CI Superbowl- The Ultimate Offsite
2023-02-13 07:30 - 22:30 (Asia/Tokyo) | Tokyo American Club, 2-1-2 Azabudai, Minato-ku Tokyo, Japan
Strap in for a Monday morning like no other at Tokyo’s biggest Super Bowl party!
Catch every touchdown and tackle of the NFL Game Pass-streamed game live from Glendale, Arizona—with English commentary and the famous Super Bowl halftime show and commercials—all while enjoying a morning of game-day classics, drinks and cool prizes.
This is a joint CI event within the Tokyo American Club’s annual Superbowl bash. It’s less about the game and more about catching up with your c-level peers and friends.

How To Turn YouTube and Social Media Into An Invaluable Marketing Tool
2023-02-14 12:30 - 14:00 | The Oak Door Steakhouse, 6th Floor Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo, 106-0032, Japan
As the smartphone has killed the digital camera, YouTube and other social media has likely taken it’s toll on broadcast television around the world. What exactly is the power behind online marketing? How can it make or break your business? Recently, when asked by where youth saw their future careers in Japan, one in three responded that they would like to become a famous YouTuber.
In the February CEO Insights, we will welcome someone who has done it. Norm Nakamura has been building new models for business. His YouTube channel is popular and boasts Just under 700,000 subscribers with content grabbing up to 13,000,000 views per post. Norm will be sharing how he went from salaryman to entrepreneur and has taken advantage of the paradigm shift to online. He did not stop at one business but is in the process of starting multiple others. In the lunch we will talk about
– Where does the money come from?
– The Real Game – Has VERY little to do with making videos
– What happens when youtube disappears?
We look forward to seeing you in the November lunch. In the meantime, check out “Tokyo Lens” if you’d like to get a head start on the event.

Business Growth Through Acquisition
2023-03-14 12:30 - 14:00 | The Oak Door Steakhouse, 6th Floor Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo, 106-0032, Japan
Every brand and business is keen for growth. That growth can be in product sales, subscribers, and various other measurements of customers’ interest through purchases. A common strategy for accelerating growth is through acquisition of competitors or other complimentary businesses. Large or small growth through acquisition is one way to bring growth to the balance sheets.

There is no magic formula to make acquisitions successful. Like any other business process, they are not inherently good or bad, just as marketing and R&D aren’t. Each deal must have its own strategic logic. In our experience, acquirers in the most successful deals have specific, well-articulated value creation ideas going in.

In the March CI executive lunch we will discuss the best practices and experience with acquisitions for growth, additional productions, and team growth. The discussion will flow on from there.

Join us for this fascinating lunch and gain some insights into how you can expand your business, brand, and positive influence in your marketplace.

The Japanese LVMH That Never Was
2023-04-04 12:30 - 14:00 | The Oak Door Steakhouse, 6th Floor Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo, 106-0032, Japan
Great brands. Stunning hotels. Fantastic restaurants. Amazing craftsmen. Original beverages. The refined clientele that can appreciate sophistication. And the best global image there is. When it comes to luxury, Japan has it all. A very original example of a country having both a global popular and sophisticate culture, it could have created champions of luxury the way France did with LVMH, Kering or Richemont. Shiseido cosmetics, Mikimoto pearls, a Gora Kadan ryokan, an Issei Miyake could have bonded together with enough firepower to be global titans.

Sadly, the Japanese luxury industry seems to be decaying under our very eyes, while LVMH has never had it better in Japan. Not only are foreigners capturing the natural audience of Japanese brands ; they now plan to beat them at their own products : Former LVMH people make sake, and Hyatt opens ryokans. What is missing in Japan to create the same wealth recipe?

What makes LVMH both a stunning success in Japan and a mirror of Japan’s fallacies? Why has there never been a Japanese LVMH?

Our Guest Speaker-
Regis Arnaud has lived and worked in Japan for 27 years. He is the correspondent in Japan for French newspaper Le Figaro, Challenges, and editor of the Japanese-French magazine France Japon Eco. He also write regularly for Toyo Keizai, He is the co-author of Carlos Ghosn, The Fugitive (Toyo Keizai edition).

Cultivating a Culture of Well-Being: Insights for CEOs in Japan
2023-05-09 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club – Restaurants, 51F Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151, Japan
The May CEO Insights event will be focused on creating a happy and healthy work environment for teams, especially in light of Japan’s high suicide rate, often linked to stressful working conditions. With the added challenges of the ongoing pandemic, including remote work and social isolation, it’s more important than ever to prioritize mental health and well-being in the workplace.
We are excited to feature two excellent guest speakers who will share their insights and expertise. Maria Shimamura, a TED speaker, will discuss the cultural differences in physical touch and how it affects happiness in Japan. Vickie Skorji, the Director of TELL (Tokyo English Life Line), will talk about building confidence and improving mental health among Japan’s residents.
The event promises to equip attendees with practical strategies to create a positive and productive work environment that promotes well-being and team building. By leveraging the knowledge and expertise of our guest speakers, we hope to inspire business leaders to create “the happiest company on earth.”

