May 2011

H&R Consultant’s Bryce Conlan talks about Chubu’s largest charity festival, the planning involved,

and why you should be there.

U.S. Consulate Breakfast

Marketing in MotionLearn the do’s and don’ts with video marketing

ACCJ Officials sit down with U.S. Diplomats to discuss concerns and interests in Japan

Chubu Edition

The Walkathon

Regional Parties taking ControlJapan’s regional parties are starting to gain power

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The E-Newsletter talks Walkathon with Bryce ConlanThis year’s annual ACCJ-Nagoya International School (NIS) Walkathon Charity Festival will take place at Mor-ikoro Park in Nagakute on May 22nd.

This year’s Walkathon marks the 20th anniversary of the marquee event, and will be bigger than ever. What makes this event bigger than the previous ones? Well, the E-Newsletter decided to speak with Bryce Conlan from H&R Consultants, right after the monthly ACCJ Walkathon planning meeting that took place at Shooter’s Sports Bar & Grill.

Mr. Conlan is the chair of the Walkathon committee, after having the reigns passed to him by Steve Burson, who had been leading the charge for the previous year.

We will learn the ins and outs of this year’s event, and also get some insight on the work involved in making everthing work.

ACCJ E-Newsletter (NL): What is the ACCJ Walkathon?

Bryce: The Walkathon is an annual event that the ACCJ and NIS co-hosts to raise funds for the greater chubu community. The Walkathon usually includes the “walk”itself and many other fun events such as :food booths and stations for kids to play in .

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NL: I’ve heard that this year’ is the 20th Anniversary. what makes this year’s event so special?

Bryce: Jo, for one, it is being in a new location; which is the Morikoro Park in Nagakute. We knew that the previouslocation, Tsurumai park was convenient, but Morikoro Park gave us more space. Secondly, we are not only raising funds for the local area, but we also doing this for disaster relief in the Tohoku region. Third, we are hosting our event along with the Classic Car Festival, which is usually held by Toyota. And at last but not least, we are giving away a brand new car!!

NL: Come to think about it, I heard about the Gold TIcket! Tell me what type of goodies are involved here?

Bryce: If you purchase the Gold Ticket, you will automatically be entered into the Free Car Giveaway, which is a brand spanking new 2011 Toyota Ractis. Even if you don’t get first prize, you still have a chance to win a new TV, or iPad2. There are only 500 tickets on sale so you would have a 1/500 chance to win the lovely car. You will also be given a nice gold t-shirt printed by MB Prints. I can’t forget to mention this but there is also a chance to win roundtrip airline tickets to the U.S. and to receive free accommodations at a HIlton Hotel of your choice in the U.S. Oh and let me now forget, you will gain free entry into the Walkathon, too.

NL: Steve Burson has long been the chief in running the Walkathon. How did you feel when you were given the reigns to his task? And how have things been in terms of planning? What have you learned from Steve to make things work?

Bryce: Do I have to be honest? (laughing) I couldn’t say no!! Just joking with ya! Being given the responsibility actually made me feel special. It is truly a privilege to be able to do something this big for the community.

When I was given the task, the first thing that came to mind was that I wanted to make this huge. I wanted to make it better than what what it has been. I really wanted to make Steve look good.

Last year, Steve and I worked together on the project. I was able to learn the ins and outs of what to do. This year, I am pretty much doing alot of stuff alone. I think I will probably do this for a year or two and then seek a new person to pass the reigns to. We have to always look for new leaders.

In terms of the things that I learned, I learned that there are times when you have to make a tough decision on your own. And please don’t get me wrong. I am surrounded by alot of great people. Great leaders. People with great ideas and experiences. And that is a great tool to have. But sometimes, alot of good ideas make it tough to decide on narrowing things to one final answer. So I have to really sit down, consider all the great ideas and make a decision on what to go with.

But I love the vastly different characters that I getto work with. It makes things very interesting.

NL: Do you get alot of backlash on your decision making?

Bryce: Yes, you saw the meeting right!!? (laughing)

NL: What type s of Charities does the Walkathon typically fundraise for? I heard this year really focuses on the Tohoku region.

Bryce: Oh, everything. We support cancer research, H.I.V. Prevention, orphanages, you name it. Any cause that needs help from people like us. And to answer to the second part of your question; yes, we are really putting alot of energy in helping the people in Northeastern Japan.

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NL: How much Government Support have you gotten this year? How vital is their support?

