F R I D A Y ,A P R I L

2 9 ,SPECIAL REPORT

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W W W . S C M P . C O M

INSIDE: 11-PAGE SPONSORED SECTION IN COOPERATION WITH DISCOVERY REPORTS

JAPAN BUSINESS REPORTTOURISM REVIVALWELCOMING THE WORLD BACK IN
Tourism, a vital cog in Japan’s economy, was hit hard but as borders open up, new initiatives are beingrolled out to boost visitor numbers beyond pre-pandemic levels, writes Anna Cummins
In 2022, Japan’s famous cherry
blossoms were again forecast to
be early with the flowers inTokyo blooming three days
earlier than usual.
The sakura trees haveflowered increasingly early inrecent decades, a shift thatscientists attribute to climatechange. These fragile blossoms
have long been an important
symbol of life, death and rebirthin Japanese culture, making theirearly arrival amid a global healthemergency and heightening
environmental discord
particularly poignant.
Tourism has been steadily
growing in recent years to
become a vital pillar of Japan’s
economy, thanks to the country’s
rich culture and increasing
popularity among tourists from
East Asia – particularly frommainland China, Taiwan andSouth Korea.
The Japanese government
had set aspirational targets todouble annual overseas tourism
from 19.7 million visitors in 2015
to 40 million in 2020, focusing on
directing visitors to lesspopulous regions to harness theregenerative power of the tourist
dollar.
In 2019, 31.9 million foreign
visitors entered Japan, setting arecord for the seventh
consecutive year. Overseas
tourists spent a record US$43.6
billion in 2019, a rise of 6.5 percent from 2018.
However, entry restrictions
due to the pandemic saw thenumber of foreign visitors toJapan dropping to 245,900 in
2021, the lowest since 1964 whencomparable data became
available. This was mainly due tothe country enforcing foreign
entry bans amid the ongoingcoronavirus pandemic.
On April 10, Japan raised its
daily limit on arrivals fromoverseas to around 10,000, up
from the current 7,000 for

Japanese nationals, foreign
residents and new non-tourist
arrivals, including foreign
students. Foreign tourists are stillbarred from entry since lateNovember 2021 to limit the
inflow of the highly transmissible
Omicron variant.
Now, as Japan moves towards
opening up for tourists, asignificant part of the country’s
long-term economic recovery
hinges on rapidly bringing visitor
numbers back to pre-pandemic
levels.
For the Kyoto City Tourism
Association, attracting visitors istypically not a tough job: the city
overflows with 17 Unesco World
Heritage Sites, exquisite
restaurants and iconic temples.
However, the city had been
struggling with issues related toovertourism during the past
decade.
The chaos caused by the virus
has thrown the importance ofthe tourist dollar into sharp relief.
Between 2016 and 2019, tourist
spending in Kyoto exceeded 1
trillion yen (HK$61 billion)
annually, and there is aconcerted push from the city toregain these levels in the form of
the Kyoto Tourism Promotion
Plan 2025, which lays out a roadmap for sustainable andharmonious tourism growththrough to 2030.
Impressive hotels are lining
up to welcome domestic andoverseas visitors to Kyoto. In
2021, Hotel Tou Nishinotoin
Kyoto by Withceed, and Fauchon
Hotel Kyoto – Fauchon
Hospitality’s first property
outside France – opened theirdoors. Shangri-La Kyoto is on
track to open in 2024.
When Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto
opened in November 2020, it
became the first luxury hotel inthe city centre with a natural hot
spring. The newly built hotel,
which fuses elements oftraditional and contemporary

Japan’s celebrated cuisine is a significant tourist draw. Photo: JNTO

The early arrival of the cherry blossom season to Japan struck an optimistic chord as the country slowly reopens to foreign travellers. Photo: AP PhotoJapanese culture, was designed byan award-winning team including
Hong Kong’s acclaimed André Fu,
who created the serene interiors
for the 161 guest rooms andsuites, and lobby.
Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto’s
general manager, Manabu Kusui,explained that the city’s storied
history is reflected in the hotel’s
design.
“The restored 300-year-old
Kajiimiya Gate, which has along-standing connection to the

Mitsui family, is the entrance
which welcomes guests today
and plays an important role inthe storytelling of our hotel andits history,” said Kusui. “We arealso thankful that the design is
globally appreciated throughAndré Fu’s remarkable work, andaccordingly, the hotel has beenrecognised all over the world.”
Kyoto may be a poster childfor Japanese tourism, but thecountry is keen to encourage
visitors to look farther afield to

The Mitsui Kyoto hotel, awaiting foreign guests. Photo: Handout

enjoy the essence of authentic
Japan.
Ahead of the postponed
Tokyo 2020 Olympic andParalympic Games that finally
took place in 2021, the Japan
National Tourism Organisation(JNTO) launched its Insider
Guide to Japan, a campaign
highlighting the country’s
lesser-known traditions andnatural wonders.
The new guide splits
experiences into seven areas– including nature, outdoors,
tradition and art – to appeal to abroad range of interests.
Art lovers, for example,
will be inspired by descriptionsof the 41-acre (16.5-hectare)creatively landscaped garden at
the Adachi Museum of Art, voted
the best Japanese garden in theworld, or may be tempted tobook a stay at James Turrell’sHouse of Light in Niigata, which
is a work of art, guest houseand meditation retreat rolled
into one.
Those with a passion for foodand drink can plan an overnight
trip into the green tea heartlandsof Shizuoka Prefecture, enjoy atour of Japan’s wine country bytaxi, or explore the beautiful
tradition of ama divers along
Japan’s coasts.

Anyone keen to get out of themetropolitan areas may want tounwind with a day of shinrinyoku (“forest bathing”) in
Agematsu. And those with ataste for the finer things should
consider staying aboard one ofJapan’s fleet of luxury trains,complete with private living
quarters, bathtubs and artisanal
cuisine, which cruise throughthe country’s most scenic areas.
Following the launch of
Insider Guide in April 2021, Seino
Satoshi, president of the JNTO,
spoke of his hope that thecountry bounces back.
“Over the past five years,
Japan has become one of theworld’s leading travel
destinations, with annual
visitors growing to over 30
million before the pandemic,”
Satoshi said. “There areabundant tourism opportunities
in provincial areas that are notyet known to the world.
“Throughout this campaign,
we will showcase many
undiscovered charms of Japan,
reflecting and responding tofuture tourism trends.”
Japan is an archipelago ofsome 6,852 islands stretching
3,000km, and there isundoubtedly plenty of adventure
to be had exploring them.

Breathtaking scenery andwildlife, rich cultural heritage
and a reputation for being
remarkably safe also make Japana great place for off-the-beaten
track excursions.
And, in the wake ofheightened global interest in
hygiene, the country’s reputation
for being exceptionally clean has
come into its own. One survey
conducted by the Development
Bank of Japan and Japan Travel
Bureau Foundation in 2020
found that Japan was the mostdesirable future destination for
visitors from 12 countries andregions globally.
Indeed, Japan has a history ofresilience. The first time thenation held the Olympic Games,in 1964, it was seen as a turning
point for a country that had justemerged from the devastatingconsequences of World War II.
After Japan powered throughto host the 2020 Olympic andParalympic Games, manyobservers referenced the nation’s
collective konjo – roughly
translated as “grit” or “fighting
spirit” – in its dogged
determination to make the bestof a difficult situation.
Economically bruised but far
from beaten, Japan is waiting towelcome back the world.

earthquake. This added to thestrain that exporters were facingwith a disrupted logistics chain
and decreased competitivenessin the global market.
Hongkongers are returning
to the Japanese property
market, taking advantage of a
weakening yen.
“Inquiries for Japanese
homes from Hongkongers have

surged by up to 40 per cent thismonth,” said Anvy Cheung, chief
executive of Sakura Global, acompany that specialises inJapanese property. “In the past
two years, most of them juststayed on the sidelines, adopting
a wait-and-see approach [due tothe pandemic].”
Most homebuyers are looking
for property in Japan forinvestment or for a second
home, with typical budgets
ranging from HK$1.5 million(US$192,000) to HK$2 million,
she added.
Prime Minister Fumio
Kishida’s administration,
meanwhile, continues to defend
the Bank of Japan’s ultra-easy
policy as a necessary support toa still-fragile economic recovery.

CHANGING VALUES

Lower yen is a mixed blessing, withforeign and domestic opportunities
Lisa CamOn April 19, the Japanese yen fell
to 128.80 against the US dollar,
its lowest level since 2002. The
currency has lost 12 per centagainst the dollar since January.
A weaker yen has long been
lauded as a positive for Japan’s
economy, enabling blue-chip
exporters such as car
manufacturers, but that narrativeis increasingly in question.
This time, the yen’s recent
plunge provokes the impact ofrising commodity prices, hittingsome business and household
finances much harder than everbefore.
The significant difference thistime is the effect of the country’s
energy policy.

With most of its nuclear
power plants offline since the
Fukushima disaster of 2011,
Japan has imported about 90 per
cent of its primary energy
requirements from overseas,with nearly all fossil fuels
shipped from long distances.
The surge in global energy
prices, already in effect before
the Russian invasion of Ukraine,
has hurt the economy andrevealed the cracks in Japan’s
energy strategy.
Now the weaker currency,
coupled with surging crude andother commodity costs, has
become even more damaging
for smaller, domestic
manufacturers.
Taking comparative rates ofinflation into account, the yen
has halved in value against the
dollar since 1995, taking it backto levels not seen since the early
1970s. However, a 2022 dollar is
not the same as a 1992 dollar interms of buying power.
Consumer prices in the US
have almost doubled in the
30-year period, whereas
Japanese consumer prices haveremained more steady.
In the short term, yen
weakness leads to higher energy
prices, but at the same time it
incentivises change.
As fossil fuel prices rise, themore competitive thealternatives become.
The two obvious contenders
are nuclear power andrenewable energy such as
sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves
and geothermal heat.
Before the disaster of 2011,
nuclear energy had accounted
for almost 30 per cent of Japan’s

total electricity production.
There were plans to increase thisto 40 per cent by 2017 and 50 per
cent by 2030. In a 180-degree
turn from its 2012 pledge toabandon nuclear power by 2030
after the Fukushima incident,
two reactors restarted in Augustand October 2015, with a further
eight having restarted since.
Sixteen reactors are currently inthe process of restart approval.
Another unintended benefit
for the lower yen is that it will nolonger have the designation as asafe haven currency, whichsounds like a positive factor but
has, in fact, led to undesiredconsequences.
In 2011, the yen-to-dollar
exchange rate spiked to around78 to the US dollar, even though
the Japanese economy had justbeen crippled by the Fukushima

The Japanese yen has fallen to its lowest value against the US dollar since 2002. Photo: iStock/Getty

S2

Friday, April 29, 2022

JAPAN BUSINESS REPORTSBT DRIVES USED CAREXPORT TRADE WITH
HIGH TRUST QUOTIENT
Reports by Victor Lanza, Jess Kim,
Roza Wilmont

R

apid growth in the used car
export industry persisted overthe past two years despite
supply chain snags arising fromgovernment-imposed
lockdowns. This was the pandemic
experience of Japan’s largest used car
exporter SBT, which strives to raise theindustry’s trust quotient byinterconnecting more and more traders
on a global platform.
“We are working on a distribution
service that can deliver vehicles as
quickly as possible, and a system toconnect customers and the company
without any shadows,” says SBT
president and CEO Taro Inami.
“We make information visible sothat transactions can be conducted withpeace of mind.”
SBT’s extensive network is a strong
resource in maximising the flow of used
car exports globally. The company
maintains 34 overseas offices andpartners, with about 700 sales
representatives marketing used cars allaround the world.
Most of the procuring teams are in
Japan, but others are also on the
ground in Britain, Germany, the UnitedStates, United Arab Emirates, Singapore
and South Korea. Australia, South Africa
and China are recent additions to theoverseas network of procuring partners.
More than 90 per cent of SBT’s
inventory is sourced through local
dealers and Japanese auctions, where agrading system protects customers
from damaged goods. SBT only
procures cars that are rated 3 to 4.5 and
5 for its stock, denoting car showroom
newness. The company inspects every

Taro Inami, president and CEO
vehicle before and after procurement tomake sure its condition matches theinspection sheet data. For buyers’
benefit, quality assurance is built andbased upon the Japanese standard ofinspecting used cars every two years.
Specialising in right-hand drive
vehicles, SBT is the leader in a niche
export market comprising the east sideof Russia, developing Asia, the east
coast of Africa, Paraguay and the
Caribbean regions. SBT’s Asian markets
include Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan,
Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, thePhilippines and Sri Lanka.
The company also fulfils thedemand for left-hand drive cars from
Europe and an increasing appetite for
Korean car brands. “We continually
adjust our stock because different
markets have different types ofdemand,” says Toshitaka Tanaka, SBT
director, who manages overseas
operations.
Through its KAITORE platform, SBT

Sponsored section
in cooperation with
Discovery Reports

provides used car dealers a sales
channel beyond their home countries.
For instance, Chinese licensed dealers inShanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing
joined the platform in 2019.
“Our strong purchasing power
allows us to meet the high demand forused cars,” Tanaka says.
“Used car prices have soared byabout US$2,000 per car at auctions, ascompared with last year. Even undersuch circumstances, we believe it isessential to have enough used cars
available for export.”
SBT began testing local pricing andguaranteed settlement rates on its
platforms last year, thanks to apartnership with NTT Communications.
The two companies aim to fully scale
NTT Communications’ Home Currency
Anywhere service on SBT’s entire sales
platforms by the year-end.
Approaching its 30th anniversary
next year, SBT will continue to expand
its network of partnerships and invites
collaborations with technology firms,
car dealerships and auction houses.
“We welcome companies thatwould like to take on the challenge ofselling to various countries around theworld,” Inami says.
With the commitment of its
1,000-strong workforce, which remains
the company’s driving force, SBT aims
to further expand the volume of used
car export transactions worldwide.
“The foundation of our success will
always be our people,” Inami says. “Wehave grown with the support ofnumerous customers and staff from allover the world. We wish to continue ourgrowth for the next 50 years and 100
years together with all of them.
Ultimately, we want to change the world
with our team culture.”

TAKISADA-NAGOYA GOES THE EXTRA YARDIN TEXTILES AND FASHION INDUSTRYAs trends ebb and flow in the clothing
industry, companies that deal withtextiles and apparel must be versatileand style savvy to keep up.
Reliably designing and providing
top-quality textile and garment products
for more than a century, TakisadaNagoya offers a one-of-a-kind,
integrated service through its planning,production and speedy delivery
systems. Over the years, the Japanesetrading company has become a partnerof choice for apparel manufacturers,
fast-fashion retailers and suppliers from
China and around the globe.
Initially founded as a wholesaler that
traded in kimono fabrics in 1864,
Takisada-Nagoya has triumphed as afamily business with more than 150
years of history and experience. The
company has since turned into a
corporation and grown to become oneof Japan’s leading trading companies,
specialising in designing, procuring andselling textiles and garments.
“As a family business, our key tosuccess is uniting to form one big team.
That is what is most important to us,”says Kentaro Taki, president of
Takisada-Nagoya.
Renowned for its sourcing, planning,risk-reducing and trend-spotting
capabilities, Takisada-Nagoya expertly
assists its customers in expressing theirfashion senses. With the division for
womenswear and menswear textiles
producing the highest revenue, thecompany stocks a multitude of fabrics ofvarying textures, colours and patterns,
and is ready to accommodate diverse
client requests.
Takisada-Nagoya is no stranger towhat is in vogue. It is one of a few

Kentaro Taki, president
planning and sales companies that haveregularly participated in the Première
Vision Paris exhibitions since 2011. The
company takes the freshest and mostpopular ideas from concept tocompletion with a short lead time. To
process these ideas, the company
cultivates its own stream of informationby combining exclusive data from its
various sales channels and partnerships
with consumer trend researchcompanies around the world.
“We do our best to spot upcoming
trends through trusted sources. When
we do spot a trend, we create a fabricinspired by it,” Taki says. “We develop
original textiles. We plan and do sales– not all textile trading companies cando that. Our overseas clients have highexpectations and standards, and ourcompany can meet both.”In the coming years, TakisadaNagoya will take on the challenge ofadding new apparel lifestyle products
for modern applications spanning acrossthe medical, home and wearables
industries. Acquiring its raw materials

locally and internationally, TakisadaNagoya knows no bounds when it
comes to its resource options andpossibilities, yet it abides by an
eco-friendly system by deliveringpunctual and consistent quality.
“Sustainability is within ourbusiness style of short productions. We
don’t waste that much. We don’t create
products that our customer won’t like,”
Taki says.
In line with its corporate philosophy
to vividly express the global fashion of
tomorrow, Takisada-Nagoya seeks toboost overseas sales by continuing to
expand its integrated business modeloutside Japan. Exporting to Germany,
Spain, Italy, France, Britain and theUnited States through its major office inAmsterdam, the company aims toincrease its international sales to 20 per
cent, and looks to reach the 10 per centmark within three years.
“Autonomy is a crucial value to us
in business,” Taki says. “It is our visionthat each international office becomes
independent yet grows harmoniouslywith us.”Within that worldwide scene,
Southeast Asia’s booming market is anarea Takisada-Nagoya is keen to
explore. Additionally, China proceeds torise in the ranks of influence when it
comes to trendsetting andmanufacturing textiles.
Having experienced considerable
progress from its sales team in China
established 10 years ago, TakisadaNagoya opens its doors to more directbusiness opportunities in the country,
deeming it the most important market tofurther tap into due to its proximity andproduction strengths.

