The beauty of CEO Insights is the ability to provide answers to issues and other challenges in business from other peers in non-competitive businesses. CI covers a different topic each month and sometimes has outside guest CEOs and other experts come in and speak. In July we will do things slightly differently.

In the July CI meeting, topics will cover a brief “sampler” of various issues. Planned topics are
-Halfway through- How Abenomics Affects My Business
-Positive Influences of the Olympics Thus Far On The Firm
-Japan’s Tourist Boom
-Changes In Tax Law

Looking forward to seeing you in July!

Date– Friday, 10 July 2015 1230PM-1400PM
Venue–
Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- La Cucina Restaurant (Italian)
51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower,
6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku,
Tokyo, 106-6151 Japan

Greetings! After a fantastic turn out at the Spring CEO Insights Forum in Midtown, with 44 company CEOs in June, we had many requests afterwards of people asking to have more of a chance to network and talk with each other. Thanks to CI members, we have that opportunity. Many have requested in the first 2 weeks of this month due to travel schedules in July/August. You’ve got it.

Brief Topic: Japanese Art in Western Homes

Tokutaro Yamaguchi of Kyoto’s renowned Shibunkaku Gallery will give a brief 15-minute presentation on placing Japanese Art pieces in Western homes and will provide tips on what to look for when buying art.

Yamaguchi-san has a Masters in East Asian Art from Sotheby’s Institute with a dissertation on “Celebration of eroticisim and imagination in the Floating World in Edo period Japan”, with a Bachelor’s from Central Saint Martins University of Arts London.

The Shibunkaku Group is an art and culture corporation that is dedicated to the promotion of high-quality Japanese art and culture to the international audience and clients.

If you’ve not heard about this yet, please let us know as we only have space for 30 CEOs (half full as of 6 July). The great food is provided by Pembroke Real Estate Japan. CI group only needs to cover our drinks.

When: Wednesday, July 15th 7pm – 9pm
Where: Azabu Gardens (Behind Roppongi Hills: http://www.azabugardens.com/contact/)
Cost: 3,500 yen / person
RSVP: Chie Waijo

To keep it simple we will just send a simple paper invoice for the event in advance. (Please include your exact company name/address.)

Catering by Elio’s
Food Menu: includes a wide range of appetizers, 2 different kind of pasta that the chef will cook on the spot – e.g. Ravioli- and 2 kinds of dessert
Drink Menu: A full drink course including Italian Sparkling wine “Prosecco”, Calabria IGT red and white wine “Villa Orsara”, Sicilian red orange juice, Oolong tea, Mineral water (both gas/no gas).

The Spring CEO Insights Forum held on 3 June was a huge success. Held at the Oakwood Premier property in Tokyo’s Midtown facility, Chief Executives from 44 companies attended. Most attending companies were familiar names in the marketplace, complimented by a small number of entrepreneurs. Feedback following the event gave the event high marks from the participants.

The CIF was opened by organizer Spencer Wolfe from AINEO, and emceed by Doug Hymas of Bank of New York Mellon.  The buffet dinner was kicked off from the beginning with free flowing drinks served throughout the evening.

The first speaker was Jay Nelson, a New York based writer and editor who promotes his subscription newletter named Japan Success Stories. His message of ‘there is still a lot of hope for Japan’ was well received. Times are changing, bringing in challenges by several CEOs who questioned whether or not Japan still had innovation power and a bright future as a producer.

Interactive questions and answers sessions make the CIF very worthwhile. Following the first talk and Q&A, Wolfgang Bierer came up to bat. Mr. Bierer spoke on the transition from print to digital and addressed what CEOs need to be thinking in response to the constantly changing marketplace. He gave great examples on the internet of things and received good reviews from attending CEOs.

Following the second presentation was Mr. Bierer of Endeavor SBC. Mr. Bierer also gave an interesting presentation with a lot of visual and market information.  He answered questions and challenged CEOs to not settle in with their current brand image, ways of communicating with their employees or clients, and to constantly be aware of market changes.

The Spring CEO was a great success and we thank the executives who attended. We look forward to another CEO Insights Forum in the Fall.

Depending on the business, most of the operational costs go to paying our people.  However, having a nice facility and location is also a huge plus for an enterprise.  Many times, these facilities have a considerable cost as well.

In the June CEO Insights, we are pleased to have our own member, Mr. Todd Olson, Managing Director of Cushman & Wakefield Japan sharing an overview of the leasing market and some insights regarding the Olympic development.  He may also bring along a special guest to share an overview of foreign funds and share some details as to what investors of foreign funds are looking for in Japan investment.

Join us for CEO Insights in June.

Date– Thursday, 11 June 2015 1230PM-1400PM
Venue–
Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- La Cucina Restaurant (Italian)
51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower,
6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku,
Tokyo, 106-6151 Japan

As we frequently hear in our CEO Insights meetings, our teams in the company are very important.  The team is working under the flags of our various firms.  That image of the firm or brand is very powerful either in positive or negative terms. How do people see your brand?  What image do you project?  The CEO Insights is very pleased to welcome international guest CEO and author Mr. David Brains.

David Brains is CEO of Edelman’s  APACMEA  ( Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa ) region, responsible for 24 offices in 15 markets and a staff of over 1,500.  Previously having worked at Visa International, Burson- Marsteller and Weber Shandwick he is a well-recognized authority on corporate branding and marketing communications. David has directed award-winning campaigns for Unilever, Heineken and Jim Beam. His book, “Crowd Surfing: Surviving and Thriving in the Age of Consumer Empowerment,” is published by Bloomsbury. David will be speaking on the latest trends that are influencing corporate reputation and marketing communications across Asia.  We hope this talk will leave you with some useful hints for talking with your HQ on what is happening in this ever changing landscape.

Date– Friday, 12 June 2015 1230PM-1400PM
Venue–
Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- La Cucina Restaurant (Italian)
51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower,
6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku,
Tokyo, 106-6151 Japan

Marketing and promotion is an important activity for any brand or company to succeed.