Bryce: We have gotten direct support from the U.S. Consulate in Nagoya and the Aichi Prefecture government. Officials will be present at the events, too.

Their support is enormous. They give us access to facilities, and their attendance and support alone gives us more credibility that our cause is significant.

NL: Why should everyone show up on May 22nd?

Bryce: This is the BIGGEST international-based event in Nagoya. Everything is done for charity. Also, everyone is doing something for Tohoku relief, but we have not forgotten about the people that need us here in Nagoya. There are alot of organizations that can have their budget or funding cut off based on the gov-ernment’s perspective of what to fund. But the people still need our support, even after that. So we had to think hard about this. We knew that the people in Tohoku needed help, but we are in Nagoya and what goes on in our community is important to us. We wanted to make sure that we don’t forget that either.

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Event Report

2011April, 2nd

The LICC (Living In Chubu Committee) held it’s joint Hanami Party with the TJCS and ANZCCJ at Tsurumai Park. The ACCJ raised over 167,815 yen for the ACCJ Disaster Relief Fund. The fund was created in response to the earthquakes and tsunami that have dev-astated northeastern Japan.

The conditions were ideal for an excellent day in the park. The LICC (Will and Darrell) and Sarah from the TJCS arrived at the park early Friday evening to secure a prime loca-tion. The weather on Saturday was fantastic and the park was filled with a festive atmo-sphere, even neighboring party-goers con-tributed to the Disaster Relief fund.

The potluck buffet added to the interna-tional environment with dishes from all over the world. Special thanks to event sponsors Casablanca, The Meat Guy, My Bar, Oak Lawn Marketing’s Shop Japan, Sarmale, and Shooters for providing the party basics (drinks and food) and everyone that attended.

Hanami and Quake Survivor Benefit

2011 April, 13th

This event presented by Anthony Gilmore of Nameless Films was a smashing success.

In his entertaining multimedia presentation,, at WInc Aichi, Mr. Gilmore touched on a variety of topics ranging from inexpensive filming techniques and how to make your own equipment, to the basics of storytelling.

Mr. Gilmore explained in detail how content is king, and how the development of the story and script on paper, prior to ever picking up the camera, is far more crucial to the overall experience for potential viewers than actual techniques or effects during the final polishing of a project. The event was invaluable for any aspiring filmmaker or to anyone wishing to just make better use of their handy-cam.

His presentation was both valuable and entertaining for all, and we at the ACCJ / IBC (Independent Business Committee) look forward to having Mr. Gilmore join us again.

Marketing In Motion: Telling Your Story

www.nagmag.jp

For Lifestyle news, visit:

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Event Report

ACCJ Holds Breakfast Meeting with U.S. Consulate 2011 April, 4th

Approximately a dozen ACCJ members took advantage of the opportunity to meet with three U.S. diplomatic representatives based in Nagoya on April 4 at the Nagoya Hilton Hotel.

The informal event included: Mr. Jonas Stewart, Consulate Principal Officer; Mr. Stephen Wheeler, Nagoya American Center Director; and Commercial Consul Mr. Edward Yagi; as well as the consulate’s politi-cal/economic specialist, Mr. Tamaki Mizuno.

The planned topics of discussion included the consular officers’ insights on business, cultural, and political issues, and answer to questions about U.S.-Japan relations, consularactivties, and anything else of interest to the ACCJ community.

However, the discussion focused predominately on the events following the earthquake and tsunami in the Tohokuregion. The consular officers’ frank and insightful words on relief efforts, safety concerns, and economic effects were informative and contributed to the peace of mind of members present.

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Nagoya Independent Business Committee

Schedule of Events

Vivian Tokai heads the Diversity team at Citibank Japan, aunique position for a Japanese woman, as only 6% of women inJapan are in management positions. Previously, Vivian heldmany other leadership posts – as the Director of Government Relations at GE Japan, the Public Affairs Manager at UPS, and asa Sports News Anchor/Weekend News Anchor at TBS and NHK.And just last year she ran as an LDP candidate for the UpperHouse Election in the Japanese Parliament! All theseopportunities gave her first-hand experience on how to get things accomplished.

Vivian will talk about a hot topic in business today, Diversity, and its growing importance in the work-place. Diversity is important for both women and men, and for the future of Japan. Many hints will be offered on how companies and women can work together to be more successful and achieve more diverseworkplaces.

