Reflection and Optimism
While challenges remain, the future of business in Japan looks bright
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After the challenges of the past two years, I was looking forward to using my column, in this first print issue of 2022, to highlight the incredible resilience shown by our members and the bright road, filled with potential, that lies ahead for the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) this year. That’s still what I’d like to share, but I would like first to acknowledge the events unfolding in Ukraine and the resulting humanitarian crisis. Our thoughts are with those in the region, including the people who some of our member companies have on the ground there. As the situation continues to evolve rapidly, we know that more uncertainty and many challenges may lie ahead for us all. The ACCJ will continue to do our utmost to support our members and member companies in all that they do.
Maintaining Momentum
It is with this in mind that I would like to pause and reflect on the journey we’ve been on and look ahead with positive energy.
Over the past several months, talking to leaders of companies large and small, I have found that they are fairly optmistic about the prospects for this year. They are hopeful about moving forward and getting on with business. Of course, there are challenges—supply chains, travel—but there is a feeling that these can be overcome as the ongoing pandemic evolves into a new normal.
Despite two years of frequent quasi and full states of emergency that have greatly disrupted business in Japan, the chamber and its committees have done a stellar job of maintaining momentum and activity. We owe all the committee leaders and members enormous gratitude for their tireless efforts to keep the ACCJ strong through these challenging times. In fact, we have even gained members during a period which could have caused companies to pull back from wider engagement as they looked inward for survival.
“Over the past several months, talking to leaders of companies large and small, I have found that they are fairly optimistic about the prospects for this year.”
Virtual events have not only been critical to this momentum but have also allowed us to strengthen our One ACCJ initiative, which aims to bring our three chapters—Chubu, Kansai, and Tokyo—together and extend opportunities to everyone across the regions. And that momentum goes beyond Japan, too, as our collaboration with the National Association of Japan–America Societies has received a boost.
But, as beneficial as these events have been, we are all itching to meet in person once again. Networking at live events is an important benefit of chamber membership, and one that President Om Prakash, the Board of Governors, and I are eager to bring back—bit by bit and in the safest way possible. We already have some large events lined up for the coming months, and you’ll notice that more and more hybrid events are appearing on the calendar.
Government Dialogue
We are also looking forward to greater engagement with the Japanese and US governments. Our advocacy efforts regarding travel and entry restrictions have been a top priority and have received great interest from and coverage in Japanese-language media. We are committed to continuing our efforts in this area to help our member companies.
The US Embassy Tokyo has been supportive in these efforts, and we are excited about the opportunity to work with Ambassador Rahm Emanuel in the months and years to come.
We also hope to return to Washington this year for a DC Doorknock and resume our previously annual visit to meet with members of Congress and the administration, as well as officials from various government agencies. Covid-19 curtailed this important activity for the past two years, but it is great to feel the momentum both here in Japan and in DC as our planning gets underway for the next one.
New Opportunities
The digitalization spurred by the pandemic has also brought new ways for us to communicate with and support members. Bringing The ACCJ Journal in-house has given us more opportunities for members to share and showcase their achievements, and for us to spotlight their expertise, through a refreshed approach to our digital and print content.
And through our broader communications efforts, we have also reached new demographics and drawn increased attention to our activities from those outside the chamber.
New initiatives such as member profiles in the digital Journal and the President’s Shout-out, in which Om highlights members, are examples of how digital is providing flexibility that allows us to better connect and accelerate our responsiveness.
To help member companies search for and recruit the best talent, we have launched the ACCJ Job Board. Now active on our website, this is a great place to look for your next role in Japan’s international business community and for companies to identify highly skilled talent to join their team. It’s easy and affordable to post openings and harness the power of the ACCJ network.
To Success
While the pandemic stretches on and geopolitical conflict presents added challenges around the world, I’m confident that the energy and agility that has allowed the chamber to thrive even during these difficult times will continue—and reach new levels—this year. We’re already off to a great start, and the enthusiasm of Om and the Board of Governors, as well as the leaders of our committees and member companies, makes me certain that we are turning the corner and easing into a prosperous new world.
Lastly, we very much want to have an increased dialogue with our members this year. I encourage you to contact me—as well as the ACCJ team—to share your ideas, tell us what you need, and let us know how we can help you grow your network and improve your business.