TOYO RAISES BAR WITH HIGHEREFFICIENCY, LOWER COST IN REBARPROCESSING MACHINERY
In construction, cutting and bending
reinforcing steel at precise dimensions
and angles ensure not only a perfect fit,
but stability, durability and safety. In
Japan, where stringent standards
guarantee that buildings withstandstrong and frequent earthquakes, thismeans entrusting the work to rebar
cutting and bending machines specialist
TOYO Kensetsu Kohki.
“TOYO’s machines are notnecessarily popular in China, but wewere chosen for the ambitious Hong
Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge project. Evenin China, we are called when accuracy
simply cannot be compromised,” says
TOYO president Yasuo Tanaka.
Loyalty to customers and strong
after-sales service solidified thecompany’s No 1 spot in Japan since
1933, but its ability to stay ahead oftechnologies and openness to newopportunities enabled it to thrive in theinternational market since 1972.
With continued growth in Asia’sconstruction industry, TOYO is targeting
to grow its overseas sales from 10 per
cent to 50 per cent of gross sales within
the next decade.
“We aim to lead the Southeast Asianmarket towards the shift from manual toautomatic rebar cutting and bending

Yasuo Tanaka, president
machines alongside other advanced
equipment,” Tanaka says. “These
promise much higher efficiency ratiosthat translate to lower production costs– especially as each machine lasts aslong as 30 years.”
TOYO’s flagship solutions include
the TBS series of machines capable ofbeautifully bending hoops and stirrups
with accurate angles. This ability, whichhas proven popular in Japan, is a strong
distinction that makes work
management at sites much easier andsmoother. Towards the trend of
automation, the company’s automatic
cutting and bending machine
TBC-16RBS is also playing an importantrole in rebar fabrication plants and in the
precast concrete industry.
“We at TOYO aim to spread theknow-how of rebar cutting and bending
cultivated in the rebar processing
industry in Japan. In order to realise this,we seek local partners capable of not
only engaging in sales, but providing ahigh level of after-sales service,” Tanaka
says.
Recognising the increasingly fast
pace of the global market, TOYO looks
forward to carrying on its legacy as anindustry pioneer with even more
powerful machines, while providing
better services to its clients and a greater
workplace to its people.
One of its research and development
initiatives includes the development of a
new management software for rebar
fabrication plants that was released lastyear. The management software willkeep rebar fabrication factories runningmore efficiently.
“Even our philosophy continues to
evolve – initially focusing on honing ourindividual skills and technologies tocontribute to the Japanese society,”
Tanaka says.
“Now, we want to share those skills
and technologies worldwide to build
better, safer infrastructure for everyone.”

Friday, April 29, 2022

JAPAN BUSINESS REPORT

Sponsored section in cooperation
with Discovery Reports

CHEMITECH BACKSTEIKOKU PRINTING INKS NISHIMURA
BUSINESSES WITH FIRST-RATE CHEMICALINTEGRATES ECO-FRIENDLY RELATED PRODUCTS AND SERVICESINK SOLUTIONS WITH
SUPERB PERFORMANCEL

ong before “pivot” became abyword in business circles,
Teikoku Printing Inks exemplified
this crucial strategy in sustaining
companies when it shifted its
highly successful newspaper printing
ink trade into the imminent screenprinting business in the mid-1980s. Evenat that time, the Japanese printing ink
manufacturer had already made strides
in the screen-printing ink space,
applying colours and innovating
industrial-grade features for its
products.
Teikoku offers the latest solventtype, ultraviolet and high-definitionindustrial inks. Developing advanced
printing ink technologies for just about
any industry, the company launched arange of concealed printing inks, IR(infrared) transmittable inks or inks forsensors, electromagnetic wave shieldinks and non-conductive inks in the past
few years. As the go-to ink supplier ofleading manufacturers in theautomotive, aerospace and electronics
sectors, Teikoku is keen on tapping
particularly the sensor, wearable andmedical fields.
“Industries are changing rapidly
right before our eyes,” says Nobunari
Sawanobori, president and chief
operating officer. “Nowadays,
smartphones are being connected to the
car or the watch industry. They are allcoming together, and the importance ofsensors and radars will be even more
prominent in markets worldwide.”
As an old guard in the printing
industry, Teikoku understands theimportance of teamwork, goodcommunication and going the extra milewith its never-give-up spirit to achievecustomer satisfaction at all times.

Teikoku’s highdefinition inks
provide deep,
solid printing on
smartphones

Perceiving the customer’s voice as its
greatest asset and raw material, Teikoku
takes its grasp of client needs and uses
it as currency to bolster its research anddevelopment pursuits.
“Clients always come first,”
Sawanobori says. “We try to come up
with solutions to our clients’ every need.
We do not just print or place inks on
items; we put or add value to things.”
As one of the pioneers and early
developers of water-based inks, Teikoku
is focused on conserving natural
resources and adopting sustainable
practices. To uphold its goal of
harmonising product performance withecologically sound methods while
growing its overseas business tobeyond 60 per cent, it welcomes
technical collaborations andpartnerships with universities, research
institutes and local companies inmainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kongand India, among others.
“We are working on constantly
achieving that complex balance
between performance andenvironmentally friendly solutions,”
Sawanobori says. “The only things wecannot print on are water and air; foreverything else, we can find a solution.
We are here to listen and realise clients’needs and dreams while making theworld a better place.

FUJI SEISAKUSHO EXPLORES CROSSOVER
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUJI NINJA WHEEL
An omni wheel with no blind spots in all
directions that can carry up to 1,000kg
when four are used in an automatedguided vehicle or a cargo pallet ispresenting immense crossover
opportunities across industries.
Launched in Japan in 2020 by Fuji
Seisakusho, the product is aptly called
FUJI NINJA WHEEL to highlight its ability
to move in tight spaces whether vertically,horizontally or diagonally. FUJI NINJAWHEEL won the special Good Focus
Award Design of Technique & Tradition(Small and Medium Enterprise Agency
Commissioner Award) for outstanding
product design through high-leveltechnology or technique in Japan’s 2020
Good Design Award.
“We’re very excited to see how our
FUJI NINJA WHEEL will touch people’s
lives and revolutionise industries all
across Asia,” says Yoshihide Murakami,
president of Fuji Seisakusho.
The company is an industry-leading
manufacturer of pressed bearings andconveyor components that are essential
to automated manufacturing. Founded in1939 to produce lighters and thermos
flasks, Fuji Seisakusho evolved
throughout the decades with its totalcommitment to continuous productinnovation. Building up its expertise in
cutting and shaping metals, it penetrated
the pharmaceutical and automotive
industries with high-precision pressedbearings and multidirectional movement
wheels that are sold globally today.
Considering the precision required forpressed bearings, Fuji Seisakusho jointly
develops the products with clients as an
original equipment manufacturer (OEM)in a broad range of fields. Always mindfulof economic efficiency, the company
developed low-cost automation in its own
factories to ensure the affordability of
globally distributed products. As an OEM
in the automotive industry, Fuji
Seisakusho is distinguished for

Yoshihide Murakami, president

speed-to-market because its pressing
machines can produce car parts within
seconds.
“Our focus is really on developing
products and systems that would create a
new culture or a new civilisation in theindustries and markets we are in,”
Murakami says.
As an example, the FUJI NINJAWHEEL impacts the materials handlingindustry with its capabilities for360-degree rotations in minimal spaceand horizontal movements without
reserve space. Its high load capacity of
300kg (150mm outer diameter) per wheel
makes it perfect for transporting people,
whether on wheelchairs for the elderly,
gurneys in hospital settings or bicycles forthe young. Crossover opportunities also
exist for imaging, medical manufacturing,retail, aerospace, construction and more.
Fuji Seisakusho has establishedsubsidiaries in Singapore and Shanghai,
China, to assist its global expansion. It isalso exploring manufacturing sites inVietnam and product development
opportunities across different industries.
“You cannot create an amazing
product on your own, you always needhelp from other companies or otherindustries,” Murakami says.

AUTOMATION EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER OYABESEIKI LEVELS UP AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTION
From providing general-purpose
machine tools to designing andproducing large specialised automationequipment, Toyama-based Oyabe Seiki
has helped manufacturers significantly
raise their output while reducing
production costs since 1969. Today, thecore competencies of the secondgeneration, family-operated company
are centred on automated conveyancemachines for the automotive industry,
especially in the area of press working.
As a full system integrator, Oyabe
Seiki designs, manufactures, installs andservices automation systems for presslines, laser welding and blanking
systems. It has also gained recognition
for integrating customised robot
automations.
“We’re a trusted partner of major
vehicle brands around the world,
including first-tier and second-tiersuppliers,” says Junji Fujita, president
and CEO. “From being an equipment

supplier, we are now working on
integration, assembly andbecoming a total solutions provider tocommissioning, training and production
offer more value to our customers.”
support to service and maintenance.
Drawing on more than 50 years ofWith a direct presence in Thailand,
technical expertise, Oyabe Seiki has
China and the United States, Oyabe
become renowned for custom designing
Seiki is keen to further expand intolarge, special-purpose machinery andoverseas markets, which make up 60 per
equipment noted for their precision,cent of its business. It is focused onhigh production and low cost. Its key
growing its footprint in China where it
products include
sees rising demand for its
destack feeders forautomatic palletisers.
press lines and the
Oyabe Seiki also seeks to
newly unveiled
enter China’s emerging
automatic palletising
electric vehicle market andsystems equipped
tap growth opportunities
with the latest visionin India.
and sensor scanning“We’re open tosystem. Oyabe Seiki
entering into strategic
also extends a widebusiness partnerships andrange of services,
joint ventures or merger
spanning consulting
agreements with local
and planning,industry players having
Junji Fujita, president
engineering,
complementary
and CEO
construction andexpertise,” Fujita says.

KOCHI MARUTAKA EXPORTS NICHE EXPERTISE
IN DISASTER-RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE
Building infrastructure in challenging
terrain involves cross-border tie-ups thatbring together specialised technologies.
When it comes to advanced foundation
work for bridges and seaports, Kochi
Marutaka has emerged internationally as
a partner of choice with proprietary
technologies for disaster prevention.
A prized company in Japan’s Kochi
prefecture, which has become a centre ofdisaster mitigation technologies andexpertise following forecasts of its
vulnerability to a magnitude 8-9
megaquake, Kochi Marutaka is
indispensable to the local government’s
disaster resilience efforts. The company isamong a handful in Japan possessing
technologies for large-diameter rock
drilling, soil retaining, well excavation
work and disaster prevention methods
aimed at flood mitigation and navigational
purposes.
“Since 1965, we have accumulated
the disaster prevention know-how andproprietary technologies by serving the
Kochi Marutaka customises
needs of the people of Kochi,” says Ichiro
equipment according to project scale andTakano, president. “As we pursued
requirements, then brings the machinery
tie-ups for large infrastructure projects
to local construction areas. Local sourcing
throughout Japan, we gained a goodof manpower and materials then takes
reputation for high-quality work. This
place in collaboration with otherenabled us to go abroad and introduce
technology providers and local
our technologies to such places ascommunities. Eyeing similar ventures
Uganda, Myanmar and Pakistan.”throughout Europe and Asia-Pacific, Kochi
Participating in Japan’s development
Marutaka invites strategic partnerships
assistance programmes, Kochi Marutaka
with specialised industry players towards
has expanded its
delivering reliable andinfluence throughout Asia
innovative solutions forby promoting
disaster resilience.
disaster-resilient“Our technologies andinfrastructure especiallyknow-how help prevent the
in locations exposed tomassive dislocation andnatural hazards such as
losses that come withstorm surges,
disasters. We would like toearthquakes and tsunami.
expand their application
The company’s portfolio
nationwide and globally forincludes projects in Souththe rebuilding andIchiro Takano,
Korea, the Philippines,
revitalisation ofpresident
Vietnam and Cambodia.
communities,” Takano says.

Like a robust tree with a sturdy trunkand lush branches that extend indifferent ways but are harmoniously
linked to provide shade and comfort,
Nishimura Chemitech upholds many of
the world’s top electronic productmakers. It then nurtures and supports
them as they take on new businesschallenges. With a willingness to learn
new technologies and the agility to
implement them quickly, Nishimura
Chemitech helps customers realise theirvaried growth aspirations within thechemical and electronics spaces, andsoon, in the medical and foodindustries.
A pathfinder in the field of surface
treatment technology for electronic
components, Nishimura Chemitech is achemical expert that has been
mentoring major electronics
manufacturers in Japan since the 1960s.

Applying the just-in-time principle, thecompany delivers various processmaterials and chemical-related
equipment with its value engineering
proposals when and where customers
need it.
“We want to offer solutions that best
match customers’ requirements; ourpatented chemical dilution and delivery
system is now available to thesemiconductor industry in the region,”says Masayuki Nishimura,representative director and deputy
president.
Nishimura Chemitech launched its
breakthrough point-of-use (POU)
chemical mixing system, with
automated chemical drum cabinet forthe semiconductor chemical mechanicalplanarisation process, in December lastyear. The new delivery system realises
not only the perpetual supply of fresh

S3

diluted or mixed chemical solution but it
also improves accuracy rates andchemical solution efficiency. Moreover,this new system removes the need for amixing tank and some manual
operations, saving facility space andhuman resources in high-precision
fabrication processes.
“We believe this unique technology
can be used in other industries such as
medical and food,” Nishimura says.
“Our stocks, logistics and distribution
are already well-established in Japan, so
nowadays, we focus on value
engineering. We look at where we can
add more value to ensure customer
satisfaction at all times.”
Working with different
manufacturers across Japan to advanceits research and development (R&D)
activities, Nishimura Chemitech isfurther improving its logistics andMasayuki Nishimura,representative director
and deputy president
distribution knowledge as it prepares topenetrate Asian markets. It seeks
partnerships with stable and locallyentrenched companies in the region tobolster its after-sales care andmaintenance services, and its innovation
capabilities through R&D collaborations.
“We invest significantly in R&D tocreate new solutions and products thatmeet customer demands,” Nishimurasays. “We may not be a big, global
company, but we consistently abide by
our philosophy of ‘customer satisfaction
first’ upheld by our core values offlexibility, adaptability, mobility
and agility.”

S4

Friday, April 29, 2022

JAPAN BUSINESS REPORT

Sponsored section in cooperation
with Discovery Reports

ARISTAGORA GROUP PUTS CLIENTS AT THE
CENTRE OF WORLD-CLASS PRIVATE BANKING
AND CORPORATE FINANCE SERVICES

D

rawing on its global network andexpertise in long-term investing,Aristagora Group is helping
high-net-worth individuals(HNWIs) protect and steadily
grow their assets while enabling small
promising companies fund their future
growth. The boutique asset management
and investment firm allows clients toenjoy similar benefits of working with
big global banks, but with the extra
flexibility as it offers a highly customised
service that suits specific needs. Looking
to expand its overseas clientele from
China and the rest of Asia, Aristagora
Group welcomes like-minded companies

Takeshi Shinoda,
chairman and CEO

that could complement its strengths inasset management and corporate
finance.
“We collaborate closely with many
global partners, but our basic mandate is
to always work on behalf of our clients,”
says Aristagora Group chairman and
CEO Takeshi Shinoda, who has morethan 30 years of industry experience andwas cited in The Japan Times’ 100
Next-Era Leaders in Asia 2017-2018. “We
are able to offer utmost flexibility andlong-term commitment to each client,
something that big organisations havedifficulty providing considering thethousands of customers they have.”On the asset management side,
Aristagora Group carefully assesses thecircumstances of clients in order to comeup with a highly customised set of
products and services that matches their
distinct requirements. The company
blends its expertise in private banking
and global investment banking with thesupport of international partners toprovide clients with a seamlesscross-border experience. In this regard,
Aristagora Group leverages its linkages
with the international community
especially in Switzerland and Israel toprovide long-term investment
opportunities that aim to grow net worth

while ensuring asset preservation. As an
independent boutique investment housethat has no exclusive agreement withany bank, the company ensuresunbiased service.
Aristagora Group offers several
funds for family and individual investors
looking forward to a long-term asset
growth. It presents the R&T Excellentia
Global Fund of Funds (FoF) in
collaboration with Dr Blumer & Partner, aSwiss pioneer in the design ofquantitative models used in wealthmanagement. The FoF is created for
HNWIs (qualified investors) who would
like to gain a globally diversified

exposure to multiple asset classes. The
FoF is advised by Aristagora Group andmanaged by Dr Blumer & Partner, whopool their resources to source and invest
in the world’s top-performing funds. The
company also offers the Aristagora
Venture Capital Israel Technology LP, afund that invests in promisingtechnology start-ups in Israel. These arecompanies that present exciting potential
for synergies between Japanese andIsraeli technologies.
On the corporate finance side,
Aristagora Group supports growing
companies that do not have access tothe financial services offered by the big

banks. Its Value Up or Private Equity
Fund invests in small listed companies
that are yet to achieve their full potential.
Aristagora Group has also helped
Japanese companies source funding
from overseas. It has assisted Xyec
Holdings to be the first and only
Japanese firm to be listed in the primarymarket of the Singapore Exchange. The
same is true with Internet ResearchInstitute, which is the first Japanese andAsian firm to list at the Tel Aviv Stock
Exchange; and Okura Holdings, which
has been listed at the Stock Exchange ofHong Kong.
Moving forward, the company plansto further expand its overseas businessfrom 15 per cent of overall turnover to 50
per cent. Aristagora Group targets Hong
Kong and Singapore, and is looking tocover the whole of Asia while welcoming
potential partners with expertise incomplementary fields such as audit,
accounting and taxation.
“We are missing out on China andare looking forward to tap this special
and massive market,” says Shinoda.
“Through meaningful communicationand sharing a similar degree of curiosity,
we are looking forward to deliver
long-term and stable returns for ourclients.”JHR PURSUES LONG-TERM GROWTH WITH DAIKI SUISAN CASTS WIDER NET IN ASIA TO
DIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIO OF COMPETITIVE OFFER FRESH AND AFFORDABLE SEAFOOD
HOTELS
The resurgence of Japan’s tourism boom
could happen quickly, perhaps as soon as
the country opens up its borders, owing to
the pent-up demand from foreign tourists,
who were 30 million-strong before
Covid-19 struck. The prospect is fuelling
continuing investments by Japan Hotel
REIT Investment Corp (JHR), Japan’slargest and oldest hotel real estate
investment trust (Reit) that owns premium
hotel properties located at the heart of the
tourism boom – Tokyo Bay, the Osaka/
Kyoto areas, Hokkaido, Okinawa andFukuoka.
“Our strategy is based on thelong-term growth potential arising fromJapan’s strategic policy change in the
tourism sector and the continuing global
digital revolution,” says Hisashi Furukawa,president and CEO of Japan Hotel REIT
Advisors (JHRA), the asset manager
responsible for acquiring superior
properties and improving the quality of
JHR’s portfolio.
The portfolio size has ballooned to363.5 billion yen (HK$24.35 billion) as ofDecember 15 last year consisting of 41
hotels with a total capacity of 11,279 guest
rooms, or an average of 275 rooms per
hotel. The portfolio features distinguishedinternational chains such as the Hilton andHisashi
Furukawa,
president
and CEO

Sheraton along with the domestic Oriental
Hotel brand owned by JHR.
Over the past nine years, JHR has
gained the trust and confidence ofinstitutional investors by consistently
executing a long-term strategy to raise
portfolio returns and annual dividends.
About 45 per cent of JHR shares are heldby international institutional investors,
more than any other Reit in Japan.
The company is pursuing a
rebranding strategy highlighting its own
Oriental Hotel brand. Amid harsh
pandemic conditions, large-scale cost
restructuring has also taken place with theappointment of Hotel Management Japan(HMJ), a group company of JHRA, and its
subsidiaries. The HMJ group leases 16
properties that operate more efficiently

with sharedhuman resources
and back offices
In line with its
long-term outlook,
JHR performs
continuous
renovation work tomaintain top
ratings of its hotel properties. “Renovating
is very much part of JHR’s sustainability
initiative because it is moreenvironmentally friendly than a demolition
or a new-build. At the same time, it allows
us to raise property values throughrevenue enhancement and energyefficient operations. It benefits all
stakeholders,” says Makoto Hanamura,director of the board, managing director
and head of the finance and planning
division.
JHR’s sustainability policy
reverberates across its properties,
resulting in consecutive “Green Star”
ratings since 2018 on GRESB.
Furthermore, JHR was selected as sector
leader of the overall Asia hotel sector in
GRESB last year.

