from oil &gas, metals & mining, power, clean technology to renewable energy and other infrastructure.

In the area of disputes, our team group has one of the greatest breadths of practice among international and domestic law firms with highly experienced foreign and Japan-qualified disputes lawyers. Our lawyers have a depth of experience in all forms of dispute resolution, including litigation and arbitration, and across all business sectors with particular experience in antitrust, employment, international trade and tax controversy matters

Our team of responsive and commercially focused lawyers provides integrated and focused solutions in virtually every area of real estate, ranging from fund formations and corporate structuring, to acquisitions and securitization. Despite a considerably depressed market, our team has continued to offer flexible and creative solutions on a number of significant transactions, including advising on the three largest real estate transactions in Japan since December 2009.

Our tax group is widely recognized as Japan’s leading law firm tax practice with the ability to effectively resolve the most challenging problems and engage in sophisticated tax planning. Comprised of both U.S. and Japanese tax attorneys, the group focuses broadly on transfer pricing, permanent establishment and other international tax issues and controversies.

For close to a quarter of a century, clients in Japan have depended on White & Case’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and the community. Our vision to bring global breadth and local depth to bear on our clients’ most exciting opportunities and difficult challenges remains one of the core values in our relationships with our clients.

White & Case LLP
White & Case Law Offices (Registered Association)
Marunouchi Trust Tower Main, 26th Floor, 1-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005. Tel: 03 6384 3300. Fax: 03 3211 5252.

Morgan Lewis – TMI

Building a Better Model for Cross-Border Legal Services

Five years ago, Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP and TMI Associates formed Morgan Lewis-TMI as a unique joint venture to provide both US and Japanese legal advice. Clients of both firms were demanding a new approach to cross-border legal services in Japan, and we designed our joint venture to meet those demands. We combined the strengths of two major law firms—each a leader in its home market —to provide seamless “one-shop” advice on U.S. and Japanese law. We now have nearly 300 lawyers on the ground in Tokyo, and 1,600 throughout the world, working with our clients on transactions and disputes around the globe.

The founding principle of our joint venture is to provide the full-service expertise our multinational corporate and investment fund clients demand. With nearly 300 Japanese lawyers in Tokyo, we have the depth of knowledge to meet any legal need. From financial regulations to environmental laws, and sexual harassment claims to antitrust investigations, we have an experienced lawyer who can help you navigate through Japan’s legal system.

More than our size, however, we are proud of the character of our attorneys. Both our Japanese and American lawyers have a strong reputation for being practical and having a strong commercial sense. We make it our job to understand your business objectives and to find legal solutions to accomplish them. Whether structuring a complex acquisition, preparing a PMDA application for a medical device shonin, or resolving a commercial dispute, we look for creative ways to achieve your goals.

Because TMI Associates is one of top five domestic law firms in Japan, our Japanese lawyers have a depth of expertise not generally available at international law firms. TMI’s lawyers include three former Supreme Court Justices, the former Chief Judge of the Tokyo IP High Court, a former Prosecutor General and many of the leading litigators, transactional attorneys and IP lawyers in Japan. These lawyers work daily on leading domestic transactions and cases, and can bring that expertise to American clients through Morgan Lewis-TMI.

One major complaint of U.S. executives in Japan is that the best legal advice does no good if you cannot understand or use it. With Morgan Lewis-TMI, you can work directly with U.S. lawyers who understand your corporate culture and legal needs. We understand the background of the questions you ask and will give you practical advice you can use. For us, “it cannot be done that way” is not an answer, it is a challenge to find a better way to accomplish your goals.

One of our key practices in Japan is corporate transactions—M&A, private equity and joint ventures. Our deals exemplify the strengths of our joint venture—size, breadth and practicality. We have sufficient experienced lawyers to staff any transaction in Japan. We have worked on deals with environmental risks, labor disputes, tax hurdles and securities law restrictions, and have been able to achieve our clients’ goals by finding creative solutions under the law. In the past year alone, we handled two major tender offers in Japan, several private acquisitions, and the successful auction of a private equity investment.
Another natural area of strength for Morgan Lewis-TMI is intellectual property. Both Morgan Lewis and TMI are top law firms in the area of intellectual property, and our combined strength is truly unmatched in handling transactions involving technology as well as in disputes involving intellectual property.

Employment law is another difficult area for U.S. companies in Japan. The Japanese employment system is fundamentally different from the U.S., and creates numerous pitfalls for multinational companies. Fortunately, we can provide unique assistance—Morgan Lewis is the premier U.S. law firm for employment law issues and TMI has built a leading reputation for labor law in Japan. We can help you to effectively manage your workforce in Japan.

Compliance and internal investigations can also be critical for U.S. managers in Japan, and Morgan Lewis-TMI has experience dealing with investigations involving accounting, FCPA and other issues for U.S. companies with operations in Japan. If your company must deal with this type of inquiry, you will need skilled lawyers in Japan as well as lawyers who can communicate effectively with your U.S. headquarters and help your company meet your U.S.-law obligations.

Morgan Lewis-TMI is committed to the growth of U.S.-Japan business relationships. We want to help you to develop those relationships and better manage your existing cross-border businesses.

For more information on Morgan Lewis-TMI, please contact:

• Lisa Yano
  Tel: +81.3.4578.2507 Email: lyano@morganlewis.com

• Gregory R. Salathé
  Tel: +81.3. 4578.2509 Email: gsalathe@morganlewis.com

• Kunio Namekata
  Tel: +81.3.6438.5503 Email: knamekata@tmi.gr.jp

• Morgan, Lewis and Bockius LLP – TMI Associates (Registered Association)
  24th Floor, Roppongi Hills, Mori Tower
  6-10-1 Roppongi
  Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-6124, Japan

Morrison & Foerster, Pioneering firm in Tokyo

Widely recognized international law firm in Japan with over 20 years of legal expertise

Morrison & Foerster LLP is one of the largest and most diversified international law firms in Japan, with over 120 attorneys including over 50 bengoshi in Tokyo, a major hub in our global network of 15 offices staffed with 1,000 lawyers worldwide.

When we first opened our doors in 1987, we were one of the first international law firms licensed in Japan. The firm is now one of Japan’s 10 largest law offices, domestic or international. More than half of our Tokyo-based attorneys are either Japanese or fluent in Japanese.

We work with global network especially in Hong Kong, New York and San Francisco to leverage expertise, ensure consistent standards for clients globally, and quickly adapt new products to local markets. Taking commercial outcomes based approach, we partner with clients and do more than just tell them what the law is. We give actionable and experienced advice. We are also one of the strongest in Tokyo for executing large transactions; including teams of bilingual paralegals and translators to conduct due diligence and handle a large amount of documentation in both languages efficiently. We are able to respond 360 degrees on complex, multi-faced issues by taking multi-jurisdictional, multi-expert approach.

Morrison & Foerster Tokyo office is particularly known for its unmatched expertise in the areas of technology, financial services, and energy and resources.

We have one of the most active M&A practices of any global firm in Japan. The group regularly advises clients on mergers and acquisitions in Japan, Asia and worldwide, having completed over 250 publicly announced transactions in Tokyo since 2000. We have extensive experience representing both Japanese and non-Japanese companies in the formation of strategic alliances and joint ventures, both in Japan and worldwide. M&A Asia Legal Advisor recently ranked the firm as the “#1 Legal Advisor” for joint ventures in Asia.

In capital markets, we are active in representing issuers and underwriters in a wide range of debt and equity offerings including Japan REITs, and have been involved in Tokyo-based offerings that have raised over $30 billion since 2002. Uniquely among international law firms in Tokyo, we have multi-jurisdictional capabilities in Japanese, U.S., and English—law capital markets transactions, having leading practitioners in all three jurisdictions based in Tokyo.

Our IP/technology transactions group is particularly active in the areas of computer hardware (including hardware peripherals and semiconductors) and software, information technology, biotechnology and new media, offering a combination of strong cross-border transactional and litigation experience, and in-depth knowledge of applicable IP and regulatory issues. We are one of the world’s premier litigation firms, representing clients around the globe in litigation and dispute resolution proceedings. In Japan, Morrison & Foerster is one of the only international law firms with full-service litigation capability, with 10 partners, 20 associates and of counsel, and a dedicated team of legal assistants. The firm’s Tokyo-based litigators focus on international commercial litigation, with special emphasis on IP litigation and product liability cases. In addition to dispute resolution, our Tokyo litigators provide pre-litigation, litigation avoidance and other strategic advice to clients in Asia, including conducting adversarial patent license negotiations, designing compliance programs, creating trade secret and document retention policies, advising on intellectual property protection programs, and conducting large-scale compliance audits.

In the area of real estate, we believe we have one of the leading real estate teams in Tokyo with Japanese U.S. and English qualified lawyers.

In the area of project finance, Morrison & Foerster’ group is recognized as one of the leading practices in Tokyo. The team represents sponsors, lenders and construction contractors in Greenfield development projects and M&A transactions. The Tokyo team is led by three partners and operates globally across industry sectors, but is particularly focused on power, oil & gas, and transportation projects.

