August 29, 2007

Vol. 26 : Russell Willis (President, eigoTown.com Limited.)/ News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 8.28.07

Peter Barakan interviews Russell Willis, President of eigoTown.com Limited/plus this week’s headlines

In the modern age, English is the language of global commerce and international culture. In Japan, English has been both a nemesis and a tool for self-expression for many people over the years. In fact, the business of teaching English in Japan is a mature, multi-million dollar affair. Russell Willis takes us on a journey into the heart of Japan’s business of English language education. The online portal he started in 2000, eigoTown.com, is Japan’s premier portal site for everything related to English for Japanese job-seekers, teachers, students – the full spectrum of English language-based travel, relationships, culture, and more. This show will give you a unique, informed perspective on what it takes to create ongoing success in this tough, mature, and vital market.

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投稿者: admin 日時: 10:17 AM |

August 22, 2007

Vol. 25 : Alain Wenckebach (Managing Director, PTS Consulting Japan K.K.)/ News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 8.20.07

Terri MacMillan interviews Alain Alain Wenckebach, Managing Director of PTS Consulting Japan K.K./plus this week’s headlines.

When you walk into a bank, you expect to see: tellers, customers, ATMscomputers, guards, rates posted, specials, etc. etc. But, suppose, for a moment, that you came equipped with Superman’s X-Ray vision – what would you see if you looked deeper into the bank? Doubtless you’d see the vault where the money is kept. But, don’t stop there: go deeper, down to the real backbone of the bank, the physical and IT infrastructure that keeps the crucial information flowing. That’s where Alain takes us in this wide-ranging discussion. We learn how strong project management practices in IT, infrastructure, and other services are key to success in such industries as: finance, insurance, telecommunications, life sciences, travel, manufacturing, retail, and more.

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投稿者: admin 日時: 01:32 AM |

August 08, 2007

Vol. 24: Dr. Niall P. Murphy (Unit Leader, Riken Brain Science Institute)/ News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 8.6.07

Terri MacMillan interviews Dr. Niall P. Murphy, Unit Leader, Riken Brain Science Institute /plus this week's headlines.

Business is driven by the decisions we make in that large, mysterious organ in our skulls – but what drives us to make the decisions we do? What drives impulse? What drives impulse taken to extremes – otherwise known as addiction? Dr. Murphy leads Terri through the fascinating ins and outs of our appetites, why we crave pleasurable experiences and what happens when our cravings go out of balance. He explores our dual-brained nature, and gives us a grounding in the evolutionary nature of pleasure. Food for thought, from the Riken Brain Science Institute.


And as always, you can read the transcript and learn more about our guest, here: http://blog.eigotown.com/podcast/nikkei/

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投稿者: admin 日時: 02:32 AM |

August 01, 2007

Vol. 23: Tom Wedgwood (Wedgwood Brand Ambassador Asia Pacific, Waterford Wedgwood Japan Limited)/ News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 7.30.07

Peter Barakan interviews Tom Wedgwood, Wedgwood Brand Ambassador, Waterford Wedgwood Japan Limited /plus this week’s headlines

In this comprehensive, philosophical and stimulating interview, Tom Wedgwood takes Peter (and us!) on a journey to the roots of his family business’ founder, Josiah Wedgwood, the ardent abolitionist, humanitarian, and early viral marketing expert. From these distinguished roots, we learn about what Wedgwood has become, implementing Josiah’s core values in the modern age: innovation in invention, in care for employees, and in CSR, as well as in being the ‘superbrand’ English ceramic maker in the world.
And as always, you can read the transcript and learn more about our guest, here: http://blog.eigotown.com/podcast/nikkei/

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投稿者: admin 日時: 07:50 AM |

July 25, 2007

Vol. 22: John Ermatinger (President, GAP Japan KK)/ News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 7.23.07

Peter Barakan interviews John Ermatinger, President, GAP Japan KK /plus this week’s headlines

