The Journal The Authority on Global Business in Japan

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ACCJ in a New Chapter of US–Japan Relations

The fact that the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) has reached its highest number of members in Chamber history is a reflection of the positive climate for global business in Japan. It is thanks to the leaders in business and government...

Work Style Reform Is Good for Your Health

One important action a company can take to improve the health of its employees is to change its work-style culture. This is a complex endeavor—requiring cooperation and changes within management, staff, and even government policy—but it is...

US–Japan Economic Partnership

Although the administration of US President Donald Trump has only been in office for a matter of months, we have seen several encouraging developments from the standpoint of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ). The February meeting...

Tokyo 2020: A Metaphor for Change

It has been more than three years since Tokyo won the right to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and there are about three years left before that momentous event. Halfway through the preparations, now is a good time to take stock: What is...

The Road Ahead

I am honored to serve once again this year as President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ). Building on our major accomplishments of last year, I look forward to working with both new and incumbent members of the Board of Governors,...

Looking Back and Moving Ahead

In the January 2016 issue of The Journal, I shared my roadmap for strengthening the Chamber in regards to member service, advocacy, and networking opportunities. As we look back on the year, I’d like to take this opportunity to share the progress...

Perfect for Pittsburgh

We hope that when you read this, the Diet deliberations on Japan’s ratification of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement are well underway, with a clear path forward to passage. A few weeks ago, I visited my native Pittsburgh where I...

ACCJ Advocacy

Advocacy has always been one of the most critical functions of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ). In years past, when Japan’s markets were not as open, the ACCJ played a critical role in identifying barriers and advocating for their...

Advocacy for SMEs

The opportunity to advocate for solutions that foster a healthy business climate in Japan is one of the most important benefits of ACCJ membership. In recent years, ACCJ White Papers, Viewpoints, and Doorknocks have had a clear impact on regulation...

ACCJ DC Doorknock

At the end of April, the ACCJ carried out one of our key annual events: the DC Doorknock (DCDK). Always an important event for the ACCJ, the DCDK in previous years has focused largely on strengthening relationships with officials in the...

Vision for a 21st Century Global Financial System

It is an honor to again serve on the Board of Governors after time away. This year, ACCJ President Christopher LaFleur has asked me to chair the ...

Trade Warrior with a Big Heart

Long time American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) leader Ira Wolf recently passed away. Over the past four decades, Ira has played a central role in strengthening the economic relationship between the United...

Meet the New President

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Building on Success

I am deeply honored to have been elected president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) for 2016. I send my heartfelt congratulations to those who have been elected to serve with me next year, and look forward to working with them...

December is 2015 Diet Doorknock Month and Time to Say Thank You

The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) will hold its 20th Diet Doorknock (DDK) from December 8. For those of you unfamiliar with our DDK, it is an initiative organized by the Government Relations...

I Hope to See You in Kansai and Chubu this Month

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) Kansai Walk-A-Thon. Last year, 1,500 people participated. We hope even more will participate this year. Registration starts at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday,...

Make a Difference in Your Community

It has been an outstanding year for sponsorships and donations that impact the local communities in which we live and do business. The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) is deeply grateful to all of the sponsors who helped make the 2015...

Highlighting a New Task Force and Supporting the Broader Community

Among this year’s many American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) events and initiatives, I would like to highlight the recently established Japan Structural Reform Task Force (JSRTF), led by ACCJ Chairman Christopher LaFleur and ACCJ Governor...

Maintaining the Momentum

Congratulations to everyone who made the 2015 American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) Women in Business (WIB) Summit a resounding success with keynote speeches by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy, and Kathy...

Key Upcoming Events and an Important Safety Reminder

Continuing the momentum of this year’s ACCJ D.C. Doorknock, the Asia Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC) will hold its annual doorknock in Washington, D.C. from June 22 to June 25. I encourage you to attend this important...

Supporting the Greater Community

I hope to see many of you at the Annual Chubu Walkathon on Sunday, May 17, at the Aichi Expo Memorial (Moricoro) Park. The ACCJ Board of Governors will hold its May meeting in Nagoya on Saturday, May 16, so that many of your elected leaders can...