For generations, the seas have been vitalto the Japanese way of life, generously
providing a variety of sustenance to theisland nation – so much so that seafood isamong the hallmarks of Japanesecuisine. Daiki Suisan adopts an
ocean-to-plate, freshness-first philosophy
to fully showcase and share to the world
Japan’s seafood culture.
Established in 1975, Daiki Suisan
made its name as a seafood wholesaler
with its own cold supply chain topreserve quality and freshness. It is oneof the pioneers of same-day boat-to-market deliveries in the Kansai region.
As Japanese lifestyles evolved, thecompany adapted alongside the changes.
From a seafood wholesaler, Daiki Suisan
today is an integrated seafood expert
managing 34 fresh fish and takeaway
stores, 30 kaiten sushi restaurants andnine seafood restaurants.
Making fresh sushi more accessible
to consumers, Daiki Suisan expanded its
sales channels to include takeaway shops
at department store and train stations.
With its frozen sushi retailing at only 1,000
Japanese yen (HK$71.43) per pack, Daiki

Suisan guarantees that its products are atpar with its in-store sushi. Seeing a bright
future for frozen sushi, Daiki Suisan
considers premium sushi its next step.
Daiki Suisan also aims to expand its
reach globally, particularly in mainland
China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and theUnited States. Aside from bringing
Japanese seafood culture abroad, thecompany wants to localise some of its
offerings to suit the tastes of different
markets. Daiki Suisan seeks joint-venture
partnerships with food companies,
particularly those in the restaurant

ACCHE’S HYDROGEN SUPPLEMENTS
AND WELLNESS PRODUCTS OFFERHEALTH BOOST TO GLOBAL MARKET
Hydrogen supplementation has been
making waves in wellness communities
globally for its touted benefits that
include improving metabolic syndrome
and decreasing oxidative stress. Acchefounder, chairman and executive director
Keiji Nambu experienced hydrogen’s
healing properties first-hand in 2006
when it successfully lowered his highblood sugar levels. Since then, his life’sgoal has been to share the benefits ofhydrogen supplementation to help
people live healthier.
“We believe hydrogen can help
everyone. Our efforts in research anddevelopment are contributing to thebody of scientific evidence in thisregard,” says president and CEO Keiki
Nambu.
Acche binds hydrogen with ethicallysourced coral powder from Okinawa tocreate hydrogen supplements. The
company markets the encapsulated
powders with different variants under its
own brand Suiso and for private label
clients. It also manufactures hair andskincare products, but its flagshipproduct remains to behealth supplements.
Showcasing its
scientific andtechnological expertise, Acche hasreceived two patents for its
manufacturing method and for its use ofhydrogen-supported powder on foodand fertilisers. It is also working on thethird-generation powder with aconcentration of 360 parts per million.
Further exploring the potential ofhydrogen, Acche is working with
Nagaoka University of Technology toincrease the amount of hydrogen oncoral powder. It is also working with the
National Center for Child Health andDevelopment and Osaka University on

Shinya Saeki, president
business and are well-versed with local
market landscapes.
“Daiki Suisan does not only sellsomething tasty. Our focus on freshness
at reasonable prices has made our fish
markets and kaiten sushi restaurants
among the best in the country,” sayspresident Shinya Saeki.

Keiki Nambu,
president and CEO

in-depth research projects
about hydrogen’s effects on
the human body. In
providing scientific studies,
Acche aims to bring its
products to broader markets.
Outside Japan, thecompany’s supplements are available in
the Philippines. As it seeks to expand its
global reach, Acche is open to
distribution partnerships and private
label manufacturing arrangements withcompanies sharing its belief inhydrogen’s healing powers.
“We want to closely work with ourpartners, letting them experience our
products to see its effects first-hand. We
want to create a successful business
together, one where they can sell our
products with ease and comfort,” Keiki
Nambu says.

MOL LOGISTICS UPHOLDS GLOBAL
MOVEMENTS WITH ROBUST LOCALCONNECTIONS
Challenging times call for companies
that are adequately large to serve any
type of need yet agile enough to deliver
tailored services. As the designatedlogistics arm of leading international
shipping company Mitsui OSK Lines(MOL) Group, MOL Logistics (Japan)
leverages its robust overseas networkand the resources of the entire group toprovide contract logistics services that fit
its customers’ needs.
With 126 owned offices in 26
countries and 182 agencies in 51
countries, MOL Logistics serves air andsea forwarding, land cargo transport
services, and compound logistics
services that combine these individual
services. Renowned within the fields ofautomotive, chemical and electronics
manufacturing including trading firms
and international warehouses, MOL
Logistics continues to pursue growth bydeveloping highly specialised logistics
management solutions.
“Customers trust us, and our
network abroad is unparalleled,” says
Shuhei Togo, president of MOL
Logistics. “Our offering is without equal

because we are not“MOL Group studied thisa standardisedtransport mode for almost
service like thethree years to ensure the safe
others. We offer
movement of special
customisedmaterials on water,” Togo
services. This is
says.
what we do in
MOL Logistics isJapan, and it isbolstering its network bysomething we try tobuilding partnerships.
Shuhei Togo, president
extend to clients
Following its joint ventures inoverseas.”
Thailand, Vietnam and
The company has been an expert in
Myanmar, MOL Logistics formed ainternational air freight since its
collaboration with long-time partner
foundation in 1960. It supports every
Menzell Döhle in Germany to boost theirphase of the supply chain, from cargosea freight businesses. The company
collection to delivery to the customers’continues to seek similar cooperations.
premises. Today, it specialises in“There are many large logistics
helicopter transport, and carrying
companies and the industry is very
aircraft parts and sensitive components
competitive, so we focused on nurturing– a capability that is attractive to thepartnerships and acquiring joint
semiconductor industry. This led to its
ventures to expand our logistics
agreement with Sinotrans, China’s
business,” Togo says.
largest logistics integrator, to manage“In particular, we want to launch ourthe movement of semiconductorbusiness with local partners in the Indianmachinery from Japan into China. In
Ocean area covering India, the Middle
early 2020, the company also started toEast and East Africa. Constantly
implement a new service, shipping steel
developing connections and networks,
coil safely in containers via sea freight.
we work locally, but we carry globally.”

DENKI SHOJI SETS DIVERSE DEALSACROSS ASIAN TRADE INDUSTRY
In any enterprise, selecting the bestproducts and raw materials to fulfil aneed can be an arduous process.
Trustworthy trading businesses help
streamline these sources, managing
logistics and quality control for its clients.
Having dealt in superior yet
cost-effective industrial materials, electric
devices, chemicals and other products
for Asian markets over nearly sevendecades, Japanese trading company
Denki Shoji continues to surpass industry
expectations and geographicalboundaries.
Hailed for its diversity and reliable
history in trading, Denki Shoji provides awide range of durable products thatadhere to premium Japanese standards.
The company is renowned for supplying
an exceptional amount of industrial
equipment, secondary materials andelectric and electronic components toSoutheast Asia, thereby contributing to
the region’s development.
Industrial materials provided by

Denki Shoji include stainless steel plates,
copper foil, secondary battery materials,
electronic substrate materials, electric
wires and heater wires, to name a few.
Under its electrical devices division, thecompany offers various circuit breakers,
explosion-proof lighting equipment,terminals, gauges and metres – some ofwhich are supplied to the Taiwan navy
and coastguard.
As for its chemical product line, Denki
Shoji deals in fragrances and flavours forfood and cosmetics purposes, along withmoulding materials such as
thermosetting resin and other sealingmaterials. Its latest products involve
paper and stationery, as the company
trades in top-of-the-line Japanesematerials that cater to industrial andcommercial purposes.
“Japan is known for the high qualityof materials it produces,” says Naoyuki
Yamada, president. “We can supply thesehigh-quality materials to China, which arein turn transformed into more affordable

Naoyuki Yamada, president
yet dependable materials or products.
Co-existence is key.”
Denki Shoji shows no signs ofslowing down as it continues to expand
its overseas offices, promising local andinternational customers the most suitableprocurement cost for its products.
The company particularly welcomesbuyers in China and Indonesia, and looks
forward to forming supply-chain
collaborations with companies inmainland China and in Taiwan.

Friday, April 29, 2022

JAPAN BUSINESS REPORT

S5Sponsored section in cooperation
with Discovery Reports

IN A BULLISH MOOD, KAGA ELECTRONICS
BOLSTERS EMS BUSINESS WITH FRESH M&AS

S

pirited, cheerful and constantly
eager to engage customers, Kaga
Electronics founder and CEO Isao
Tsukamoto maintains a keen sensefor emerging trends – a skill hedeveloped while roaming the bright,
technology-packed streets of Akihabara in
the 1960s selling variable electronic
components to set makers.
True enough, when wireless citizens
band (CB) radios became a major
communication tool particularly for truck
drivers in the United States, Kaga
Electronics was one of the largest suppliersof parts to CB radio manufacturers. The
company also played a crucial role insupplying integrated circuits used in theiconic Space Invaders video game console
in the late 1970s.
“When I started working, customers
became my friends and through them, I
learned about the electronics industry’s
needs,” Tsukamoto says. “I was able toidentify and benefit from these trends
because I listened carefully to customers.
When they open up about innovations, it
usually leads to an order for parts. Thisphilosophy of satisfying the demands ofcustomers at all times inspired me toestablish my own trading firm.”
That was more than 50 years ago, andto this day, Kaga Electronics connects
intently with customers, propelling its
growth into a global trading firm serving

the entire electronics supply chain. Its
one-stop support system covers
consultation, design and development,
component procurement, production,
sales and after-sales service.
“Everything we do is for ourcustomers,” Tsukamoto says. “As a result,
our global network constantly evolves, andwe are able to solve problems in every
aspect of the business.”
Optimistic about the increasing
demand for electronics manufacturingservices (EMS) mostly driven by growth in
the in-vehicle, air conditioning and medical
equipment industries, the company isstrengthening its EMS division. It acquired
major device distributor Fujitsu Electronics

and Pioneer’s manufacturing subsidiary,
Towada Pioneer, to boost its technologicalcapabilities. In addition, it enhanced its
production and engineering capacities bybuilding a new plant in Fukushima and asecond plant in Thailand, and establishingjoint ventures with production equipment
manufacturers in China. These initiatives
have bolstered the company’s local
production that accommodates various
customers’ needs, and have expanded its
global EMS network to encompass 21
bases in 10 countries starting from Japan
to China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia,
Vietnam, the Czech Republic, Turkey,
Mexico and India.
Kaga Electronics works closely withcustomers. Tapping into its strength as anindustry-leading trading company, it
provides customers with just-in-time
deliveries. Its flexible production systems
can efficiently handle high-mix,
low-volume lots including semi-finishedand finished products.
“All our EMS bases showcase theJapanese standard of quality as we
continue to leverage the expertise andnegotiating ability we cultivated in
Akihabara,” Tsukamoto says. “We areproud to be a behind-the-scenes partner. If
a product does not exist, we will make it.
We do not say ‘no’ to customers. We
provide parts precisely where and when aclient needs them.”

Responding to customers’ perpetuallyshifting needs coupled with revolutionarychanges sweeping the world, Kaga
Electronics acquires the latest technologies
to provide the most optimal solutions.
Across its four business domains– electronic parts and semiconductors,
EMS, information equipment and new
business – the company continues touphold its customers’ progress whileempowering employees to overcome
challenges.
With more than 60 companies
operating under its wing today andconsolidated sales approaching 500 billion
Japanese yen (HK$31.21 billion), Kaga
Electronics is on track to reach 1 trillion yen

Isao Tsukamoto,founder and CEO
in the medium to long term by enhancing
its revenue base, stabilising its
management fundamentals and creating
new business.
“Driven by the exciting growth of our
EMS business and our strategic merger
and acquisition activities, we are charging
ahead to become Japan’s No 1 corporategroup in the industry and a competitive
world-class electronics company,”
Tsukamoto says.

KOJIMAGUMI DELIVERS UNPARALLELED ANT CAPITAL’S HANDS-ON INVESTMENTEFFICIENCY WITH WORLD’S LARGEST AND MANAGEMENT TEAM LAUNCHESGRAB DREDGING MACHINESIXTH BUYOUT FUND
Incorporating patented technologies
developed over the last century,
KOJIMAGUMI has created among theworld’s most efficient and largest dredging
equipment. Such dedication to the field has
made the family company the partner ofchoice of the biggest dredging outfits
worldwide. Moving forward, KOJIMAGUMI
is raising its global presence especially in
Asia with companies that share its
corporate values of trustworthiness,credibility and honesty.
“We started developing our own
technologies early on, and this approach
has set us apart from the competition,”says Tokuaki Kojima, chairman of
KOJIMAGUMI. “Our technologicalinnovations always target three things– operational efficiency, optimum energy
consumption and environmental
protection.”
The company is behind GOSHO, whichis recognised by Guinness World Records
as the largest grab dredger in the world.
The equipment is an engineering marvel as
it uses a counterweight to move its
200-cubic-metre grab bucket vertically, thus

TokuakiKojima,chairmanrequiring just enough energy to lift only theweight of the soil scooped by the bucket
from the seabed. The result is utmost
efficiency in mechanical operation, power
consumption and other performanceparameters.
These machines have played a crucialrole in dredging operations worldwide,
which include widening and deepening ofsea routes and ports. The company’s
overseas expansion was triggered by awide range of projects, including marine
engineering, dredging and reclamation, in
cooperation with China’s leading
construction company, China Harbour
Engineering. KOJIMAGUMI alsocollaborates on projects based on a strong
partnership with Belgium-based Dredging,
Environmental & Marine Engineering,which engages internationally in port
infrastructure development, wind farminstallation and environmental remediation.
As the dredging equipment specialistcelebrates its 103rd anniversary this year, it
is set to further expand its global presence.
KOJIMAGUMI has a growing business in
China and Africa and is working on a newcontract inSingapore.
Using its
Hong Kong
subsidiary as
a base for its
overseas
operations,the company sees itself providing more
support to infrastructure development
across Asia, particularly in Malaysia, India,
the Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh,
Taiwan and South Korea. Part of thiscommitment is offering its patents to othercompanies worldwide in an effort tocontribute more to society.
“We try our best to deepen our
relationship with existing clients as wewelcome and nurture new ones,” Kojima
says. “We are committed to resolving
issues even before they arise. It is kind of
old-fashioned, but I still strongly believe inbuilding the business on trust, credibility
and honesty.”

ALPHA CORP ADVANCING THE
SCIENCE THAT WILL SAVE MORE
CHILDREN FROM VISION LOSS
Myopia is a public health burden thatthreatens the quality of life of children andyoung adults especially in urban areas
throughout Asia, where its prevalence has
increased rapidly. If left unabated, about 5billion people will be myopic by 2050, with
1 billion at risk of vision loss caused bymyopia. Since the discovery oforthokeratology (ortho-k) in the 1950s after
more than a century of attempts at myopia
correction, eye care practitioners (ECPs)
have collaborated with industry on various
fronts to accelerate efficacy and improve
its safety for children. The treatment
involves wearing speciality contact lenses
overnight to reshape the anterior cornea
and reduce the refractive error after lensremoval.
Alpha Corp, the Japanese front runnerin ortho-k treatment, is advancing thescience to address the evolving andprecise needs of new generations ofpatients. The company has invested morethan 50 years towards improving theclinical performance of specialised contactlenses considering individual eye shapeand refractive error progression.
“We lead the industry when it comesto designing lenses that match the shapeof the individual cornea, thanks to the big
contribution of doctors who have been
engaging with us,” says CEO Masamichi
Kanegae.
Alpha was the first Japanese ortho-klens manufacturer to enter China, where it
has become hugely successful sincejoining the market in 2011. Collaboratingclosely with Chinese doctors, the company
succeeded in creating the Alpha ORTHO-K
brand of customised ortho-k lenses thathave been tested rigorously andperformed consistently well in achieving“bullseye” lens centration.
Using state-of-the-art equipment,
Alpha has fully automated its
manufacturing process. Its lathing processdelivers an unmatched accuracy level of1 / 10,000mm to support detailed orders
according to varying eye conditions. Sincecontact lenses come into direct contact
with patients’ eyes, the company’s skilledinspectors check each lens surface

Masamichi
Kanegae,CEO
delicately to ensure exactness and safety.
This is part of the final inspection process
because ortho-k lenses are made to order
based on doctors’ prescriptions.
After joining the Menicon Group in
2016, Alpha expanded its footprint andpenetrated more markets in Asia andOceania. It has enabled the business tostrengthen critical infrastructure andsystems towards rapid growth acrossAsia. Given the rising prevalence of vision
loss caused by myopia, the company is
exploring opportunities for private
labelling in more overseas markets. With
continuing expansion, Alpha is committed
to educating ECPs about the potential of
ortho-k treatment to prevent vision
impairment and vision loss especiallyamong children.
“Our mission is to advance thescience in this area of vision,”
Kanegae says.