Spring Reception- Evening On The Terrace
2023-05-18 18:30 - 20:30 | The French Kitchen- Grand Hyatt, 6-10-3 Roppongi, 2nd Floor Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-0032
Business is booming, Spring is here, and the floodgates are open! It’s time to get out of that silo and to rub elbows with Tokyo’s leading c-levels. If you’re running a business then you need connections with other CEOs for invaluable insights and inspiration. Don’t miss this chance to catch up with some business leaders you may know, and likely meet at lot of bosses that you don’t know in this rooftop spring reception.
On Thursday, 18 May from 630PM we’ll be gathering for great food, drinks, and networking at Grand Hyatt’s French Kitchen restaurant. We’ll be enjoying fresh air and the beautiful Spring sky on their Terrace. Please confirm your attendance below.

Inflation, Interest Rates, and The Future Of The Japan Magic Money Tree
2023-06-06 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club – Restaurants, 51F Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151, Japan
The world is in constant flux and does not seem to be limited to one particular region or nation. In the global arena, actions that affect one nation can – and often – have major impacts on others. With a three-decade high inflation and a seemingly unyielding grip on its monetary policy, what changes or developments can be expected in Japan? Furthermore, how is the BoJ’s control of interest rates affecting the future of business, labour, and inflation?
In June, we will welcome Dr. Rodrigo González, Tokyo Director of The Economist newspaper’s EICN division in Japan. Mr. González, who holds a Ph.D. in economics from Keio University, has closely studied the evolution of Japan’s economic landscape and regularly moderates plenary events for executive members in EICN’s corporate network. Rodrigo will lead us in a discussion about:

– Japan’s current economic directions and trajectory
– How interest rates may affect business expansion and investment

– How companies and consumers are dealing with high inflation
Join us for this great interaction on the economy where you will certainly leave with insights from other business leaders, as well as our guest speaker.
More on Rodrigo González
Dr. González works closely with regional business leaders to assist them in organisational and technological adaptability to foster business competitiveness, to quickly identify opportunities and risks from changes in market trends or public policy, and to broaden their business network and enhance their connections to their c-suite peers.
He has vast experience in statistical analysis, strategy consulting and market research in many different industries inside and outside Japan. He is a published author in academic journals and has presented his work at numerous conferences on economics and public policy throughout the world.

Lunch With LDP Diet Member - Lifting Japan's Productivity
2023-07-11 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
Following World War 2, the post-war generation of locals in Japan worked very hard to take the country from the pit to the pinnacle. Japan went from a land devastated by the war machine and industrial production wiped out, to the second largest economy in the world by GDP. There is no doubt that the people worked hard to attain economic success and prosperity for their children.
However, since the bubble burst, Japan has been experiencing little growth for more than three decades. Wage growth has stalled during that time. The third arrow of Abenomics was focused on growth strategies but didn’t really ripe fruit. Implementing a true growth strategy and improving productivity has always been a challenge for top politicians.
In July, we have the opportunity to meet with a Diet member in the controlling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Mr. Keiichiro Asao has been a Diet member for more than 20 years and is currently the Deputy Head of International Affairs within the LDP (国際局長代理). In the past, he was the Head of the House of Councilors Committee on Finance and Monetary Policy (参議院財政金融委員長) and headed the Your Party (みんなの党). Mr. Asao will be discussing how to improve Japan’s productivity as he thinks that improving productivity is the best solution for many of Japan’s problems. Deriving from this main theme, he can also discuss the following:

how to alleviate labor shortage issues by enhancing usage and promotion of foreign and female workers;
how to bring in more foreign investments into Japan;
how to promote Japan’s (particularly Tokyo’s) position as an international finance center; and
how to realize digital transformation

Apart from the main theme, he can also talk about the geopolitical situation surrounding Japan and defense-related issues, as well as many other political issues. This is the second time for Mr. Asao to speak at our lunch meeting. We are thankful that he is making the time to visit business leaders such as CEO Insights. We hope to gain insights from him and to suggest ideas that may help him make a positive influence on Japan, and our professional and personal futures.