John and Peter have a very focused, information-rich conversation about the meaning and significance of the GAP brand in Japan. In a relaxed conversation, surrounded by stylish, comfortable clothing, John explains: where the name GAP came from, his (brand-new!) innovative approach to changing employee work habits for a more effective work/life balance, the company’s participation in Bono’s RED campaign, bringing the iconic brand to a new culture, and much, much more.
And as always, you can read the transcript and learn more about our guest, here: http://blog.eigotown.com/podcast/nikkei/

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投稿者: admin 日時: 01:29 PM |

July 18, 2007

Vol. 21: Charles Duncan, (Managing Director Continental Airlines Japan)/News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 7.16.07

Peter Barakan interviews Charles Duncan, Managing Director of Continental Airlines Japan /

There is something infectious about talking with a person who loves their work. In this informative conversation, Charles tells Peter how Continental Japan became the ‘hometown airline’ in more cities in Japan than any of its rivals – even though it’s a foreign company. He describes their innovative, niche-oriented promotional strategies in each market. We talk about entertainment systems and the differences between airlines, special programs that help to cement long term relationships, and the ins and outs of making their services truly multilingual. Charles shares with us Continental’s can-do, employee-central philosophy, which was hard-won after the airline bottomed out and found it’s way back to a positive balance.

And as always, you can read the transcript and learn more about our guest, here: http://blog.eigotown.com/podcast/nikkei/

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投稿者: admin 日時: 04:03 AM |

July 11, 2007

Vol. 20: Terry White (Chief Communications Officer of Amway Japan Ltd.)/News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 7.9.07

Russell Willis interviews Terry White, Chief Communications Officer of Amway Japan Ltd.)

In a community-driven culture like Japan’s, Amway’s relationship-oriented approach to marketing high quality personal and home care products comes naturally. But that doesn’t make it easy, and Terry White tells us how Amway has created a long-lived, sustainable, and very, very large business in Japan.

What’s the secret to Amway’s success? Is it the products, formulated for local tastes? Is it longevity – they’ve been in the Japanese market for 30 years. Terry also talks about the effect of the internet on Amway’s business. “…Currently our digital sales would be in the order of 40% of that $1 billion, higher, edging up towards 50%, which makes us one of the largest internet trading companies in Japan…”
And as always, you can read the transcript and learn more about our guest, here: http://blog.eigotown.com/podcast/nikkei/

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投稿者: admin 日時: 09:54 AM |

July 04, 2007

Vol. 19: Frank Foley (General Manager/SVP of HIT Entertainment Japan)/News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 7.2.07

‘We’re surrounded by penguins!’ That’s the way Russell began this interview, and he was right. Not only penguins, but Thomas the Tank Engine, and Bob the Builder, and many more charming pre-school toys, plus beautiful versions of The Guiness Book of Records (including a wondering one created by blind people in Japan, for blind people!).

In this charming conversation, Frank explains the ins and outs of marketing both the blockbusters like Thomas (everyone who needs to know who Thomas is, in Japan, does), and up-and-comers like Angelina Ballerina. They cover such issues as: why didn’t a Japanese company see the possibilities in a train toy, the perils and possibilities of TV, marketing to such a quality and character-oriented society, and much, much more.

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投稿者: admin 日時: 03:39 AM |

June 27, 2007

Vol. 18: David McCaughan (EVP, Executive Officer, Director of Strategic Planning Regional Strategic Planning Director, Asia Pacific McCann Worldgroup

Terri MacMillan interviews David McCaughan, EVP, Director of Strategic Planning, McCann Worldgroup

In a lively conversation in McCann Worldgroup’s nifty offices across from the Imperial Palace, David McCaughan gives us the lowdown on the advertising business, old and new. Confirming that Japan is vital as a trend-setting nation, as well as being the world’s second-largest economy, David gives us a wide-ranging conversation on: what mothers and fathers in Japan really want; since we are humans not wallets, what actually drives us; an interesting take on the power (or lack thereof) of the internet: the prevalence of the ‘silo’ mentality in Japanese corporations and some of McCann’s innovative research initiatives, including the Pulse program and Coolhunting. A must-listen for anyone who cares about the future of advertising and communications in a wired world.