Additionally, the finance team represents lenders and borrowers in virtually every type of financing transaction, including LBO/MBO and other acquisition financings, working capital and revolving credit loans, term and convertible term facilities, asset-based lending facilities, letter-of-credit facilities, and leveraged lease and other equipment, vendor and trade financing programs.

Most recently we welcomed a leading Tokyo-based tax team to strengthen our ability to offer full service representation to our clients. They complement to our other practice groups in Tokyo—especially real estate, corporate and fund formation—and are a great addition to our global tax practice. Few global law firms in Japan offer tax counsel to clients.

Our goal here at Morrison & Foerster is to assist our clients in understanding the issues they face with a global transaction, provide them with focused and practical advice and protect them against risk.

For more information, please contact:
Tel: 813-3-3214-6522
E-mail: tokyomarketing@mofo.com
Web: www.mofo.com

Cracking the Japanese Talent Market

Six reasons why Japan is the hardest country in which to recruit talent

If you are like most foreign business leaders and HR professionals in Japan, chances are you have already experienced disappointments in getting the right people for your own organizations. In other parts of the world, getting the right people for the right job is supposed to be routine for any seasoned business executive or HR professional. But by now you’ve quickly realized that many of the HR or recruitment practices you’ve known do not seem to apply to the Japanese. Why is it difficult to hire the right talent in Japan?

Read more…

Kaneko & Associates

Cultivating International Talent in Japan

In the last 20 years in Japan, those considered top players in their fields have found it increasingly easier over time to change jobs. One reason for their success can be attributed to their ability to adapt to the demands of globalization. But what about the others?

Read more…

Global Expertise, Personalized Service

Hays Specialist Recruitment Japan, matching businesses with qualified professionals

We are the experts in recruiting qualified, professional and skilled people across a wide range of specialized industries and professions for permanent positions, contract roles and temporary assignments.

At Hays, we believe the right job can transform a person’s life and the right person can transform a business. We’re passionate about connecting our candidates with the right job for them.

Read more…

Better Hiring

First Advantage, one of the largest providers of employment background screening services in the Asia- Pacific region

The financial costs of hiring are well understood and can be budgeted for, but less understood, if even considered, are the costs of a bad hire.

Before any decision to terminate an employment costs are incurred with management time spent on corrective actions, mediation and negotiations. The business reputation can be at risk as well as physical loss through acts of negligence or willful misconduct. When the employee does leave there can be direct employee payments and potentially unlimited legal expenses.

Read more…

Nobi Kaneko
President Kaneko & Associates

In the last 20 years in Japan, those considered top players in their fields have found it increasingly easier over time to change jobs. One reason for their success can be attributed to their ability to adapt to the demands of globalization. But what about the others?

Japanese possess relatively lower levels of English language ability in a global marketplace that values English communication skills and cross-cultural understanding. Add to that a decrease in recent years in the number of Japanese going to study or work abroad, and one can see why the pool of candidates willing and ready for work in a global setting is shrinking.

Among college students, the focus now is on the benefits of long-term, full-time employment in a large company, where they can count on raises and promotions commensurate with age and continued service. The goal is not to become an outstanding worker or asset to the company, but rather to gain entrance to an outstanding company as a full-fledged employee. From the other perspective, many Japanese organizations seeking full-time employees limit their search to new graduates, even giving preference to those who repeated a year over those who graduate the previous year. With such thinking on both sides of the hiring process, it is little wonder jobs are hard to come by for college students these days. Perhaps some thought should be given to cultivating the individuality so highly prized on the international stage.

These realities and conditions found in markets like Japan clearly show that some do not adequately appreciate the necessity for globalization. Kaneko & Associates is about more than just executive recruitment. We consider our broader mission to include facilitating a smooth transition for employees at all levels in companies with international ties as well as challenging people’s attitudes toward globalization.

About Kaneko & Associates
Kaneko & Associates (K&A) is a retainer-based, client driven, executive search firm established in California in 1998. Since its establishment, the company has demonstrated excellence in search service and human capital consulting for global corporations. In 2006, K&A established an office in Tokyo, and has been able to provide more timely services to clients in Japan and other Asian countries. Our recent achievements include: Managing Director for Transfer Pricing Economic Consulting Firm, Tax Director for Fortune 20 company, Senior Associate for International Law Firm, and Head of Tax for Fortune 15 US companies. For more information, please visit kanekoassociates.com

At Hays, we believe the right job can transform a person’s life and the right person can transform a business. We’re passionate about connecting our candidates with the right job for them.

The breadth and depth of our expertise distinguishes us from our competitors. And our actions have a lasting impact on both our candidates and the businesses we work with.

Our position as Asia-Pacific’s leading specialist recruitment consultancy and our global network across 30 countries means we speak daily with the top recruitment decisions makers and our global pool of candidates. This places us in a unique position to gather comprehensive market intelligence on employment issues and workplace trends both locally and globally. We provide valuable information to both candidates and clients.

The Hays Salary Guide is one of the value-added services for our customers, which details typical salaries for various employment sectors and hundreds of jobs across Asia. Complied from information collected from the results of a questionnaire completed by our valued clients, the salaries quoted reflect those actually being paid or offered by employers.

Another service is our Hays Quarterly Report. It targets candidate hotspots and market trends. It is a comprehensive guide to current conditions, salaries and trends and looks inside your industry at the drivers and issues contributing to overall recruitment growth and activity. This report has become a highly valuable information resource for employers and candidates alike.

The way we behave underpins our expertise. Our people are experts. They’re passionate about people, inquisitive and ambitious. This ensures we build strong and lasting relationships with our clients and candidates the world over.

Our recruiting experts specialize in the following areas: accountancy & finance, banking, finance technology, human resources, Hays resource management, information technology, legal, office professionals, pharma, property, sales & marketing, and supply chain.

Devoted to both clients and candidates, we power the world of work.

For further information, please visit the Hays website at www.hays.co.jp or contact us at info@hays.co.jp or 03-3560-1188.

To answer this question, it is important to keep in mind certain aspects about Japan, its people, and its business environment:

1. Demographic Pressures

Japan’s population is shrinking due to its rapidly aging society and very low birth rate (estimated to be -0.24 percent in 2010 by the CIA World Fact Book). Compounding this are Japan’s restrictive immigration policies that shut the door to the foreign workforce. It is not an overstatement to say that pretty soon these demographic pressures will eventually catch up with the war for talent, if it has not already.

2. Insufficient English Skills

Japan has one of the lowest percentages of workers with advanced English communication skills among the developed nations (at a mere 10 percent, some even contend that Japan’s English literacy rate is the lowest in Asia). As a result, foreign affiliated companies who are naturally seeking bilingual talents compete in a very limited pool. Historians have traditionally attributed this to centuries of isolation. However, the country’s present education system has a lot to do with this concern. In Japan, for instance, mandatory English courses start only at the secondary level. Hopefully, government’s efforts toward educational reforms may help to fix the problem.

3. Acute Supply-and-Demand Imbalance

Japan may no longer be the world’s second largest economy, but it still continues to attract a multitude of foreign-affiliated companies that hope to benefit from the country’s economic might. However, unlike its Western counterparts, Japan’s economic center is heavily concentrated in Tokyo and its 23 wards. As a result, companies inevitably compete for the same hard-to-find, highly qualified, bilingual Japanese talent. Indeed, the so-called “war for talent” is nowhere more intense than in Japan (or Tokyo for that matter).

4. Very Passive Candidates

Admit it. The people you want for positions in your company may not be on the market. Neither will you find them on job boards or in employment databases. They are either very satisfied with their current organizations (i.e., no push-and-pull factors to leave their companies), or have grown so loyal to their companies that the mere thought of chatting with a recruiter is deemed as betrayal. If they ever do decide to explore external opportunities, they would normally use their personal or business connections, if not leave everything to their trusted headhunters or recruiters. Hence, in Japan, good recruiting is not just a transaction but a process that starts with building a strong personal relationship between recruiter and candidate.

5. Loyalty and Risk Averseness

You have read about it. Japan’s once famous lifetime employment system greatly contributed to decades of industrial peace and development. The pain of rising from war’s ashes produced a highly specialized and “loyal” workforce who would literally “live and die” for their companies, notwithstanding more superior opportunities waiting for them elsewhere. This same paternalistic relationship between employees and employers, however, bred an atmosphere where it is safe to remain within someone’s “comfort zones” and further fed the natural Japanese tendency to become risk-averse. As a result, it takes a lot of time and effort to make a prospective candidate open to exploring other opportunities, and is even more difficult to actually recruit them for the job.

6. Perception Problem for MNCs

In Japan, image is everything. And among Japanese talent there is a lingering fear of the “hire-and-fire” mentality widespread in companies in the West. There is also a general perception that foreign companies are “unstable” and will pull out of Japan at the first sign of a storm. In a country of lifetime employment where people are risk averse, these perceptions paint a not-so-flattering image about foreign companies.

The above list is not exhaustive. However, it shows that the ostensible war for talent is nowhere truer—and fiercer—than in Japan. The bottom line: When you find the one, act fast. If you don’t, chances are you will lose that talent. It is really just a matter of time.