TSUJITOMI FASTENS TOP SPOT IN
ASIA’S NON-WOVEN FABRICS
Non-woven fabrics have distinct
advantages in the world of textiles. Whilethey are stronger and more durable,
non-woven fabrics can be betterengineered than woven fabrics to fit thecustom needs of numerous industries. For
more than two centuries, Tsujitomi has
been a staple in the industrial, automotive,
household appliance and interior designindustries, supplying them with superior
non-woven fabric solutions.
Based in Japan’s Shiga prefecture,
Tsujitomi runs five factories: three within
the prefecture, one in China and another in
Vietnam. Over the years, the seasoned
company has received multiple awards
and certifications for its products, whichvary from soundproof sheets to drainmaterials, wrapping supplies, floor mats,filtration applications and more. The
company’s process of designing andmanufacturing dry non-woven fabric has
also been ISO 9001:2015- and GRS
4.0-certified.
“In the non-woven industry, one musthave a very flexible way of thinking. We
gather materials and equipment fromdifferent industries, combine them andcreate something fun and new,” says
Takayuki Tsuji, CEO. “We ensure that theseproducts are manufactured with consistentquality throughout time.”
Each one-of-a-kind non-woven productis fashioned through a special
manufacturing process. Be it needle
punching, melt blowing, span bonding,chemical bonding or thermal bonding,
Tsujitomi is equipped with the materials,
facilities and machinery necessary to fulfil
customer demands. Additionally, thecompany provides second processing
methods such as powder laminating,Takayuki Tsuji, CEOpattern-punch processing and resinbacking.
“It is crucial that we keep close
relationships with our clients to fully
understand what their needs are and whatkind of non-woven fabric must be created,”
Tsuji says.
Fuelled by its openness to new ideas,
diversification and traditional Japanese
virtues of excellence, Tsujitomi blends
history, culture, function and charm into its
textiles. Tsujitomi also welcomes directbusinesses with clients and partners as it
continues to answer Asia’s climbing
demands for non-woven materials.

URD CREATES ORIGINAL CURRENT SENSORTECHNOLOGIES FOR SPECIFIC CLIENT NEEDS
Short for United Research andDevelopment, URD stands true to its nameas the leading inventor in the field of current
sensor technology in Japan.
The company has developed sensors
that can detect changes in electric current, afunctionality crucial in managing devices
from heaters and fuel cell batteries to solar
panels and semiconductors.
“We always take the opportunity tohear out our customers and invent original
current sensor products that satisfy client
requirements in a timely manner and withthe highest degree of quality,” says Kyuta
Owase, president. “Our philosophy is basedon the principle of inventiveness, which is at
the centre of our corporate mindset.”
For nearly half a century, URD has beendeveloping among the most reliable current

sensor and converter products forcompanies such as Kyocera, Toshiba,
Omron, Hitachi, Fuji Electric and Honda
Motor. The technology specialist has a wide
range of sensors for devices that use
alternating or direct current. Its current
sensors are used to prevent breakdowns inheaters linked to temperature controllers.
The products also protect fuel cell batteries
and solar power cells from reverse power
flows while providing precise electric
current measurements for semiconductors.
More than 90 per cent of sales go to theJapanese market, but URD will develop
more customised current sensor
technologies for batteries and solar cells to
support its expansion in North America andEurope. The technology expert will also
raise the revenue share of Asia to 20 per

Kyuta
Owase,
president

cent in the next 10 years. With fresh
applications in high-frequency current
sensors for semiconductors, URD eyes
larger exports to Southeast Asian countries
such as Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam andMalaysia.
“We are open to opportunities forcollaboration in producing and selling our
products in markets outside Japan,” Owase
says. “We offer win-win relationships withpartners as we express a mutual sense ofgratitude with our customers,
subcontractors and suppliers.”

While potentially great entrepreneurial
ventures abound, only a few of thesecompanies fall into hands skilled enoughto propel them into becoming world-classestablishments.
For many small and medium-sizedenterprises (SMEs), tasks such as
managing inventories, handlinginformation technology (IT) systems,
setting an environmental, social andgovernance (ESG) policy, and monitoringcustomised key performance indicators
often prove to be tedious. For Ant CapitalPartners – one of Japan’s highly coveted
investment asset management firms– such tasks fall within its area ofexpertise.
Through its particular strengths inprivate equity and secondary investment
deals, Ant Capital brings overlooked andundermanaged businesses back to life.
“We intend to connect with every
employee in our portfolio companies,”says Ryosuke Iinuma, representative
director and managing partner of Ant
Capital Partners.
“We work on the same level and weare in the same boat as them. That’s ourphilosophy – to invest, but at the sametime be hands-on partners. We make sureto establish good rapport with ourportfolio companies.”
Ant Capital has established itself as apioneer in private equity funds andsecondary investments in Japan.

Over the past two decades, Ant
Capital has made waves across the globe
with its booming investment portfolio,
carrying renowned names such as
premium golf club brand Honma Golf andcream puff chain Beard Papa’s under its
belt. Celebrating its 22nd anniversary, thefirm attributes its achievements to its
close collaboration with investors andmanagement teams, diversity in its
portfolio experience and a proficientinvestment team.
“We strive to build a team ofinvestment professionals that can dodeals and also help operate and run
companies; helping executives andowners grow their businesses,” says John
Cheuck, managing partner of Ant Global
Partners. “Sometimes, we are even seen
by business owners as the son or the
successor that they may never have had.”Through its unparalleled investment
methodologies, Ant Capital provides
solutions to help realign businesses fromrefining monthly financial datapreparation to applying management
method plan-do-check-act over a fixed
period.
Already bolstered by its in-housesupport teams for Asian businessdevelopment, along with artificial
intelligence and digital convergence (AI/DX), Ant Capital has also recently
launched a strategy for supporting ESG
sustainable development goals that

(From left) Ryosuke Iinuma, representative director and managing
partner, and John Cheuck, managing partner
further enhance its investment strategies
and raise chances for improving businessresults.
As for its portfolio companies, Ant
Capital focuses on Japanese SMEs,
particularly in the IT business services,manufacturing, and consumer/retailindustries. Looking into futureendeavours, the company is set on
investing and helping traditional
businesses shift into their own online
platforms. Additionally, Ant Capital sees
potential possibilities within thehealthcare, education, machine vision andsoftware service industries.
“We are looking at China andSoutheast Asia for expanding our value
creation opportunities,” Cheuck says.
“While just 10 per cent of our portfolio
companies may be able to expand
cross-border to Asian or even global
markets, more than 80 per cent of ourcompanies have some sort of value or
supply chain procurement from within
Asia that we can help integrate andimprove.”
Ant Capital invites transparent,
seamless partnerships with clients within
Japan and the rest of Asia who have
exemplary track records in their industries,
sharing their own stories of struggle andsuccess. It is also keen on making
business succession deals, corporate
carve-outs and privatisation deals.
Ant Capital has been investing fromits fifth buyout fund and fifth secondary
fund. The company also closed its sixth
buyout fund – Catalyzer VI – in Octoberlast year.
“Metaphorically speaking, Ant Capitalis like an ant,” Iinuma says. “We can lift
up businesses 25 times our weight byleveraging improvements in efficiency,
AI/DX and cross-border Asian growth.”

S6

Friday, April 29, 2022

JAPAN BUSINESS REPORT

Sponsored section in cooperation
with Discovery Reports

MS&AD INSURANCE EMBARKS ON SUSTAINABILITY,
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND ASEAN GROWTH

A

mong the wealth of choices thatthe insurance industry has tooffer, many options merely trail
the path paved by the mostdistinguished players. MS&AD
Insurance Group has become the largest
non-life insurer in Japan in terms of net
premiums by combining and leveraging
the strengths of the insurance giants thatformed it: Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance, Aioi
Insurance and Nissay Dowa General
Insurance.
Under its domestic non-life insurance
business, MS&AD offers car insurance,
including telematics insurance incooperation with Toyota; fire; marine;
personal accident; and casualty insurance.
Its domestic life insurance segment deals

with protection-type products that include
medical, nursing, death benefits along withasset-building and asset-inheritanceproducts.
Expanding its business globally,
MS&AD has acquired Mingtai Insurance,
First Capital Insurance, and Aviva’s
business division in Asia, along with Amlinin Europe. The company is one of the top
10 property and casualty insurers in theworld, spanning 49 countries and regions
beyond its home market. In Asean, it leadsin terms of non-life gross premiums.
MS&AD further advances into the world
market, providing leading-edge non-lifeand life insurance products, financial
services, risk-related services, and more.
The pandemic has shaken the global

economy and financial markets, and has
had a huge impact on business activities
and people’s lives. “Covid-19 reminds usthat human beings – and corporations– cannot live alone,” says Noriyuki Hara,
president and CEO. “We must growtogether, continue creating shared values,
and keep a sustainable economy.” To thisend, MS&AD has accelerated a digitaltransformation to provide several solutions
to tackle social issues worldwide in a more
sufficient and effective way under thesevere circumstances.
“We’re trying to utilise and reflect thevarious technologies developed in different
parts of the world on our own productdevelopment, so we’ve established global
digital hubs in Tokyo, Singapore, London,

ITOH KANPO GIVES FORM TO HEALTH AND
PHARMACEUTICAL IDEAS, SEEKS PARTNERSHIPS
Aspiring to extend healthy lifespans – themanufacturing health teas andtime that people spend living healthily andpharmaceutical products. Some of its
comfortably without sickness or lifestylecommissioned offerings include tablets,
restrictions, Itoh Kanpo Pharmaceutical
granulated powders, soft and hard capsules,
develops high-quality health and beauty
extracts, pills and cosmetics, among others.
products that support the mind and body atWith a factory in Hangzhou, China, andany stage in life. With a history entrenched
two factories and a distribution centre inin oriental medicine, Itoh Kanpo combines
Japan, Itoh Kanpo maintains production
its know-how in raw material selection,lines that use state-of-the-art equipment andquality and hygiene with research andthat meet a wide range of customer needs.
analysis culled from customer perspectives
It received the Quality Management Systemand century-old experience to develop
ISO 9001 certification for its Higashiosaka
products that enhance lives. Its purpose is toand Kano factories, and two Good
lengthen healthy and active lifespans while
Manufacturing Practice certifications for its
continuously improving quality andhealth supplement division.
faithfully adhering to a country’s laws and“Starting as a pharmaceutical productregulations.
maker, we now proudly offer premium“We are rooted in oriental medicine,
health food products that possess the sameand the basic approach of Chinese medicine
high standard as pharmaceuticals,” Ito says.
is not just to heal, but to prevent the illness“Garnering quality certifications for bothand to look for the cause of the pain,” says
medicine and health food production is also
Tatsuo Ito, president. “Following therare in the industry, and we have achieved
Chinese concept of ishoku dogen, which
this. As a fully integrated drug and healthfood producer with 56 years’ experience, we
claims that medicine and daily diet are
can respond to any global
equally important inrequirement.”
strengthening the body, we
Chosen by 664
decided to also make healthy
companies as a
products that are easy to
production partner in the
consume and that promote
past five years alone, Itohhealthy living.”
Kanpo supports original
Itoh Kanpo manufactures
equipment manufacturers
more than 5,000 products to(OEMs) and offers originaldate. Since its rehabilitation indesign manufacturing
1966 after closing during the(ODM) services. For ODM,
second world war, it has
the company takes its
expanded from wholesaling
service one step further by
natural medicines into
Tatsuo Ito, president

proposing plans that include raw materials,
forms and development activities. Thanks tothe company’s decades-long manufacturing
and sales data, Itoh Kanpo is able to grasp
the demands of the health food market. Thisvaluable information backed by actual
market trends aids Itoh Kanpo in providing
the best recommendations to newcompanies seeking to penetrate the healthmarket. Some of these businesses even
include steel and machine manufacturers
and transport firms.
“We know the needs of our customers
because we produce and provide our
products directly through drugstores,” Itosays. “We engage with OEMs and ODMs
closely so we do not just have direct accessto the consumers, but we also connect andwork with the channels.”
As Itoh Kanpo continues to sharehappiness by giving form to the ideas of its
customers and partners, the company isfocused on increasing its inbound sales
while welcoming overseas opportunities
through cross-border, e-commerce
platforms.
“Understanding that every government
has different standards and requirements,
we will still extend our business overseas,
and this is not limited to our own branded
products, but it also encompasses our OEM
and ODM business,” Ito says. “We seek tocooperate with partners who areknowledgeable in the markets of Southeast
Asia. We are also looking for partners in the
Middle East, South America, North Africa
and India.”

Tel Aviv and Silicon Valley in California.
The hubs are aimed not just at enhancing
productivity, but at accelerating innovation
for a global strategy moving forward,”
Hara says.
Through its Silicon Valley hub,MS&AD scouts promising start-ups that
produce groundbreaking technologies
involving artificial intelligence and modern
equipment. Its investment in JupiterIntelligence, a leading provider ofpredictive data and analysis for climate risk
and further collaboration led to the launchof MS&AD’s Climate Change Impact
Assessment Service for the Task Force on
Climate-related Financial Disclosures.
This service allows hazard predictions,strategy formulations, planning andinformation disclosure worldwide andbased on scientific analyses.
Using cutting-edge technologies
through internal and external resources,
MS&AD has evolved beyond the
traditional role of simply compensating for
economic losses post accident. MS&AD
implements functions that aid inpreventing accidents from occurring, while
also promoting a quicker recovery period.
Through telematics, MS&AD collects
customers’ driving data in real time. Its
system issues alerts when it detects ananomaly, such as the vehicle speeding or
counterflowing. The system then provides
safe driving advice with the provision ofdriving diagnosis reports. If an accident
does occur, the system detects that thevehicle has stopped after experiencing amajor impact. The customer isimmediately contacted to confirm theirsafety, and an ambulance or tow-truck will
be dispatched if required.
“We are now partnering with used car
distributors, e-commerce sites and online
travel agents. We also desire to partnerwith companies possessing a large retailcustomer database,” Hara says.
MS&AD is open to forming
collaborations to improve its digitaltransformation while upgrading its life
insurance businesses in Malaysia,
Indonesia, Thailand, India and China. It
seeks the best interest of society inaccomplishing its endeavours.
MS&AD works to transform andNoriyuki Hara,
president and CEO
digitalise the industry. It is keen on
innovating its products and services,transforming its distribution channels, andcreating new businesses that addresssocial and environmental issues.
“Having professionalism, promoting
teamwork, keeping integrity, encouraging
innovation and being customer-focused– these are the values that we expect tohave in common with our partners andemployees as we expand our business inAsia,” Hara says.

THE PACK CORP WRAPS THE PLANET IN MORESUSTAINABLE TOTAL PACKAGING SOLUTIONS

From the old world and into the new,Japan’s leading packaging specialist, The
Pack Corp, has stood by one credo– respect for everyone and theenvironment. This corporate motto has
served its employees, customers andbusiness partners well since the company
started manufacturing wooden boxes forkimonos and wooden travelling suitcasesin 1878. Today, The Pack develops highly
customised, eco-friendly flat-bottom
paper handbags, food wrappers andother complete packaging solutions formany industries, while creating distinct
packaging equipment for clients
venturing into e-commerce.
“Through careful consultations withour customers, we’re able to create
original proposals that turn simple
packaging products into distinct sourcesof value, benefit and happiness for ourclients,” says president Mitsuo Inada.
“We exert every effort to give ourcustomers that extra
people use less plastic
added value they need to
packaging and otherexcel in the market.”pollutants. We’re able toWith subsidiaries indeliver eco-friendly
New York, Philadelphia,
packaging, and by doing
Shanghai and Changshu,
so, we also support
China, The Pack satisfies
customers’ efforts tothe packaging
realise the Sustainablerequirements of more
Development Goals orthan 14,000 companies in
SDGs. We’re continuously
the food, apparel,
investing in modern
cosmetics,
equipment and processes
Mitsuo Inada, president to promote thispharmaceutical, vehicle
parts and e-commerce
endeavour.”industries. The company develops
The company has adopted new
original packaging for these verticals withprinting equipment that uses water-based
the support of about 250 sales experts, an
ink and other non-solvent printing
in-house design team and a dedicatedtechnologies. The Pack also welcomes
research and development arm.
technology partners as it supports the“The keyword is ‘environment’,” says
initiatives of convenience stores andmanaging director Michihisa Fujii. “Ourother customers towards using paper
major customers are becoming more andpackaging instead of plastic. Committed
more conscious about the planet as
to sharing this philosophy with the rest of

Asia and utilising its expertise inpackaging, The Pack is set to double theshare of the overseas market to 10 per
cent of its total sales in the three to five
years after the Covid-19 pandemic. The
company plans to initially serve existing
American and European customers whoare expanding their operations into
Southeast Asia. To support this initiative,
The Pack is developing and offeringvarious packaging solutions to meet
evolving client needs. These innovations
include automated packaging equipment
designed for customers faced with higher
manpower requirements as they expand
their e-commerce business.
“We have the dual goal of protecting
the environment and taking care of all thepeople around us,” Inada says. “We’ve
been committed to this corporate policy
since our foundation 144 years ago andare dedicated to sustain it well into the
future.”CENTURY-OLD EXPERT OSAKA RASENKAN KOGYO
DELIVERS THE WORLD’S MOST FLEXIBLE STEEL HOSES
When traits such as passion for
innovation and insatiable hunger for
quality and improvement define thebasis of a company, success andlongevity are not far behind. Japan’s

oldest flexible hose manufacturer Osaka
Rasenkan Kogyo (ORK) has beendelivering unrivalled hoses and bellows
to industrial companies for more than
100 years.
“We care so much about quality, andthis is our primary goal upheld bycontinuous development,” says
sixth-generation scion Seiji Koizumi,
president. “With our highly competentengineering team, our philosophy is tocreate specialised products that others
cannot make, and this is where we start
our research and development.”
ORK’s core product is the renowned
Megaflex hose. Featuring an innersurface polish and vacuum doublemelted materials, Megaflex is chosen by
top semiconductor firms in Japan, South
Korea, mainland China and Taiwan. The
company’s latest product, the Micro Mini
Flex, is considered the thinnest flexible

steel hose in the world. Developed in
2019, Micro Mini Flex boasts a diameterof just 1.6cm and has potential uses in
the precision and medical instruments
industries.
ORK also developed Worm Free Flex,
which features enhanced flexibility.
“Worm Free Flex has excellent flexibility
similar to rubber but is made of stainlesssteel, so it is very stable and with highairtightness. It can withstand highpressure,” Koizumi says. “We are theonly company worldwide that can
produce these flexible, stainless steel
hoses with excellent quality.”
Motivated by the desire to help
customers, the hose and bellows expert
also works with clients to evaluate issues,and solves these problems for them.
“Through these collaborations, we
continue to improve the quality and the
product,” Koizumi says. “As a result,

Seiji Koizumi, president
customers trust us more and involve us
in their research process.”
Keen on developing more advanced
piping solutions, ORK seeks partnerships
in Asia, the United States and Europe,
particularly in the medical, aerospaceand hydrogen fuel cell industries.

