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?

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.

It has been two decades since the Japanese government set its target of having women in 30 percent of management positions by 2020. The country has fallen far short of that goal, which the government has pushed off to 2030. Titan Consulting K.K. Business Development Manager Sophia Plessier certainly noticed the imbalance on her arrival in Japan. Coming from San Francisco, where discussion of diversity and inclusion (D&I) and support for women in business are a part of everyday life, she found it striking how few Japanese companies were promoting these important issues.

A challenging year has made the ACCJ stronger than ever.

As I prepare to pass the baton to Om Prakash as the next president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ), I am grateful for what we have all accomplished together this year. He and a newly elected Board of Governors will lead the chamber into 2022 with exciting opportunities for further growth and change.

Written by Jenifer Rogers | Read by C Bryan Jones

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