Investor's Lunch Discussion- Japan's Hottest Investment Areas
2023-08-08 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club – Restaurants, 51F Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151, Japan
Many companies spend money on development, training, production facilities and various other areas of their businesses to bring growth. As a c-level, many of us see investment from the corporate perspective. Investing is corporate, but it can also be personal. In the August CEO Insights meeting we will have an interactive lunch discussing investment successes and failures both in business and personally. This meeting will be an invaluable opportunity to talk about real estate, precious metals, the financial markets, acquistion, and many other areas of investments. We will be joined by C. James Lee, Managing Partner of GI Capital Management who is looking forward to hearing your experiences and sharing some of his own.
More about Jim Lee-
Prior to establishing GI Capital in 2010, Jim was co-heading the Equities Division for Deutsche Bank Japan as a Managing Director. Before joining Deutsche Bank Japan, Jim spent four years at UBS Japan managing the Japanese equities sales business as a Managing Director. He also worked for Goldman Sachs for 13 years, both in Japan and in the U.S., managing the Japanese cash equity business as a Managing Director. Jim also spent two years working for the Bank of Tokyo Ltd. in New York. Jim received a BA degree in International Relations from Tufts University in 1984, and an MBA degree from Columbia Business School in 1988.

Unlock the Power of ABM: B2B Marketing's Game Changer
2023-09-14 12:30 - 14:00 | The Oak Door Steakhouse, 6th Floor Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo, 106-0032, Japan
Ever wondered how to elevate your B2B marketing strategy and truly connect with high-value accounts? Dive into the world of Account-Based Marketing (ABM), the transformative approach that’s reshaping B2B success!
ABM is a strategic approach to business marketing that targets high-value accounts rather than individual leads. It’s gaining traction in the B2B landscape due to its capability to identify and precisely target high-value customers with better results aided by rapid development in technology.
Robert Heldt, CEO and co-founder of Custom Media an award-winning B2B Marketing agency, will demystify the essence of ABM. At this luncheon you will discover:

The stark contrasts between ABM and traditional lead-generation tactics.
ABM’s powerful three-tiered strategy that’s a game-changer for businesses.
The undeniable benefits that translate to stronger relationships and amplified ROI.

This is your chance to get insights on how to transform your business and better service your clients

**Space LIMITED to 12 CEO Insights members

Fall Reception- Evening On The Terrace
2023-09-28 18:30 - 20:30 | The French Kitchen- Grand Hyatt, 6-10-3 Roppongi, 2nd Floor Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-0032
Business is booming, FALL is here, and it’s been a great year! It’s time to get out of that silo and to rub elbows with Tokyo’s leading c-levels. If you’re running a business then you need connections with other CEOs for invaluable insights and inspiration. Don’t miss this chance to catch up with some business leaders you may know, and likely meet at lot of bosses that you don’t know in this rooftop spring reception.
On Thursday, 28 Sept from 630PM we’ll be gathering for great food, drinks, and networking at Grand Hyatt’s French Kitchen restaurant. We’ll be enjoying fresh air and the beautiful Spring sky on their Terrace. Please confirm your attendance below.

Heeding The Call For Corporate Governance
2023-10-17 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club – Restaurants, 51F Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151, Japan
Masako Egawa
For more than 20 years, there have been calls for improved corporate governance, but for many companies it has been little more than an effort goal, and for the most part the debate has been about the pros and cons of shareholder focus. However, with the successive revisions of the Companies Act, the enactment of the Corporate Governance Code, the introduction of the Integrated Reporting System, and the pressure from international investors, Japanese companies have been forced to face up to this issue and create a system to deal with it. The increase in the number of outside directors is also a manifestation of this trend. Corporate governance has gone from being merely a special field of business administration to being considered essential knowledge for many businesspeople.
The topic of corporate governance was brought up a few times at CEO Insights. The high level of interest and response of our network members was overwhelming. Business is not just about sales, people, and production. CEOs must also understand the business environment within the nations where they operate. In this CI luncheon, you will get to meet an accomplished businessperson, writer, and educator. Dr. Masako Egawa (PhD), our speaker, will talk about corporate governance in Japan. She will

provide an overview on corporate governance in Japan;
will explain how management and governance are intertwined; and
will explain how companies should be governed to maximize their business.

Participants will gain insight on corporate management, either as managers or investors, and on outside directors. Don’t miss this great opportunity to make sure you have the right line of thinking in this important area of our businesses.

