I read the following in a magazine recently. I believe it is the words of Roosevelt.
IT IS NOT THE CRITIC WHO COUNTS:
Not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again.....who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best, knows in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly.
The relocation industry and the people performing services within it receive their fair share of criticism. When we get it right; it is a great industry to be in and the rewards in terms of "thank yous" from our clients really makes our work worthwhile. If you don't get off on receiving those "thank yous", you probably don't belong in our industry, but even for the best service providers in the world there is always the down side; the criticism of not doing enough, not understanding enough, being too pushy, not being pushy enough, not reading the situation, reading too much into the situation, being expected to control the impossible.....etc., etc. For those with experience in the industry, you know what I am talking about. It is at times like these, that you need to read the above words.
In the end, if you hold your on policy, you own wish to help people in this industry, the criticism does not matter..... but only if you don't give up.
Let's not give up in 2010! Lets make more happy clients and receive more thank yous in the best way we can.
Thank you to everyone that I have worked with in 2009! I am only as good as the people around me, and you are all fantastic.
H&R Group. MORE THAN JAPAN RELOCATION! http://www.morethanrelo.com/
More Than Japan Housing, More Than Japan Cars and Furniture, More than Japan Service Apartments, More Than Japan Destination Services, More Than Japan License Conversion, More Than Japan Information!
The H&R Group is MORE THAN RELOCATION! http://www.morethanrelo.com/
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Obama and Hatoyama- When will they create jobs?
Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? www.japanhomesearch.com, www.leasejapan.com and www.relojapan.com. We want to help you in Japan!
I have been observing Obama and Hatoyama closely over the last months, and I must admit I am pretty disappointed with what I see. Obama makes a great speech, Hatoyama indicates that the new government will finally do things differently........ but what has actually happened?
Both leaders have been either bailing out companies using billions of tax payers money or throwing money around claiming that "stimulus packages" are going to boost our economies.....
One of the only ways to improve both the US and Japan economies is to create jobs. Bailing out companies saves jobs, it doesn't make them. Throwing money around allows people to spend it; ONCE; this does not create new industries, new companies and growth. Yes, due to an increase in demand for items, there maybe a short-term increase in demand for jobs, but lets face it, it is not a long-term economic strategy.
Japan and the US need to create jobs. Making flowery speeches about reducing CO2 emissions is important, but company owners, executives and entrepreneurs are waiting in their respective countries for their governments to support small, medium and large businesses to grow and create jobs.
These are uncertain times. Business leaders want to get ahead in this downturn, but the risks are unknown and confidence is low. Why can Hatoyama and Obama not see that offering packages that reduce risk and create confidence is what our countries need? There are people everywhere with new ideas, creative beliefs about new markets, and competitive models that could revolutionize industries. All they need to do is support what is out there......
For example,
- Tax breaks for new companies / projects
- Incentive programs for taking on new employees
- Incentive programs for certain industries or new markets
Private industry creates jobs and healthy economies, not governments. Can these guys not see that their beautiful speeches and social support policies will never grow economies? These policies are gong to bankrput Japan. Japan's debt is getting close to 200% of its GDP. Pull it together Hatoyama, you need companies to grow so you can pay the debt off. Start supporting what made Japan what it is; small and medium sized companies.
I have been observing Obama and Hatoyama closely over the last months, and I must admit I am pretty disappointed with what I see. Obama makes a great speech, Hatoyama indicates that the new government will finally do things differently........ but what has actually happened?
Both leaders have been either bailing out companies using billions of tax payers money or throwing money around claiming that "stimulus packages" are going to boost our economies.....
One of the only ways to improve both the US and Japan economies is to create jobs. Bailing out companies saves jobs, it doesn't make them. Throwing money around allows people to spend it; ONCE; this does not create new industries, new companies and growth. Yes, due to an increase in demand for items, there maybe a short-term increase in demand for jobs, but lets face it, it is not a long-term economic strategy.
Japan and the US need to create jobs. Making flowery speeches about reducing CO2 emissions is important, but company owners, executives and entrepreneurs are waiting in their respective countries for their governments to support small, medium and large businesses to grow and create jobs.
These are uncertain times. Business leaders want to get ahead in this downturn, but the risks are unknown and confidence is low. Why can Hatoyama and Obama not see that offering packages that reduce risk and create confidence is what our countries need? There are people everywhere with new ideas, creative beliefs about new markets, and competitive models that could revolutionize industries. All they need to do is support what is out there......
For example,
- Tax breaks for new companies / projects
- Incentive programs for taking on new employees
- Incentive programs for certain industries or new markets
Private industry creates jobs and healthy economies, not governments. Can these guys not see that their beautiful speeches and social support policies will never grow economies? These policies are gong to bankrput Japan. Japan's debt is getting close to 200% of its GDP. Pull it together Hatoyama, you need companies to grow so you can pay the debt off. Start supporting what made Japan what it is; small and medium sized companies.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
New Real Estate and Relocation Brand
H&R Consultants K.K. and ReloJapan K.K. have brought their services together under one brand to form the "H&R Group".
The group consists of 6 divisions that provide real estate, car and furniture leasing / sales, serviced apartments, relocation, drivers license conversion and Japan information exchange services for the foreign community of Japan.
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For more information on our services, please see our new website;
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The H&R Group looks forward to helping you in Japan with your housing, relocation and furniture / car needs.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Health Insurance and Visa Applications
I have some updated information on the glowing topic of the new "rule" in Japan that will see the immigration bureau ask for health insurance enrollment documentation in order to approve visa applications and extensions.
It has been reported that as of April 2010 that the Immigration Bureau will begin asking for documentation on foreigner enrollment in the national health system as part of the process of receiving permission to live in Japan. This is caused an uproar in the foreign community, because;
1. There is no enforcement of enrollment in the health system of Japanese nationals, and therefore can be regarded as a discrimination against foreigners
2. Many foreigners don't want to be in the system anyway
3. Many companies would prefer their employees not to be in the system, as it reduces their labor spend
However, new information from a reliable source has arrived on my desk today in the form of answers to the following three questions from the Immigration Bureau themselves (answers in red below);
A. What is the purpose of the new immigration guideline?
B. Would the new immigration guideline be implemented in April 2010?
C. What would be the best way to express our organizations concerns regarding the new guideline
The answers received from the Immigration Bureau were as follows;
A. The purpose of the new guideline is to encourage all citizens to join a national health scheme.
B. The new immigration guideline would definitely NOT be a factor in processing visa applications from April of 2010. Until the guideline becomes a law the immigration office will not actively use the guideline as a criteria to accept or deny visa applications. The immigration office may recommend to applicants not enrolled in a national health plan that they enroll, but they will not use the lack of enrollment as a criteria for denying or approving visas.
C. Both the immigration office and Ministry of Justice have already received numerous concerns from large organizations, including Keidanren, regarding the implementation of the new health certificate guideline therefore it is very likely the DPJ and the Ministry of Justice will review the guideline prior to making any further recommendations as to how it should be implemented or whether it should become a law.
It therefore seems that this guideline will not be a big issue initially after all.
Don't rush out and get enrolled for the Japanese health package yet!!
Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? www.japanhomesearch.com and www.relojapan.com. We want to help you in Japan!
It has been reported that as of April 2010 that the Immigration Bureau will begin asking for documentation on foreigner enrollment in the national health system as part of the process of receiving permission to live in Japan. This is caused an uproar in the foreign community, because;
1. There is no enforcement of enrollment in the health system of Japanese nationals, and therefore can be regarded as a discrimination against foreigners
2. Many foreigners don't want to be in the system anyway
3. Many companies would prefer their employees not to be in the system, as it reduces their labor spend
However, new information from a reliable source has arrived on my desk today in the form of answers to the following three questions from the Immigration Bureau themselves (answers in red below);
A. What is the purpose of the new immigration guideline?
B. Would the new immigration guideline be implemented in April 2010?
C. What would be the best way to express our organizations concerns regarding the new guideline
The answers received from the Immigration Bureau were as follows;
A. The purpose of the new guideline is to encourage all citizens to join a national health scheme.
B. The new immigration guideline would definitely NOT be a factor in processing visa applications from April of 2010. Until the guideline becomes a law the immigration office will not actively use the guideline as a criteria to accept or deny visa applications. The immigration office may recommend to applicants not enrolled in a national health plan that they enroll, but they will not use the lack of enrollment as a criteria for denying or approving visas.
C. Both the immigration office and Ministry of Justice have already received numerous concerns from large organizations, including Keidanren, regarding the implementation of the new health certificate guideline therefore it is very likely the DPJ and the Ministry of Justice will review the guideline prior to making any further recommendations as to how it should be implemented or whether it should become a law.
It therefore seems that this guideline will not be a big issue initially after all.
Don't rush out and get enrolled for the Japanese health package yet!!
Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? www.japanhomesearch.com and www.relojapan.com. We want to help you in Japan!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Relocation Industry Trends
Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ and http://www.relojapan.com/. We want to help you in Japan!
I recently spent two weeks in the US visiting some clients and checking out the world housing and relocation industry to get some insight into how things will be for Japan moving forward. The good news is that for US Relocation companies international relocations look to be quite stable; volume is down, but while watching costs, multinational companies are still moving people. The same can't be said for the US domestic market, which appears to be in alot of trouble. Home inventories are large on someone's books (someone has the inventory, but obviously nobody wants to say they do), people are scared to move, and companies are not moving people, as they continue to lay off staff.