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投稿者: admin 日時: 03:09 AM |

June 20, 2007

Vol. 17: Daniel Edwards (Office Managing Partner, Heidrick & Struggles Japan) /News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 6.18.07


Peter Barakan interviews Daniel Edwards, Office Managing Partner, Heidrick & Struggles Japan

If you read the business press, you constantly see CEO’s, CFO’s, and other high-level people moving from major corporation to major corporation. Of course, this is also true in Japan, not only as the world’s second-largest economy, but as a place where foreign companies have operated successfully for many years. Have you ever wondered how those jobs materialize, and how successful high level managers find their new homes? In this interview, Daniel gives us his insight into the behind-the-scenes world of high level recruitment in Japan, including a surprising New Delhi component!
And as always, you can read the transcript and learn more about our guest, here: http://blog.eigotown.com/podcast/nikkei/

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投稿者: admin 日時: 10:40 AM |

June 13, 2007

Vol. 16: David Blume (Managing Director, Jaguar and Land Rover Japan) /News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 6.11.07


Peter Barakan interviews David Blume, Managing Director, Jaguar and Land Rover Japan.

This conversation was especially fun for Peter, who’s a Jaguar fan and someone who has for many years been fluent in written and spoken Japanese, as has David. Not only did they discuss the state of the automotive industry in Japan, including the challenge of environmentally friendly fuel, but they also talked, in details about the intricacies of communicating with more than words, in a second language. David suggested an apt metaphor for dealing with conversations in Japanese as a foreigner: “skipping stones”. And they talk about the element of trust that’s necessary in bicultural business relationships.
For those of you who are studying Japanese, or who are already fluent, we have a special treat for you on our blog, that came out of this stimulating conversation. http://blog.eigotown.com/terri_kayo/
And as always, you can read the transcript and learn more about our guest, here: http://blog.eigotown.com/podcast/nikkei/

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投稿者: admin 日時: 08:52 AM |

June 06, 2007

Vol. 15: Paul Sands (General Manager, Virgin Atlantic Japan) /News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 6.28.07

Peter Barakan interviews Paul Sands, General Manager of innovative trendsetting airline, Virgin Atlantic Japan.

In this candid conversation in the stylish, warm Virgin Atlantic offices, Peter and Paul discuss the intricacies of the Japanese reaction to air travel, the Virgin Atlantic features that please the Japanese traveler the most. They also cover the rise of the independent traveler, who no longer depends on packaged tours where everything is set up for you, but who wants to assert their independence, find their own way to the destinations they seek.

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投稿者: admin 日時: 01:45 AM |

May 30, 2007

Vol. 14: David Price (Managing Director, Robert Half Japan) /News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 5.28.07

Peter Barakan interviews David Price, Managing Director of global recruiting giant Robert Half Japan.

In this candid conversation, David explains the ins and outs of the great opportunities that exist in Japan for foreign and bilingual Japanese who understand high level financial and accounting on a global scale. The exposure and stockholder outrage over corporate scandals in the U.S. was mirrored by scandals and consequences in Japan. As a result, Japan’s Financial Instruments and Exchange Law (nicknamed ‘J-Sox’) was put into place in 2006. It has been dubbed the Japanese version of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Japanese Financial Services Agency gives detailed instructions for Japanese companies on how they must report and what they must report.
The necessity for a high level of expertise in this area is more critical now because J-Sox will go into law in 2008 – and Japan does not have the number of qualified people it needs to deal with these requirements. And, as David notes, this is just one example of the need for strong upper-level management recruiting. Creative positions are also becoming contract positions. In short, the world of recruiting is moving fast, and Japan, as the world’s second-largest economy, must ramp up to compete in these areas.