We are sure that you will be able to take awayinvaluable lessons on how you can be more confident in your approach to business strategy. Come join us for a stimulating conversation about your future!

The Women in Business Committee

*TO REGISTER: Please email chubu@accj.or.jp by Tuesday, May 31.

Please use the date of the event in the subject line of your email; 060211.

COST (includes light buffet and soft drinks)ACCJ Members: 5,000 yenANCZZJ, CCEA, and TJCS Members: 5,500 yenNon-Members: 6,000 yen

Please send cancellation before the signup deadline to avoid the full meeting fee.

If you have any questions, please contact Noriko Kato at:052-229-1525 or <chubu@accj.or.jp>.

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ENTREPRENEURS ANONYMOUS! (Chubu Event)

Date: Wednesday, May 11TIme: 6:30p.m.-8:30p.mVenue: Winc Aichi, Room#1005

Hosting Committee: Independent Business

he Independent Business Committee of ACCJ Chubu will be hosting an event bringing together business people to empower small businesses and entrepre-neurs in the Nagoya area. This is a casual opportunity to meet with fellow entrepreneurs and established busi-ness people over drinks to bounce ideas, seek advice, and create new connections. Non-members are highly encouraged to attend, as are potential entrepreneurs who are thinking of starting a business in Japan.

“Diversity and Succeeding in the Workplace”

Ms. Vivian Tokai

Chief Diversity Officer, Citibank Japan Ltd.

Thursday, June 2, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.6:30-7:30 (Business Program)7:30 - 9:30 (Light Buffet/Networking)Location: Hilton Nagoya, 4F SakuraMAP:http://go.accj.or.jp/hiltonnagoya

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Special Column

Regional Parties are starting to run the table

Nagoya is ever changing.

It may be the recession. It may be the emergence of new corporate players and the fall of businesses that don’t adapt to the changes in the market. There are many things to consider when one thinks of the causes for change, but there is one thing that is clear. Nagoyans have long desired for a change in government and the status quo.

And such change just took another step. Within the month of April, there were regional elections held throughout the country. And the results didn’t exactly favor the powers that be; which typically are the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). Osaka’s prefecture seats were dominated by Governor Hashimoto’s Ishin no Kai. Aichi saw a change in its Prefecture Legislature, too.

The Genzei Nippon Party, which is headed by Nagoya Mayor Takashi Kawamura, made a statement by claiming 18 seats along with Aichi Governor Hideaki Ohmura’s Aichi is Top of Japan (ATJ) party.

I personally had the pleasure of helping one of the candidates; Ms. Yuko Higashi of Chikusa-Ku.

During my time assisting her campaign, I learned that Nagoyans and Aichi citizens are tired of the same rhetoric without action. The constituents have been discouraged for so long that their have given up on voting. They desire new blood. They want delegates that they can relate to and feel accessible with.

Mayor Kawamura is a character that people either love, or love to hate. But there is one thing that he does for sure. He is in touch of his local heritage and even though he is sometimes perceived as classless to some, he exhibits the spirit of the ordinary working class folk of the city.

By Jo Kurino

He stirs stuff up. He is a guy of action. Of course, whether he will gain votes in the city council is a different issue. But there is evidence of him wanting to make a change in government, and in the way the government functions, in-general. When Kawamura proceeded with realizing his initiative in lowering taxes, the city council did not budge. In an act revolt, Kawamura started a referendum to dissolve the city council forced and another election to prove that the citizens were on his side.

Kawamura may have a lot of enemies, but it is obvious that he is trying to come up with common sense solutions when most politicians are scared to anger their colleagues or supporters. Kawamura don’t care. He have now as-sembled a group of young, new politicians that have been successful through common sense approaches in the business world.

These type of delegates would most likely understand the concept of control expenses while paying off the prefecture and cities’ debt. And these party of delegates are not only growing in Aichi but through the country as stated above in the case of Osaka.

As a result, these new parties are gaining power in Japan’s regional areas. This may be symbolic of the fact that the national parties are just not in touch with their constituents. But that would be obvious: Most politicians in Japan usually don’t even reside in their own election district.

To make a long story short, the regional political party are probably going to be the power players for the next 4-5 years and the ACCJ should have its antennas up to learn more about these parties. To understand the parties’ initiatives. We need to be aware of the changes that will most likely take place. Because if we don’t, we will face the chance of irrelevant just like the national parties that exist.

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