So the bad news is that US companies, which contributes the most to the international relocation industry, are still not employing people; alas many of them are still laying people off. This will be detrimental to any projected increase in volumes moving into 2010; probably not going to happen until US companies start growing again. There is some light at the end of the tunnel in terms of European countries entering the relocation industry; finally we are seeing European companies looking to outsource some of their HR functions as they look for cost reduction solutions.
However, on my US trip, there was one unanimous opinion across all relocation professionals and that was we are now looking at a "NEW NORM". Things are not going to be as they were. The "new norm" is still to be figured out, but here are some trends from a Global Relocation Company in the US in terms of what is important to companies in 2009 when selecting their relocation vendors;
1. Global footprint (ie. are you located throughout the world)
2. Total spend (what is the total cost of the supply chain + relocation management)
3. Pricing
4. Funding capabilities (ie. can you pay in advance for us)
5. Stability of the organization
6. References
7. Service Quality
Our organization has continuously battled to make sure we maintain "service quality" as our number one priority. It appears it maybe time for many in the industry, including H&R Consultants and ReloJapan, to re-think their stratey.......
I recently spent two weeks in the US visiting some clients and checking out the world housing and relocation industry to get some insight into how things will be for Japan moving forward. The good news is that for US Relocation companies international relocations look to be quite stable; volume is down, but while watching costs, multinational companies are still moving people. The same can't be said for the US domestic market, which appears to be in alot of trouble. Home inventories are large on someone's books (someone has the inventory, but obviously nobody wants to say they do), people are scared to move, and companies are not moving people, as they continue to lay off staff.
So the bad news is that US companies, which contributes the most to the international relocation industry, are still not employing people; alas many of them are still laying people off. This will be detrimental to any projected increase in volumes moving into 2010; probably not going to happen until US companies start growing again. There is some light at the end of the tunnel in terms of European countries entering the relocation industry; finally we are seeing European companies looking to outsource some of their HR functions as they look for cost reduction solutions.
However, on my US trip, there was one unanimous opinion across all relocation professionals and that was we are now looking at a "NEW NORM". Things are not going to be as they were. The "new norm" is still to be figured out, but here are some trends from a Global Relocation Company in the US in terms of what is important to companies in 2009 when selecting their relocation vendors;
1. Global footprint (ie. are you located throughout the world)
2. Total spend (what is the total cost of the supply chain + relocation management)
3. Pricing
4. Funding capabilities (ie. can you pay in advance for us)
5. Stability of the organization
6. References
7. Service Quality
Our organization has continuously battled to make sure we maintain "service quality" as our number one priority. It appears it maybe time for many in the industry, including H&R Consultants and ReloJapan, to re-think their stratey.......
Monday, October 26, 2009
Housing Insurance in Japan
I'm sure most people out there in Japan have experienced the need to get housing insurance when entering into a rental property contract. I work in Nagoya and Tokyo, so I am writing this based on my experiences in these two cities, but we have run into a wall when it comes to housing insurance recently.
In Japan, in 80-90% of cases, owners will ask tenants to take our a simple "housing insurance" to protect themselves (and therefore the owner) from 3rd party incidents. Common ones are "flooding the apartment below you by forgetting to turn off your bath tap when filling the bath" and fires that start in your apartment (maybe due to that cigarette) that gut your neigbors property too. Sensible insurance to have, and it can also protect you from things like floods, riots (tons of them here!), mystery flying objects, but not usually typhoons or earthquakes.
Well, the situation is that Japan has tightened its laws on insurance, and the payment of insurances.
1. Insurance policies must be read and understood by the person taking them out
2. Payment of the insurance premium must be made by the individual and 3rd parties cannot make payments for that individual, unless they have received payment from that individual.
So this leaves our organization in 2 predicaments;
1. Most owners offer only policies in Japanese. We work with the foreign community in Japan, who, for the most part, don't or can't read legal documents in Japanese. For this reason, it is becoming really difficult for foreigners to sign up for Japanese policies; as the insurance agent requires them to read it back to them to make sure they understand.
2. Often our clients are coming from overseas to live in Japan for the first time. Our job as a real estate and relocation company in Nagoya and Tokyo is to coordinate things like housing insurance policies for our clients. However, even if we can get over the language hurdle, next we are not able to pay in advance for our clients, who AREN'T yet here in Japan!! We have to wait for everyone arrive, and have them make payment after arrival themselves.
The solution is obviously having an Insurance Company that provides policies in English. We used to use "Kyosaikai" a popular housing insurance company, but on the change of the insurance law they withdrew their English translation of their Japanese contract, and now refuse to work in anything other than Japanese. "ACE Insurance" is about the only company in Japan offering "English Policies", but their agents tend not to be customer orientated or able to explain the policy and answer questions about it.
This would be an excellent chance for someone else to come into the market. Furthermore, the regular "housing insurance package" that owners wish tenants to take out can normally not be added to. ie. You can't add insurance for your mountain bike and your diamond ring onto these packages. If anyone can offer such a service in Japan it just might be a hit......
In the meantime, foreigners out there need to be able to read more kanji......
In Japan, in 80-90% of cases, owners will ask tenants to take our a simple "housing insurance" to protect themselves (and therefore the owner) from 3rd party incidents. Common ones are "flooding the apartment below you by forgetting to turn off your bath tap when filling the bath" and fires that start in your apartment (maybe due to that cigarette) that gut your neigbors property too. Sensible insurance to have, and it can also protect you from things like floods, riots (tons of them here!), mystery flying objects, but not usually typhoons or earthquakes.
Well, the situation is that Japan has tightened its laws on insurance, and the payment of insurances.
1. Insurance policies must be read and understood by the person taking them out
2. Payment of the insurance premium must be made by the individual and 3rd parties cannot make payments for that individual, unless they have received payment from that individual.
So this leaves our organization in 2 predicaments;
1. Most owners offer only policies in Japanese. We work with the foreign community in Japan, who, for the most part, don't or can't read legal documents in Japanese. For this reason, it is becoming really difficult for foreigners to sign up for Japanese policies; as the insurance agent requires them to read it back to them to make sure they understand.
2. Often our clients are coming from overseas to live in Japan for the first time. Our job as a real estate and relocation company in Nagoya and Tokyo is to coordinate things like housing insurance policies for our clients. However, even if we can get over the language hurdle, next we are not able to pay in advance for our clients, who AREN'T yet here in Japan!! We have to wait for everyone arrive, and have them make payment after arrival themselves.
The solution is obviously having an Insurance Company that provides policies in English. We used to use "Kyosaikai" a popular housing insurance company, but on the change of the insurance law they withdrew their English translation of their Japanese contract, and now refuse to work in anything other than Japanese. "ACE Insurance" is about the only company in Japan offering "English Policies", but their agents tend not to be customer orientated or able to explain the policy and answer questions about it.
This would be an excellent chance for someone else to come into the market. Furthermore, the regular "housing insurance package" that owners wish tenants to take out can normally not be added to. ie. You can't add insurance for your mountain bike and your diamond ring onto these packages. If anyone can offer such a service in Japan it just might be a hit......
In the meantime, foreigners out there need to be able to read more kanji......
Saturday, September 19, 2009
The Environment and Our Future
Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ and http://www.relojapan.com/. We want to help you in Japan!
The environment is a topic of conversation where ever you go these days. In my travels, I see a lot of people just turning away and ignoring it, and others who claim that global warming is a natural phenomenum and therefore "why all the fuss, as it was going to happen anyway".
Well, here are a few reasons why we should be fussing.
The environment isn't just about global warming and CO2. There are many other factors to consider and they need to be looked at with each other. I have listed some of the big issues facing us below.
1. CO2 Emissions (Let's start here)
The interesting thing here that alot of people don't understand is that CO2 emissions have historically never been reduced. They continue to increase. Even now!! And most of the time what you are hearing on the TV is not political parties claiming to "decrease" CO2 emissions, but them claiming to "decrease the increase". However, if we don't actually decrease emissions soon, our planet is going to get hard to live on (see 2 below).
2. Global Warming
Scientists have a term "no point of return" with regard to global warming. At "no point of return" weather turns volatile and our planet would become unstable; floods, typhoons, storms, heat waves, cold snaps, etc. in extreme terms. Right now weather patterns are often strange compared to the past, but they are not volatile, nor unstable. The point of no return, is thought to be where earth's temperature increases by 2 degrees. Current scientific studies show that temperatures have increase by 0.70 so far, and at the current rate, we will reach a 2 degree increase in 2029. That is why we have to decrease CO2 emissions, because our planet will go nuts come 2030 if we don't do something now.
3. Energy
The world's energy is provided mainly by oil, coal, natural gas and nuclear power. While there is much debate, oil is a limited resource, and depending on who's research you look at we are going to run out of it between 2030 and 2050. Oil is what we are most dependent on; 30- 35% of the world's energy. When it runs out, it needs to be replaced by something. There is more than 200 years worth of coal left on the planet, but in order to turn it into energy, it increases CO2 emissions by 1.6 times. Natural gas is not dependable enough yet to fill the energy gap left by oil, so that leaves nuclear power. Right now in the world there are about 450 nuclear power plants. In order to cover the gap left by oil, an additional 2,000 will be required by 2030- 2050. Is that possible?