WE CAN HELP.
HR Central K.K. is in the business of helping organizations increase their profitability and competitive advantage through talent acquisition, development, and continuous learning.

Talent Acquisition Practice: We partner with organizations to find the right people for their HR and/or ‘mission-critical’ positions in less than 90 days—GUARANTEED and at the same time, coach our clients in using the HireRight RecruitingTM methodology to find, attract, and retain top talent.

Training & HR Consulting Practice: We assist businesses in increasing their organizational capabilities through a combination of training and HR consulting interventions designed to increase employee competencies, motivation, and engagement.

HR Learning & Publishing Practice: We provide continuing education and learning opportunities to HR professionals through our HR publications, events, knowledgebase, network, and resources geared to help advance the practice of the HR profession in Japan.

HR Central K.K… your partner in solving the people puzzle.

Jun Kabigting, MBA/MSIE/CHR
Managing Director
HR Central K.K.
Rec. Lic. #14-ユ-300451
Shinagawa Inter-City Front Bldg. 3F Desk@ MB28
2-14-14 Kounan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0075 JAPAN
tel: 050-5806-9821
080-3434-8665
e-mail: inquiry@hrcentral.co.jp
web: http://www.hrcentral.co.jp

Before any decision to terminate an employment costs are incurred with management time spent on corrective actions, mediation and negotiations. The business reputation can be at risk as well as physical loss through acts of negligence or willful misconduct. When the employee does leave there can be direct employee payments and potentially unlimited legal expenses.

There are always a few bad apples, and fortunately it is only a few, but you can’t always tell from the traditional job interview who they are. Putting into the balance a well managed hiring process including pre-employment assessments and screening is a professional and extremely cost effective way for your business to reduce the risks of a bad hire.

Traditional pre-employment screening in Japan was done by the Human Resources team, to the best of their ability but without the scope to do much more than some personal reference telephone calls if they had the time. A much worse practice was using the local private detective agency to contact neighbours and previous co-workers in an attempt to elicit his or her “true” character and behaviour. Rightly this practice has the bad name it deserves, as unethical and unreliable.

Modern pre-employment screening companies ensure that the candidate is fully aware of the process and has given his or her consent to have their employment qualifications verified. In Japan the PrivacyMark Organisation (www.privacymark.org) helps to ensure that personal information and privacy is taken seriously and companies have audited processes and procedures in compliance with the Japan Industrial Standards (JIS Q 15001:2006 [Personal Information Protection Management System - Requirements]). The authorised use of the PrivacyMark by private enterprises demonstrates that they are in compliance with the law and that they have voluntarily established a high level personal information protection management system. The PrivacyMark is gaining greater recognition but this is still voluntary and many companies handling personal information are not yet accredited choosing to avoid the costs of compliance.

You may be thinking that here in Japan, where you can forget your wallet in a restaurant and have a very good chance of not only someone handing it in, but still with all your cash inside, that people won’t lie to get a job and that pre-employment screening is only necessary for senior executive and highly responsible positions. Not true.

With the continuing poor Japanese economy we have discovered examples of candidates claiming education degrees they never attained, employment positions and experience that has been exaggerated and extending employment periods to cover gaps and invent a continuous employment background.

Foreign and Japanese job applicants that have studied or worked in another country might be tempted not to disclose information such as a criminal convictions or slip in a false claim thinking that their background in that other country cannot be verified. As a global business we can and do conduct checks around the world. Each country has different procedures and databases available, one of the most open being the USA.

Widely recognized as the leader in background services in Asia Pacific, by combining our global reach and local Japan expertise, Let us help you, email Chiho Wakayama info-jp@fadv.com or learn more at www.fadvasia.com.

Celebrating 10 years of providing convenience and luxury in Japan

Oakwood pioneered the serviced apartment concept in the 1960s, offering corporate clients, relocating families and holiday travelers a spacious and sophisticated alternative to a hotel room.

The concept grew around the world as guests realized that Oakwood’s unhurried atmosphere and gracious hospitality were the best choice for extended stay anywhere.

Oakwood, celebrating its 50th anniversary worldwide and 10th anniversary in Japan this year, has earned the trademark of being ‘The Most Trusted Name in Serviced Apartments Worldwide’ with nearly 23,000 distinctive apartments and more than 300 network partners in the most desired locations globally. Reflective of the surroundings where Oakwood serviced apartments reside, architectural design and service providence have been styled to fit in with the physical and cultural habitat of each strategically located property.

Oakwood in Japan offers the finest serviced apartments for business and leisure travelers with three choices of living: Oakwood Premier, Oakwood Residence and Oakwood Apartments. Guests can enjoy the security and comforts of a hotel, whilst unwinding in the privacy of their own home.

Oakwood Premier properties are spectacular and elegant estates offering luxury hotel-style services, a variety of apartment potions, and are designed for the upscale international traveler. Properties are situated in prime central locations and offer an elite range of facilities and amenities within the property or its vicinity. In Tokyo, we have Oakwood Premier Tokyo Midtown, located in the heart of the capital’s newest landmark: Tokyo Midtown. Overlooking the beautiful Midtown Garden, each apartment boasts a private balcony offering panoramic views of the city.

Oakwood Residence properties offer serviced apartments that combine the spacious comfort at a private home with many services of a hotel. Oakwood Residences often have large apartments (ideal for families), and offer a selected range of facilities including health club, business center and a Residents’ Lounge. In Tokyo, we have Oakwood Residence Akasaka, Oakwood Residence Aoyama, Oakwood Residence Azabujuban, and Oakwood Residence Roppongi T-Cube. All Residences are especially designed to be family friendly. Oakwood Residence Akasaka is in a quiet lane adjacent to Akasaka Twin Towers in the prestigious commercial heart of Minato-ku and within walking distance to Roppongi.

Oakwood Residence Aoyama is favored by the entertainment and fashion industry for its close proximity to the posh shopping havens of Shibuya, Harajuku and Omotesando. These 72 residences also offer great accessibility to upscale restaurants in Tokyo’s finest residential district. Elegant interiors are accentuated by a sophisticated mix of Western and Asian characteristics. Oakwood Residence Azabujuban is located amidst a tree-lined charming village atmosphere that has a delightful mix of noodle houses and chic restaurants next to Roppongi. Eighty-three cosmopolitan residences add a refreshing presence to the famous Azabujuban Shopping Street. Oakwood Residence Roppongi T-Cube, privately accessed, has 54 superbly designed residences are located from the 22nd to the 26th floor of the architecturally stunning Roppongi T-Cube tower, and offers breathtaking views of Tokyo and the surrounding area. Each apartment is beautifully fitted with high-tech electronics, plush furnishings and gourmet kitchens.

The Oakwood Apartments brand delivers comfortable and stylish accommodations at a value-oriented price. While offering selected services such as extended hours of front desk services and housekeeping, these value added facilities at selected apartment locations are ideal for couples or singles and executives on the move. In Tokyo, we have Oakwood Apartments Roppongi Central and Oakwood Apartments Shirokane.

Oakwood Apartments Roppongi Central is conveniently located within minutes from key subway stations. Each of the 69 smartly designed serviced apartments offer a balcony, and living is complemented with premium facilities including a business center and gym. Oakwood Apartments Shirokane is close to Shinagawa and Meguro, yet not too far from the financial districts, the shopping and dining of Ebisu and the nightlife of Roppongi. These contemporary designed apartments are well located in the upscale, friendly neighborhood of Shirokane.

Offering three contemporary ways of living from Premier, Residences to Apartments, we listen to our customers and put their needs at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to excellence and always passionate about having sincerely satisfied and loyal customers. Please come and choose from spectacular high-end elegance, contemporary fashion-tech lifestyle or spacious comfort in seven hotspots in Tokyo.

Tel: 03-5412-3131
E-mail: midtown@oakwoodasia.com
Website: www.oakwoodasia.com

Top-notch boy’s school located in Setagaya, Tokyo

St. Mary’s International School in Setagaya Ward has served Tokyo’s international community since 1954, accepting boys aged 5 to 18 years old. The school has nearly 950 boys from approximately 55 different countries. Instruction is held in brand-new classrooms at the North Campus, which opened in March 2009. Our reconstruction project will be completed when the Multi-Purpose Hall, for dramas, musicals, and concerts, is opened in March 2011.

The new buildings are very safe, designed to be 25 percent stronger than required by stringent Japanese seismic design codes. The campus is also environmentally friendly and our classrooms feature interactive whiteboards and wireless network access to give our students all the advantages of the latest technologies.

Our international student body is rich in cultural and religious diversity. Programs are specifically designed to meet the educational and developmental needs of boys. The American/International College Preparatory program provides a sound liberal arts education that enables students to enter and succeed in the best colleges and universities around the world.

Students from Pre-First Grade through Grade 5 are taught English, math, science, social studies, and religion by the homeroom teachers. In addition, specialist teachers are provided for art, physical education, swimming, vocal and instrumental music, information technology, library and Japanese language.