SANKO SHOKUHIN CUSTOMISESLOCAL FLAVOURS TO ENCOURAGE
INTERNATIONAL CHUHAI CULTURE
In a business setting, having theflexibility to evolve alongside the market
is a crucial differentiator that gives
companies a competitive advantage. For
89 years, Japanese beverage specialist
Sanko Shokuhin Kogyo has
demonstrated how adaptability keeps thecompany relevant in the world ofincreasingly fickle consumers.
Before Sanko Shokuhin made its
name in the beverage industry, thecompany canned fruits, oysters andcoffee. Shifting its business focus, it
acquired a liquor licence in 2000 to
manufacture carbonated and alcoholic
beverages under its own brand and for
private labels.
Today, Sanko Shokuhin focuses on
chuhai or shochu highball drinks.
Bursting with fresh fruit flavours andcrispness, chuhai is a popular drink
enjoyed in gatherings and celebrations inJapan. It aims to bring Japanese chuhai
culture to the rest of Asia. Working

With Asean
towards this goal, thecountries having
company once again
different tastes andshowcases versatility in its
alcohol content
plans to customise chuhai
preferences, Sanko
flavours – even using local
Shokuhin aims tofruits – according to different
offer fruit flavours
market tastes.
that match each
“We don’t want to force
market. The
our preferences to othercompany plans tomarkets. We would reallywork with chain andlike to tailor products to suit
convenience stores
the tastes of people. To do
to supply new
this, we seek collaborations
flavours andwith locals to aid in
Yogo Sato, president
different types ofresearching flavours andpackaging for chuhai. With its products,
alcohol content,” says president Yogo
Sato.
Sanko Shokuhin offers these stores the
In its first venture outside Japan,
option to broaden their inventories with
Sanko Shokuhin brought guava-orange,
low-alcohol, fruit juice-infusedmango, peach and apple chuhai tocarbonated drinks.
“Drink it and taste it. We hope that
Taiwan in 2019. The company chose thethrough our products, we can develop
flavours based on market researchcloser ties with Southeast Asian
indicating that Taiwanese consumers
countries,” Sato says.
prefer sweeter and fruitier concoctions.

TOYO PAPER MANUFACTURING ROLLSOUT ITS LEGACY FOR QUALITY ANDINNOVATION IN ASIA
The Nagano family has been making the
traditional Japanese wrapping paper washi
since the end of the Edo period in the 19th
century. Today, it carries on this legacy
into the modern world through industry
leader Toyo Paper Manufacturing.
Propelled by innovation and an eye forpaper’s endless potential, the company
delivers outstanding quality, economy andgreen values with its comprehensive
product range that includes toilet paper,
paper towels, coffee filters and meat
wrappers.
“We always engage our customers indeveloping the best solutions for theirproblems using our technologies,” says
Ryozo Nagano, president of Toyo Paper,
which was founded in 1949 at the heart ofJapan’s papermaking industry in__
Shikokuchuo, Ehime prefecture.
Driven by its inventiveness andpioneering spirit, the paper expert has

consistently incorporated
the paper specialist
product qualities that minimise
welcomes technology
clients’ overall running costs.
and distribution
Toyo Paper was the first paper
partners to win over
manufacturer in Japan tobusiness-to-consumer
supply toilet papers inand original
dispensers equipped with anequipment
antitheft keylock. The company
manufacturing clients.
also introduced paper towels
Internally, Toyo Paper
when the Japanese were using Ryozo Nagano,would like to develop
only cotton towels. More
new strategies withpresident
absorbent, softer and injected
Toyo Group’s otherwith a special antibacterial medication,
subsidiaries, which are involved in the
Toyo Paper’s two-ply paper towels offer
production of non-woven items andmore value for money than lighter one-ply
laminated and plastic film products.
brands. The company manufactures all
Only a few mid-sized Japanesethese using up to 80 per cent recycledcompanies can manufacture these goods
materials with no observable difference inwhile producing paper.
quality from products made of virgin pulp.
“We’d like to create synergies within
Looking to share its innovations withthe group and with other Asian companies
Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan and other Asianas we pursue our passion to explore othermarkets that look up to Japanese culture,markets beyond Japan,” Nagano says.

Friday, April 29, 2022

JAPAN BUSINESS REPORTOPHTECS EYES SIMPLIFICATION
OF CONTACT LENS CARE WITHINNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

C

onsumers turn to contact lenses
for their ready availability, varietyof low-cost options, ease of use
and the quality-of-life
improvement they bring.
However, improper handling may negate
the benefits and pose health risks such asbacterial keratitis and corneal ulcers.
Focusing on eye health and safety,
Japanese firm Ophtecs developed
top-class contact lens care (CLC) products
to simplify wear and care for users.
Ophtecs is the company behind someof the most innovative CLC products– such as the pioneering povidone iodine
disinfecting systems it developed in 2001.

It operates a state-of-the-art research anddevelopment facility to continuously raise
the standards of eye care.
Working hand in hand with
ophthalmologists and end users, thecompany gains valuable insights that it
incorporates into product development.
“When Ophtecs was established in
1981, the goal was to provide the best
CLC solutions for the Japanese market.
Our corporate culture was to quickly
adapt and develop unique products tomeet market needs,” says CEO andpresident Joe Yoneda.
Ophtecs is the only contact lens caresolution maker to use povidone iodine forits products. Maximising the wide
antibacterial spectrum and safety profile
of povidone iodine, Ophtecs developed
cleadew, a high-end povidone-iodinebased advanced disinfecting system forcontact lenses. Users of speciality contact
lens and eye professionals choose
cleadew for its strong disinfection efficacy
against bacteria, fungi and viruses.
With functional and cosmetic contact
lens use on the rise in Asia, Ophtecs aims
to expand the reach of its products in theregion. The company is eyeing mainland
China, South Korea and Taiwan, and is
working with distributors to learn aboutmarket specifics.

Joe Yoneda, CEO and president“In the future, we want to further
broaden our reach to offer products for
speciality contact lenses. We also want to
go to more Southeast Asian countries,
identify their needs and understand how
we can address them,” Yoneda says.

ASSET MANAGEMENT ONE CREATES SUSTAINABLE
FUTURE WITH POWER OF INVESTMENT
The dream of a greener planet is getting apush from Asia’s largest asset
management company. With more than
US$500 billion in assets undermanagement, Asset Management One(AM-One) is pioneering the use ofenvironmental, social and governance(ESG) standards as criteria in certain areasof its investing chain. This commitment isreflected in its highly successful efforts,
which include its impact investing in Japan.
“The environment we live in is aprecondition for all future economic
progress. As a company that holds theassets of many people, we can dosomething to help the world,” says
Minori Komatsu, head of AssetManagement One’s corporate
sustainability office.
A merger between DIAM, Mizuho
Asset Management, Shinko AssetManagement and the asset managementarm of Mizuho Trust & Banking, AM-One
offers a broad range of investment
services to institutional and individual
investors worldwide. The company is oneof the founders of the Net Zero AssetManagers (NZAM) initiative and is the
only Asian member of NZAM’s advisorygroup responsible for steering theorganisation toward achieving net zero
greenhouse gas emissions before 2050.
AM-One’s investments comply with
Article 9 of the Sustainable Finance

Disclosure Regulation, a standard test for
the adherence of funds to sustainableobjectives in the Japanese equity field.
Meanwhile, the company’s ESG investing
utilises its own materiality map, ameasure of investee companies’
application of ESG concepts guided by
the double criteria of sustainable andfinancial materiality.
As a leading Japanese asset
management company in the ESG field,
AM-One welcomes like-mindedorganisations and government bodies inmaking a global impact on sustainability.
“Words are not enough, so we haveto take action,” Komatsu says. “In oursimple and honest way, we’re taking alevel of analysis andyears of progress to focus
verification capabilities
on technology researchfrom repeating
and development. It
simulation technology forpromotes open
reactors and mixers.
innovation, developing
SATAKEequipment in close
spearheaded the firstcontact with clients.
technology in the world“The aim is tothat utilises verticalcontinue developing
reciprocating mixing
technology and supplying
rather than conventional
products,” says Nishioka
rotating mixing, allowing
Mitsutoshi, president.
Nishioka Mitsutoshi,
animal cells to be“We want to continue
president
cultured gently. Whilecontributing to global
these mixers are used as
innovation, supporting thestandard testing equipment by advanced
environment and advancing humanJapanese research laboratories andcivilisation.”
venture companies, SATAKE plans to
Having also a large market share formarket them to biopharmaceutical,
wind tunnels used in car environment
regenerative medicine and venture
simulations in China, the company sees acompanies worldwide.
growing interest for these products. To
With sustainable development goals
keep up with demand, SATAKE has
in mind, SATAKE envisions its next 100
manufacturing and sales offices in

HYSIA BUILDS SYNERGIES AMIDBORDERLESS PUBLIC HEALTH THREATS
Growing resilience against global
pandemics requires a borderless approach
to infectious disease control, sanitationand quality management. HYSIA, Japan’s
expert in infectious control consulting andhygiene services, is pioneering an
Asia-wide network of dedicatedprofessional companies in
its field.
“Our industry tends to be domestic
not just in Japan but even in America or
Europe,” says Taro Kanazawa, managing
director.
“Because the world is much moreconnected than five years ago, we must be
more proactive and open-minded infighting borderless threats such as
infectious diseases and productcontamination.”
HYSIA has built up a network ofindustry experts in Japan, Singapore,
Taiwan and Australia, where it provides
comprehensive hygiene management
solutions, from consulting, training andaudits to specialised disinfection, microbial
cleaning and pest management services.

Taro Kanazawa,
managing director
Its international team of experts shares thebest practices from different countries andmakes sure that clients meet the global
standard in creating a hygienic
environment.
“We cover the 360 degrees of thequality management process,” Kanazawa
says. “We emphasise on-site activities– from research and analysis to training
and team building – in order to identify thecritical control points and provide tools tomanage them.” Such comprehensive
services have proven valuable in thepharmaceutical and medical devices,semiconductors, food and beverage,
hospitality, and consumer goods
industries. Considering the severity of
Covid-19, HYSIA has created afree-to-access online training programmethat gives companies and individuals theright knowledge about fighting viruses.
HYSIA is expanding its service
network across Southeast Asia, India andAustralia. Aiming to build synergies inaddressing borderless issues such as
public health, environmental health andfood safety, it welcomes investors andpartnerships with research institutes,
manufacturers and distributors of
disinfection and environmental testing
devices, and training service providers
towards shoring up local resilience toglobal threats. “We want to be the leading
environmental health solutions provider in
Asia and are always looking for strategic
partners who resonate with our vision,”
Kanazawa says.

ORYZA PLANTS PROGRESS IN
NUTRACEUTICALS, COSMECEUTICALSAND BEYOND
There is truth in the belief that nature is agreat physician.
This saying aligns with the philosophyof Oryza Oil & Fat Chemical, a Japanesecompany dedicated to providing the world
with natural products that are scientifically
proven to enhance health and beauty.
Oryza utilises the power of modern-day
technology to fully leverage the nutritional
benefits of plants and animals, creating
top-quality ingredients for functional food,cosmetics, medical products and more.
From humble beginnings as a ricebran oil business in 1939, Oryza hasdeveloped into a thriving international
B2B company. The company offers morethan 300 extracts, oils and concentrates
from rice, fruits and flowers, and has
increased its focus on cultivating exclusive
ingredients from plants natively grown inJapan, such as cherry blossoms.
“We promote sustainability andeco-friendliness, so we’re constantly
looking into plant-based products,” says

Hiromichi Murai,
president and CEO
Hiromichi Murai, president and CEO. “Wehave a screening system of two thousandassays to detect the benefits andbioavailability of various plants. We rely
heavily on science, so we make sure thatthe health and cosmetic claims of all our
products are evidence-based.”Three products take the spotlight
among the company’s extensive line-up.
Derived from rice, Oryza Ceramide
contains a high percentage of ceramide, afatty acid which keeps moisture lockedwithin the skin. While Oryza manufactures
ceramide for topical applications, it is thefirst company in the world that offers thisfatty acid in edible powder and liquid
forms.
Oryza Tocotrienol, also known assuper vitamin E, is 40 to 60 times morepotent as an antioxidant than regularvitamin E. It contains anti-ageing,
immunity-boosting and cholesteroldecreasing properties in cosmetic andfood standard options. Lastly, Gamma
Oryzanol, which also comes in food andcosmetic forms, imparts a host ofhealth-promoting benefits, including
stress relief, anti-menopausal effects,
inflammation reduction and gooddigestion.
Eager to expand into South Asia andChina, Oryza is open for co-development
partnerships with universities, research
institutes and companies within thoseregions, along with potential Japanese
partners.

Sponsored section in cooperation
with Discovery Reports

SHINX WILL EXPAND IN
ASEAN TO REPLICATEGAME-CHANGING SUCCESSAs factory automation sweeps
manufacturing industries worldwide,
Japan’s pioneer in non-ferrous metal
cutting and milling is prepared to takethe reins in Southeast Asia withhigh-precision aluminium and stainlesssteel parts that could eventually
revolutionise the semiconductor,
automotive and electrical industries
with their cost-cutting potential.
Quality and accuracy have been thehallmarks of Shinx since its founding in
1997, when material wholesalers’services were limited to stocking andcutting. “Our milling service changed
the entire manufacturing market in
Japan because its lowered machining
cost led to an overall decline in clients’
overhead production cost. This was a
big change for Japanese manufacturingindustries,” says Kei Ishizaka, presidentof Shinx since June 2020.
Unmatched when it comes toflatness accuracy, Shinx can produce
the full range of non-ferrous plates– from 5mm square to 1.5 by 3 metres– at a rate of 15,000 pieces daily.
Focused on quality control and highly
precise temperature control as dictatedby Japanese Industrial Standards andISO specifications, the company
guarantees the flatness, parallelism,
tolerance and squareness of its
products, with zero defects anddamage-proof packaging.
Through dedicated Plus Alphaservices, it resolves clients’ production
constraints in real time and can
produce prototypes for next-day
delivery.
“We aim to replicate theseachievements in Southeast Asia,”
Ishizaka says. “We would like toempower Asean with our step-by-step
techniques, not only to make a profit,
but more importantly to help themarket with our techniques. This is ourphilosophy.”
Shinx plans to open a factory in theregion within five years mainly to help
resolve quality issues amid risinglabour costs. It is keen on first-tier

Kei Ishizaka, president
manufacturers of semiconductor
components in Vietnam, Singapore,
Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea
and Taiwan, with a goal to increase
overseas sales to 25 per centby 2025.
“We have accumulated thecustomers, sales and know-how inJapan over the past 25 years,” Ishizaka
says. “From now on, our eyes are on
the Asean countries.”

FUTABA INDUSTRIAL RAMPS UP
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH STRATEGY
Minori Komatsu, head ofcorporate sustainability officestraightforward approach to sustainability
transformation.”
This article is for informational
purposes and does not constitute an offer
or solicitation of any investment service inany jurisdiction.

SATAKE MARKS 100 YEARS AS PARTNER OF CHOICE
IN ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING AND MIXING EQUIPMENT
Behind the world’s advancing
technologies are the companies that
innovate and create them. Renowned forits premium mixing devices, refrigeration
and air conditioning testing equipment,
environmental testing equipment andother customised solutions, Satake
Chemical Equipment champions theworldwide technology development
market. In 2020, the Japanese company
celebrated a century of developing
various machinery for a wide range ofapplications.
Last year, the company changed its
name to SATAKE MultiMix Corp denoting
its multipurpose, multi-function mixing
capabilities. Holding the No 1 market shareposition in the mixer industry in Japan andair conditioning and automotive testinglaboratories in China, SATAKE has
propelled its success through its respect
for technology development. Today, thecompany possesses the world’s highest

S7mainland China, Taiwan and South
Korea, a service base in Thailand, and a
new manufacturing and sales company in
Malaysia.
Set to exhibit at the INTERPHEX trade
fair in the United States, SATAKE seeks
partnerships in Asia, Europe and North
America, especially for specialised trading
companies in the bioreactor and classifier
fields.

In the past six years – under the
stewardship of president Hiroyoshi
Yoshiki – automotive parts
manufacturer FUTABA Industrial
underwent a process of internalconsolidation and restructuring toemerge as a stronger organisation.
Towards the shift to electric vehicles, inaddition to focusing more on researchand development (R&D) and deliveringhigh-value-added products atcompetitive prices, FUTABA has
improved and reformed its
organisational structure to addresssocial issues such as sustainable
development goals and carbon
neutrality.
“We have become much morecustomer-oriented while continuing toleverage our technology leadership instamping, pipe bending and welding,”
Yoshiki says. “In this highly competitiveenvironment, we’re also set apart byour technology to work with ultra-hightensile materials with high strength.”
FUTABA primarily serves leading
automotive parts manufacturers in

Hiroyoshi Yoshiki, president
Japan and abroad through a global
supply system that spans production
facilities in North America, Europe,
Southeast Asia and China. Combining
the latest technologies and innovative
concepts, FUTABA has built a solidname for supplying sophisticatedexhaust system solutions, including
automotive mufflers, which meetengine power and environmental
performance requirements.