More on Dr. Masako Egawa-
Dr. Egawa is Chancellor of Seikei Gakuen, a private school for primary, secondary and higher education with approximately 10,000 students in Kichijoji. She teaches corporate governance at the University of Tokyo, where she also served as the first female Executive Vice President from 2009 to 2015. She also taught at Hitotsubashi University and Keio University. She founded the Japan Research Center of the Harvard Business School in 2001 and served as its Executive Director until 2009. Prior to this, Dr. Egawa worked in the investment banking industry for 15 years in New York and Tokyo. She is an independent director of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, and has served numerous councils including the Tax Council (advisory body for the Prime Minister) and the Financial System Council. This is a link to her website.
Masako Egawa’s Profile | Masako Egawa Official Website

Join Fellow CEO Insights Bosses At The British Business Awards
2023-11-02 18:00 - 21:00 | Hilton Tokyo Shinjuku, 6 Chome-6-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
CEO Insights members have an exclusive table at the British Business Awards this year. We’re excited to celebrate business and our executive group at this special event in Tokyo. Enjoy time together with other CEOs to take in the great food, special music performances, and awards ceremonies for the 2023 British Business Awards. We currently only have 10 seats total so space is extremely limited.
The British Business Awards 2023 – this year’s largest celebration of UK-Japan culture and commerce – to be held on the evening of Thursday, November 2 (1800-2200JST), at Hilton Tokyo.
The British Business Awards (BBA) gala was launched in 2008 with the goal of celebrating excellence whilst showcasing success and innovation across all industries. The Awards also highlight the important social contributions made by British and Japanese organisations and individuals through their commitment to sustainability, community and ethics.

*¥29,000/seat. No refunds are available after 6PM 13 Oct 2023. Cancellation waived if replacement CEOs is found by cancelling party.

Year End Wrap Up- Better Boss, Better Business
2023-12-08 12:30 - 13:00 | The Oak Door Steakhouse, 6th Floor Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo, 106-0032, Japan
As yet another year closes, many executive offices are reviewing what worked and what didn’t, what sold and what didn’t, what blew up and what overflowed. In addition to national responsibility, many of our member CEOs have other countries in Asia as well as Australia/New Zealand reporting to them. Growth is about reflecting on management mistakes as well as building management successes. We are taking our businesses and our leadership to the next Level
The December CEO Insights meeting is one of the most popular and well attended meetings as executives get ready for the Christmas holidays and year’s end. This will be likely be your last chance to rub elbows with Asia’s top Tokyo-based CEOs and leadership.

Experience Your Future Success NOW With One Of The World's Leading Executive Coaches
2024-01-18 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- PROTEUS Room, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151, Japan
Every leader should have a vision or work to be more of a visionary in their organization. Building and selling a product or service is important in business, but you also have to know where you will stay for the long run. The most successful companies are those who build something and have a clear vision for the future of that product. You can see that with Apple, Cocacola, Godiva, Oracle, Lego, and many other brands. Other companies are more like a one-hit-wonder musician of the past. In the kick-off of 2024, we will help you experience your future by planning for the year now.
We are thrilled to welcome back Mr. Philippe Grall for our January luncheon. A renowned executive coach and leadership trainer, Mr. Grall has played an essential role in transforming businesses in Japan and globally. He will lead an interactive session focused on the power of vision development for CEOs, incorporating a unique goal-setting process and a special vision guidance experience. Philippe got great reviews after his last visit to CI, and we look forward to seeing him again!

More About Mr. Grall-Mr. Grall, the founder of Equilibre k.k. since 2006, is a renowned executive coach for top-tier brands across Japan, Asia, Europe, and the USA. His client portfolio spans various industries: luxury, fashion, food, retail, and pharmaceutical. A Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches member since 2017, Philippe received the award for Leading Global Coach in 2019. He contributed to the book “Coach Me! Your Personal Board of Directors”, a compilation of insights from 50 world coaches offering their wisdom and practical leadership advice.*Lunch payment directly at venue.

Health, Longevity, and Body Composition — A Framework for Finding Your Bottlenecks and Fixing Them
2024-02-08 12:30 - 14:00 | The Oak Door Steakhouse, 6th Floor Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo, 106-0032, Japan
CEO Insights in invaluable as a resource for executives on hiring, firing, motivating, warehousing, AI, cyber security and nearly anything else the CEO, country manager, or c-suite boss needs to be on top of to be successful. One area that we have not covered is something that keeps you in your job and on this earth. It’s your health and many times the last thing we think about. In the Feb CI meeting we will have a guest entrepreneur who has built his life and business around the health and fitness of the executive in Japan and around the world, Mr. Andy Morgan. There are four pillars of health:
Sleep, Stress management, Exercise, Nutrition
How well we control each of these dramatically impacts our health, physical capabilities, and longevity. But it’s hard to know what to focus on when the fitness industry profits from complicating things and the internet is swimming with misinformation. To live long and healthy CEOs need a framework for prioritizing things. And you need to know what to measure to tell when something needs to be changed.Otherwise, it’s impossible to stay motivated, and you’ll continue to feel this “cloud of overwhelm,” knowing that you need to do something but not knowing what.
This lunch meeting aims to help you come away with 1–3 action items in each area that will truly move the needle for you on your health, longevity, and body composition, no matter your starting point. Join us for this special meeting with a great area expert.
More on Andy Morgan
Andy is a bestselling author and online body transformation coach. His mission is to change the fitness industry for the better. In the past 12 years, Andy and his coaches have helped over 2,000 entrepreneurs and executives transform their bodies in ways they didn’t think possible. For the majority of his 20s, Andy fell for the scams of the fitness industry. He started blogging in English and Japanese to help people avoid the same path of frustration.
His English site, RippedBody.com, has 50,000 monthly readers. He’s written four books; two are international bestsellers, popular among coaches and serious gym goers. His Japanese site, AthleteBody.jp, is widely considered Japan’s most trusted fitness resource. They translated Starting Strength and translated and published The Muscle and Strength Pyramid Nutrition and Training books, which all became #1 bestsellers.