4. Water
We all take this for granted, but if we continue to use water like we do, it will run out. It takes hundreds of years to make good water, but we use it like maniacs. Nobody has found a way to "make water" yet, so if it does run out, we are stuffed. It is hard to calculate this one, but as 3rd world countries become more affluent, the worlds population will turn from "crop eaters" to "meat eaters". What is interesting is that there is a exponential increase in the amount of water you use when you change from a crop eater to a meat eater; the sooner the poor of the world get richer, the sooner our water reserves are in trouble. By 2030 the worlds population will probably have doubled again......
5. Precious Metals
If you care to look up all the parts that are contained in your mobile phone you will find that many precious metals are involved. By 2030, 10- 20 of the precious metals in your phone, will have been used up. Lithium needed for batteries won't exist any more. Right now there is no alternative to these metals, so some invention is going to be needed soon!
6. Biodiversity
I am an amateur on this one, but this is all about natures cycle and "natural balance". Human behaviour is irrational and is destroying the "balance" of natures cycle on earth. There is a limit to how much nature is going to absorb, before it's broken cycle retaliates.
There are other factors such a food production, food safety and population (all closely related), but I think the 6 points above give you the idea. This is what we are talking about when we talk about the "state of the environment", and as you can see from above, the year 2030 is sticking out as perhaps a very important point in the future. That gives us 20 years to do something.
IF WE DON'T MOVE SOON, WE ARE GOING TO LEAVE A MESS FOR OUR KIDS!
The environment is a topic of conversation where ever you go these days. In my travels, I see a lot of people just turning away and ignoring it, and others who claim that global warming is a natural phenomenum and therefore "why all the fuss, as it was going to happen anyway".
Well, here are a few reasons why we should be fussing.
The environment isn't just about global warming and CO2. There are many other factors to consider and they need to be looked at with each other. I have listed some of the big issues facing us below.
1. CO2 Emissions (Let's start here)
The interesting thing here that alot of people don't understand is that CO2 emissions have historically never been reduced. They continue to increase. Even now!! And most of the time what you are hearing on the TV is not political parties claiming to "decrease" CO2 emissions, but them claiming to "decrease the increase". However, if we don't actually decrease emissions soon, our planet is going to get hard to live on (see 2 below).
2. Global Warming
Scientists have a term "no point of return" with regard to global warming. At "no point of return" weather turns volatile and our planet would become unstable; floods, typhoons, storms, heat waves, cold snaps, etc. in extreme terms. Right now weather patterns are often strange compared to the past, but they are not volatile, nor unstable. The point of no return, is thought to be where earth's temperature increases by 2 degrees. Current scientific studies show that temperatures have increase by 0.70 so far, and at the current rate, we will reach a 2 degree increase in 2029. That is why we have to decrease CO2 emissions, because our planet will go nuts come 2030 if we don't do something now.
3. Energy
The world's energy is provided mainly by oil, coal, natural gas and nuclear power. While there is much debate, oil is a limited resource, and depending on who's research you look at we are going to run out of it between 2030 and 2050. Oil is what we are most dependent on; 30- 35% of the world's energy. When it runs out, it needs to be replaced by something. There is more than 200 years worth of coal left on the planet, but in order to turn it into energy, it increases CO2 emissions by 1.6 times. Natural gas is not dependable enough yet to fill the energy gap left by oil, so that leaves nuclear power. Right now in the world there are about 450 nuclear power plants. In order to cover the gap left by oil, an additional 2,000 will be required by 2030- 2050. Is that possible?
4. Water
We all take this for granted, but if we continue to use water like we do, it will run out. It takes hundreds of years to make good water, but we use it like maniacs. Nobody has found a way to "make water" yet, so if it does run out, we are stuffed. It is hard to calculate this one, but as 3rd world countries become more affluent, the worlds population will turn from "crop eaters" to "meat eaters". What is interesting is that there is a exponential increase in the amount of water you use when you change from a crop eater to a meat eater; the sooner the poor of the world get richer, the sooner our water reserves are in trouble. By 2030 the worlds population will probably have doubled again......
5. Precious Metals
If you care to look up all the parts that are contained in your mobile phone you will find that many precious metals are involved. By 2030, 10- 20 of the precious metals in your phone, will have been used up. Lithium needed for batteries won't exist any more. Right now there is no alternative to these metals, so some invention is going to be needed soon!
6. Biodiversity
I am an amateur on this one, but this is all about natures cycle and "natural balance". Human behaviour is irrational and is destroying the "balance" of natures cycle on earth. There is a limit to how much nature is going to absorb, before it's broken cycle retaliates.
There are other factors such a food production, food safety and population (all closely related), but I think the 6 points above give you the idea. This is what we are talking about when we talk about the "state of the environment", and as you can see from above, the year 2030 is sticking out as perhaps a very important point in the future. That gives us 20 years to do something.
IF WE DON'T MOVE SOON, WE ARE GOING TO LEAVE A MESS FOR OUR KIDS!
Monday, August 31, 2009
DPJ Government and Prime Minister Hatoyama
Japan is to get a new prime minister (again) in the form of Mr. Hatoyama. There have been some pretty charisma lacking leaders in Japan in the past, so it surprises me that the population of Japan has decided to elect a pussy cat as the leader of their country.
"[Mr Hatoyama] has a very free point of view. From morning to night, he always wants to do the right thing. The problem is he doesn't know what the right thing is." (Mure Dickie).
I can't help but think that in a hurry to get rid of a poorly led LDP party that the citizens of Japan have rushed to elect an even further incompetant DPJ with a puppet as a leader. Time will tell, but I have a feeling that some people will soon regret their voting decisions!
Leading a country is not just about offering the common people money and free highways.....
"[Mr Hatoyama] has a very free point of view. From morning to night, he always wants to do the right thing. The problem is he doesn't know what the right thing is." (Mure Dickie).
I can't help but think that in a hurry to get rid of a poorly led LDP party that the citizens of Japan have rushed to elect an even further incompetant DPJ with a puppet as a leader. Time will tell, but I have a feeling that some people will soon regret their voting decisions!
Leading a country is not just about offering the common people money and free highways.....
Social Insurance Crackdown
In addition to my previous entry on the Alien Registration System, it is worth noting that this is not the only area of "change" or crack down with regard to foreigners and foreign workers.
As of April 2010, the regional immigration bureau will start requesting proof of tax payments (ie. tax certificates) and proof of Japanese social insurance coverage (from the local authorities) in order to approve applications for either an extension of period of stay or a change of residence status.
Local employment insurance authorities have already started requesting lists of foreign national employees from employers.
This is going to be a big blow for companies that have encouraged foreign employees to take out their own health insurance and not pay pension dues (nenkin) in order to maximize their monthly take home pay. I can see a number of English schools trembling in their shoes, as they realize they will now have to convince their teachers that they will have to be enrolled accordingly and then themselves take responsibility for half of the cost of the social insurances, like the remainder of companies in Japan.
It would appear that both national and local authorities are going to police foreigner residential and working details more strictly going forward. Therefore, if you have been dodging the bullet at your company, it might be time to come clean before it is too late!
Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ and http://www.relojapan.com/. We want to help you in Japan!
As of April 2010, the regional immigration bureau will start requesting proof of tax payments (ie. tax certificates) and proof of Japanese social insurance coverage (from the local authorities) in order to approve applications for either an extension of period of stay or a change of residence status.
Local employment insurance authorities have already started requesting lists of foreign national employees from employers.
This is going to be a big blow for companies that have encouraged foreign employees to take out their own health insurance and not pay pension dues (nenkin) in order to maximize their monthly take home pay. I can see a number of English schools trembling in their shoes, as they realize they will now have to convince their teachers that they will have to be enrolled accordingly and then themselves take responsibility for half of the cost of the social insurances, like the remainder of companies in Japan.
It would appear that both national and local authorities are going to police foreigner residential and working details more strictly going forward. Therefore, if you have been dodging the bullet at your company, it might be time to come clean before it is too late!
Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ and http://www.relojapan.com/. We want to help you in Japan!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Foreigner Registration and Re-Entry Permit Change
The Alien Registration System will be changing. It is going to take at least 3 years to implement, but it might pay to take a look at what is going to happen now!
The major changes are as follows:
1. The current Alien Registration Card will be replaced by a new Residence Card, called a Zairyu card.
2. The maximum period of stay on your status of entry will be extended from 3 to 5 years
3. The Re-entry Permit will no longer be required (as long as you are not leaving Japan for longer than 12-months)
FURTHER DETAILS
Residence Card
The current Alien Registration Card will be abolished, and a new Residence Card system will be implemented by the Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Justice. The Residence Card will be issued by Regional Immigration Offices and Immigration Inspection office at the airport (ie not your local ward office / city or town office as before). The contents of the new card will be similar to the current Alien Registration Card including information such as name, nationality, address, type ofimmigration status, date of expiry, place of work, work restrictions and a photograph, but an IC chip will be added to the new card as extra "card security" (so your card can't be forged).
If there is a change to any one of the items listed on the card, it must be reported within 14 days to the regional immigration office. Changes in home address must also be reported within 14 days to the local government office.
The local authority will maintain residence information using the same system as is currently in place for Japanese nationals.
Duration of Stay and Re-Entry Permit
This is the big benefit to foreigners of the new system. The maximum period of stay will be extended from 3 years to 5 years, and accordingly, the maximum valid period for a Re-Entry Permit will also be extended to 5 years. However, a Re-Entry Permit will only be required if a foreign resident travels away from Japan for a period exceeding one year.
Enforcement of Penalties
Although penalties already exist in the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, the penaltiesavailable under this Act are not really enforced currently. Under the revised immigration laws, further penalties are included and expected to be enforced.
