The Nikkei Weekly Interview [Japan Business News]: 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.

The Nikkei Weekly Interview podcast series: Broadcaster Peter Barakan, eigoTown.com President Russell Wills, or Producer Terri MacMillan interview prominent foreign business people in Japan about business and the economy, along with the weekly headlines - in English.