Grades 6, 7, and 8 are departmentalized, with all students required to study English, math, science, foreign language (French, Japanese), religion (Catholicism, Ethics), and social studies. The High School College Preparatory program features advanced courses in English, math, science, social studies, computer science, and world languages. Specialist classes include art, physical education, aquatics, and vocal and instrumental music.

The International Baccalaureate course of studies offered in grades 11 and 12 is a globally recognized and rigorous Pre-University program that provides the academic and interpersonal training to give students the competitive edge they need for both university studies and their later careers.

St. Mary’s sports teams and fine arts programs are first rate, winning local and international honors. Activity programs are age-appropriate and focus on the development of the “whole boy” in an all-boy environment. Sports, arts, and community service activities are offered at various grade levels.

For more information, contact us at 03-3709-3411, or visit http://www.smis.ac.jp/

Nishimachi International School

Outreach Scholarship Program for Student Diversity

The Outreach Scholarship Program was first launched in the 2003-2004 academic year with the goal of attracting students from a variety of socioeconomic, racial, cultural, and geographic backgrounds, and thereby increasing student diversity on campus.

Candidates must fulfill the school’s admissions requirements (including grade level English proficiency) and must be able to provide proof of financial need. The scholarship is good for one academic year, with renewal options pending satisfactory academic and social progress at the school, through to graduation. 

If you are interested in applying for an Outreach Scholarship, or wish to obtain further information, please contact Mariko Laabs, Director of Admissions. tel: 03-3451-5538 email: admissions@nishimachi.ac.jp

 In order to offer financial support to worthy students, the school needs to secure adequate financial resources. The past eight annual fund drives yielded thirty-two million yen reserved for the scholarship fund via generous contributions from corporations, Tomo no Kai (the parents’ association), parents, alumni, parents of alumni, staff, and friends, as well as the proceeds from the annual golf tournament and special promotions on behalf of local businesses. Since the program’s inception, the school has granted twenty-two scholarships to eleven students from Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, Ukraine, and the Philippines.

Currently, the Outreach Scholarship Program fund balance stands at zero, and our goal for this year and beyond is to replenish this fund annually in order to maintain and further expand the number of students who can benefit from receiving an international education in English and Japanese. Your support is much appreciated.

If you are interested in financially supporting the Outreach Scholarship, please contact Philippe Eymard, Director of Development. tel: 03-3451-2167 email: development@nishimachi.ac.jp

In an era where globalization issues are increasingly important, and the number of corporations seeking overseas expansion is growing each year, the need for seamless legal support and advice regarding major complex transactions is more prevalent than ever before for both domestic and international companies alike. At Baker & McKenzie GJBJ Tokyo Aoyama Aoki Koma Law Office (Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise), we provide clients with a one-stop service that meets their business needs—defying borders, cultures and languages in a wide range of areas. We are the largest integrated law firm in Japan, comprised of over 160 domestic and foreign-qualified attorneys, covering the areas of cross-border M&A, general corporate law, banking & finance (including project financing), intellectual property, international taxation, transfer pricing, and litigation. As part of the Baker & McKenzie network, our international team of lawyers is able to utilize resources of over 3,900 attorneys in 39 countries across the globe.

Corporate/M&A

Our Corporate Group offers innovative solutions in M&A, private equity, joint ventures and business collaborations, corporate restructuring, overseas matters relating to Japanese corporations, and other general corporate legal work. Major clients include global corporations, leading Japanese corporations, investment banks, private equity firms, venture capital firms, and securities firms.

We also specialize in post-merger integration issues. In June 2010, our firm co-authored the “Practice Handbook for Post Merger Integration on M&A” with KPMG FAS and Mercer Japan. Published by the Chuo Keizai-Sha Inc., it focuses on the post-merger integration process and other issues pertaining to cross-border M&A transactions. The handbook probes and analyzes the key issues in successfully executing M&A transactions by using a multifaceted approach. Capitalizing on the experience and knowledge of all contributing authors from many different practice groups, various M&A issues are clarified and solutions are proposed to resolve challenging issues. This handbook is considered to be one-of-a-kind, uniquely combining the expertise of major consultants in the legal, accounting and human resources fields.

Banking & Finance

Our Banking & Finance Group provides a variety of legal services for both domestic and cross-border matters on project finance and PPP, acquisition finance, real estate finance, structured finance, financial regulation matters, and verification of new financial products. The Group’s clients include a variety of Japanese and overseas financial institutions, financing target corporations, and investors. In addition, the team responds to a wide range of needs confronted by financial institutions such as commercial banks, trust and investment banks, and securities firms around the world. We also specialize in financial transactions concerning emissions trading schemes, and have represented both Japanese and non-Japanese clients in the climate change arena.

Tax

Our Tax Group is one of the oldest and leading tax law, accounting, and economics team in Tokyo. The Group provides a broad range of services to foreign and domestic clients including tax planning and structuring, tax litigation, transfer pricing, and economic analysis. We have experience advising foreign-financed corporations in expanding their Japanese businesses, and Japanese corporations seeking tax advice in overseas jurisdictions. Unlike most law firms in Japan, our team of domestic and internationally qualified professionals is comprised of tax attorneys, certified public accountants, U.S. qualified attorneys specializing in tax matters, economists, and financial analysts. Moreover, our foreign registered attorneys have unparalleled experience in both their country of qualification and in Japan, and are capable of providing comprehensive advice in both jurisdictions.

As part of the Baker & McKenzie network, we combine an instinctively global perspective with a genuine sense of cross-cultural existence, and have endeavored to provide innovative yet effective legal solutions. We aspire to provide the highest quality of domestic and international legal advice as expected by our clients, and to be rated as a top-level business law firm not only in Japan, but also on a regional and global level. Finally, we will continue our efforts to be a genuine and trusted advisor, assisting our clients to navigate and overcome difficult and unexpected situations.

For more information, please contact us at:
Baker & McKenzie GJBJ
Tokyo Aoyama Aoki Koma Law Office
(Gaikokuho Joint Enterprise)
The Prudential Tower, 11th Floor
2-13-10 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100-0014 Japan
tel: 03-5157-2700
fax: 03-5157-2900
web: www.taalo-bakernet.com,
www.bakermckenzie.com

Over 20 years of legal experience in pioneering international law

Morrison & Foerster, Tokyo is the largest and most diversified international law firm in Japan, with over 120 attorneys including over 50 bengoshi in Tokyo, a major hub in our global network of 16 offices staffed with 1,000 lawyers worldwide. Opening our doors in 1987, our Tokyo office was one of the first international law firms to be licensed in Japan. Today, we are one of Japan’s 10 largest law offices, domestic or international, in which 70 of our Tokyo-based attorneys are either Japanese or fluent in Japanese.

Simply put, our objective is to provide our clients with commercially-based legal solutions which enable them to achieve their strategic agendas in the opaque world of Japanese law and business. We do this by deploying our vast breadth of knowledge, and in-depth experience and expertise in a nimble, integrated, and focused fashion. Our clients receive considered recommendations and actionable criteria in a language and format they can easily digest and quickly implement; one thing we do not do is simply regurgitate the law, and tell our clients that their objective is “not possible.”

Unlike other international firms that might concentrate on a single area of practice, we cover a diverse range of areas, particularly in Intellectual Property (IP) litigation, M&A, capital markets, and antitrust. Whilst each practice area is a discrete center of expertise in its own right, we generate significant added value for our clients through the constant synergy of ideas among practice groups.

Morrison & Foerster’s Tokyo office has the most active M&A practice of any global firm in Japan. The Tokyo corporate lawyers have extensive experience in representing both Japanese and non-Japanese companies in a broad range of transactions including M&A, public and private acquisitions, complex carve-outs and divisional spin-outs, private equity fund formation, venture financing and Asia investments, and the formation of strategic alliances and joint ventures both in Japan and around the world.

Our finance group is recognized as having one of the leading project teams in Tokyo. We represent sponsors, lenders, and construction contractors in greenfield development projects and M&A transactions across industry sectors. Our primary focus is on power, oil and gas, infrastructure development, and transportation projects.

In the area of capital markets, we field one of the most experienced teams of lawyers who are uniquely positioned to provide advice under U.S., Japanese, and U.K. law, and represent clients in domestic and international debt and equity offerings.

Our real estate group boasts one of the leading practices in Japan, representing clients at all stages of the real estate investment cycle—from fund formation, project acquisition and financing, and project and portfolio sales, to public offerings of real estate vehicles.

Our technology transactions lawyers advise clients on complex technology transfers including license and settlement agreements, joint development agreements, technology joint ventures, and M&A. The group handles transactions in all technology areas, including semiconductors, computer hardware and software, and biotechnology, offering a combination of strong cross-border transactional and litigation experience with in-depth knowledge of applicable intellectual property and regulatory issues.

Morrison & Foerster is the only global firm with a dedicated litigation team in Japan. We have over 25 full-time litigation attorneys in Tokyo, more than half of whom are fluent in Japanese. Our trial lawyers in Japan work seamlessly with our firm’s U.S. attorneys to provide creative and strategic approaches in complex commercial and intellectual property litigations in courts, administrative agencies, and arbitration venues.