The three main categories of penalties and the reasons for imposing them are as follows:
a. Revocation of Status of Residence
- False or fraudulent application for status of residence
- Failure to report a change of marital status within six months
- Failure to report a new home address within 90 days or reporting a falsified address.
b. Deportation
- Posession of a forged Residence Card
- Illegal employment
- Imprisonment due to forged documents or breach of duties with respect to the Zairyu Card
c. Imprisonment or Fines
- Failure to report information as required by law; subject to imprisonment up to 1-year or a fine up to JPY 200,000
- Failure to report a new address within 14 days; subject to a fine up to JPY 200,000
- Encouraging illegal employment; subject to imprisonment up to three years or a fine up to JPY 3,000,000
Get ready for a crackdown in a few years time!
Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ and http://www.relojapan.com/. We want to help you in Japan!
The major changes are as follows:
1. The current Alien Registration Card will be replaced by a new Residence Card, called a Zairyu card.
2. The maximum period of stay on your status of entry will be extended from 3 to 5 years
3. The Re-entry Permit will no longer be required (as long as you are not leaving Japan for longer than 12-months)
FURTHER DETAILS
Residence Card
The current Alien Registration Card will be abolished, and a new Residence Card system will be implemented by the Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Justice. The Residence Card will be issued by Regional Immigration Offices and Immigration Inspection office at the airport (ie not your local ward office / city or town office as before). The contents of the new card will be similar to the current Alien Registration Card including information such as name, nationality, address, type ofimmigration status, date of expiry, place of work, work restrictions and a photograph, but an IC chip will be added to the new card as extra "card security" (so your card can't be forged).
If there is a change to any one of the items listed on the card, it must be reported within 14 days to the regional immigration office. Changes in home address must also be reported within 14 days to the local government office.
The local authority will maintain residence information using the same system as is currently in place for Japanese nationals.
Duration of Stay and Re-Entry Permit
This is the big benefit to foreigners of the new system. The maximum period of stay will be extended from 3 years to 5 years, and accordingly, the maximum valid period for a Re-Entry Permit will also be extended to 5 years. However, a Re-Entry Permit will only be required if a foreign resident travels away from Japan for a period exceeding one year.
Enforcement of Penalties
Although penalties already exist in the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, the penaltiesavailable under this Act are not really enforced currently. Under the revised immigration laws, further penalties are included and expected to be enforced.
The three main categories of penalties and the reasons for imposing them are as follows:
a. Revocation of Status of Residence
- False or fraudulent application for status of residence
- Failure to report a change of marital status within six months
- Failure to report a new home address within 90 days or reporting a falsified address.
b. Deportation
- Posession of a forged Residence Card
- Illegal employment
- Imprisonment due to forged documents or breach of duties with respect to the Zairyu Card
c. Imprisonment or Fines
- Failure to report information as required by law; subject to imprisonment up to 1-year or a fine up to JPY 200,000
- Failure to report a new address within 14 days; subject to a fine up to JPY 200,000
- Encouraging illegal employment; subject to imprisonment up to three years or a fine up to JPY 3,000,000
Get ready for a crackdown in a few years time!
Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ and http://www.relojapan.com/. We want to help you in Japan!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
The General Election and Real Estate
Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ and http://www.relojapan.com/. We want to help you in Japan!
There is certainly a lot of talk about the General Elections going round. Who are you backing? The incumbent LDP with Asso (drop the "o" for effect) or the DPJ who are promising cash for everyone?
Well from a Real Estate perspective, there are alot of agents out there that going to be voting for Asso to get back in. Yes, anyone involved in buy and sell is probably sensible to vote LDP.
Why? Well, the good old DPJ, in an addendum to their "manifest", are claiming to "clean up" the real estate industry by making it illegal to take commissions from both the buyer and the seller in a real estate transaction. Under the current Japanese law, real estate agents in a buy/sell transaction are able to take 3% + 60,000 yen from each of the buyer and the seller in a transaction. The DPJ have probably read an article on how things are done in the US, and are claiming to put a stop to this, and only allowing a qualified real estate agent to work one side of the transaction.
This is wonderful news for agents involved in buy / sell transactions that make up about 90% of all transactions in Real Estate in Japan. Not only are agents struggling to get by in the current economy where currently there are very few transactions as banks are not willing to finance anyone, but now the DPJ is taking away potentially half of their revenue in a transaction......Even when the property market does begin to recover, what does this do for the Real Estate industry of Japan? Pretty much nothing....... It doesn't create any benefit to anyone, as the pie remains the same. It just increases the hands in the pie, which we all know creates nothing but inefficiency (and already there are enough hands in the pie in Japan!).
What will happen if such a new law is passed? Well every real estate company is going to run around and set up an additional dummy company to get around the law. More companies...... less profits in each, less tax collected from the Real Estate industry.....Does the end user or buyer win? No, they still pay the same fees. Does the seller win? No, they still pay the same fees..... Sounds like an incredibly good idea from the DPJ! Certainly not a win, win, win situation!
From what I understand from the information available, this law won't effect us in the rental sector. However, if the DPJ ideas extend to residential property and commercial office rental and Japanese Real Estate Law is policed more strictly so that payments can only be received on one side of the transaction, we are going to see significant movement and changes in the market for real estate agents from each end of the spectrum. Significant negative movement, which will result in further unemployment.
Are the DPJ really thinking of the future of the Japanese economy? I would question any party that makes increasing "domestic demand" a priority, when the population of Japan, working population in Japan, birth rates, and the number of households (will decrease last) are all falling or will fall considerably in the near future. What possibility is there of raising "domestic demand" in Japan under these circumstances? Surely, Japan is better to look to the rest of the world, and how they can use their technology and R&D to meet demand in developing countries through exports and producing product in those countries. Sorry, but the DPJ is dreaming and Japan is in danger of further digging a hole for themselves by voting for this party. I just don't feel good about any of Japanese politics!
There is certainly a lot of talk about the General Elections going round. Who are you backing? The incumbent LDP with Asso (drop the "o" for effect) or the DPJ who are promising cash for everyone?
Well from a Real Estate perspective, there are alot of agents out there that going to be voting for Asso to get back in. Yes, anyone involved in buy and sell is probably sensible to vote LDP.
Why? Well, the good old DPJ, in an addendum to their "manifest", are claiming to "clean up" the real estate industry by making it illegal to take commissions from both the buyer and the seller in a real estate transaction. Under the current Japanese law, real estate agents in a buy/sell transaction are able to take 3% + 60,000 yen from each of the buyer and the seller in a transaction. The DPJ have probably read an article on how things are done in the US, and are claiming to put a stop to this, and only allowing a qualified real estate agent to work one side of the transaction.
This is wonderful news for agents involved in buy / sell transactions that make up about 90% of all transactions in Real Estate in Japan. Not only are agents struggling to get by in the current economy where currently there are very few transactions as banks are not willing to finance anyone, but now the DPJ is taking away potentially half of their revenue in a transaction......Even when the property market does begin to recover, what does this do for the Real Estate industry of Japan? Pretty much nothing....... It doesn't create any benefit to anyone, as the pie remains the same. It just increases the hands in the pie, which we all know creates nothing but inefficiency (and already there are enough hands in the pie in Japan!).
What will happen if such a new law is passed? Well every real estate company is going to run around and set up an additional dummy company to get around the law. More companies...... less profits in each, less tax collected from the Real Estate industry.....Does the end user or buyer win? No, they still pay the same fees. Does the seller win? No, they still pay the same fees..... Sounds like an incredibly good idea from the DPJ! Certainly not a win, win, win situation!
From what I understand from the information available, this law won't effect us in the rental sector. However, if the DPJ ideas extend to residential property and commercial office rental and Japanese Real Estate Law is policed more strictly so that payments can only be received on one side of the transaction, we are going to see significant movement and changes in the market for real estate agents from each end of the spectrum. Significant negative movement, which will result in further unemployment.
Are the DPJ really thinking of the future of the Japanese economy? I would question any party that makes increasing "domestic demand" a priority, when the population of Japan, working population in Japan, birth rates, and the number of households (will decrease last) are all falling or will fall considerably in the near future. What possibility is there of raising "domestic demand" in Japan under these circumstances? Surely, Japan is better to look to the rest of the world, and how they can use their technology and R&D to meet demand in developing countries through exports and producing product in those countries. Sorry, but the DPJ is dreaming and Japan is in danger of further digging a hole for themselves by voting for this party. I just don't feel good about any of Japanese politics!
Friday, August 7, 2009
My Favorite Camping Ground
This camping ground is one that our family use at least once a year.
It is called "Komagane Kogen Kazoku Ryoko Mura Arupusu no Oka", or more literally in English; Komagane Family Village on Top of the Alps.
http://www.chuo-alps.com/village_alpes/index.html (Japanese)
http://www.chuo-alps.com/en/index.html (English- about the area)
I am not sure of the on top of the Alps piece, although it certainly well up in a valley. You access the camping ground facility from "Komagane IC" on the Chuo Expressway. It is about 2.5 hours from Nagoya or 3- 3.5 hours from Tokyo (before the heavy traffic).
So, what is great about this camping ground;
- The facilities are new
- The camp sites are a good size and all have a picnic table included
- There is an Onsen (Hot Springs) within the facility
- There are many activities to enjoy; go-carting, mini golf, mallet golf and much more
- The facility is 5 mins drive from the Komagane IC
- It is beautifully green, full of nature, quiet and has great views of the valley below
What's more, the Komagane Village nearby has more Onsen, shops, a river (and nice park along the river), and you can also take a ropeway to the Komagatake Mountain.