Riedel Wine Glass Experience (Food and Drink)
2024-02-15 18:00 - 20:00 | RIEDEL JAPAN Co., Ltd., Aoyama Twin Tower (East) 1-1-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-0062, Japan
At 6PM on Thursday, 15 Feb we will have the chance to participate in an unforgettable wine tasting experience hosted by Riedel Japan’s CEO.
We will discover the secrets of wine appreciation in a whole new way.We will be tasting the same wine in different glasses, and discover how the aroma and taste of the wine can change depending on the shape of the glass. This is a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of wine tasting and take your senses on a journey through various flavor nuances.
We will also get a chance to connect with CI members (as well as some guest CEOs), you will also enjoy some excellent food and drink at Riedel’s Aoyama showroom and new in-store bar.
Space is limited so sign up immediately if you plan to attend. Priority to CI members.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Date: Thursday,15 Feb 2024
Time: 18:00 to 20:00PM
Cost: ¥10,000 Payment At Showroom
Cancellation: After 5PM,9 Feb will be charged

Developing A High Performance Team In A Challenging Market
2024-03-14 12:30 - 14:30 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
As a CEO, your ongoing challenge is not just managing resources but maximizing human potential. How do we cultivate high-performance teams, engage effectively, ensure collaborative success across all business units, and reward their achievements? These are questions that every leader faces, especially in today‘s demanding market.
Join us this March at “CEO Insights” for an interactive session aimed at fostering a culture of performance within your company. We’re excited to welcome Ken Cogger of Nikko Asset Management and Raul Gumagay of HSBC, who will unveil strategies for leveraging HR challenges into strategic opportunities for your business. Learn what your HR should be doing to directly enhance team performance and ensure your company’s success.

More About- Mr. Gumagay

Mr. Gumagay is a strategic Human Resources professional with broad experience in the design, review, development, implementation, governance and management of the firm’s people and organization strategy and objective in alignment with the business strategies. Has held both local and regional HR management and leadership responsibility including staff recruitment, performance management, reward, HR systems, HR service delivery, learning, and talent development.
More About Mr. Cogger

Head of HR, International at Nikko Asset Management, boasts over 25 years in HR, has senior HR experience across Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. At Nikko AM, Ken has driven performance management and talent development, significantly enhancing engagement and performance. He’s been pivotal in the firm’s global transformation, contributing to its evolution from a domestic focus to an international presence with a diverse client base. A certified executive coach fluent in four languages, including Japanese, Ken also chairs the HR committee at the Tokyo American Club.

Sustaining Corporate Triumph Through Effective Communication Strategies
2024-04-11 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
In any organization communication breakdowns can silently undermine the powerful enterprises. In this engaging session we navigate the pivotal role of communication in establishing strong foundations for lasting prosperity.

Our focus will be on reinforcing communication within the organization across three layers;
1) Bridging the gap between top management and staff members,
2) Cultivating seamless and open communication across different departments; and
3) Optimizing communication flows between managers and their team members.

By examining real world examples, we will gain insight into how enhancing communication can help companies avoid pitfalls like Groupthink, Team Errors and Process Errors that can impede effectiveness. By participating in this session, you’ll be introduced proven techniques of Organizational Psychology to address these challenges effectively while reinforcing healthy and effective decision making throughout the hierarchy.

This session will involve an open, dynamic exchange of thoughts and ideas among participants, about tailoring communication strategies to your business structures and goals.

Join our collaborative learning journey to discover how robust internal communication lies at the core of any resilient, successful company!

Dr. Makiko Kuramoto, founder and Managing Director of FUMI Consulting, is an expert in Organizational, Cultural, and Developmental psychology. Recognized for her extensive publications, she integrates insights from these fields, along with her professional experience, to develop tailored solutions that empower individuals and organizations to thrive. FUMI Consulting stands out through its glowing client testimonials, enriching learning experiences, and customized solutions meticulously aligned with each client’s unique needs and goals. Dr. Kuramoto also serves as a lecturer at Keio University and Aoyama Gakuin University.