Our goal here at Morrison & Foerster is to assist our clients in understanding the issues they face with a global transaction, provide them with focused and practical advice, and protect them against risk.

For more information, please contact:
tel: 81-3-3214-6522
email: tokyomarketing@mofo.com
web: www.mofo.com

EFA Laboratories works to ensure safe and practical renovation processes

Many building materials historically contained asbestos as binders or as fireproofing components and renovation projects often uncover suspect asbestos-containing materials in the course of the work. Airborne asbestos fibers are a recognized cause of both mesothelioma and lung cancer and are a major concern during building renovation and demolition projects. Testing suspect materials using the standard Japanese analytical method often takes one week or longer, thereby increasing the risk of exposure to deadly asbestos fibers, costly project delays and project schedule problems.

EFA Laboratories Inc. (EFA) provides world class asbestos analytical techniques to support and expedite rehabilitation and demolition projects. EFA’s polarized light microscopy (PLM) technique quickly identifies and quantifies asbestos fibers in all forms of suspect building materials. PLM identifies all six asbestos fibers types specified in Japanese law and is a globally-accepted method for identifying and quantifying asbestos in building materials.

EFA analyses are fast, with standard results delivered within three days of receipt. Same day service is also available for emergency response actions or where project delays are unacceptable. Other EFA services include airborne fiber counts for asbestos air quality (clearance) tests and product QC/QA testing for manufacturers.

EFA Labs also offers the following key client advantages:

Accuracy: EFA’s PLM and TEM methods analyze the actual suspect fibers, as opposed to the JIS PCM / XRD method which does not identify or determine asbestos concentrations. PLM also eliminates non-toxic asbestos “look-alike” fibers from the analysis. These “look-alikes” can cause false positive readings using the PCM / XRD method.

Cost effective: EFA analyses are typically 50 percent less expensive than conventional Japanese analyses.

Location: EFA’s Central Tokyo location allows for fast sample delivery and quick Client response times.

Sampling: EFA can provide samplers for bulk material or air quality testing. Bi-lingual Client support services: All services and reports are available both English and Japanese.

EFA is your one-stop solution to all of your asbestos needs and concerns.
For more information please contact us at: info@efa.co.jp

Urban Innovation

Using cutting-edge tech at Earth-Appraisal Company, Ltd. to create a sustainable future

apan is currently implementing national and municipal programs designed to curb carbon use and to effect stringent energy conservation measures. Earth-Appraisal Company, Ltd. (EA) proudly supports Japanese green environmental initiatives and is working to make Japan a world leader in efficient building energy system and sustainable urban/building design.

Building rehabilitation and demolition projects often uncover unknown environmental risks which can stop a project in its tracks. These issues often require immediate attention and may include regulatory negotiations to determine acceptable solutions. Solving these problems typically results in construction delays, increased project costs and potentially undesirable public attention.

EA’s teams of engineers, architects and scientists have more than 150 years of combined experience in solving complex environmental problems.

EA building engineering and environmental services include: Building energy efficiency and insulation assessments; recycled and/or sustainable component design specifications; building engineering investigations and design services; Phase I & II environmental due diligence investigations; Phase III remedial soil design; planning and project management; asbestos investigations and project management; hazardous material assessments; and, corporate environmental planning and management services.

Green Urban Redevelopment Projects

EA’s Proprietary Pollution Site Index (PPSI™) modeling program quickly locates and identifies suspect sources of soil and groundwater pollution. The PPSI mapping program uses a database of current and historic residential maps and public records to accurately assess the likelihood of contamination on building sites. This tool is particularly suited to green urban design and redevelopment programs.

EA is an internationally-recognized Japanese environmental contracting and engineering consultancy specializing in environmental risk management services for the financial and real estate sectors.

For more information please contact us at: LEED@earth-app.co.jp

The world’s largest membership warehouse club focuses on Japan

Costco Wholesale just celebrated their 11th anniversary in Japan. With nine open warehouses around the country and a goal to open several new warehouses every year, the company is poised for major expansion in Japan.

Ken Theriault, Japan Country Manager notes, “We have an aggressive expansion plan in Japan and are partnering with several local businesses to find appropriate sites. If a business has land currently sitting idle, we offer an option to improve their bottom line through either a land sale or long term lease. It’s a win-win for both of us.”

When asked about key site criteria, Masao Matsuda, Costco’s Director of Real Estate and Construction states, “We need 7,000 tsubo or more land with good road access preferably near a highway or expressway.”

According to Mr. Matsuda, the company is interested in sites in all major cities with a priority given to sites with a population of 500,000 people within ten kilometers of the site.”

Costco Wholesale is an international chain of membership warehouse clubs selling national and international brand name merchandise at substantially lower prices than are typically found at conventional wholesale or retail sources.

Costco is the 3rd largest retailer in the United States and the 9th largest in the world. With over 569 warehouses operating in nine countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Australia, Costco has over 56 million members worldwide.

Currently, nine warehouses operate in Japan including six in the Greater Tokyo market, one in Osaka, one in Fukuoka and one in Sapporo. The company plans to open three new warehouses next year.

Shin Misato Warehouse Opened July 2009

Costco provides an “American shopping experience.” From the Food Court hot dogs to the large sirloin steaks and fresh muffins, members can find many products not available anywhere else in Japan.

Costco’s warehouses present one of the largest and most exclusive product category selections to be found under a single roof. Categories include groceries, candy, appliances, television and media, automotive supplies, tires, toys, hardware, sporting goods, jewelry, watches, cameras, books, house wares, apparel, health and beauty aids, furniture, office supplies and office equipment.

You must be a member to shop at Costco. Business and Gold Star members enjoy a full year of membership benefits. Costco’s Double Guarantee provides 100 percent satisfaction on all products and membership.

Mr. Matsuda invites all interested parties with potential sites to contact him at Costco’s corporate office in Kawasaki or email him at: realestate@costco.co.jp

Ready For Business

Biotope Enokizaka offers a complete solution for businesses on the move

Biotope Enokizaka

We recently opened the doors to our Biotope Enokizaka facility, a first class lounge located in Japan. Situated in the heart of Tokyo, Biotope Enokizaka is a new “third-place” concept that combines the resources of a state-of-the-art business center with the relaxing, communal environment of a coffeehouse. It offers mobile workers a comfortable, professional working environment complete with comfortable designer chairs, various types of workspaces and meeting facilities, and productivity tools that include computers, secure Internet access, and luxurious contemporary conference rooms.

A Variety of Workplace Options

Curated by up-and-coming interior design firm TONERICO Inc, open lounge areas feature comfortable seating, while separated booths provide a more private workspace for individual workers. Two state-of-the art meeting rooms are equipped with a whiteboard, projector and screen and videoconferencing equipment.

Printing Center and Library

Biotope Enokizaka offers various printing facilities including black-and-white copies with the ability to print from PC, along with low rates on color copies, color printing and binding. “Recharge outlets” allow clients to charge electronics, and the library offers current news publications to help keep busy professionals informed, along with various ‘eco’ related books.

Refreshment Bars

A well stocked refreshment bar is located inside the lounge offering coffee, tea, green tea and an assortment of other refreshments that can be purchased.

Biotope Enokizaka offers a retreat of sorts for professionals who have grown tired of busy coffee shops or trying to meet with clients in not-so-private settings. We provide the final piece of the puzzle that mobile workers have been missing: a mezzanine between the office and coffeehouse environments that’s conveniently located and available on demand. Travelers can also use the facilities using our Visitor status package, which is equivalent to a temporary member, while full Membership status is limited to residents of Japan.

For more information please visit:
tel. 03-5545-5351
web: www.biotope-lounge.com

The Royal Treatment

Royal Park Hotels offers more than the regular bed & breakfast

Toyohisa Miyauchi, President of Royal Park Hotels & Resorts, has an ambitious goal. He wants his hotels to serve the best breakfasts in Japan.

Though the Royal Park chain, currently with six hotels, may not be the first choice for foreign visitors to Japan, his corporate focus on “Best for the Guest” aims to change this state of affairs.

Traditionally, business visitors to Japan have been faced with a choice between business hotels that are cheap, but often somewhat cheerless, and tailored largely to the basic needs of Japanese business travelers; and large city hotels, which are international in style, luxurious, and correspondingly expensive.

Miyauchi’s aim is to provide a city hotel guest experience at a price which only slightly exceeds that of a business hotel, and he seems to be succeeding in this goal. The Royal Park chain, which started in 1989 with Hakozaki’s Royal Park Hotel, conveniently close to Tokyo City Air Terminal, comfortably scooped the pool in the 2009 J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2009 Japan Hotel Guest Satisfaction Survey in the 15,000 yen to 35,000 yen per night segment, as well as in 2007 and 2008. Singled out in the survey were food and beverage, hotel facilities, staff, and cost factors.

Though the group started as part of the Mitsubishi group’s real estate activities, it has broken somewhat free of these ties, and its more recent hotels use leased, rather than Mitsubishi-owned, sites. This trend is to continue with “The series” of new hotels to be opened in the near future, the first two of which will be Royal Park Hotel The Fukuoka (northern Kyushu) and Royal Park Hotel The Kyoto.