Allocating more resources for its
R&D efforts, FUTABA is planning toapply the prospective capabilities in thefield of exhaust system solutions to the
expansion of new business areas forbody-related products, from concept
development to assembly andproduction of medium-sized parts, andto evolve and expand the structuraldevelopment capabilities andmanufacturing technologies forbody-related products.
FUTABA takes the period of change
in the automotive industry as anopportunity to become a company thatcan grow sustainably.
“I want to focus our efforts on
digitalisation and innovation of ourmonozukuri (manufacturing). We aretrying to speed up development bypromoting digital transformation using
digitalisation and artificial intelligence,
to win orders for body parts for battery
electric vehicles by identifying andproposing changes in body structure
and performance requirements,”
Yoshiki says.

S8

Friday, April 29, 2022

JAPAN BUSINESS REPORT

Sponsored section in cooperation
with Discovery Reports

CATALYST TECHNOLOGYAZUMA FOODS DELIGHTS PALATES TOP
DEVELOPER NE CHEMCAT ISWORLDWIDE WITH FRESH,
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF INDUSTRIESQUALITY JAPANESE APPETISERS

Lumpy, gooey yet so refreshingly
tasty, tako wasabi is a star sidedish in any Japanese bar or
izakaya.
Originally developed by
55-year-old Japanese manufacturer of
traditional flavours Azuma Foods, theraw baby octopus seasoned with tartand spicy Japanese horseradish has
been delighting palates for the past 30
years. Under the brand name Takowasa,
Azuma’s pioneering product continues
to gain popularity in Asia, the UnitedStates, Canada and Oceania.
Catering to overseas restaurants anddistributors since the 1990s with its
range of sushi toppings, sashimi andother sought-after Japanese fried foods
and appetisers, Azuma Foods introduces
Asian-inspired plant-based meatproducts using more sustainable

soy-based ingredients. Perfect forvegans and vegetarians, the Soy Meister
product line, which includes yakiniku
and teriyaki chicken, among others, iscertified vegan by VegeProject Japan.
Expanding its customer base,Azuma Foods’ factory in China
manufactures halal items approved by

the Shandong Halal Certification Service.
Soon, it will also develop halal-certified
tako wasabi.
Through its new leadership, Azuma
Foods seeks to become a bridge tofuture generations by promoting
Japanese cuisine and culture throughnew tastes, blends and packaging.

Azuma Foods headquarters and factory“We want to cherish our traditional
styles while thinking about the newgeneration and the new restaurants,”
says Takashi Nakajima, managing
director. “We want to incorporate
conventional flavours, aromas andelements into modern food styles for
future consumers.”
Part of the company’s strategy is todevelop consumer packs that areavailable in retail shops. Targeting
women, it also creates delectable dishes
containing collagen beads. To support
its expansion, Azuma Foods is bolstering
its factory in Peru to serve American andCanadian markets.
“As a pioneer in this segment, welead in providing quality, safety andfreshness,” Nakajima says. “Weconstantly want to improve whilestaying close to our customers.”

DIVERSITY ON CAMPUS PREPARESSTUDENTS FOR THE REAL WORLD,SAYS JF OBERLIN UNIVERSITY
Staying true to the founding ideal ofJapanese missionary Reverend Yasuzo
Shimizu, JF Oberlin University (JFOU)
redefines international education in
Japan while responding to society’s
needs and demands.
Celebrating its centennial last year,
the university put a spotlight on campus
diversity.
“We are creating a university where
people coming from different regions of
the world all together study in one spacebecause when our founder started theschool in China, he had students not only
from China, but also from Korea andJapan,” says Dr Hiroaki Hatayama,president.

“It was international from the very
start, and we want to keep it that way.”
JFOU launched its College of
Aviation Management in April 2020 tobridge the global shortage of aviationindustry professionals. Its programme
combines a bachelor’s degree andprofessional certification in the UnitedStates and Japan within four years.
Responding to the needs of Asia’s ageing
populations, JFOU is likewise expanding
its graduate programme in gerontology
through collaborations with foreign
universities, government agencies andindustry players based in Tokyo, which iscentral to research and development in
the field.

To give performing and visual arts
students more creative space, JFOU
moved their school in April 2020 to a
sprawling campus with scenic views.
Meanwhile, its Shinjuku campus became
a dedicated facility for business
management studies in April 2019.
“We want to expand our professional
schools according to society’s needs anddemands, thus enabling students toperform well in a globally oriented
environment,” Hatayama says. Offering
Japanese, English and Mandarin
instruction, JFOU attracts more than 800
foreign students annually. It aims to growits range of double-degree and exchange
programmes through academia-industry

Dr Hiroaki Hatayama, president
collaborations and partnerships withmore universities around the world.
JFOU has offices in China, the US andMongolia. “Students coming fromdifferent countries always have different
values, and our programmes allow themto complete courses according to theirstrengths, creativity and imagination.
That becomes our strength,”
Hatayama says.

Leading Japanese catalyst company
NE Chemcat is shaping the future of theindustrial manufacturing sector withproven and trailblazing catalyst
technologies. The 58-year-old precious
metals catalyst producer is contributing
to the realisation of a sustainable
society through intrinsic chemistry,high-quality products and innovativetechnology. The company isdiversifying its offerings while
expanding its chemical, automotive
exhaust and refining segments.
Driven by its Vision 2030 strategy,
NE Chemcat provides new catalyst
values that protect the global
environment. Collaborating withgovernment, original equipment
manufacturers and industry players,
NE Chemcat is addressing thechallenges presented by the United
Nations Development Programme’s
Sustainable Development Goals. Withtransparent and sound management, it
upholds environmental, social andgovernance principles while
maintaining a lean financial processthat efficiently allocates assets andfosters growth.
To realise its 2030 corporatetransformation, NE Chemcat is
implementing 16 key drivers that
include rebuilding businessdevelopment structure, optimisinginternal value chain and promoting the

Hideki Matsuyama,president“Our long-time success has been
driven by our ability to adapt our
products to the needs and technologies
of our customers as they evolve
throughout the years,” says president
Hideki Matsuyama. “We are able toassess their requirements from acomplete and balanced perspective,
which helps us provide holistic solutions
with a distinct focus on sustainability.”
Such dedication to total customer
satisfaction has allowed Miyama Electricto earn the trust of companies such as
Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Daimler,
Mitsubishi and Panasonic. Besides its
production facilities in Japan, China,
Thailand and Vietnam, Miyama Electric
is driving its global growth with its new
manufacturing plant in India.

Its fabrication sites in Shanghai andGuangzhou, meanwhile, complement its
aggressive expansion in China. To
support its growth overseas, thecompany is eyeing collaborations withlocal partners in countries including thePhilippines, Pakistan and those from
central Africa. It is similarly exploring
opportunities in other verticals including
medical equipment and sensor products.
“We wish to bring further success toeveryone by listening to our client’s
needs as we further stretch our global
reach,” Matsuyama says.
“We are persistent in keeping up
and working with our business partners
on innovating and improving our
products to stay abreast of the demandsof the era.”use of digital transformation
technologies.
Catalysts are key factors in thehydrogen value chain. NE Chemcat isdeveloping products that improve theperformance and economic viability ofthe processes within this value chain.
NE Chemcat is leveraging its longexperience developing fuel cell catalysts
in the emerging hydrogen field.
Great expectations exist for fuelcells in the automotive industry as acleaner alternative energy solution toabate global warming. Ahead of thepack, NE Chemcat has developed ahigh-functioning catalyst together withleading carbon and graphite

UNLIMITED ENERGY DRIVES MUGENTO FULFIL DREAMS OF CARMANUFACTURERS AND ENTHUSIASTS
With an extensive history designing
Formula One race engines, tuning Honda
stock engines and other highperformance components, MUGEN isdriven by dreams, funand excitement.
Legally known as M-TEC, MUGEN is

MIYAMA ELECTRIC SWITCHES ON GLOBALEXPANSION TAILORED TO CLIENTS’ NEEDS
Miyama Electric’s wide range ofswitches is limited only by its customers’
imagination. Committed to satisfy its
clients’ every requirement, the company
draws on nearly a century of experienceto create a complete portfolio of electric
switches for industries such as
automotive and gaming.
The company’s products span fromtraditional switching devices activatedby a button, lever, toggle or a sliding
mechanism to more sophisticateddesigns incorporating illumination andkey control. With its newest overseas
production facility in India, Miyama
Electric welcomes local partners insharing its passion for quality andsustainability with clients from Asia,
Africa and the United States.

Matsuru Kushida, president andrepresentative director

manufacturer Toyo Tanso using a
breakthrough carbon known as CNovel.
Toyo Tanso’s porous carbon powdermaterial, applied in NE Chemcat’s
electrode catalysts for fuel cells andplatinum-based chemical catalysts, has
an extraordinary pore structure that
boosts catalytic performance, enhances
durability and lowers the cost of fuelcell systems. NE Chemcat is further
improving and upscaling CNovel-based
fuel cell catalysts together with Toyo
Tanso to address the market
opportunities in mainland China.
“Through value chain integration,
we are ready to introduce advanced
technologies for chemical catalysts inJapan and China,” says president andrepresentative director Matsuru
Kushida. “Fuel cells are our flagshipapplication.”
Backed by global chemicals
manufacturer BASF, NE Chemcat
pursues the potential of chemistry tosupport society, produce efficientenergy and contribute to a cleaner
environment.
“Our company is focusing on
innovation and cutting-edge
applications,” Kushida says. “Weprovide distinct technology not just inJapan, but also in Asia and globally. We
are challenging our people further tosolve future problems and deliver more
solutions to the manufacturing sector.”

Tomoyuki Hashimoto, president

renowned in the motorsports field for its
cutting-edge technology for high-classracing vehicles and sublime aesthetics
that enhance driving performance. Apartfrom keeping its robust ties with Honda,
the company is expanding its MUGEN
parts division or customised parts
business for Honda vehicles as it aims todevelop the MUGEN Spec car that it
hopes will bring smiles to Honda fansand enthusiasts across Asia.
“Our philosophy has not changed
since we started in 1973,” says Tomoyuki
Hashimoto, president.
“We aspire to fulfil dreams while
focusing on the future by constantly
improving and investing in new products
and techniques.”
MUGEN has always been challenged
to design concepts for top motorsports
categories to give customers a taste of
the racing spirit and mind. It continues tocreate customised high-performanceparts of Honda models to satisfy markets

in Asia, particularly the growing demandin China.
“We care about our brand and how
consumers and investors see us,”
Hashimoto says. “Each customer group
has different needs and regulations, so
we are looking for local partners andsales developers to help us adapt andprepare for these markets.”
Following the successful launch of
the Civic MUGEN sedan at the 2020 Auto
Guangzhou, which featured distinct
MUGEN aero body kits such as front,
side, rear and trunk spoilers, and sleek
7-spoke alloy wheels, MUGEN believes
these products will pave the way forfurther business in the Chinese market.
“Our energy is unlimited,”
Hashimoto says. “No matter how
challenging it is to expand into the Asianmarket, we will continue to move forward
to bring our special and exciting products
closer to customers and vehicle
enthusiasts.”

LIQUID’S BIOMETRIC AUTHENTICATIONTECHNOLOGY OFFERS SECURITY
BOOST FOR DIGITAL PLATFORMS
The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated theadoption of digital platforms, particularlyin the fields of finance, commerce,sharing economy, education andhealthcare. This increase brings acorresponding rise in security threatssuch as data theft and fraudulent
transactions. Japanese firm Liquid isfounded on the premise of user dataprotection, and has dedicated itself
towards developing next-generation
biometric authentication technology tocreate safe environments and a simple
user experience.
Liquid made waves in Japan when it
pioneered the use of the two-fingerprint
payment system Liquid Pay in 2015.
Further pushing the application of
biometric authentication technology, thecompany pivoted the business to focus
on electronic Know Your Customer(eKYC) processes, particularly in mobile
device security using facial authenticationand liveness detection.
Within the LIQUID eKYC system,
identity verification is conducted online

with high-precision image verification
using artificial intelligence. LIQUID eKYC
simplifies the verification process by
allowing users to consecutively
photograph an identity verification
document and the user’s face in africtionless manner.
“We focus on user interface and user
experience. We want to facilitate theprocess for end users and to shorten
verification times. Our goal is to establish
a digital ID that users can exchange theirinformation with at any time, to any
person or organisation, in an appropriate
scope based on their will. We want tomake the world seamless,” says CEO
Hiroki Hasegawa.
Outside LIQUID eKYC’s current
financial applications for the financial
sector, the company sees the solution
used in governments, entertainment andmusic festivals, and travel touch points.
With e-commerce booming all overAsia, Liquid is looking to expand into
Southeast Asian countries, such as
Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, andeven the Middle East. The company
designs solutions adaptable to thedifferent regulatory needs of othercountries.
Given this expansion, Liquid seeks
local partners to help it adapt its solutions.
It also welcomes partnerships withcompanies to help it expand biometrics
authentication technology to reach music
festivals, travel touch points, metaverse,
cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens(NFTs).

Hiroki Hasegawa, CEONISSIN MEDICAL PLANS GLOBALWHEELCHAIR ROLL-OUT THROUGHINTERNATIONAL PARTNERS
Japanese firm Nissin Medical Industries
believes that mobility is a fundamental
human right, and that illness, age ordisability should not hinder any
meaningful participation in society for
persons who choose to do so.
For 58 years, Nissin Medical has been
revolutionising the design and technologyof wheelchairs to offer users convenienceand the freedom to improve their qualityof life.
Nissin Medical produces standard
and custom-made wheelchairs. To date,its portfolio includes wheelchairs for
hospitals, the elderly, disabled and sports
athletes. The company also manufactures
medical and welfare facility products,
such as stretchers and carts, and nursing
care products, such as canes and walking
frames.
“We’ve been providing high-quality,
low-cost wheelchairs to people with awide variety of conditions. We study theirneeds to see how to address them,” sayspresident Keiji Matsunaga.
Nissin Medical has more than 150
types of wheelchairs for different
applications – active, sport, electric, buggy
and children’s use. Backed by a strong
research and development team, Nissin
Medical always incorporates the latest
materials and technology to deliver
utmost comfort and functionality.

Keiji Matsunaga, president

Showcasing innovation, Nissin Medical
received a special award in 2011 from theGood Design Award of Small andMedium Enterprises for the Vortex, adurable and flexible active wheelchairmade from locally sourced carbon fibre.
Collaborations with research
institutes, universities and rehabilitation
centres help fuel Nissin Medical’s R&D.
With Tokyo hosting the 2020 Summer
Olympics, Nissin Medical worked withathletes to provide the appropriate
wheelchairs to those needing them.
Working with subsidiaries in the
United States, Vietnam, South Korea andChina, Nissin Medical has the capability toreach a global audience. The company
seeks distribution partnerships in Europe
and Asia to further expand its reach.
“Every country has its own set of
requirements. We seek partners to help
us understand those so that we candeliver the right product to users,”
Matsunaga says.

Friday, April 29, 2022

JAPAN BUSINESS REPORTNEION’S ANTIVIRAL AND ECOFRIENDLY PRODUCTS RAISECONSUMER CONFIDENCE

T

echnological innovation applied toadhesive sheets brings more thanmodern living conveniences suchas shatterproof film for glass
windows or heat conduction
products using pressure-sensitive adhesive(PSA).
For NEION Film Coatings, researchand development (R&D) integrating slaked
lime technology has yielded life-saving
solutions. NEION’s Halshikkui – adhesive
sheets coated with plaster that provide
antiviral and deodorant functions – is apromising addition to the world’s weapons
against infectious diseases, bringing
coating technology to a whole new realmof relevance.

“Traditionally, you have to use alcohol
to wipe out bacteria or viruses. But withHalshikkui, we can reduce viruses on film
surfaces by 99.97 per cent within fiveminutes,” says CEO Kanzo Shimizu.
Founded in 1957, NEION is Japan’s
forerunner in high-precision coating.
Specialising in plastic film coatings, thecompany brought to life countless products
by enabling low-volume production andlimitless customisation for clients
producing electronic industrial materials,
seal stickers and labels, signs and displays,
and consumer goods.
Some of its remarkable products arevery thin double-sided tape as narrow asfive micrometers, glass-scattering

prevention film that cuts exposure toultraviolet rays by 99 per cent, and heat
conductive industrial tapes, among manyothers.
With its advanced capabilities, NEION
creates more than 800 new PSA products
every year. Its priority in the next few years
is to expand the market for the
groundbreaking Halshikkui as acountermeasure against virus infection.
The company is also focusing R&D on
eco-friendly products such as industrial
tape, seals and labels made from recycledmaterials, aside from reducing its carbon
footprint.
Aiming to go global in the coming
years, NEION is eyeing expansion in

Kanzo Shimizu, CEO

For NAKANO SEIYAKU, what started as aneffort to fill a gap in high-quality salon
products became a lasting commitment tocreate the finest professional haircare

Takaya Nakano, president

products that empower consumers to live
beautifully. As one of Japan’s pioneering
companies in this field, NAKANOSEIYAKU raised industry standards with
continuing innovation that paved the way
for a 1,300-strong product portfolio.
“Our researchers visited many salons
to understand the requirements ofJapanese hair stylists. Because of this, wewere able to develop our signature
product, the NAKANO STYLING WAX, in
1996 – the first of its kind in Japan at thattime. To this day, we continue to visit
salons to incorporate the latest trends into
our releases,” says president Takaya
Nakano.
Since taking the helm, Nakano has set
his eyes on expanding the reach of

NAKANO SEIYAKU by creating consumer
pathways for its styling, colouring, haircare, perming and hair growth products.
The company created four channels:
professional beauty market, the retailmarket, original equipment manufacturing(OEM) or original design manufacturing(ODM), and global business.
Safeguarding the future of thecompany, Nakano created a sustainability
framework to protect the environment,
customers, employees and stakeholders.
Since its founding, NAKANOSEIYAKU has relied on its in-houseresearch and development team to push
innovations. It has since opened its doors
to research partnerships with institutions,such as Kansai University, and soughtcollaboration with research-driven entities
to spur open innovations.
Spreading its goal of shaping andcreating beauty together, NAKANOSEIYAKU works with distributors in Taiwan,
Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea,
Thailand and Hong Kong. It seeks new
distribution partnerships worldwide,
particularly in the Asean region. With its
abundant ODM and OEM experience basedon its know-how and technology inprofessional hair salon productdevelopment, it also welcomes ODM andOEM product development inquiries.
“We have been in the professional
beauty industry for more than 60 years.
We want to bring this brand equity to therest of the world,” Nakano says.