Tee Up for Our April 2024 Charity Golf Extravaganz
2024-04-19 08:30 | Tsutsujigaoka County Club, 1570 Itakurachō, Ashikaga, Tochigi 326-0102, Japan, Tsutsujigaoka County Club, 1570 Itakurachō, Ashikaga, Tochigi 326-0102, Japan, Japan
Time & Location

19 Apr 2024, 8:30 am GMT+9
Tsutsujigaoka County Club, 1570 Itakurachō, Ashikaga, Tochigi 326-0102, Japan

About the event

The Carbine Club of Tokyo is delighted to announce that it is holding its second Charity Golf Day on Friday, 19 April, 2024. Like the successful inaugural event, it will be at the prestigious Tsutsujigaoka Country Club in Tochigi Prefecture. This time, we are doubling the number of players to 88 (in 22 teams).

This fund raiser will again be for Unleash Potential, a nonprofit organization that supports thousands of disabled children around Japan.

A special game format means players of all skill levels can get involved*. You can form a four-player team or sign up solo.
* The Texas Scrambleformat is for teams of four players. In each team, all members all hit off. The team plays from the best shot to finish the hole. Each member has to contribute at least four tee shots. Also, a player can’t take more than two shots in a row, so experienced and novice golfers alike get a fair go.
A number of great prizes will be up for grabs from our sponsors. They include tickets to Okinawa with Jetstar, hotel stays, restaurant dinners, and premium wines. There will also be some great locker gifts.
The price is 25,000 yen per person for green fees, beverages, and food (including a post-game BBQ). Add another 6,000 yen (for 31,000 yen all up for the day) if you want to take one of the 2 buses. One from Shibuya and back the other from TAC/Hobgoblin and back.
We will send regular updates on the event to registered players.
See you at the course!
Click here and book your ticket

Spring Reception at Oris Watches Ginza
2024-04-25 18:30 - 20:30 | オリス銀座ブティック Oris Boutique Ginza, Tokyo, 4-3-14 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0061, Japan
Oris Big Crown Pro Pilot
Spring has sprung! It’s time to get out and enjoy Tokyo and others in the c-suite. In April, we’ll be celebrating Spring in central Tokyo at the showroom of Oris Watches in Tokyo’s Ginza shopping district. Oris is an independent watchmaker from Holstein Switzerland established in 1904. Oris has kindly offered to sponsor the food and drink for this event. You can see all their time pieces on the 1st floor, and enjoy networking with other business professionals on the 2rd floor reception area. The reception will begin at 630pm.
This event is limited to members of the CEO Insights Network, and Watchmen Investors Group.
We look forward to seeing you there!
*There is no charge for this event. However, you must be registered to attend.
**Special thanks to ORIS for sponsoring this event!

Prosperity By Design- Your Team Environment
2024-05-09 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
Office Work Area

The last few years, business models have been thrown on their heads. Post-Covid, the percentage of people‘working from home’ or remotely doubled and tripled overnight. Today, while some companies are rethinking how to return to the previous normal, many have adopted this and now are reworking their business models and culture in ways that insure this will be part of how we work, moving into the future. That brings things back to the office. Aside from management and specific roles, how we work together in an office environment inclusive of those joining in remotely, has significance on business results. Join us to discuss how the design of your office and its environment is one of the leading factors in determining engagement, job satisfaction and other factors that directly contribute to your bottom line. The design of your office can have a major impact on individual, team and over all company performance.
In the May CEO Insights meeting we will welcome seasoned architect Mr. Rick Skorick. Mr Skorick is not only designing offices for his client but has also done studies on how to build environments that make a team more productive. In the meeting we will talk about How your facilities affect productivity, engagement and the bottom line.

What motivates a team to be successful
What can you do given the dynamics of the market: one size definitely does not fit all.

Come join us for this interactive event that endeavors to leverage design of the workplace for the benefit of a company’s performance and ultimately their bottom line.
More On Mr. Skorick
Rick (Richard) Skorick is a licensed American architect located in Tokyo, and a member of the American Institute of Architects. From 1994 to 2011, he split his time between his private design studio called Studio Form, and a construction services provider. During that time, the focus on was the design and build of custom houses under that brand of Form+U. From 2011 to present, he has devoted his full time to Studio Form works, of which the majority are mostly commercial projects.