Miyauchi and the Royal Park Group have responded to the shifts in the market. In Japan as in the rest of the world, customers are starting to demand lower prices for high-quality services, and competition in the hotel business is fierce. A few years ago, there was a “mini-bubble” rush of foreign luxury hotels opening in Tokyo, but since the collapse of the financial sector in 2008, such hotels have had to cut prices dramatically in order to maintain viable occupancy levels. The new series of Royal Park hotels aims to provide a “compact city hotel experience” at an affordable price point – but without competing at the bottom sub-10,000 yen end of the market. Miyauchi’s goal is to provide accommodation in the 12,000 yen to 15,000 yen price range. In order to achieve this, he has looked at what guests actually need in such hotels, and has decided to eliminate facilities not required by those guests (for example, banquet rooms will not be a feature of the new “The series” hotels).

A Masters in Business Administration can pave the way for a host of opportunities—in finance, investment banking, corporate consulting, wealth management or even starting up your own business. But most importantly, the right preparation can give you the ability and confidence to manage your own career. The following universities and special programs can equip you with the map, compass and key on your journey to success.

The aftermath of the Lehman Shock and the tremors of the global economic crisis following it spurred many foreign-affiliated companies to press ahead with bold internal restructurings. Reflecting frustrations over sluggish Japanese operations, in stark contrast to the strong performance of Chinese corporations, many global head offices tightened their control over their Japanese units, introducing management strategies with a proven global track record.

Most companies would agree that 2010 is a watershed year for the Japanese economy—there are signs of an economic recovery, but corporate leadership will also face many hurdles. Many firms have lowered their sales targets compared to the trending lines with the determination to achieve these goals at any cost—or finally throw in the towel.

This sense of desperation is understandable given the rising attraction of China and other emerging markets as alternatives to Japan. If, despite all these attempts, the Japanese operations still fail to deliver results, their global headquarters are likely to decide to pull out from Japan’s graying market.

As part of these turnaround initiatives, some overseas head offices are now trying to transplant their global business strategies by parachuting experienced leadership teams into Japanese operations. While this approach may seem promising on paper, IWNC is afraid that this may also actually backfire.

Legendary Japanese teamwork that functions like clockwork has now become a thing of the past. This is especially true in foreign-affiliated companies where the senior leadership team typically comprises people who gathered experience in other companies prior to joining their present company. It is hard for this type of patchwork leadership to function seamlessly. From interviews with top leaders, IWNC found a common lament amongst them to be the dysfunctional state of such leadership.

In general, Japanese businesses invest substantial time in team-building. This is partly because they believe that trust within the team and the feeling of security it provides is very important. To develop a sense of security, people involved have to know each other well and be able to empathize with each other. Once this relationship of trust has been established, they can then communicate on the same wavelength. The communication among Japanese is therefore described of highly contextual. If this sharing of context does not occur and each stakeholder lives only within his sense of value, a true basis of communication cannot be developed and the team fails to perform effectively.

Hence, regardless of how great the strategy or the people, a team may not be able to deliver results. And in these critical times where there is little, or no, room for failure, a disunited team may become a burden to the organization.

Enlightened Approach

Candlewick helps clients get the right message through the media

Candlewick is a brand consultancy, public relations and marketing company that offers Integrated Marketing and Communication (IMC) services aimed primarily at luxury and premium products and services.

Many of our clients are foreign companies (gaishikei) including IKEA, the Swedish furniture giant, Garrard, an international jeweler and Josiane Laure, a premium French hair care brand. We have assisted many companies with starting up their business and introducing new products into the “distinctive” Japanese market.

So, what led our clients to succeed in the Japanese market?

It’s simple. We provided journalists with stories that made them want to listen. Journalists look for news. Therefore to generate coverage in key media outlets, a product or brand must be sufficiently appealing. Why then do many foreign companies that have succeeded in their home country or abroad suffer when entering the Japanese market?

Many times it’s because they have “imported” their brand story and not “localized” it for the Japanese market. At Candlewick, we put in many hours to learn our client’s business and uncover the hidden stories that will resonate with Japanese journalists.

The goal of public relations is to raise awareness of a client’s brand and products and generate publicity that reaches the target audience.

Our activities include the distribution of information via press releases and press caravans, in which we visit editorial departments of major publications. At Candlewick, we use “quality caravans” to carefully introduce information to journalists, selected on a brand-by-brand basis. This way we are able to increase their understanding to secure “ink” for our clients.

We also arrange press conferences, interviews, press events and receptions. We have strong media relations with senior editors and journalists, and create effective press materials that deliver the right key message to the right person.

Our services do not end with just media activities. Our consultants have years of product and industry knowledge, and can provide advice from the inception of a product’s development to launch. We conduct market research, group interviews, usage tests, and offer counsel that make the most of your communication activities, including establishing distribution and sales channels.

In 2007, Steam Cream, a company from the UK approached Candlewick to assist with their entry into the Japanese market. Candlewick provided consultation from the overall concept, package design, logo and marketing to the planning of PR activities. The product was launched and immediately attracted people who sought to use it as a gift. Following White Day (March 14) in Japan, weekly sales of the product reached over 1,000 units and are continuing to grow.

Candlewick also provides consultation on personnel hiring and training programs, including preparing corporate manuals for internal use.

Candlewick also works with overseas-based clients to provide ongoing consultation on their position in the Japanese market and actively get out its message of commitment to Japan.

Candlewick’s bilingual staff will support you to navigate and understand the unique needs of Japanese consumers and assist your business growth with a tailored and effective program.

For more information please contact us at:
tel: 81(3) 3498-2770
email: info@candlewick.co.jp
web: www.candlewick.co.jp

Morrison & Foerster, Tokyo is the largest and most diversified international law firm in Japan, with over 120 attorneys including over 50 bengoshi in Tokyo, a major hub in our global network of 16 offices staffed with 1,000 lawyers worldwide. Our Tokyo office was one of the first international law firms to be licensed in Japan, opening our doors in 1987. Today, we are one of Japan’s 10 largest law offices, domestic or international, in which 70 of our Tokyo-based attorneys are either Japanese or fluent in Japanese.

Our objective, simply put, is to provide our clients with commercially-based legal solutions which enable them to achieve their strategic agendas in the sometimes opaque world of Japanese law and business. We do this by deploying our vast breadth and depth of experience and expertise in a nimble, integrated and focused fashion, so that our client receives considered recommendations and actionable criteria in a language and format they can easily digest and quickly implement. One thing we do not do is simply regurgitate the law and tell our clients that their objective is “not possible.”

Unlike other international firms that might concentrate on one area of practice, we cover a diverse range of areas, particularly litigation, where we are very active in Intellectual Property (IP) litigation, M&A, capital markets, and antitrust. Whilst each practice area is a discrete center of expertise in its own right, we generate significant added value for our clients through the constant synergy of ideas among practice groups.

Morrison & Foerster’s Tokyo office has the most active M&A practice of any global firm in Japan. The Tokyo corporate lawyers have extensive experience in representing both Japanese and non-Japanese companies in a broad range of transactions, including M&A, public and private acquisitions, complex carve-outs and divisional spin-outs, private equity fund formation, venture financing and Asia investments, and the formation of strategic alliances and joint ventures, both in Japan and around the world.

Our finance group is recognized as having one of the leading project teams in Tokyo, representing sponsors, lenders, and construction contractors in greenfield development projects and M&A transactions across industry sectors. It is particularly focused on power, oil & gas, infrastructure development, and transportation projects.

In the area of capital markets, we field one of the most experienced teams of lawyers who are uniquely positioned to provide advice under U.S., Japanese, and U.K. law, to represent clients in domestic and international debt and equity offerings.

Our real estate group boasts one of the leading practices in Japan, representing clients at all stages of the real estate investment cycle—from fund formation, project acquisition and financing, project and portfolio sales to public offering of real estate vehicles.

Our technology transactions lawyers advise clients on complex technology transfers, including license and settlement agreements, joint development agreements, technology joint ventures, and M&A. The group handles transactions in all technology areas, including semiconductors, computer hardware and software, and biotechnology, offering a combination of strong cross-border transactional and litigation experience, and in-depth knowledge of applicable intellectual property and regulatory issues.

Morrison & Foerster is the only global firm with a dedicated litigation team in Japan. We have over 25 full-time litigation attorneys in Tokyo, more than half of whom are fluent in Japanese. Our trial lawyers in Japan work seamlessly with our firm’s U.S. attorneys to provide creative and strategic approaches in complex commercial and intellectual property litigation in courts, administrative agencies, and arbitration venues.

Our goal here at Morrison & Foerster is to assist our clients in understanding the issues they face with a global transaction, provide them with focused and practical advice and protect them against risk.