JPS PHARMACEUTICAL UPHOLDS BETTER HEALTH
WITH NEXT-GENERATION KAMPO MEDICINE
If there is anything the Covid-19 pandemictaught the world, it is that the first
response is critical to finding solutions.
For pioneering Japanese herbal medicine
company JPS Pharmaceutical, awarenessof past remedies and knowledge of thebody’s capacity to heal through properbalance is equally significant.
An expert in harnessing the healing
power of Japan’s traditional medicines
known as kampo, JPS Pharmaceuticalsolves health issues by processing thehighest-quality herbal extracts.
“We want to enlighten markets about
the effectiveness of our Japanese-quality
kampo extracts,” says Seiji Kobayashi,
president.
“Kampo is indispensable inpreventing diseases, avoiding frailty andmaintaining healthy bodies. From treatinga cold to chronic medical conditions,
kampo can be applied for a variety ofsymptoms.”

Seiji Kobayashi, president
JPS Pharmaceutical, through its
factory in Tochigi, implements an
integrated manufacturing system that has
made the JPS-branded kampo renownedin the region. From crude drug cutting
and extract production to preparation andpackaging, the company’s highly skilled

and experienced staff is well equipped tomeet the various demands for dosage
forms such as tablets, powders, and evenliquid medicines. The company also
supports original equipment and design
manufacturers in formulating kampo
and over-the-counter medicines andhealth food.
“Having accumulated the technology
and know-how in extracting andconcentrating crude drugs for the past 63
years, we have the flexibility andcredibility to manufacture high-quality
health foods and kampo medicines thatare close to the quality of original
infusions,” Kobayashi says.
Backed by its own research anddevelopment (R&D) team, JPS
Pharmaceutical welcomes partnerships
with companies abroad that are interested
in Japanese kampo through collaborative
R&D, and technology transfer.
“We continue to employ nature’s gifts

GRAPHICO DEVELOPS HEALTH,BEAUTY AND CONSUMER PRODUCTS
THAT WARM CUSTOMERS’ HEARTS
It is not easy growing up without parents
or siblings, more so for a girl born inpredominantly patriarchal Japan in the
1970s. Rising above challenges andchoosing to fight despondency, Graphicopresident and CEO Sumiyo Hasegawa
vowed to put a smile on every customer’s
face through her innovative productdevelopment and creative marketingcompany.
“Growing up alone, some people
looked down on me and at times
discriminated against me, but instead ofbeing discouraged, I decided to focus on
living a decent life,” Hasegawa says.
“I believe I can feel the pain of others.
I aimed to help others and grow morebecause I see there is opportunity all
around me.”Since its inception in 1996, Graphicohas been serving large cosmetics
companies through strategic productplanning and marketing. With anextensive experience in securing

exclusive contracts with manufacturers inJapan, South Korea and the UnitedStates, Graphico has expanded its
business to include the development oforiginal products and in-house brands.
Some of its award-winning products
include Lunar Beauty Yomogi warming
pads, Forget About It! diet-support
supplement, Foot Medi foot callus peelingspray and Skin Peace hand cream.
“With our wide network ofpartner-factories, we can choose themaker that offers the best technology,
price and capacity that match ourdirection for product branding anddevelopment solutions,” Hasegawa says.
Listing on the Japan Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotationin September 2020 following its merger
with a pharmaceutical company,
Graphico works with doctors and drug
companies in developing technology
products for women. Its team ofmultilingual specialists collaborates with

Sumiyo Hasegawa,president and CEO
counterparts in China to further analyse
the uterus environment and solve
infertility problems. Graphico also seeks
to grow its e-commerce trade in the US.
“My goal is to warm people’s hearts
and solve their worries through ourbusiness and products,” Hasegawa says.
“I want to see more happy faces
worldwide.”

TAMADA CORP SEEKS TO PROTECTASIA’S UNDERGROUND ENVIRONMENTS
As environmental legislation in Asia has
not yet reached global standards,
Tamada Corp is initiating action byincreasing awareness on soil
contamination risks and offering the best
disaster-proofing solution to fueldistribution companies and energy
firms. The solution is Tamada Corp’s SIR
system, a cloud-based service that
detects tank leakage in real time, which
is being launched in Japan and targeted
for overseas distribution within two
years.
“With our monitoring service, we
can manage and monitor undergroundstorage tanks 24/ 7. If there is any
leakage, we will immediately know,”
says Yoshihisa Tamada, CEO.
Tamada Corp is a leader inunderground storage tank design andmanufacturing, owning about 70 per
cent market share in Japan for the S&F
double-wall tank, its core productfeaturing composite material technology.

The S&F double-wall tank consists of a
primary steel tank and a secondary
fibre-reinforced plastic tank fitted with asensor for monitoring leakage, of which
about 30,000 units are installed
nationwide.
Committed to protecting
underground environments, Tamada
Corp has prioritised inspection andYoshihisa Tamada, CEO

maintenance services throughout Japanto prevent soil contamination fromageing underground tanks. Overseas,
the company is escalating engineering
services to propagate disaster-proof
construction techniques in various fuelplants and manufacturing facilities.
The company aims to make themost impact in Southeast Asia. Present
in the region for about 20 years now,
Tamada Corp is specifically targeting
Vietnam – where it has been involved inpolicy development, the Philippines,
Indonesia and Myanmar. Taiwan is also
on its expansion radar.
“Our offer as a total planner in thedesign and production of undergroundtanks and entire tank fields for the new
century is backed by 72 years ofachievement in this field,” Tamada says.
“My vision is to double our sales to 20
billion yen (HK$1.3 billion) in 10 years
through robust licensing and technology
transfer all across Asia.”

Sponsored section in cooperation
with Discovery Reports

CHARACTER MERCHANDISING KEY TO
FURYU’S GLOBAL EXPANSION
A commemoration of a purification
ritual in 869, Gion Matsuri is one ofJapan’s biggest festivals and is a classic
showcase of the country’s culture andtraditions. Inspired by the festival’s
pomp and circumstance, FURYU aims
to share the Japanese spirit ofentertainment to the global stage
through thoughtfully designed products
to deliver memorable experiences.
FURYU was originally born as the
new business unit in the entertainment
field for OMRON in 1997 and later on
became independent in 2007. It initiallygained popularity for its expertise in
girl’s trend business. Under thissegment, FURYU developed photo
sticker machines, which were – and stillare – popular among teenage girls.
“People’s sense of fulfilment isboth material and spiritual. We want tohelp them attain it by creating
high-quality entertainment they canenjoy together with friends and family.
We want to make people’s hearts
happy,” says president and CEO
Takashi Mishima.
Diversifying its focus and extending
beyond Japan, FURYU delved into
games and animation development andcharacter merchandising.
As anime content consumption

Thailand, Vietnam and China with an
overarching B2B and B2C strategy. It is
keen on contributing more to customers invarious industries with its technology
potentials.
“The key theme in our company isalways creating newness,” Shimizu says.

NAKANO SEIYAKU CREATES BEAUTY AND
CONTRIBUTES TO THE PEOPLES OF THE WORLD

to discover the next-generation kampo,
where products have higher quality andeffectiveness,” Kobayashi says. “We will
partner with manufacturers from Asia todevelop new products that support
healthy societies globally.”

S9

Takashi Mishima,president and CEO

remains high globally, FURYU is
strengthening its character
merchandising segment to cater to thedemand for related products andservices. The company develops
amusement prizes and even high-end
collectible figures for hobby brands
such as F:NEX. FURYU’s popular
figures include characters Hatsune Miku
and Ram and Rem from Re:Zero.
Listed on the Tokyo Stock
Exchange, FURYU continues to seek
more global investors. The company
finds strong demand in China andworks with anime, comics and games
platform Bilibili to reach consumers. In
Asia, FURYU envisions tapping
Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam andThailand initially through distributors
and eventually direct sales channels. It
also aims to reach other markets suchas North America.
As it broadens its geographicalscope, FURYU also plans to expand its
offerings, leveraging its extensive
expertise in the character merchandise
and the girl’s trend business, and isopen to partnerships that can support
this growth track.

KYOWA PURSUES TECHNOLOGICALINNOVATIONS FOR GREENER SOLUTIONSFor 69 years, Kyowa has been at theforefront of the plastics industry,
constantly adapting its moulding
expertise to fit the demands of various
industries. From automotive toelectronics, Kyowa has pushed
technology’s limits to develop relevant
products.
A one-stop shop for moulding andmanufacturing plastic components
and frames, Kyowa is no ordinary
plastic company. It has always been
mindful of its societal andenvironmental footprint.
Heeding the call for greener
solutions, Kyowa is developing
non-toxic chrome plating technology
in cooperation with an Italian partner.
This solution is crucial for the
automotive industry, one of theheaviest users of the chrome platingprocess.
Kyowa is looking to manufacture
the equipment in China to distributethe technology on a wider scale.
Keeping up with industry

Shigeharu Nozawa, president
developments, Kyowa has started
supplying 5G connectors fortelecommunication optical fibres to a
Switzerland-based company. Kyowa
sees this sector as one of the key
drivers of future growth.
In an era facing a looming climate
crisis, Kyowa has become a gamechanger with its decision to use
biodegradable plastics such as

polylactic acid (PLA), which is derived
from corn. Engineered to be stronger
and more heat-resistant, Kyowa’s PLA
can be used for electronic components
and even cutlery to help reduce
single-use plastic waste.
Using a revolutionary cultivation
technology that can yield as much as
17,000 tomatoes from a single seed,
Kyowa aims to take HYPONICA to theglobal stage as a solution to address
food shortages.
Kyowa is determined to continue
using technology to make a global
impact. It is particularly keen on
expanding its scope in China, India
and the rest of Asia. As it has its own
research and development centre in
India, Kyowa seeks to develop new
innovations through partnerships andjoint ventures.
“We see Kyowa as a sustainablebusiness that is good for the planet.
We will continue to be Earthconscious,” says president
Shigeharu Nozawa.

S10

Friday, April 29, 2022

JAPAN BUSINESS REPORT

Sponsored section in cooperation
with Discovery Reports

O’WILL EXPLORES ASIANOPPORTUNITIES THROUGH
ONE-STOP TRADE SERVICETECHNO TAKATSUKI PUMPS UP
EXCITEMENT FOR PNEUMATIC
SOLUTIONS BEYOND WASTE
WATER MANAGEMENTn any industry, working with amultifunctional, quality-conscious
trading company has numerous
advantages. By dealing with one
source, clients reduce transaction
costs and time spent looking for new
supplies. Trusted by scores of top
Japanese food brands, O’will is a
one-stop service that combines a
general trader’s extensive variety with a
speciality retailer’s careful precision.
Along with environmental
equipment, cosmetics, water treatment
systems and packaging materials,
O’will offers agricultural, dairy andprocessed products, beverages, foodadditives and more. Having expanded
its main business in the wholesale foodand beverage (F&B) industry for morethan 30 years, the Japanese corporation

Fundamental to ecological and humanhealth, waste water management isincreasingly becoming a pressing
concern worldwide amid booming
populations and declining resources.
For so long, removing contaminantsfrom waste water and yielding effluent or
directly reusable water has been an
intricate, expensive process – until
Techno Takatsuki revolutionised theindustry.
When Techno Takatsuki invented theelectromagnetic linear diaphragm pumpin 1967 under the HIBLOW brand, it
paved the way for more efficient waste
water treatment using energy-saving,
longer-lasting and low-maintenance air
pumps. These were so easy to use thatthey became the benchmark for thesmall-size waste water treatment market.
The company has since produced
more than 19 million air pumps,
cornering the largest market share in the
United States and supplying majorindustry players in about 70 countries.
Holding its originality patent for the
linear diaphragm pump, Techno
Takatsuki continues to lead innovations
in pneumatic solutions. This pursuit gave
rise to its new technical solution,
Airtronics, which fuses air pumpI

has garnered clients such as ITO EN,
Suntory and Kirin.
Further intensifying its local
stronghold, O’will aims to champion its
niche markets within the F&B industry.
These markets include foods for
specified health use (FOSHU); foodadditives such as sugar, vitamins,
calcium, emulsifiers and flavourings;
milk-derived products such as
pasteurised milk, condensed milk,butter and cheese; various tea products;
and tropical fruits, vegetables, juices
and purées.
Beyond its F&B products, O’will
provides waste water purification
systems using ozonation, helping
reduce sewage for food factories. The
company also plans to develop its
environmental equipment segment

over the next two to three years,
offering large high-volume, low-speed(HVLS) ceiling fans for warehouses,
which O’will hopes will soon accountfor 20 per cent of its total sales.
Keen to extend its legacy abroad,O’will aims to form synergies withpartners equipped with infrastructure
and logistics in China and Southeast
Asia, particularly in Vietnam andThailand. The company also seeks
suppliers of FOSHU ingredients andpotential partners to help expand its
HVLS fan product portfolio.
“We prioritise the formation oftrusting relationships with our suppliers
and buyers,” says Kazuki Date,president and chief operating officer.
“As a growth-oriented company, it’s
not a matter of size or sales amount. If

Kazuki Date, president andchief operating officer
our potential business partners have astrong passion to grow, we’d love tocollaborate with them.”

NIPPON MOLDING TAKES ECO-FRIENDLY, HIGHQUALITY PACKAGING SOLUTIONS ACROSS ASIA
While most manufacturers andconsumers are content with containersthat are sturdy, safe, well-designed andaffordable, packaging can tell stories
beyond that. Nippon Molding blends its
ecologically sound narrative withpremier production standards,
developing high-quality recycled pulp
packaging solutions for various
industries in Japan and overseas.
“Our narrative is about giving backto the local communities andcontributing to society by treating paper
waste disposal issues,” says Akira
Ishihara, president and CEO.
“It is not our objective to maximise
profits. It’s to strike a balance.”
For more than half a century,
Nippon Molding has been highly
acclaimed for its expertise in utilising
paper waste to create shock-absorbent,

Akira Ishihara, president
and CEO
durable, lightweight rigs for securing
and containing food and technology
products. Nippon Molding’s quick leadtimes, reasonable prices andcustomisable options have drawn many
notable brands to work with it, including
Hewlett-Packard, Sony, Panasonic,
Mitsubishi and Canon, to name a few.
Nippon Molding also prioritises
research and development efforts with
its latest innovations. Having been thefirst in Japan to create new concept
pulp-moulded frozen food containers,
the company also produces
sophisticated paper packaging to aid
cosmetics companies in switching out
from using common plastic.
Additionally, Nippon Molding produces
water-repellent and oil-resistant medical
products, cushioning materials forautomotive parts, and many more.
While it enjoys its success in theprivate sector, Nippon Molding isfocused most on achieving its strict
sustainable development goals bycollaborating with local governments to
reduce garbage output. Through these
initiatives, the company sources its own
raw materials, collecting truckloads ofthe city’s discarded papers.
With factories in Thailand andMexico, Nippon Molding seeks
collaborations with more companies
with similar sustainable development
goals. It is also open to e-commerce
opportunities and partnerships withlogistics systems companies anddistributors.
“Our gates are open to new partners
and opportunities,” says Takehiro
Ishihara, executive managing director.
“We are developing our factories inVietnam and the Philippines to satisfy
increasing customer demands and fulfil
our vision of covering the entire Asian
continent.”

FUNDODAI PAVES WAY FOR NEW FUSIONCUISINES WITH KYUSHU-STYLE SEASONINGS
Japanese cuisine unfolds an elegant
narrative of how cooking traditions
passed down through generations bringout the perfect balance in the choicest
ingredients and spices to build one of theworld’s most unparalleled food cultures.
For FUNDODAI, sharing this food culture
to the world is one of its greatest visions,and it aims to start with the fundamental
elements of Japanese cuisine.
FUNDODAI has been spicing up
Japanese cuisine with its Kyushu-style
soy sauce, miso and other seasonings
for 153 years. Kyushu-style soy sauce is
known for its sweetness – adistinguishing characteristic that requires
high technical skills to bring out
naturally.

“We practise the traditional way offermenting ingredients for six months
before extracting the distinctly coloured
and flavoured kiage. Only around 8 percent of companies have been doing thistraditional process in recent times. We
combine tradition and technology tocreate a large variation of flavours in our
products,” says Osamu Yamamura,president and CEO.
FUNDODAI banks on technology tocater to changing tastes. It has developed
a no-alcohol soy sauce – an ideal productfor Islamic markets such as the Middle
East, Indonesia and Malaysia. It evencreated the colourless variant Tomei
Shoyu for its 150th anniversary in 2019.
International sales make up 15 per

Osamu Yamamura,president and CEOcent of the company’s revenues, andfrom this figure, 80 per cent comes from

China and 10 per cent is from HongKong. Aiming to raise these numbers,
FUNDODAI envisions expanding its
distribution scope outside Japanesegroceries in these countries to include
partnerships with local groceries andmarkets.
FUNDODAI also welcomes
partnerships with like-minded soy sauce
producers such as those in Singapore
and the Philippines to create flavours
that would match local cuisines and evenstrengthen the foundations for fusion
cuisine.
“We do not want to just sell
products. We want to be the window
through which people can see Japan’s
food culture,” Yamamura says.

technologies with electronics – allowing
the development of sophisticated,
intelligent products that require variableand precise control over air flow,pressure and timing.
“My father started the Techno
Takatsuki legacy in 1947 by being a
motors supplier to Panasonic. I pioneered
linear diaphragm pumps and expanded
worldwide under the HIBLOW brand, andmy son is leading the extension into
medical equipment and diverse
industries ranging from food to hobby,
home and healthcare,” says Nozomu
Kawasaki, chairman of the board.
Masayuki Kawasaki took over thehelm in 2020 as the third-generationpresident and CEO. With a target toincrease international sales by 15 percent in the next five years, he hit the
ground running with a line-up of new
categories and expansion plans,particularly in Asia, the US, Europe andChina, where a joint venture addresses
the local demands.
“We seek partners who can help
acquire medical certifications in ourmarkets,” Masayuki Kawasaki says.
“We look for individuality, in-depth
knowledge, long relationships and ashared commitment towards enriching
the environment and people’s lives.”