China, How The Politics May Affect Your Business
2024-06-13 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
The Future Of Asia
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been busy claiming land by making artificial islands on any rocks that are jutting above the ocean’s surface. This has created friction with Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and nearly anyone who shares a border with the China mainland. Businesses have been producing their goods in China for decades, sending billions of USD into the economy. With the Wuhan virus (COVID-10), avian flu, and Hong Kong political turmoil, we have seen the global supply line disrupted several times revealing the dependence of many nations on Communist China as a supplier to the world. How does that affect bosses in Asia Pacific running businesses? Will there be more disruptions? Is the West doing anything? Will the CCP attack Taiwan? Will we see another crisis like Wuhan that affects the world?

In the June CI network event, we will welcome someone who can answer these and many other fascinating questions about how decisions made in Beijing can affect commerce. Our guest, Col. Grant Newsham, a former reserve head of intelligence for Marine Forces Pacific, will deliver an account on how the CCP is advancing it’s agenda across APAC and the global market places.

More On Col. Grant Newsham (ret.)

Grant Newsham is a Senior Fellow with the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies focusing on Asia/Pacific defense, political and economic matters. Newsham is a retired U.S. Marine Colonel and was the first US Marine Liaison Officer to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. He also served as reserve head of intelligence for Marine Forces Pacific, and was the U.S. Marine Attaché, US Embassy Tokyo on two occasions. He is also a former US diplomat.

Watchmen Investors Lunch Q2
2024-06-27 12:00 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
If you enjoy watches, then you probably are interested in precious metals. If you’re interested in precious metals, you’re probably interested in real estate. On June 27th, we will hold our quarterly gathering of “Watch Men”. This is a casual lunch that started with 3-4 watch men and has grown each time we have met.
Come take a break from that intensive work schedule and enjoy a meal with other investors interested in watches as well as the other investments. Show off your latest piece (whether it’s a G-Shock or a Patek Phillippe) and get the latest on the markets for investments in Japan and around the world.

Space is limited, so please be sure to sign up to confirm your seat at the table.

What Every CEO Should Be Doing (WECSBD)
2024-07-11 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
Leading a company is just as varying as the companies in their various industries. The approach to sales, staffing, performance, and office environments can vary drastically. However, despite the various business models and practices, there are still some fundamentals that cross industry boundaries whether you’re selling consulting or manufacturing widgets. To be successful, it’s important for the CEO to be spending time ‘on the floor’, in the office, with the management team, and especially with his or her customers.

In the July, CEO Insights lunch, you will have the opportunity to run with the champions in business. You will be discussing how to better keep your finger on the finances of the business by better understanding your financial metrics, annual revenue growth rate, annual gross margin, and the importance of operating cash. In addition, you will cover the soft areas such as people, marketing, leveraging the local bank, and other

The role of CEO is the golden ticket for many corporate leaders: the ultimate prize that fuels years, if not decades, of relentless dedication and hard work. But despite their preparations, most new CEOs are shocked by the visibility, complexity and responsibility that comes with the corner office.

Join us for this private interactive lunch with peer CEOs from leading firms in Japan and around the globe.

August CI Network Lunch
2024-08-08 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
TO BE DETERMINED

Kishida’s New Capitalism, Ueda’s BOJ, The Next Prime Minister & The Outlook For Japan Reforms
2024-09-12 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
Policy trends in Japan are at a turning point. Kishida’s New Capitalism ended up largely in unfunded promises for the environment, families, and national security. On the positive side, it resulted in a record high stock market, a boom in stock ownership, and significant corporate governance changes.
Ueda’s BOJ is in charge of normalizing policy after nearly two decades of money printing left the government dangerously dependent on cheap credit and the yen at developing country levels. The next prime minister will have little room for maneuver beyond finding the least painful ways to raise taxes and productivity.
What is in store for Japan? How will affect your business. We will discuss where companies can find opportunities in such a difficult environment.

About Our Speaker- Dr. Martin Schulz

Dr. Martin Schulz is Chief Economist at Fujitsu Ltd. in Tokyo.
Martin’s work focuses on the impact of digitalization, government policies and corporate strategies. His analyses are widely quoted in international media – with regular interviews at CNBC, Bloomberg, NHK World, etc. He supports government initiatives for sustainable transformation (SX) as an advisor to the Japanese Cabinet Office and international organizations. He teaches at the Mercator School of Management.
Before joining the Fujitsu Headquarter in 2020, Martin was a research fellow at Fujitsu Research Institute (FRI), analyzing and consulting on the economics of technology.
He was a visiting researcher at the Bank of Japan and University of Tokyo, Assistant Professor of Economic Policy and Monetary Integration at Free University Berlin in Germany, and guest professor at several universities in Europe and Japan.

