Japan - US Business News

Nichibei in NY... ringing in the New Year

I just attended the Shinnenkai of the Japan-US networking group I belong to in NYC, Nichibei. I have mentioned Nichibei many times before in several of my postings as it is where I have met a lot of incredibly fascinating people in Japan-US business. I maintain that it is this group and our monthly meetings that have really kept me inspired and encouraged all these years in building my business. Michael McKenna is our fearless organizer who makes sure we have the most fascinating speakers each month.

Nichibei was part of my inspiration for creating this blog as well. I am in a room on a monthly basis with the actual people who are working in Japan-US business. Bankers, industrialists, reporters, government workers, writers, translators, lawyers, recruiters and marketers to name just a few. A wealth of knowledge and experience.

They know Japan-US business. The news should be coming from them I thought. Well now it will. "News with a view". Our take on what is happening in this segment of the market. Our advice on how companies can enter the Japanese market or improve their present operations. We can be your guide.

They are a great resource and needed especially in these times. I am really proud to be a part of them.

Japan-US business...A new frontier?

This is my first post of the year and I wanted to wait until after the inauguration to write in this new year. Change is here and I challenge companies in Japan-US business to really look at what that means for them. Don’t just talk, change something.

What does this mean?

1.) Be less risk averse.I had a conversation with Ken Haraguchi who writes for the Japanese newspaper, Frontline, and another colleague one night over dinner about this. Traditionally Japanese companies are especially more risk-averse but in these times, companies on both sides need to look at new ways of doing things. I maintain that it in these times when most companies are feeling the pain of this economic downturn that they will be more willing to listen to new ideas and employ new strategies. 

2.) Lead more and follow less. When I started this blog, I was not sure of its tremendous potential but I created it anyway and each day in promoting it and writing, it is developing into far more than I ever expected. I am creating something that is  new and unproven but I have every confidence that it will be all that I plan it to be  and will be of great benefit to readers, contributors and investors in Japan -US business.

New Year appreciation