Also, don't forget to take a look at the Kozenji Shrine that is a 15 min walk from the camp site too!
Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ and http://www.relojapan.com/. We want to help you in Japan!
It is called "Komagane Kogen Kazoku Ryoko Mura Arupusu no Oka", or more literally in English; Komagane Family Village on Top of the Alps.
http://www.chuo-alps.com/village_alpes/index.html (Japanese)
http://www.chuo-alps.com/en/index.html (English- about the area)
I am not sure of the on top of the Alps piece, although it certainly well up in a valley. You access the camping ground facility from "Komagane IC" on the Chuo Expressway. It is about 2.5 hours from Nagoya or 3- 3.5 hours from Tokyo (before the heavy traffic).
So, what is great about this camping ground;
- The facilities are new
- The camp sites are a good size and all have a picnic table included
- There is an Onsen (Hot Springs) within the facility
- There are many activities to enjoy; go-carting, mini golf, mallet golf and much more
- The facility is 5 mins drive from the Komagane IC
- It is beautifully green, full of nature, quiet and has great views of the valley below
What's more, the Komagane Village nearby has more Onsen, shops, a river (and nice park along the river), and you can also take a ropeway to the Komagatake Mountain.
Also, don't forget to take a look at the Kozenji Shrine that is a 15 min walk from the camp site too!
Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ and http://www.relojapan.com/. We want to help you in Japan!
Camping In Japan
Do you enjoy camping but don't have the gear to head out to the country side and spend a few days in nature? Now there is no need to sit around and only dream of adventure. LeaseJapan is now offering Camping Gear Packages for rent. For more information on available items and pricing, as well as some information on local camp grounds in the Chubu Area, head over to www.JapanInfoSwap.com and look for LeaseJapan's information in the blog. You'll be glad you did!
If you are interested for the Kanto Area, let us know, and we will look into camp sites in this area too!
For all your car and furniture needs, contact http://www.leasejapan.com/; car and furniture lease, car and furniture purchase, car registrations, car navigation systems (English and Japanese), ETC and ETC car rental..... Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and remotely to other areas. Contact us now; ContactUs@LeaseJapan.com
If you are interested for the Kanto Area, let us know, and we will look into camp sites in this area too!
For all your car and furniture needs, contact http://www.leasejapan.com/; car and furniture lease, car and furniture purchase, car registrations, car navigation systems (English and Japanese), ETC and ETC car rental..... Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and remotely to other areas. Contact us now; ContactUs@LeaseJapan.com
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Is Toyota Really in the Red?
Do any of you find it difficult to comprehend how Toyota is in the red? Just last year Toyota was bathing in billions of dollars of profit. How could things turn around so quickly, and is it true? Surely you can't go from earning billions to losing them?
Well the truth is you can, and it happened. Here are the main points; simplified.
Firstly, lets make Toyota's sales 100.
- In 2007, Toyota's cost of sales was 80. Take out overheads and R&D and its profits were 6.5 (ie. sales to profit ration of 6.5%)
- Where were the bulk of profits made? A: Mainly in the US, and definately not in Japan
- In 2008, Toyota's cost of sales rose to 89. Keep overheads and R&D constant, and what does that do to profits? A: 6.5- 9 = - 2.5
- What did Toyota report as its profit ration in 2008? A: - 2.2%; the difference between 2.5 and 2.2 being 0.3, which is the costs Toyota managed to cut in a frenzy towards the end of last year.
- So, why did cost of sales rise to be 9 more than in 2007? Well, bunch of reasons;
1. Rising cost of materials in 2008 (they did drop off later in the year)
2. Huge cost of making cars and holding stock in the US that couldn't be sold (and still isn't)
3. Huge drop in the exchange rate; Japanese yen strengthening against the dollar
4. Huge fixed cost of plants that couldn't be reduced, as sales in Japan, the US and the rest of world dropped dramastically
- In summary, Toyota was basically far too dependant on profits driven from their US businesses, and when the floor dropped out of the market in the US, out the window went all their profits.
So there you are, Toyota is now said to be operating at about 50% or less of its capacity. The share cost of holding onto that other 50% of capacity that isn't being used is HUGE, and is likely to drive Toyota into the red again this year.
There is talk about what Toyota will do with "NUMMI" the plant they shared with GM, now that GM have pulled out. Will they hold onto it? Well, I don't think they can; they have far too much capacity and fixed costs, so NUMMI is going to get the boot.
Finally, and something that dispells a bit of a myth; Toyota has a bunch of debt to finance. We all hear about Toyota and its rich cash reserves, but if you take a close look at their balance sheet, the car financing they do at Toyota Finance leaves them with a very large amount of debt on their books!
But, they are still a great company!!
Well the truth is you can, and it happened. Here are the main points; simplified.
Firstly, lets make Toyota's sales 100.
- In 2007, Toyota's cost of sales was 80. Take out overheads and R&D and its profits were 6.5 (ie. sales to profit ration of 6.5%)
- Where were the bulk of profits made? A: Mainly in the US, and definately not in Japan
- In 2008, Toyota's cost of sales rose to 89. Keep overheads and R&D constant, and what does that do to profits? A: 6.5- 9 = - 2.5
- What did Toyota report as its profit ration in 2008? A: - 2.2%; the difference between 2.5 and 2.2 being 0.3, which is the costs Toyota managed to cut in a frenzy towards the end of last year.
- So, why did cost of sales rise to be 9 more than in 2007? Well, bunch of reasons;
1. Rising cost of materials in 2008 (they did drop off later in the year)
2. Huge cost of making cars and holding stock in the US that couldn't be sold (and still isn't)
3. Huge drop in the exchange rate; Japanese yen strengthening against the dollar
4. Huge fixed cost of plants that couldn't be reduced, as sales in Japan, the US and the rest of world dropped dramastically
- In summary, Toyota was basically far too dependant on profits driven from their US businesses, and when the floor dropped out of the market in the US, out the window went all their profits.
So there you are, Toyota is now said to be operating at about 50% or less of its capacity. The share cost of holding onto that other 50% of capacity that isn't being used is HUGE, and is likely to drive Toyota into the red again this year.
There is talk about what Toyota will do with "NUMMI" the plant they shared with GM, now that GM have pulled out. Will they hold onto it? Well, I don't think they can; they have far too much capacity and fixed costs, so NUMMI is going to get the boot.
Finally, and something that dispells a bit of a myth; Toyota has a bunch of debt to finance. We all hear about Toyota and its rich cash reserves, but if you take a close look at their balance sheet, the car financing they do at Toyota Finance leaves them with a very large amount of debt on their books!
But, they are still a great company!!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Economy Predictions
Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ and http://www.relojapan.com/. We want to help you in Japan!
Jesper Koll came and spoke in Nagoya a week or so ago, and his basic account of things is that Japan will be fine into the future. Jesper points out the share amount of R&D that Japanese companies do, are doing and will continue to do compared to other countries of the world. Koll believes that this will hold Japan strong into the future. The general indication was that things will be tough for another 12 months, but that things would begin to fall into place again after this.
What was very evident from Kolls presentation, the same message that I have heard from other Japanese economists / university professors in the past week, is Japan's dependence on exports. Demand internally in Japan is simply something that, even with a good economy, does not paint a pretty picture; less population, smaller workforce, growing ratio of senior citizens etc. I would also point my finger at the Japanese education system; there are less kids in Japan now, but are they receiving the correct education for the future ahead?
All good companies in Japan are going to need to turn to the rest of the world to drive their profits and grow their market share into the future. Japan's self sufficiency rate is down in the 40 percentile. For foreigners in Japan, this is a hint of one place to look to in the future. Japanese companies have to continue to be global and to export and they are going to need help doing it.
In terms of a shorter term prediction for the future, I was talking with one of Japan's better known foreign entrpreneurs today, and he indicated that we are not out of the woods yet. Obviously, this only one person's prediction, but he can see the US dollar crashing again before the end of the year, which he mentioned would pull down the sharemarket with it. Obviously, in the short-term this would be very harmful to Japan's exports and therefore the economy we are trying to recover in! Look out for a temporary set back before the end of the year!
Jesper Koll came and spoke in Nagoya a week or so ago, and his basic account of things is that Japan will be fine into the future. Jesper points out the share amount of R&D that Japanese companies do, are doing and will continue to do compared to other countries of the world. Koll believes that this will hold Japan strong into the future. The general indication was that things will be tough for another 12 months, but that things would begin to fall into place again after this.
What was very evident from Kolls presentation, the same message that I have heard from other Japanese economists / university professors in the past week, is Japan's dependence on exports. Demand internally in Japan is simply something that, even with a good economy, does not paint a pretty picture; less population, smaller workforce, growing ratio of senior citizens etc. I would also point my finger at the Japanese education system; there are less kids in Japan now, but are they receiving the correct education for the future ahead?
All good companies in Japan are going to need to turn to the rest of the world to drive their profits and grow their market share into the future. Japan's self sufficiency rate is down in the 40 percentile. For foreigners in Japan, this is a hint of one place to look to in the future. Japanese companies have to continue to be global and to export and they are going to need help doing it.
In terms of a shorter term prediction for the future, I was talking with one of Japan's better known foreign entrpreneurs today, and he indicated that we are not out of the woods yet. Obviously, this only one person's prediction, but he can see the US dollar crashing again before the end of the year, which he mentioned would pull down the sharemarket with it. Obviously, in the short-term this would be very harmful to Japan's exports and therefore the economy we are trying to recover in! Look out for a temporary set back before the end of the year!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Where is the economy going?
Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ and http://www.relojapan.com/. We want to help you in Japan!
I am hearing two different voices out there with regard to Japan and the economy. It is going to be interesting tonight when Jesper Koll comes to Nagoya to share with us his thoughts.
Our clients and many of the people I speak to in the foreign community recently have indicated that things have definately picked up in Japan in the last 2 months. For our housing and relocation business this is also true. However, this is supposed to be our busy period of the year anyway, so I am a little skeptical to believe that we are out of the worst yet. But, things definately are better than they were.
Many are saying that after the Obon Holiday shut down, we are really going to see things start to take off again. I was talking to the head of a recruiting company a week ago, and he commented that while some companies have already begun to recruit again, he felt that many will start recruiting in earnest after getting Obon out of the way.
This all sounds great, but on the other hand we have economists pointing out that the rise in the Japanese stock market index is "artificial" or "inflated" and that the steady increase has no justified foundation or basis. I would point out that alot of it would seem to be more confidence that Japan is getting better, this factor alone being one of the big reasons why Japan's economy has shrunk so much in the last 6 months. Too much media gloom! So, maybe this is "artificial confidence" I am not sure, but when you do take a look around there are alot of things that are still not happening; banks are not lending, companies are still cutting expenses and people where they can, companies continue to go under at the highest rate in 6 years, etc. So I can certainly see why some economists would choose to say we are not out of things yet.
So, which is it? We are out of the worst and after Obon things will take off, or we are not out of the worst and after Obon there is going to be another downturn in the stock market..... Hopefully Jesper Koll will shed some light on things tonight, but I suppose only time will tell.
I am hearing two different voices out there with regard to Japan and the economy. It is going to be interesting tonight when Jesper Koll comes to Nagoya to share with us his thoughts.
Our clients and many of the people I speak to in the foreign community recently have indicated that things have definately picked up in Japan in the last 2 months. For our housing and relocation business this is also true. However, this is supposed to be our busy period of the year anyway, so I am a little skeptical to believe that we are out of the worst yet. But, things definately are better than they were.
Many are saying that after the Obon Holiday shut down, we are really going to see things start to take off again. I was talking to the head of a recruiting company a week ago, and he commented that while some companies have already begun to recruit again, he felt that many will start recruiting in earnest after getting Obon out of the way.
This all sounds great, but on the other hand we have economists pointing out that the rise in the Japanese stock market index is "artificial" or "inflated" and that the steady increase has no justified foundation or basis. I would point out that alot of it would seem to be more confidence that Japan is getting better, this factor alone being one of the big reasons why Japan's economy has shrunk so much in the last 6 months. Too much media gloom! So, maybe this is "artificial confidence" I am not sure, but when you do take a look around there are alot of things that are still not happening; banks are not lending, companies are still cutting expenses and people where they can, companies continue to go under at the highest rate in 6 years, etc. So I can certainly see why some economists would choose to say we are not out of things yet.
So, which is it? We are out of the worst and after Obon things will take off, or we are not out of the worst and after Obon there is going to be another downturn in the stock market..... Hopefully Jesper Koll will shed some light on things tonight, but I suppose only time will tell.
Free International Dialling!
I have just been introduced to a new phone service called "FLAT TALK". Yes, believe it or not, there is now a phone calling service that you can use to call internationally free. Yes, that is right FREE!
What is more, you require no registration, no up front fee, nothing. All you do have to do is dial a local number, for which you will bear the domestic phone calling charges for the length of the call, listen to a 15 second advertisement, and then your call is put through.
The countries are limited, but growing steadily; USA, China, Hong Kong, Canada, Singapore, UK, with the following countries to be added soon; Thailand, Germany, France, Denmark, Ireland, Australia (Sydney only at this stage) and Russia (Moscow only at this stage).
Some countries do restrict calling to landlines.
The dial in numbers are as follows;
Tokyo 03-4530-6868
Chiba 03-670-6868
Nagoya 052-456-6868
Osaka 06-4560-6868
You simply dial in, listen the 15 second advertisement, dial in the country code and number, and you are on a free call!
Websites and phone calling cards with the information are on their way and will be launched soon!
Try out "FLAT TALK" !!
Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ and http://www.relojapan.com/. We want to help you in Japan!
What is more, you require no registration, no up front fee, nothing. All you do have to do is dial a local number, for which you will bear the domestic phone calling charges for the length of the call, listen to a 15 second advertisement, and then your call is put through.
The countries are limited, but growing steadily; USA, China, Hong Kong, Canada, Singapore, UK, with the following countries to be added soon; Thailand, Germany, France, Denmark, Ireland, Australia (Sydney only at this stage) and Russia (Moscow only at this stage).
Some countries do restrict calling to landlines.
The dial in numbers are as follows;
Tokyo 03-4530-6868
Chiba 03-670-6868
Nagoya 052-456-6868
Osaka 06-4560-6868
You simply dial in, listen the 15 second advertisement, dial in the country code and number, and you are on a free call!
Websites and phone calling cards with the information are on their way and will be launched soon!
Try out "FLAT TALK" !!
Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ and http://www.relojapan.com/. We want to help you in Japan!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Housing Negotiations in Tokyo
When looking at a property, don't just ask about the rent! Ask about what type of contract the owner is offering!
Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ and http://www.relojapan.com/. We want to help you in Japan!
Over the past 6-months we have witnessed a large part of the Expat Community relocate back to their home lands and home offices. Our Tokyo Office has been flooded with assisting repatriations out of Japan, and we now have many owners in Tokyo begging for the opportunity to show their properties to potential tenants.
Naturally, the rental prices are falling quickly. On average I would say rental prices for properties over 700,000 yen per month have dropped by 20- 30% compared to when Lehman was still around. Yes, that means that there are savings to be found. At http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ we would be happy to assist you find a new house / apartment at a much discounted price per month. We have helped a number of people; rent of JPY 1,500,000 back to JPY 1,200,000 in a new property, rent of JPY 900,000 back to JPY 700,000 in a similar property, etc. There are moving costs and the costs of renovating the previous property and paying the up front fees for new properties. However, when you are saving 200,000, 300,000 or sometimes up to 500,000 yen per month on rent, the cost of moving into a new property is very quickly recovered. Food for thought!
ONE WARNING; There is something you need to be aware of in doing this!! Large savings can be found, but there is a trade off involved in many cases. There is a high potential that you will be asked to sign a fixed term contract.
In Japan residential rental properties are generally offered under one of two types of contract. One is a "Ordinary Contract" (普通契約）and the other is a "Fixed Contract" (定期借家契約）. Ordinary contracts are typically 2-years in length and often automatically renew, or sometimes you pay a 1-month renewal fee. Ordinary contracts very much protect the tenant under Japanese Real Estate Law and once a tenant is in the property, owners often have not even a leg to stand on. This is therefore the contract you want to be signing if you are a corporate company signing for your expat tenant in Japan.
The second kind of contract is the "Fixed Term" contract. This is virtually no different to the ordinary contract during the term of the contract, but the big difference is that once the term is up, the contract does not renew. A new contract needs to be signed. Effectively, this means that as the contract finishes, unless the owner wishes to sign a new contract, the tenant doesn't have a foot to stand on. If the owner says "no" to a new contract, they can demand you leave the property.
So, what are owners doing these days in Tokyo. Well, they are offering you 200,000- 500,000 yen off the monthly rent for a "fixed term". ie. they are asking you to sign "Fixed Term Contracts", which means when the 2 or 3 years is up, they can renegotiate with you on a new contract. The tenant is pretty well protected under real estate law for the ordinary contract, so it is difficult to do for this type of contract. However, fixed term contracts are just that. You need a new contract to continue living in the property, and owners have every right to negotiate with you when this happens. They also have every right to say no to a new contract if you don't agree to their terms. Yes, in 2 or 3 years time, they may come back and ask you to pay the extra 200,000- 500,000 yen or more! Just beware!
Owners mayn't be willing to discount rent so much if you are looking to sign an ordinary contract, so the moral of the story is;
When looking at a property, don't just ask about the rent! Ask about what type of contract the owner is offering!
Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ and http://www.relojapan.com/. We want to help you in Japan!
Over the past 6-months we have witnessed a large part of the Expat Community relocate back to their home lands and home offices. Our Tokyo Office has been flooded with assisting repatriations out of Japan, and we now have many owners in Tokyo begging for the opportunity to show their properties to potential tenants.
Naturally, the rental prices are falling quickly. On average I would say rental prices for properties over 700,000 yen per month have dropped by 20- 30% compared to when Lehman was still around. Yes, that means that there are savings to be found. At http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ we would be happy to assist you find a new house / apartment at a much discounted price per month. We have helped a number of people; rent of JPY 1,500,000 back to JPY 1,200,000 in a new property, rent of JPY 900,000 back to JPY 700,000 in a similar property, etc. There are moving costs and the costs of renovating the previous property and paying the up front fees for new properties. However, when you are saving 200,000, 300,000 or sometimes up to 500,000 yen per month on rent, the cost of moving into a new property is very quickly recovered. Food for thought!
ONE WARNING; There is something you need to be aware of in doing this!! Large savings can be found, but there is a trade off involved in many cases. There is a high potential that you will be asked to sign a fixed term contract.