Celebrating New Beginnings

Please join me in celebrating the relaunch of The Journal. This is a key component of the ACCJ’s communications mission to lead the conversation on global business in Japan. It is deeply connected to our ongoing efforts to enhance...

PRESIDENT | IDEAS

MARCH 2015
The Importance of Sharing Success Stories

We were very fortunate to have Yoshiaki Fujimori, president and CEO of LIXIL Group Corporation, as a special guest...

PRESIDENT | OLD AND NEW

FEBRUARY 2015
Commitment to Connections

It was wonderful seeing so many of you at the Tokyo, Kansai and Chubu shinnenkais. As I mentioned in my remarks, two words come to mind as representing the two “Cs” in...

PRESIDENT | UPDATE

JANUARY 2015
Making a Difference
I hope you were able to enjoy the holidays and that you began 2015 filled with optimism. After hiking in Tasmania’s Walls of...

PRESIDENT | CSR

DECEMBER 2014
Celebrating Hard Work And Community Spirit

As many of you know, Sam Kidder is retiring at the end of this month. The Chamber has achieved a lot over the past eight-and-a-half years, including...

PRESIDENT | ANNUAL EVENTS

NOVEMBER 2014
Providing Greater Access and Highlighting Key Autumn Events

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PRESIDENT | UPCOMING EVENTS

OCTOBER 2014
New Ways to Share Information and October Events in Kansai and Chubu
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PRESIDENT | INCREASED PRESENCE

SEPTEMBER 2014
Welcoming New Members
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PRESIDENT | UPDATE

AUGUST 2014
Condolences, Opportunities and Appreciation
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PRESIDENT | INITIATIVE

JULY 2014
Listening to and Acting on Your Invaluable Feedback
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PRESIDENT | UPDATE

June 2014
Maintaining the Positive Momentum 
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PRESIDENT | UPDATE

May 2014
The ACCJ Is Thriving Thanks to You
It is outstanding what the Chamber is able to accomplish thanks to your unparalleled expertise, hard work, professionalism and shared belief in the importance of collaboration and...

PRESIDENT | UPDATE

April 2014
Celebrating Our Successes
The fifth round of the Internet Economy Dialog was held in Tokyo the second week of March. ACCJ leaders were the prime movers in initiating this dialog that includes government and...

PRESIDENT | UPDATE

March 2014
Positive Momentum Continues
In February, Sam Kidder, other ACCJ leaders and I met with Parliamentary Senior Vice-minister for Foreign Affairs Norio Mitsuya; Yasuchiya Hasegawa, chairman of the Keizai Doyukai...

PRESIDENT | UPDATE

February 2014
Collaboration and Cooperation
Shinnenkai, meetings, and Board of Governors planning session yield key actions Jay Ponazecki ...

PRESIDENT | FAREWELL

Larry Bates - ACCJ Journal

January 2014
ACCJ: Goodbye and Thanks
The best year of my professional life has come to an end
Larry Bates
lbates@accj.or.jp @ACCJPresident I am pleased—though...

PRESIDENT | ACCJ PROGRESS

Larry Bates - ACCJ Journal

December 2013
ACHIEVING GROWTH TOGETHER
The ACCJ has made great advances this year
Larry Bates
lbates@accj.or.jp @ACCJPresident
On Wednesday, October 30, I had the...

President | ACCJ Successes

Larry Bates - ACCJ Journal

November 2013
GETTING BETTER AND BETTER
The ACCJ brand is being held in increasingly high esteem
Larry Bates
lbates@accj.or.jp @ACCJPresident
I am very pleased to...

President | Olympics

Larry Bates - ACCJ Journal

October 2013
BID FOR GROWTH
Tokyo’s selection for the 2020 Olympics puts focus on nurturing future leaders, structural reforms Larry Bates ...

President | ACCJ Ahead

Larry Bates - ACCJ Journal

September 2013
FOCUSING ON THE FUTURE
The fall will be a critical time for us to make a difference ...