2024 Sayonara Summer – BBQ @ The French Kitchen,Grand Hyatt Tokyo(SSBBQ)
2024-09-19 18:30 - 20:30 | The French Kitchen- Grand Hyatt, 6-10-3 Roppongi, 2nd Floor Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-0032
Life is not just about knowing people, it’s about knowing good people. There’s no beating the quality of CEO Insights members and our guests around a table. As an executive, it can be lonely at the top and CI fills that void. As we close out and say “sayonara” to summer 2024, we want to give an extra opportunity for our CI groups to get to know each other. The evening of September 19th, we will break away from our regular luncheons and OTRs and have arranged a special event.
This evening of strictly food and networking gives members a chance to catch up with fellow CEOs after a relaxing summer break.
For the evening, real estate developer Pembroke welcomes us back for special outdoor barbecue reception at their luxurious The French Kitchen Grand Hyatt Tokyo.
Please sign up early as space is limited to the first 30 CEOs to sign up.
CEO Insights – Sayonara Summer Barbecue (SS BBQ)
When: Thursday, September 19th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm.
Where: Grand Hyatt Tokyo, The French Kitchen
Cost: 12,000 yen / person
RSVP: CI Support Team
*Payments can be made by card or cash at the venue. Due to booking with the catering, no cancellations after September 8th(Sunday).
Special thanks to Grand Hyatt Tokyo for Hosting this event.

An Asian Success Story- From Banker, Insurance Man, To Private Equity
2024-10-10 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
Building a business is a part of every executive’s career. It’s all about building our brand and company for our team. Most people enter an industry and stay in that area for the duration of their careers. In the October luncheon, we will welcome an executive who has built businesses in multiple areas. He started in banking working for an American bank, then decided he wanted to expand his horizons and get into insurance and asset management. With this great experience he was able to build his own business in investment and private equity.
Come and hear one man’s journey in Japan, Singapore, Australia and around the region.
More on Michael Short-
Mr. Short has lived and worked in Asia for over 35 years. For 24 years he held positions with Citibank, including Division Executive for Global Japanese Corporate Businesses, Asian Regional Marketing, Credit Risk Management, and Product Development. Assignments included Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and the UK. In 1998, he was seconded to lead strategic investment projects for the Brunei Investment Agency.
In 1999, Mr. Short joined AXA as CEO and Country Head for their Japanese insurance businesses. There he oversaw the acquisition and integration of Nippon Dantai Insurance Co. and became CEO of a combined operation with 450 nationwide offices, 10,000 employees, and over 5 million customers. In 2005, Mr. Short joined W.J. Hopper & Co. Ltd., a boutique investment bank based in London that focuses on alternative investments, to develop private equity investments in Asia-Pacific. From 2009 to the present, he became a full time partner at Valparaiso Capital Partners.

Legal Grab Bag- The Latest Law Updates That Likely Affect Your Business
2024-11-14 12:30 - 14:00 | The Oak Door Steakhouse, 6th Floor Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo, 106-0032, Japan
Every year, CEO Insights member bosses are treated to legal insights from some of Japan’s top lawyers. We like to hope that decisions by the ruling party, bureaucrats and other government related entities will not hamper or hurt our businesses so that we can focus on servicing our customers. The fact of the matter is regulatory changes can have a major impact on our businesses as well as our bottom line. It is an open interactive discussion as always but will cover some of the upcoming changes in the new year.

Unfair Trade Practice pushes – new government rules for price negotiations with suppliers
Changes in M&A tax incentives and other requirements in the Tokyo Stock Exchange
New Developments in family law

We anticipate our first area to be incredible interest due to the entry of government influence in pricing. Apparently designed to create inflation to motivate smaller businesses to raise salaries for their employees. They say what you don’t know can’t hurt you, but when it comes to government the CEO must be aware of changes on the horizon. We look forward to seeing you at the November lunch. Please note we are expecting a number of guests
More about Sam Inohara Esq.
Sam specializes in advising and supporting Japanese and non-Japanese parties engaging in commercial transactions, especially mergers and acquisitions (M&A). His practice focuses on cross-border corporate acquisitions, investments, and joint ventures, working comfortably on a range of transactions, from small to large. He also serves as external general counsel for corporate clients, with a focus on startups and SMEs.
Sam is an expert in the technology sector, handling matters related to electronics and machinery, digital transformation, and energy transition. He serves clients in both Japanese and English, having lived and worked in Japan for nearly 25 years.
More about Takuo Misaki Esq.
Takuo is a Japanese licensed attorney who handles a wide variety of litigation and disputes, and has extensive experience representing foreign clients who are involved in disputes in Japan. He also regularly represents both employers and employers in labor disputes and his experience in the area of labor law also extends to the drafting and revising of rules of employment, conducting investigations in incidents of employment misconduct and representing employers during collective bargaining. He has recently been increasingly involved in regulatory matters.