In Japan residential rental properties are generally offered under one of two types of contract. One is a "Ordinary Contract" (普通契約）and the other is a "Fixed Contract" (定期借家契約）. Ordinary contracts are typically 2-years in length and often automatically renew, or sometimes you pay a 1-month renewal fee. Ordinary contracts very much protect the tenant under Japanese Real Estate Law and once a tenant is in the property, owners often have not even a leg to stand on. This is therefore the contract you want to be signing if you are a corporate company signing for your expat tenant in Japan.
The second kind of contract is the "Fixed Term" contract. This is virtually no different to the ordinary contract during the term of the contract, but the big difference is that once the term is up, the contract does not renew. A new contract needs to be signed. Effectively, this means that as the contract finishes, unless the owner wishes to sign a new contract, the tenant doesn't have a foot to stand on. If the owner says "no" to a new contract, they can demand you leave the property.
So, what are owners doing these days in Tokyo. Well, they are offering you 200,000- 500,000 yen off the monthly rent for a "fixed term". ie. they are asking you to sign "Fixed Term Contracts", which means when the 2 or 3 years is up, they can renegotiate with you on a new contract. The tenant is pretty well protected under real estate law for the ordinary contract, so it is difficult to do for this type of contract. However, fixed term contracts are just that. You need a new contract to continue living in the property, and owners have every right to negotiate with you when this happens. They also have every right to say no to a new contract if you don't agree to their terms. Yes, in 2 or 3 years time, they may come back and ask you to pay the extra 200,000- 500,000 yen or more! Just beware!
Owners mayn't be willing to discount rent so much if you are looking to sign an ordinary contract, so the moral of the story is;
When looking at a property, don't just ask about the rent! Ask about what type of contract the owner is offering!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
"Tokaname Yaki"- Cera Mall!
CERA MALL is a Tokoname Pottery Wholesale Industry Park. It is a comprehensive pottery-ceramics shopping zone, which is the largest in scale and variety on Chita Peninsula for ceramics. Within the premises are a few small cafes, a nice park for kids and lots of freee parking where people can leisurely shop in a cozy environment.
99 Kamisunahara, Kanayama-Aza
Tokoname City, Aichi
0569-43-7125
The ceramics on sale range from top-of-the-range handcrafted masterpieces, through to 3 for 100 yen type pricing for slightly defected or older items. The items available also range from cups, sauces and plates right through to umbrella stands, large pots for outside gardening and even decorations for Christmas and the New Year (obviously depending on the season).
I am not a great shopper at any time of the year, but this is one of the places I really enjoy wandering around. I especially enjoy the bargains available on alot of rice bowls, plates (small and large) and it is a common place to go to pick up an omiyage to take back to New Zealand for my family. I have also introduced newly wed couples to Cera Mall on many occasions, as it really is a great place to fit out your kitchen if you don't have one yet..... cheaply, but nicely!
If you have a little time on your hands, this is a perfect place to visit before or after the beach in Utsumi, or some of the fish markets in the south of Chita Peninsula.
If you are stuck for directions, please see the below!
This is a overall map showing the location on Chita Peninsula;
This is a more detailed map;
This is the google map;
Happy shopping!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Jesper Koll in Nagoya
It is not so often that you get to have dinner with one of Japan's leading economists. So, join us on July 16th to welcome Jesper Koll to Nagoya! Details below.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan Presents:
***********************************************************************
"Japan - from Kamikaze Capitalism to Smartpower Dynamism"
JESPER KOLL, PRESIDENT AND CEO, TANTALLON RESEARCH JAPAN
DATE: Thursday, July 16, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
VENUE: The Westin Nagoya 1F Chambord
COST: Members: 5,000 yen, guests: 6,000 yen
REGISTRATION AND CANCELLATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, July 14
HOST: Business Program Committee - Chubu
***********************************************************************
EVENT OVERVIEW:
Japan has what it takes to emerge a winner from the global crisis a
powerful technology base, low financial leverage, huge savings and a
diligent labor force that can easily compete with almost any global
competitor.
Against this, a massive fiscal deficit, very adverse demographics and
fragmented policy making threaten to ensnare Japan in domestic stagnation.
Which force will win? Where are the industries and companies that will take
the lead? What strategies will the new political leadership promote? Will
the Yen ever stop rising? How can your company benefit from the emerging
global economic order and Japan's force in it?
Over the past decade, Jesper Koll has been consistently ranked as one of the
top Japan strategists. He has written two books in Japanese, "Towards a New
Japanese Golden Age" and "The End of Heisei Deflation." He has been a member
of several government advisory panels, including the MoF council on global
capital flows and PM Koizumi's ad-hoc group of private sector experts.
<>
Jesper is the President and CEO of our new Tokyo office, Tantallon Research
Japan KK.
Jesper has been researching and investing in Japan since becoming a resident
in 1986. For the past eight years he was the Chief Economist of Merrill
Lynch Japan. Prior to that, he had worked for the Tiger Fund. He was also
the head of research for JP Morgan in Tokyo (1994-1998) and the chief
economist of SG Warburg (1989-1994). His analysis and insights have earned
him a spot on several Japanese government advisory committees. He is also
one of the few non-Japanese members of the Keizai Doyukai, the Japan
Association of Corporate Executives.
He has a masters degree from SAIS The Johns Hopkins University and was a
research fellow at both Tokyo University and Kyoto University. He is a
graduate of the Lester B.Pearsn College of the Pacific.
TO REGISTER:
Contact Noriko Kato
052-229-1525, or nkato@accj.or.jp
Or fax to: ACCJ Chubu Office: 0052-222-8272
"Japan - from Kamikaze Capitalism to Smartpower Dynamism" on July 16th.
See you there!
The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan Presents:
***********************************************************************
"Japan - from Kamikaze Capitalism to Smartpower Dynamism"
JESPER KOLL, PRESIDENT AND CEO, TANTALLON RESEARCH JAPAN
DATE: Thursday, July 16, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
VENUE: The Westin Nagoya 1F Chambord
COST: Members: 5,000 yen, guests: 6,000 yen
REGISTRATION AND CANCELLATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, July 14
HOST: Business Program Committee - Chubu
***********************************************************************
EVENT OVERVIEW:
Japan has what it takes to emerge a winner from the global crisis a
powerful technology base, low financial leverage, huge savings and a
diligent labor force that can easily compete with almost any global
competitor.
Against this, a massive fiscal deficit, very adverse demographics and
fragmented policy making threaten to ensnare Japan in domestic stagnation.
Which force will win? Where are the industries and companies that will take
the lead? What strategies will the new political leadership promote? Will
the Yen ever stop rising? How can your company benefit from the emerging
global economic order and Japan's force in it?
Over the past decade, Jesper Koll has been consistently ranked as one of the
top Japan strategists. He has written two books in Japanese, "Towards a New
Japanese Golden Age" and "The End of Heisei Deflation." He has been a member
of several government advisory panels, including the MoF council on global
capital flows and PM Koizumi's ad-hoc group of private sector experts.
<
Jesper is the President and CEO of our new Tokyo office, Tantallon Research
Japan KK.
Jesper has been researching and investing in Japan since becoming a resident
in 1986. For the past eight years he was the Chief Economist of Merrill
Lynch Japan. Prior to that, he had worked for the Tiger Fund. He was also
the head of research for JP Morgan in Tokyo (1994-1998) and the chief
economist of SG Warburg (1989-1994). His analysis and insights have earned
him a spot on several Japanese government advisory committees. He is also
one of the few non-Japanese members of the Keizai Doyukai, the Japan
Association of Corporate Executives.
He has a masters degree from SAIS The Johns Hopkins University and was a
research fellow at both Tokyo University and Kyoto University. He is a
graduate of the Lester B.Pearsn College of the Pacific.
TO REGISTER:
Contact Noriko Kato
052-229-1525, or nkato@accj.or.jp
Or fax to: ACCJ Chubu Office: 0052-222-8272
"Japan - from Kamikaze Capitalism to Smartpower Dynamism" on July 16th.
See you there!
Friday, June 26, 2009
"Habitat Japan"- Free Reading!!
There are plenty of books out their on where to go in Japan, what to do, how to eat and what to choose, how to get a traditional experience and how to get a hold of the Japanese language and culture. Go to Maruzen and there is a huge selection to choose from.
However, there are very few books that cover the mental aspects of preparing yourself for time in Japan, and getting the best out of your experience. We felt that something was missing in this context, and have spent 2 years putting together "Habitat Japan" to guide foreigners in Japan on how to have a great time here.
With each chapter written by a different Japan Guru, you get a fantastic insight into what experiences await you in Japan and how to deal with them best.
Download your free copy on http://www.japaninfoswap.com/
Things Are Picking Up in Japan
There is a definate surge in confidence in the Japanese economy, and word on the street tells us the worst is over.
At a chamber of commerce meeting earlier this week, members of the financial industry, small business owners, government representatives and even companies in the recruiting and HR services industry noticed a definate pick up in business during June. Hotels have also indicated better results in June, so it does really appear that demand is going to return for goods and services to a reasonable level of where things were before.
For us at H&R Group also, we have seen the return of inbound housing and relocation clients at a quite significant pitch in June. June has probably been the most positive month we have experienced since things hit the wall in October / November of last year.
There are a couple of areas of concern, for which only the future can tell;
- What is going to happen to globalization? Have companies reached their peak with globalization and are now going to back to a more locally driven model? ie. Are all managers going to be locally hired now, or will Expats continue to come to Japan?