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投稿者: admin 日時: 10:25 AM |

May 23, 2007

Vol. 13: Robert Pickard (President, North Asia, Edelman Public Relations Japan) /News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 5.21.07

Peter Barakan interviews Robert Pickard President, North Asia, Edelman Public Relations Japan.

Bob gives us a rare look at the struggles and triumphs of Japanese companies who are trying to communicate effectively to non-Japanese audiences. Many are taking grassroots marketing seriously for the first time. Many are trying to find ways to get past their normal ‘top-down’ information style.
One quote tells a lot of the story: “…there’s a ‘generation gap’ in Japan and a lot of the younger executives -- who through the rotation system spent some time in Europe or the United States -- can see the power of marketing, the power of new ideas in public relations, to move people, to create markets and to create a buzz where none existed before.

Now they are assigned overseas, but they come home to Japan, where we have had domination of marketing by the Dentsu model, where advertising and the power of advertisers has been far more important and controlling than the earned media coverage that public relations people undertake on behalf of clients.

Around the world, public relations is regarded as a profession. In Japan, it’s not so much so because marketing is more understood as an advertising thing, a paid for thing, but that's changing now…”

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投稿者: admin 日時: 10:30 AM |

May 16, 2007

Vol. 12: Vivian Baines (former Managing Director of NCR Japan) /News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 5.14.07

Peter Barakan interviews Vivian Baines, former Managing Director of NCR Japan; plus this week's headlines.

Vivian Baines served for 9 years as Managing Director of global cash register giant NCR Japan. He also held positions as Managing Director, Financial Planning, and Director Legal Affairs, Japan and Asia as well as executive posiitions in NCR in the U.S.A. and Europe, and Peat Marwick, Mitchell and Co. in Pretoria and Hong Kong. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in English and Wales, and a degree in Law from London University College.
His experience in the business, economic and trade practices in Japan and Asia have made him an invaluable consultant to a number of prominent firms.
Peter and Vivian discuss the American tendency towards NIH (not invented here); being the first large company to lay people off, on being the first to treat technicians as white collar workers, Japanese industry and international standards, and much, much more.

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投稿者: admin 日時: 05:46 AM |

May 09, 2007

Vol. 11: Ken Siegel (Morrison & Foerster Japan) /News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 5.7.07

Russell Willis interviews Ken Siegel, Managing Partner of Morrison & Foerster Japan; plus this week's headlines.

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) have certainly become big news in the Japanese business scene. There is an unprecedented amount of foreign investment in Japanese companies, and Japanese companies are venturing more frequently outside of the home country. The growing M&A scene, related regulations and their effect, the realignment of top brand name companies – when it comes to doing M&A business in the world’s second largest market, Morrison & Foerster Japan are in the center of the wave.
Ken shares with us his views on the nuts and bolts of how MoFo operates, key differences between tcontract law as it’s practised and understood in Japan as opposed to Western countries, and much, much more.

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投稿者: admin 日時: 07:59 AM |

May 02, 2007

Vol. 10: Paul Riley (Oxford University Press Japan)

Russell Willis interviews Paul Riley, Managing Director of Oxford University Press Japan; plus this week's headlines.

Oxford University Press spells prestige in education, all over the world. As Managing Director Paul Riley tells us, in Japan, however, OUP’s market leadership faces unique challenges: Japan-only standards of everything from marketing to identifying books. And then there’s the decreasing birthrate (Russell promises to help!). In this frank conversation, you’ll get a glimpse into the key educational publishing market in Japan.

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投稿者: admin 日時: 10:40 AM |

April 24, 2007

Vol. 9 : Belinda Hobbs (Harlequin K.K.)

Terri MacMillan interviews Belinda Hobbs, President and Representative Director of Harlequin K.K; plus this week's headlines.

Fantasy. Escape. Rich, gorgeous men. Strong women who can be conquered by love. Harlequin K.K. has brought all of this, and more to the dreams of women all over the world. We talk with the delightful Ms. Hobbs about the challenges and opportunities of creating succes in this unique business in Japan. We cover digital marketing and distribution, the ubiquitous alpha male, Harlequin’s Japanese romance author contest, what it takes to be successful in the retail book business, and much, much more.