For more information, please contact:
tel: 813-3-3214-6522
email: tokyomarketing@mofo.com
web: www.mofo.com

A New Beginning

2010 yields an optimistic outlook for the legal field in Tokyo

Legal Future's Damion Way

Last year was terrible for our clients, no doubt about it, but we are seeing signs that we have all turned the corner. It is easy to interpret signs of growth too positively of course, given that few people expected 2010 to be anything other than an improvement considering the starting point was so low. However, in speaking to our clients across multiple industries it is clear that the hiring freezes so prevalent in 2009 are well on the way to thawing and that the deep staffing cuts have come to an end.

There is also a palpable sense of a “survivors bonus,” that those who had to make difficult decisions and either cut staff or reduce salaries and bonuses in order to survive, will be there to pick up new business in a less crowded market given that some of their less nimble competitors are no longer around.

Private Practice Sector

Aragon St-Charles, Manager of the Private Practice Division, reports that the sector experienced a difficult year in 2009 as many of the international law firms struggled to find that all-elusive deal flow in a market that saw a significant downturn in the number of corporate and financial transactions. For many firms it was a year of trimming costs and making necessary restructurings, but the firms that we see moving into a more positive 2010 are more cost efficient, more streamlined, but still capable of delivering exceptional services to their clients. Managing Partners of all the firms are reporting increased optimism for the year ahead and are beginning to feel more confident that this period of recovery will continue to strengthen.

Concerns of potential ongoing market instabilities and corrections are certainly making firms cautious about their hiring needs for this year, but most Partners feel that any such market downturns will be eventually remedied by a more confident financial outlook and robust efforts on the part of governments and regulators to ensure that we do not see a repeat of the events of the last 18 months. Tokyo continues to develop as a legal market, and whilst we have seen some smaller international firms withdraw from Japan, the last couple of years have seen at least 3 major international firms, and a handful of smaller firms set up here, with a number of other firms already working with Legal Futures to open offices in Japan in 2010.

In summary, despite a difficult 18 months and some painful decisions by many firms, 2010 seems to be providing more optimism and confidence amongst legal practitioners that the worst is behind us and that new opportunities are to be found this year.

Corporate Legal Sector

Takeshi Kobayashi, a Principal Consultant in the Corporate Legal Division, reports that the corporate legal sector also experienced a very tough 2009. Most domestic companies froze all their hiring process and even some major companies could not find the budget to focus on hiring. As a result of this many candidates who were laid off could not find a new job for a long time, some have been unemployed for more than a year. However, the wind started to change direction towards the end of 2009, and more and more companies gradually re-opened their hiring process or are planning to hire more people in 2010 when they start their new fiscal year.

On the candidate side, we continue to see some movements in the market; however some senior candidates who have held onto their jobs are very wary of moving to a new company, there is a definite wait -and-see mood among many candidates.

In any rate, we believe that the market will gradually come back to pre-Lehman levels when more companies start to hire and candidates can feel that changing jobs is once again safe. If we score pre-Lehman time as 100, the current situation is around 70-80 in the Corporate Legal sector.

Banking & Finance Sector

Matt Anderson, Manager of the Banking & Finance Division reports that when looking at the financial sector in Japan (foreign and domestic), one can argue there is no greater indicator of how deep and long the recession is than the drastic reductions in staffing levels in the hitherto “recession proof” area of corporate governance (legal, compliance, audit, accounting and risk management). Corporate governance not only weathered the previous storms generated by the previous financial implosions of the past 60 years, but in fact profited by them. Each time a new scandal burst forth “weak corporate governance” was cited as the catalyst and staff levels increased over the following years. But not this time.

From October 2008 corporate governance suffered through a long and painful year of initial lay-offs, followed by secondary and, in some cases, tertiary lay-offs. Although many companies were wary of laying off too many corporate governance professionals out of fear of angering their shareholders, government regulators, and investors, in the end nothing was sacred and even senior Japanese and foreign Partners/Executive Directors were shown the pink slip right across the investment banks, accounting firms and securities firms.

Admittedly, these lay-offs were not as deep as those found in other areas such as front office, middle office and in particular the IT sector (which suffered up to 50% lay-offs), and in fact many of the so-called “lay-offs” in corporate governance were a smokescreen for senior management to use the crisis as a convenient vehicle for “upgrading” existing staff and reducing costs by hiring younger, keener and cheaper people. Nevertheless, for those made redundant it was a tough slap in the face, particularly Japanese Bengoshi, and there were several popular rumors of nasty lawsuits.

In any event, the size of the average legal or compliance team at the large global players has decreased by about 15 to 20% so downsizing has definitely occurred.

As for 2010, it is anyone’s guess given the volatility of this sector. Our clients are being tight-lipped on back & middle office hiring while the front side continued to hire aggressively in Q4/09 and so far in 2010. Most observers agree that hiring in infrastructure and corporate governance will be delayed as late as possible until real and sustained front side growth is sustained.

Accounting Sector

Ross Pirie and Iichi Watanabe, both Consultants in the Professional Services Division, report that replacement recruiting in accounting and finance remains steady and prospects are that with signs of an improving economy, demand will increase. Roles across such areas as Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) and taxation still prove difficult to fill as there are two forces working in opposition; the lack of a broad pool of quality candidates and the increased requirements clients have for hiring staff in these areas.

Looking longer term, within 5 years, the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) system will be the necessary standard for corporate accounting and financing duties, furthermore, the Accounting Standards Board of Japan has agreed to resolve all inconsistencies between the current J-GAAP and IFRS wholly by 2011. Given this, domestic accountants with only J-GAAP experience will inevitably fall out of favour. Accountants with good English ability will soon become a necessary requirement for professionals in this field to develop a successful career in global corporations in the near future in Japan.

Advertising, Marketing & PR Sector

Andrew Coey, a Consultant in the Advertising, Marketing & PR Division is of the opinion that few sectors have experienced change more dramatically than marketing & communications. A whole new consumer will emerge from this down-turn, not only in terms of more digital and “bloggy” decision-making behaviour, but in the way brands will be influenced and will evolve. Now customers are not only at the centre, they are in charge. The customer now functions as the advertiser did last century, controlling, influencing, developing, and holding accountable most products and services. Great marketers and advertisers often play a more facilitative and passive-looking role now, focusing on education and allowing consumers to engage and interact with brands directly – analogous to a good match-maker removing boundaries between two friends who should get together.

We are clearly entering the age of PR, the age of free coverage, insights, and consumer-driven sales performance. Thus, as you can imagine, the actual PR industry itself has not really experienced collapse of any great magnitude, and isn’t likely to at any point this decade we believe. What all disciplines are experiencing equally is a lot of cross-over, and increasingly blurred boundaries between what we define as “advertising”, “marketing”, “public relations” and “communications” per se.

On the agency side, agencies are eager to become fully integrated suppliers of holistic solutions as the increasingly convoluted media mix continues to baffle clients. Within the agency space the Strategic Planners can in some ways be considered “the new Creatives”, as business ideas begin to become more important than clever visual imagery. This is not to suggest that Creatives or creativity would be less important, but that a new additional kind of agency position is definitely emerging – the Creative Strategist. In addition, Consultancy is starting to appear as more effective than simple Account Service and data delivery – thus we see that solid young Account Service executives are also becoming good at strategy and business advisory.

On the in-house side, marketing along with pay-roll and other service-related disciplines will remain under continual threat of becoming outsourced. In addition, in-house team sizes have been getting smaller and/or more cross-functional. Some marketing roles are now also becoming more regional and inter-cultural in terms of daily communication – so perhaps your team didn’t shrink from 5 to 2, instead it just became a team of 5 positioned in 3 different countries. One thing is for certain, English fluency and more aggressive communication in general will now start to show the full extent of its value for Japan-based executives able to rise to that challenge.

In almost all companies one of the focuses of hiring seems to be the hunt for energetic all-rounders. For example, people who can be both entrepreneurial AND be great team-players, people who are determined AND don’t get over-focused, logical AND creatively open-minded, and people who can multi-task AND produce top quality output, etc – and all done at a reduced budget in less time of course!

From the candidate side, young employees are hoping for a more open, free, flat management and working culture which in Andrew’s view is the best piece of advice for a company to heed if it hopes to succeed in the new age. He thinks right now is the time to be a good conductor not a great puppeteer, as no matter what it is that you do or manage, the encouragement of autonomy is by far the best game in town.

Logistics Sector

Hiroaki Hara, a Consultant in the Logistics, Transport & Supply Chain Division reports that the logistics industry has just faced some of the most difficult market conditions in its history. In terms of human resources, the industry is still struggling to hire new people after the big cost saving efforts that took place during 2009. Well paid senior staffs were re-structured out and the focus for new hires is on younger candidates with only 5 to10 year’s experience. The recruiting market is still hard but we saw an increase in sales and business development positions that are necessary to beef up the depleted bottom lines in this industry.

To read more about Legal Futures and Way Simmons Partnership please visit www.legalfutures.com and www.waysimmons.com

For more information contact:
Legal Futures Japan K.K. / Way Simmons Partnership.
tel: 03-3580-3101 / 03-3580-3102
email: japan@legalfutures.com
japan@waysimmons.com

Business opportunities, good products, the challenge, personal and professional growth, improved income and corporate reputation are all motivators to bring the best qualified people to your doorstep to stay.

