The ACCJ Journal

US-led platform to provide healthcare traceability and stability in Japan.

As a super-aging society with a population of more than 100 million, Japan has the potential to become a destination for healthcare innovation. Its citizens have easy and equal access to quality healthcare services, with pharmaceuticals and medical devices playing important roles in improving quality of life. But there are technological obstacles to overcome. The US medical device industry is leading the effort to develop a data platform in Japan which will enable traceability in healthcare.

Written by Mark Kawai | Read by C Bryan Jones

A surprising view of Tohoku with Alex Kerr and John Gauntner.

On November 4, 2021, an evening of culture, flavors, and learning took place at Kojima Sohonten Co., Ltd., Japan’s 13th-oldest sake brewery, established in 1597. Located in Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture, Kojima Sohonten is best known for its award-winning Toko sake. When you’re inside the brewery, the dedication and craftsmanship of more than 400 years of brewing seem to infuse the darkened wood of the huge barrels. On this day, however, amid the ongoing travel restrictions, it was innovation—along with multiple cameras—that helped bring the historical setting to travel writers on the east coast of the United States.

Written by Jarman International | Read by C Bryan Jones

A new and stronger Japan emerges.

Why won’t Japan slide back into another lost decade? What’s different this time? Economist Jesper Koll explains how three fundamental forces, changed from negative to positive, will make the difference. There is plenty of hard empirical evidence that Japan not only has changed, but also that it has what it takes to be an economic powerhouse—and the envy of the world in terms of economic sustainability.

Written by Jesper Koll | Read by C Bryan Jones

The ACCJ recognizes exceptional contributions from across its three chapters.

Each year, the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) honors members who have shown extraordinary dedication. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic once again made the usual celebratory gathering at Tokyo American Club difficult, so ACCJ President Jenifer Rogers presented certificates as part of a virtual Leadership Forum on December 16, 2021.

Written and read by C Bryan Jones

WEConnect International’s three-year journey in the Japanese market.

While there is much talk in Japan about diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the workplace, another important, though less-discussed, aspect of D&I involves suppliers. Some major companies have long championed diversity in their supply chains, but the issue is now getting more attention—and progress is being made—thanks to the efforts of socially conscious leaders. This was the topic of a November 25 virtual event, hosted by the ACCJ-Chubu Programs Committee and entitled Supplier D&I: Three-Year Journey in the Japanese Market.

Written and read by C Bryan Jones

Why biotechs find it hard to get going in Japan.

University and government venture funds play a much larger role in Japan than they do in Western countries. Yet we see fewer biotechnology startups here compared with, say, the United States, which is home to eight of the top 10 highest-funded ventures. Why?

Written by Tim Romero | Read by C Bryan Jones

2018 ACCJ Volunteer of the Year eyes education through entertainment.

One of the most noticeable aspects of digitalization has been the shift from traditional television to on-demand streaming video. But even before the coronavirus boosted demand, these companies were experiencing a shortage of high-quality animated content. ACCJ 2018 Volunteer of the Year Royi Akavia sees this as foundation for telling stories that make a difference using original characters to which children can relate.

Written and read by C Bryan Jones

The Japanese government calls it a “digital cliff”—a projected shortfall of 450,000 engineers, programmers, and other tech workers needed by 2030 to undertake the country’s digital transformation. Harnessing the largely untapped potential of Japanese women—who are drastically underrepresented in science, engineering, and computer programming jobs and college degrees—could help narrow that gap.

Over the past decade, Japan has gone from less than one percent of directors at Japanese companies being female to about 10 percent at many of the larger organizations. How Japanese companies might be encouraged to overcome their apparent reluctance to welcome women into their boardrooms was the topic of a November 15, 2021, ACCJ virtual event, entitled Injecting Diversity through Outside Directors.

The 7th Annual ACCJ Kansai Diversity & Inclusion Summit took place over the course of three days—October 4, 13, and 21—in a new series format that delivered a blend of inspiration and practical information sharing. With a focus on diversity-and-inclusion (D&I) initiatives, as well as equality in the workplace, the series featured keynote and plenary speakers, a fireside chat, training sessions, and remote networking.