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投稿者: admin 日時: 11:51 PM |

April 18, 2007

Vol. 8 : Dr. David Nunan (Anaheim University)

Russell Willis interviews Dr. David Nunan, President of Anaheim University; plus this week's headlines.

The need and hunger for online higher education is growing around the world. David gives us an inside view of the process, including aninteresting take on the inaccuracy of stereotypes about Asian learners. Dr. Nunan is the author of the world’s best-selling textbook, with tens of millions sold worldwide.

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投稿者: admin 日時: 12:22 AM |

April 11, 2007

Vol. 7: Nicolas Menat (President & Representative Director of beacon communications k.k.)/News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 4.9.07

Peter Barakan interviews Nicolas Menat, President and Representative Director of beacon communications k.k.); plus this week's headlines.

Nicolas and Peter discuss the complex differences between doing effective advertising for large corporations in Japan’s TV-driven, conservative market and outside of Japan. Consumer-driven, online, and on-demand marketing are growing in influence even in Japan, and Nicolas expects that the market will change in the near future.

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投稿者: admin 日時: 11:41 AM |

April 04, 2007

Vol. 6: Glen S. Fukushima (President and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Japan K.K.)/News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 4.2.07

Terri MacMillan interviews Glen S. Fukushima, President and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Japan K.K. Flying is a basic part of our lives, and it’s fascinating to hear the behind-the-scenes story of a very unique aircraft manufacturer: Airbus Japan. Airbus’ ownership spans four countries: France, Germany, the U.K. and Spain. What are the company’s challenges…and opportunities?　Find out, when you check out this week’s Nikkei Weekly podcast： www.eigotown.com/nikkei

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投稿者: admin 日時: 10:57 AM |

March 28, 2007

Vol. 5: Kirk R. Patterson (The dean of Temple University, Japan Campus )/News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 3.26.07

Russell Willis interviews　Kirk Patterson, the Dean of Temple University, Japan Campus-; plus this week's headlines. What’s the state of bilingual education in Japan, at the university level? Can you live in Japan and still get an American-style university education? How did the Ministry of Education react to the idea of an American university in Japan? Check out answers to these questions and more, in this week’s Nikkei Weekly podcast. www.eigotown.com/nikkei

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投稿者: admin 日時: 03:14 AM |

March 21, 2007

Vol. 4: Ian de Stains OBE(British Chamber of Commerce in Japan)/News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 3.19.07

Russell Willis interviews Ian de Stains, OBE, Executive Director of The British Chamber of Commerce in Japan; plus this week's headlines.
Ian and Russell discuss companies doing business between Japan and Britain, and some of the reasons for success (and failure), real-time views on barriers to entry in Japan, and the many resources available to British businesses who want to enter Japan (and vice-versa!).

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投稿者: admin 日時: 01:28 AM |

March 14, 2007

Vol. 3: Eric Feigenbaum (Expedia.co.jp)/News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 3.12.07

Terri MacMillan interviews Eric Feigenbaum, Managing Director, Expedia.co.jp ; plus this week's headlines

続きを読む "Vol. 3: Eric Feigenbaum (Expedia.co.jp)/News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 3.12.07" »

投稿者: admin 日時: 10:58 AM |

March 07, 2007

Vol. 2: Brian Nelson (ValueCommerce)/News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 3.5.07

Terri MacMillan interviews Brian Nelson, President & CEO of ValueCommerce; plus this week's headlines

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投稿者: admin 日時: 12:57 PM |

February 28, 2007

Vol. 1: Skipp Orr (Boeing, Japan)/News from the Nikkei Weekly dated 2.26.07

Peter Barakan interviews the outgoing President of Boeing Japan: Mr. Skipp Orr; plus this week's headlines

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投稿者: admin 日時: 08:55 PM |