- What is going to drive the relocation industry into the future? Price or quality of service? It definately looks like price has been the driver in a globalized economy and world, but it will be interesting where this takes us if local HR departments and offices begin to take more power back from the global model.
Have a nice weekend!
At a chamber of commerce meeting earlier this week, members of the financial industry, small business owners, government representatives and even companies in the recruiting and HR services industry noticed a definate pick up in business during June. Hotels have also indicated better results in June, so it does really appear that demand is going to return for goods and services to a reasonable level of where things were before.
For us at H&R Group also, we have seen the return of inbound housing and relocation clients at a quite significant pitch in June. June has probably been the most positive month we have experienced since things hit the wall in October / November of last year.
There are a couple of areas of concern, for which only the future can tell;
- What is going to happen to globalization? Have companies reached their peak with globalization and are now going to back to a more locally driven model? ie. Are all managers going to be locally hired now, or will Expats continue to come to Japan?
- What is going to drive the relocation industry into the future? Price or quality of service? It definately looks like price has been the driver in a globalized economy and world, but it will be interesting where this takes us if local HR departments and offices begin to take more power back from the global model.
Have a nice weekend!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Property vacancies in your area?
Take a look around you in whatever city you abode in? Do you notice any differences lately? Being in real estate for so long, I have this habit of looking at buildings all the time. Recently in both Tokyo and Nagoya, I am noticing lots of vacancies....... Lots of buildings with very few lights on.
Our company was talking with Leo Palace earlier this week. It would appear that there are some residential buildings around in Nagoya with occupancy at 0%........ Alot of these were buildings cancelled by the recruiting companies of Toyota and other manufacturers at the downturn of the economy. The recruiting companies would sub-lease whole buildings to house the people they were dispatching to the factories. Not a laughing matter for a number of owners these days, who are now eating up their reserves in order to meet loan payments.
Office rents are ready to come down significantly in Nagoya, with what would appear to be a ridiculously silly number of brand new high end offices popping up all over the inner city in recent months. Something has to give way!
Our company was talking with Leo Palace earlier this week. It would appear that there are some residential buildings around in Nagoya with occupancy at 0%........ Alot of these were buildings cancelled by the recruiting companies of Toyota and other manufacturers at the downturn of the economy. The recruiting companies would sub-lease whole buildings to house the people they were dispatching to the factories. Not a laughing matter for a number of owners these days, who are now eating up their reserves in order to meet loan payments.
Office rents are ready to come down significantly in Nagoya, with what would appear to be a ridiculously silly number of brand new high end offices popping up all over the inner city in recent months. Something has to give way!
Love Hotel Business!
If you have been in Japan long enough you will have often wondered about love hotels and the mystery that surrounds this hotel business. If you want to know the details, there is a great event coming up! See below for details!
The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan Presents:
***********************************************************************
LABOR OF LOVE: THE PLAN TO REVOLUTIONIZE AN OVERLOOKED JAPANESE INDUSTRY Stephen Mansfield, CEO, New Perspective (asset manager for Japan Leisure
Hotels)
DATE: Thursday, June 25, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
VENUE: Hilton Nagoya 4F Fuji
COST: Members: 3,500 yen, guests: 5,000 yen REGISTRATION AND CANCELLATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, June 23
HOST: Business Program Committee - Chubu
NOTE: This meeting is OFF THE RECORD
***********************************************************************
EVENT OVERVIEW:
There are approximately 25,000 love hotels in Japan, and with typically
25 rooms per hotel, the industry accounts for an estimated 0.75% of Japan's GDP or over $40 billion. Yet it remains a backwater: no single operator or owner controls more than 100 hotels, and in fact 90% of all owners have five or fewer properties. This means few, if any, operators have the size and financial resources to achieve the scale, transparency and accountability to develop a more mature business and realize the potential of the strong underlying fundamentals.
Japan Leisure Hotels, which listed on the AIM section of the London Stock Exchange in January 2008, plans to make its brand, Bonita Hotels, the first nationally-recognized name in short-stay accommodation and lead the impetus for consolidation in the industry. Just as investment by major developers in the 1980s and 1990s changed Las Vegas from a town of questionable repute into a mainstream holiday destination, Japan Leisure Hotels believe it can bring what is perceives to be a fringe business into the mainstream. Success would bring huge rewards, but it's a daunting challenge. Can Bonita Hotels revolutionize this overlooked Japanese industry? Decide for yourself at what promises to be a lively presentation and discussion.
Steve Brown and Mike Wright
Business Programs Committee - Chubu
TO REGISTER CONTACT:
Noriko Kato
Operations Manager - Chubu
The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) Tel: +81 52 229-1525
Fax: +81 52 222-8272
Email: nkato@accj.or.jp
*************************************************************
And remember! Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya?
See H&R Consultants or ReloJapan! We want to help you in Japan!
The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan Presents:
***********************************************************************
LABOR OF LOVE: THE PLAN TO REVOLUTIONIZE AN OVERLOOKED JAPANESE INDUSTRY Stephen Mansfield, CEO, New Perspective (asset manager for Japan Leisure
Hotels)
DATE: Thursday, June 25, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
VENUE: Hilton Nagoya 4F Fuji
COST: Members: 3,500 yen, guests: 5,000 yen REGISTRATION AND CANCELLATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, June 23
HOST: Business Program Committee - Chubu
NOTE: This meeting is OFF THE RECORD
***********************************************************************
EVENT OVERVIEW:
There are approximately 25,000 love hotels in Japan, and with typically
25 rooms per hotel, the industry accounts for an estimated 0.75% of Japan's GDP or over $40 billion. Yet it remains a backwater: no single operator or owner controls more than 100 hotels, and in fact 90% of all owners have five or fewer properties. This means few, if any, operators have the size and financial resources to achieve the scale, transparency and accountability to develop a more mature business and realize the potential of the strong underlying fundamentals.
Japan Leisure Hotels, which listed on the AIM section of the London Stock Exchange in January 2008, plans to make its brand, Bonita Hotels, the first nationally-recognized name in short-stay accommodation and lead the impetus for consolidation in the industry. Just as investment by major developers in the 1980s and 1990s changed Las Vegas from a town of questionable repute into a mainstream holiday destination, Japan Leisure Hotels believe it can bring what is perceives to be a fringe business into the mainstream. Success would bring huge rewards, but it's a daunting challenge. Can Bonita Hotels revolutionize this overlooked Japanese industry? Decide for yourself at what promises to be a lively presentation and discussion.
Steve Brown and Mike Wright
Business Programs Committee - Chubu
TO REGISTER CONTACT:
Noriko Kato
Operations Manager - Chubu
The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) Tel: +81 52 229-1525
Fax: +81 52 222-8272
Email: nkato@accj.or.jp
*************************************************************
And remember! Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya?
See H&R Consultants or ReloJapan! We want to help you in Japan!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Mt. Fuji Climb
If you are in Nagoya and are looking for a challenge this July, how about climbing Mt. Fuji.
H&R Consultants / ReloJapan are once again sponsoring Hope International's charity climb of Mt. Fuji, to be held on July 10th and 11th. We will pay for you to get up there, so that you can concentrate on challenging the mountain and raising some funds so that Hope Interternational can provide clean water to those in Laos, and also support refugees in Sri Lanka.
I was a climber last year. We had terrific weather, and I forgot my suncreen. I came down a very burnt man!! It was a really great, but trying experience. We left Hongo in Nagoya at 11:00pm, arrived at the base of Mt. Fuji at 3:00am, and started climbing at 3:30am. There was about 1-hour in the dark, but the rest was in the light. It took 6-hours for me to get up to the top, arriving at 9:30am. I spent 1-hour at the top resting, and then came down in about 3.5 hours. Your shoes are very important. I had shoes that were a little tight, and ended up losing both of the toenails on each big toe. Going up is tough and requires alot of energy. Coming down is however worse, as you are tired, and it puts alot of strain on your legs and indeed your feet and toes.
Anyway. We have 37 people booked to challenge so far. The bus takes 50 people, so there are just 13 spots left. Contact Hope International on challenge@hope.or.jp to reserve your spot!
Have a great week!
And remember! Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya?
See H&R Consultants or ReloJapan! We want to help you in Japan!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Well it is two years later, and I happy to announce the relaunch of Japan Info Swap, and interactive website for the foreign community. We have made some changes and will be incorporating our "Xpat Files" on this site for all to see. Our monthly newsletter that has been produced and edited by Sue Conolly will now be placed on Japan Info Swap in real time. We will then take the best of the entries on Japan Info Swap and will create the monthly newsletter from these.
Yes, Sue Conolly our old faithful is still going to be involved, and yes, the Xpat Files newsletter will continue. It is just going to be in a slightly different format.
I am also pleased to announce that "Habitat Japan", a book written for Expats in Japan in order to get their best out of their time in Japan is also available on www.JapanInfoSwap.com. Go get your copy!! Once again edited by Sue Conolly, and written by a number of experienced "Japaners", this really does give you a great insight in how to get the most out of your time here in Japan.
Good reading da yo!
Yes, Sue Conolly our old faithful is still going to be involved, and yes, the Xpat Files newsletter will continue. It is just going to be in a slightly different format.
I am also pleased to announce that "Habitat Japan", a book written for Expats in Japan in order to get their best out of their time in Japan is also available on www.JapanInfoSwap.com. Go get your copy!! Once again edited by Sue Conolly, and written by a number of experienced "Japaners", this really does give you a great insight in how to get the most out of your time here in Japan.
Good reading da yo!
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