In Japan, the quality of relationships both externally and internally is a critical aspect as to whether individuals are attracted to join a new employer.

This is true in most cultures. However, creating and maintaining relationships takes on a special hue in Japan.

Relationships are a matter of personal trust first and foremost, followed by other things, such as whether the sale is completed or a new position is finalized.

Broken Relationships and Repair

The economy has placed significant strain on relationships in the workplace. Changes in Japanese labor law has added to further alienation in the employer and employee relationship.

Most firms need to restore trust within the work environment and constructively approach the task of enhancing the quality of and respect for relationships in order to lead to recovery.

Starting Point: Building Trust

An internal environment that builds trust and improves relationships is critical to business success in the Japanese market. The starting point is to hire the appropriate professionals who will achieve this.

Quality professionals are still in demand and, with Japan’s recovery and demographics, it will be an increasingly competitive environment for the attraction of leadership and specialized talent.

The globalizing of organizations, which requires international skills and attitudes in Japanese professionals, makes the task even more daunting.

Foreign-affiliated companies have always had issues with attracting the best talent—one reason being the lack of trust as to whether a foreign-affiliated company will take care of them like a domestic company would.

The circumstances that have resulted from the recession have not improved that image. Building trust and strong relationships, as well as strategically planning how to compete, helps to manage the severe competition for talent that is ahead.

Building Trust and Relationships for Successful Hiring

01, Executives should always be looking for talent as he/she interacts within their particular industry since executives can always attract key talent more efficiently than anyone else in the organization. They can demonstrate the importance of building relationships in all they do.

02, Executive involvement in the hiring process at all levels is important; it assures corporate fit and the overall quality and potential of those working in the organization.

03, The HR professional must represent the company and its values and focus on building trust in the company.

04, Assessments must be fair and professional, based on solid analysis without bias to race, nationality, sex, age, university or other factors. Character and values of the individual must be matched with corporate values.

05, Interviews should be discussions around truthful descriptions of opportunity, potential, as well as current credentials.

06, Headquarters and regional personnel need guidance to interview individuals from the context of Japanese business requirements.

07, Treat each potential employee respectfully and civilly. Remember many individuals are consumers of your products and services or may even show up in the competition.

08, Trust is built when hiring processes are timely and expectations managed with appropriate communication.

09, For key positions, engage a search company with good relationships in the business community that understands how to sensitively manage your relationships in line with your firm’s best interests.
Japan will continue to be a key and lucrative market for most ACCJ member companies, but Japan will require some modifications to corporate globalization initiatives. Japanese will always build relationships their way.

Those firms that build trustful relationships among employees from hiring to finalization of employment will have the cutting edge to attract the best and create the foundations for prosperity.

For more information, please contact:
email: info@oakassociates.co.jp
Web: www.oakassociates.co.jp
• Tokyo: 03-5472-7072
• Osaka: 06-6441-2581

The power of relationships

Business opportunities, good products, the challenge, personal and professional growth, improved income and corporate reputation are all motivators to bring the best qualified people to your doorstep to stay.

In Japan, the quality of relationships both externally and internally is a critical aspect as to whether individuals are attracted to join a new employer.

Read more…

Recruitment Services

A New Beginning

2010 yields an optimistic outlook for multiple sectors in Tokyo

Last year was terrible for our clients, no doubt about it, but we are seeing signs that we have all turned the corner. It is easy to interpret signs of growth too positively of course, given that few people expected 2010 to be anything other than an improvement considering the starting point was so low.

Read more…

JAPAN HOME SEARCH

Japan Home Search, with its user-friendly interface allowing visitors to search for several properties at once, is a comprehensive property search engine targeted specifically at expatriates relocating to Japan. As a multi-listing agent with access to thousands of rental properties, Japan Home Search provides housing information at your fingertips.

This popular site lists thousands of rental properties for a real-time snapshot of what is available on the market today. Each listing includes comprehensive property details, features, interior and exterior photos, floor plans and much more. Regularly updated “Hot Properties” featuring new and popular housing options also provides a quick link to some of the best available properties in Tokyo and Nagoya.

The site also features the “Pin Pointer” tool, which allows visitors to zoom in on the areas surrounding potential property choices for a more detailed view. Users can also register to receive automatic “Property Alerts” based on their individual search criteria, sent directly to their inbox. Japan Home Search also provides helpful information about popular expatriate areas in both Tokyo and Nagoya.

Powering this website is our international team of experienced, multi-lingual real estate agents and relocation consultants. Through our expertise and knowledge, based on years of experience supporting the expatriate community and their housing needs, our team prides itself on providing personalized support, promptly answering all enquiries, and strives to find properties that meet each individual client’s needs. Anyone can find a house; with Japan Home Search you can find a home!

Japan Home Search is also part of the H&R Group. The H&R Group was founded to provide complete coordination of any move to Japan, with support targeting not only the assignees and their families, but also the companies for which they work. Through our various divisions, personalized service and consistently exceeding expectations we are able to offer a wide range of real estate, relocation, and life-enrichment services, ensuring an easy transition to life in Japan for all of our clients.

The H&R Group can support you with rental property searches, residential purchases, commercial space leases, fully serviced apartments, complete relocation and repatriation services, lease and sale of cars, furniture, and appliances, visa and immigration services, expense management services, driver’s license conversion services, cultural and information exchanges and much more.

Our personalized and reliable service, clear communication, and cost-effective service programs set us apart as the leaders in Japan’s relocation industry. We are there for you when you need us. Whether you are staying in Japan on a short–term or long–term assignment, trust the H&R Group to support your every need and guarantee a smooth relocation process. At the H&R Group, we offer More Than Relocation.

For more information please contact: H&R Consultants, web: www.MoreThanRelo.com, email: InfoRequest@MoreThanRelo.com,
tel: Nagoya Office: 052-973-3957, Tokyo Office: 03-5449-6061

Asian Tiger Premier Worldwide Movers

Asian Tiger Premier Worldwide Movers specializes in the professional packing and forwarding of office and household goods shipments both domestically and to and from international locations. We offer secure warehouse and storage facilities and services. Full Relocation services are available through the Asian Tigers Mobility division.

Asian Tigers is a recognized group of companies operating throughout Asia. We are a shareholder of OMNI – Overseas Moving Network International – comprising over 200 carefully selected, quality companies in over 70 countries. We are a member company of FIDI – Federation of International Furniture Removers – comprising over 600 companies in over 100 countries who must adhere to stringent industry performance criteria. Such an affiliation allows us to choose the best partners available for any destination and to provide our clients access to the best quality-conscious moving companies.

We pride ourselves on being a trusted and reliable service provider to multi-national companies and government organizations moving personnel to and from Japan. Our talented team of professionals includes several expatriate staff as well as multilingual Japanese staff. Besides providing services in English and Japanese, languages spoken include French, German, Italian, and Dutch. Our operational personnel are experienced in handling any specific requirements for a successful international move.

Asian Tigers is looking forward to hearing from you or one of your representatives. If you have any immediate needs, please contact Asian Tigers at your convenience.

For more information about us and our services, please contact us at: tel: 03-6402-2371, email: sales@asiantigers-japan.com, web:www.asiantigers-japan.com

Crown Relocations

Crown Relocations (www.crownrelo.com) is a leader in mobility management providing relocation professionals with tailored solutions. We deliver domestic and international moving and relocation services to employees, expatriates, diplomats and other private customers, and provide office and industrial moving services.

Experienced in all aspects of domestic and international relocations, Crown’s staff ensure the shipment and storage of personal belongings are handled professionally and carefully. Crown uses the highest quality packing materials to prepare, transport and deliver personal belongings across the street, the country or the world. With facilities in 52 countries, a Crown professional will be available at “both ends of your move.”

Crown Relocations services include expense management, policy consulting and program administration, online tracking tools, storage, transit protection, home and school search, intercultural services, and partner support program.

Crown Fine Arts (www.crownfineart.com) has been delivering specialized transportation of fine arts since 1989. Crown’s team of professionals serves large and small museums, major art galleries and private collectors with a gallery of services. From Los Angeles to London, from Dubai to Tokyo, Crown Fine Arts is ideally placed to meet the needs of the Fine Arts industry, in every corner of the world.

Crown Logistics (www.crown-logistics.com) uses cutting-edge technology to serve major manufacturers in the power, energy, construction, retail and hospitality industries, providing project management, specialized handling, freight forwarding, installation and third-party distribution.

Crown Worldwide Group

Crown Worldwide Group operates from over 250 locations in 52 countries. Crown Worldwide Group’s divisions are Crown Relocations, Crown Fine Arts, Crown Records Management, Crown Logistics and Crown Wine Cellars. Established in 1965, the Crown Worldwide Group is a privately held company with global headquarters in Hong Kong. web: www.crownworldwide.com

For more information please contact: Crown Relocations, web: www.crownrelo.com/japan, tel: Tokyo Office: 03-5447-2301/email: tokyo@crownrelo.com, Kobe Office: 078-331-9725, email: kobe@crownrelo.com