From left, Nozomu Kawasaki, chairman of the board,and Masayuki Kawasaki, president and CEO

DAI-NIPPON MEIJI SUGARSWEETENS DEALS ACROSS ASIA
WITH MANAGEMENT MERGER
When sugar (SA-to) is combined with salt
(SHI-o), vinegar (SU), soy sauce (S-hoyu)
and miso (mi-SO), described as
sa-shi-su-se-so in Japanese syllabary, ityields an authentic flavour that ischaracteristic of Japanese dishes. Yet
despite being a fixture in Japan’s culinary
scene as a fundamental part ofsa-shi-su-se-so, the sweetener has seen adrop in popularity with the country

Yu Sato, president and CEO

consuming less and less of it. Adapting tothese new market conditions, Dai-Nippon
Meiji Sugar stirs hope within the local
industry by forming a management
merger with Mitsui Sugar. Through thisarrangement, Dai-Nippon Meiji forecasts
a boost in the manufacturing andprocessing of its sugar products,
seasonings and functional foods.
“If Japan continues to decrease its
sugar consumption, we’ll need torestructure our production facilities,” says
Yu Sato, president and CEO. “To have ahealthy business model, we aim toincrease our presence in the non-sugar
sector.”Acclaimed as Japan’s first modern
sugar company, Dai-Nippon Meiji
continues its 126-year-old legacy byfollowing its philosophy of creating a
globally rich food industry. The company
plans to do this by broadening its productlines in collaboration with Mitsui Sugar.
After the management merger in April

last year, the new company was listed on
the Tokyo Stock Exchange as Mitsui DM
Sugar Holdings.
While Dai-Nippon Meiji specialises insugar variations, the company has
already successfully diversified withquinoa and seasonings added to its
portfolio. It is most excited about its milkenhancement seasoning, which is highly
cost-effective for business-to-businesscustomers who use large amounts ofbutter, milk and cheese in their goods.
“Sugar consumption in the world isincreasing about 2 per cent annually,
driven mainly by Asian and African
markets,” Sato says. “We will create anewer, brighter future for the Japanese
sweetness market through Mitsui Sugar’s
existing operations in Thailand, mainland
China and Singapore. We seek long-term
partners and customers in Asia who are
open to innovation and have an
established story and culture, much like
Dai-Nippon Meiji.”

BHI FOSTERS INNOVATION IN
COSMETICS INDUSTRY AS TOPENABLER OF BILATERAL TIES
Surging demand in China for
Made-in-Japan cosmetics is intensifying
industry collaboration among the twonations’ enterprises, triggering a market
shift towards high-quality yet affordable
products catering to the upwardly
mobile middle class. The shift isremarkable considering China’s
500-million strong middle-class
population, and fostering innovation in
the cosmetics industry.
Biken Soshin (BHI) is a prime moverin this space. Based in Kobe, thecompany has influenced the trend byserving as the top enabler of JapanChina collaborations since 2010.
Backed by a strong research anddevelopment team, its technology andtrading services have been bridging
varying market approaches andbusiness philosophies between the two
cultures, with Chinese companies
comprising about 80 per cent of BHI’s
private labelling clientele.
“We are the bridge not only for ourability to speak Japanese and Chinese,
which a lot of people can do, but
because of our in-depth understandingof the two cultures and the connections
we have on both sides,” says Dr Yang
Jianzhong, president of BHI. “Moreimportantly, we have established thereputation, which is valuable to anyone
doing business in Japan.”

Dr Yang Jianzhong, president

Born and raised in China, Yang has
lived for 30 years in Japan while
maintaining close ties to his homeland.
Noting the strong need in China for
information and technology exchanges,
he founded the Japan-China Cosmetic
Exchange Association in 2012. The
group has accumulated 150 members
from Japan and China, and establishedan advisory committee whose members
are experts from the Japanese
cosmetics industry.
“Some of the Chinese companies
want to sell their products and establish
their brand image in Japan,” Yang says.
“I see more and more of these brands
succeeding in the future because they
can control costs more efficiently than
the traditional Japanese brands.”
BHI welcomes collaborations
universally, specifically to open moreresource and sales channels foraffordable mid-tier and high-end
cosmetics products that are made inJapan.

ADDING VALUE TO RICE IS KEY TO
AKITAKOMACHI’S EXPANSION
There is nothing like the slight chewinessand sticky texture of Japanese rice tocomplement the taste of well-loved
foods such as sushi, onigiri, chahan, andomurice. As rice is a staple in Japanesecuisine, the cultivation of this versatilegrain is one of the most important
industries locally.
Ogata Village Akitakomachi Rice
Producers has endeavoured tocontinuously elevate the agriculturalbusiness to offer consumers the bestvalue rice Japan has to offer. A company
built and fuelled by the passion of
farmers, Akitakomachi is a product ofseveral rice farms combined to optimise
producing, harvesting, processing andselling rice under one roof.
“We wanted to offer something
more with our rice. We wanted toincrease its functionalities to make ourconsumers choose our products,” sayspresident Toru Wakui.
Digging deep into its agriculturalroots, Akitakomachi expanded its riceofferings to meet the demands of various
consumers. Aside from different rice
varieties – white, brown, and glutinous– Akitakomachi developed ready-to-heat

Toru Wakui, president
porridges, allergy-friendly rice andporridge sets, retort rice, gluten-freepasta, and even amazake. Akitakomachi
has even made strides towards
manufacturing its microwaveable packed
rice, which was introduced last year.
Enforcing stringent safety andquality measures, Akitakomachi has
acquired certifications such as kosher,
non-GMO (genetically modified
organism), gluten-free, and ISO 22000 toguarantee the reliability of its products.

Akitakomachi
products arewidely available insupermarkets
across Japan.
Setting its sights
beyond Japan, thecompany has
established its
own supply chain
to directly export
its products tocountries such as
mainland China,
Singapore,
Vietnam, Taiwan
and the UnitedStates. To ease its entry into newmarkets, Akitakomachi seeks on-theground partnerships with companies
with extensive histories in the foodindustry.
“This generation of Akitakomachi isspent focusing on Japan. I feel like thenext generation is for extending ourreach abroad and we are looking forward
to working with companies that
understand what we are all about,”
Wakui says.

Friday, April 29, 2022

JAPAN BUSINESS REPORTRYUUSS LAUNCHES NEWROBOT LINE IN ASIA
SHOWCASING ORIGINAL AI,
ROBOTICS TECHNOLOGIES

R

obots will soon become afamiliar sight in Asia.
Customised machine specialist
RYUUSS is enlisting the help of
local Asian partners to put
robots in cities across the region.
Harnessing the latest artificial
intelligence (AI) and robotics innovations
from partners in Silicon Valley andblending them with the company’s
in-house expertise in designing andassembling dedicated machines,
RYUUSS is launching a new breed ofrobots for warehouses, transport,
supermarkets and other applications
across the region.
“We have invested in four different
AI and robotics companies in Silicon
Valley in the United States not only togain capital, but also to help bring theirinnovations to Asia,” says Kyoichiro
Ishida, president and CEO of RYUUSS.
The company draws on nearly 70
years of expertise in developing
dedicated machines including
conveyors, assembly and inspection
equipment, aircraft parts and original
equipment manufacturing facilities.
No two machines developed by
RYUUSS are alike as it customises every
piece of equipment to suit specific clientneeds. Leveraging this expertisecovering the whole manufacturing value
chain from machine design to final
assembly, RYUUSS is focusing this timeon creating synergies with AI androbotics technologies.
“We envision many robot variations
suited for different industries, and it is all
really getting started,” Ishida says. “In

April 2021, we established the robotics
demo-room in Nagoya and are
introducing it to warehouse companies.”
Initial applications would involve
robots designed for small satellite
warehouses located within the city to
expedite e-commerce delivery or thoseconfigured to work at the back of asupermarket. The AI and robotics
innovations would also find new
applications in private transport andvehicle assembly.
To support its plans, RYUUSS
welcomes local partners who haveengineering expertise in monitoring
systems for robots and warehouses
while having a solid track record inmarketing.
“Our expansion will cover small but
numerous business areas,” Ishida says.

Kyoichiro Ishida,president and CEO“We welcome partners in each location
to help us build and set up the robots
while building a robust customer base.”

OHTAMA SUPPORTS GLOBAL EV MARKET
LEAP WITH THE E-MOTORCHAMBERASSESSMENT SYSTEM
Leading Japan’s magnetic shielding
and collection components market
since 1964, Ohtama is in a class of its
own. Serving a niche department ofmajor industries such as automotive,
semiconductor and electronics, Ohtama
understands the increasing demand formagnetic field control technologies inthe emerging areas of medicine,aerospace and electric vehicles (EV).
Supporting the immense leap intechnology and market expansion of
global EV makers, Ohtama launches its
latest product, e-MotorChamber – anelectromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
assessment system that accelerates thedevelopment of high-voltage EV
motors. Customers who tested thedemonstration anechoic chamber at
Ohtama’s Fujimatsu laboratory offeredpositive feedback particularly on thesystem’s movement, ease of use, andbattery and control software
specifications.
Since September of 2020, EMC
testing can already be carried out in thedemonstration anechoic chamber of
e-OHTAMA’s Fujimatsu laboratory andat Ohtama’s test facility in Kariya
Ekimae within the Aichi prefecture.
“For 58 years, we have been
providing magnetic shielding
components unlike any othercompany,” says Tetsuya Okumura,president. “We will not rest on ourlaurels as we pursue product andTetsuya Okumura, president
technological excellence throughcontinuous research anddevelopment.”
The proprietary e-MotorChamber
technology is available in China andHEALTH FOOD EXPERT SODX
DIVERSIFIES BEYOND DELICIOUS
NUTRACEUTICALSIn a world where corporations are
becoming increasingly aware that healthis indeed wealth, it can be difficult todecipher which businesses offer themost potent and reliable healthproducts. Distinguished among
thousands of health food companies,
SODX rejuvenates the wellness sector,
manufacturing comprehensively
formulated nutraceuticals, supplements
and functional foods that follow
ishokudogen, Japan’s “eat well, livewell” philosophy. SODX also specialises
in providing original equipment
manufacturing services for various
health products.
SODX is named after the shorthandof superoxide dismutase – the enzymethat protects the body from oxidation– in keeping with the main goal of theJapanese health food pioneer todevelop food products rich inantioxidants. The company earned its
integrity through its technologicalexpertise spanning three decades. Its
patented technologies in fermenting andprocessing ingredients into granules,
tablets and capsules are the drivers of
its success and prestige.
Since 2017, SODX has been aiming
to explore the international market as a
subsidiary of PuraPharm Group, aleading Hong Kong-based medicine
company, while sharing research and

SODX rejuvenates the wellness
sector with nutraceuticals

development (R&D) programmes,
manufacturing capabilities and technicalknowledge.
“It would thrill me to see companies
overseas maximising our technology,
knowledge and products,” says Dr
Hisayoshi Norimoto, general manager.
SODX is targeting cumulative
afflictions that have arisen inmodern-day society, creating
supplements that help prevent or
alleviate these issues. Launched in
December last year, the products
include one that aids the frail and ageing
population in coping with dementia;
another that boosts the body’s immunity
to viruses and other ailments; and a
product that provides optimal nutrition
that caters to women’s needs.
While SODX understands theimportance of imparting premium andnutritious ingredients in its supplements
and health foods, it also assures its
products are just as delicious as they arehealthy. This palatability is crucial, as
enjoying the taste of a product is related
to increasing one’s appetite, especiallyamong the elderly. SODX has also
increased its R&D capabilities andbusiness collaborations overseas
through PuraPharm, mainly in themodernisation and internationalisationof traditional medicine.

FOR GLOBAL AUTO PARTS TRADER
SPK, INNOVATION AND SUPERIORQUALITY ARE INSEPARABLE
As Japanese suppliers of automotive
parts boost innovation-related spending
to meet rapidly changing market
demands, leading auto parts trader SPK
proves its resilience in a highly
competitive global industry.
SPK’s new customised parts
division now allows the company toprovide tailored performance items
such as silencers, body parts and shock
absorbers for domestic and overseas
markets – including the United States,
Southeast Asia and China.
Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange
since 2003, SPK also launched a new
pilot project in Tokyo in 2019 – a
prototype workshop called Nexus Autoin partnership with leading automotive
parts supplier Nexus and German
manufacturer ZF. The new service shop
specialises in premium yet affordable
parts for the automotive aftermarket.
“Japan is a market unlike others
because consumers are extremely strict
about quality issues,” says KyoichiroOki, president and CEO.

Kyoichiro Oki, president and CEO“We are interested in partner
suppliers with a reputation for quality,
technological capability, productinnovation and performance.”
Founded in 1917 as Osaka
Automobile, SPK was the first company
in Osaka to sell imported cars and car
parts. Today, the specialist trading
company in the aftermarket for

automotive parts, accessories andindustrial vehicle parts has 16 branches
in Japan, eight subsidiaries overseas– including a Singapore office as its
Asian hub – and more than 500
suppliers.
SPK’s domestic sales division
supplies aftermarket parts for all cars,
regardless of manufacturer or model,
through about 1,000 car parts trading
companies in Japan. The company’s
international trade division provides
products and services to more than 350
customers across 80 countries.
Meanwhile, SPK’s machinery
equipment division supplies
components to major manufacturers ofindustrial vehicles such as construction
vehicles, forklifts and tractors.
“We have been doing businessoverseas for more than 50 years, but
globalisation as we know it today really
only started a little more than a decadeago,” Oki says. “Over the next five to 10
years, we aim to expand globally – notjust within Asia, but other countries.”

Asia-Pacific. Compatible withinternational standards, the system
uses a single long shaft that connects
the dynamometer and test motor. It
enables the direct transmission ofhigh-speed rotation of about 20,000
revolutions per minute or more, andtorque data covering a wide range of
specifications for EMC assessments of
EV motors. Ohtama also offers
modifications to existing anechoic
chambers to meet customers’ requests.
“We grow because customers
continue to trust us,” Okumura says.
“As a market leader, we remain modest
and focused on manufacturing anddeveloping products that are authentic
and innovative.”

S11

Sponsored section in cooperation
with Discovery Reports

KINTARO CELLS POWER PORTENDSNEXT STAGE OFREGENERATIVE MEDICINE
Seeking to elevate the standards ofregenerative medicine, industry pioneer
KINTARO Cells Power anchors its quest
on the legend of Kintaro, the Japanesefolk hero that embodies youth, kindness
and health. The company aims to fully
automate cell culture cultivation.
Distinguished for successfully culturing
first-class bone marrow-derived
mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs),KINTARO brings together more than 50
years of fundamental Russian research on
MSC therapy and some 20 years ofJapanese culturing expertise. The company
boasts three patents for culturing
BM-MSCs from young and healthy donors
with broad-spectrum applicability.
While awaiting three more patentapprovals, it has trademarked “KINTARO
Cells” in Japan, South Korea, Russia,
Hong Kong, Taiwan, and many othercountries. Across Southeast Asia, it
pursues knowledge and technology
transfer in hopes of evolving healthpractices.

“Our focus is on preventive
medicine,” says Alexei Gladkov, founderand president. “For healthy people, we
recommend prevention, while for those
who already have some disease,
KINTARO Cells can provide very goodsolutions.”
Gladkov vowed to propagate
regenerative technology after bouncing
back from heart failure 12 years ago
using MSC treatment. Since MSCs
differentiate into bone, muscle, fat andcartilage cells, MSC therapy holds
potential for incurable diseases.
KINTARO’s allogeneic treatment
solutions are considered more
efficacious because its cultivation
technology can be applied universallyand formulated within two weeks while
retaining 88 per cent viability even after
36 hours.
KINTARO Cells will benefit countlesspatients globally once mass-produced.
The KINTARO Robot Showroom andFactory featuring robotic process

Alexei Gladkov, founderand president
automation is opening soon. The lab istargeted for full operation by next year,
given recent findings that MSC treatment
is effective against Covid-19 and in theprevention of other infectious diseases.
KINTARO invites like-minded
investors, governments, hospitals andclinics to help bring forth the industry’s
next stage and to explore pathways in afast decision-making environment.
Negotiations are ongoing in Singapore,
Malaysia, Ukraine and Nepal for various
partnerships. “Now is the time forregenerative technology to reach society,so let’s do it together,” Gladkov says.

ELECTROPLATING PIONEER TSUKADARIKEN INDUSTRY ADDSVALUE AND COLOUR TO
ENGINEERING PLASTICS
Surrounded by the scenic Japanese Alpsand revitalising hot springs, Tsukada
Riken Industry’s headquarters in Nagano
prefecture is the perfect incubation spot
for innovation and aesthetics in therealm of environmentally friendly
surface-processing technologies.
Constantly improving its
electroplating solutions for plastics andother hard-to-plate objects whileadvancing stronger and lighter materials,
Tsukada Riken Industry eagerly shares its
know-how to discover the latest
technologies that serve customers in theautomotive, medical and consumer
electronics spaces.
“Our markets continue to growbecause we keep up with trends by
pursuing advancements in plastic
plating,” says Satoshi Shimojima, CEO.
“We have been providing high-quality
electroplating services with a wide rangeof colour grades, printing types andtextures for almost 60 years, and we areamong the first companies to recycle
plated plastics.”
One of its ingenious offerings is its
plating technology for super engineering
plastics used in electric vehicles (EV) andhybrid cars – an industry that is expected
to explode in 2024. Flexible enough toaccommodate large-volume andsmall-batch orders, the company has
also developed an antivirus plating
technology that effectively coats medical
tools and consumer items such as
thermometers, female hairbrushes andweighing scales with a germ-destroying
yet elegant material.
“We hope to nurture good
relationships with EV technology
companies as we seek morecollaborations with healthcare andconsumer sector firms in China, India,
Mexico, Russia and Europe,”
Shimojima says.

Satoshi Shimojima, CEO
To support the growing demand for
5G infrastructure, Tsukada Riken Industry
is stepping up its research andpartnership pursuits to deliver lighter,more cost-effective materials.
“Clients are increasingly looking to
replace metal components withhigh-quality and heat-resistant plastic,”
Shimojima says. “We are working on
this by sharing our knowledge with othercompanies through technicalcollaborations. This way, we help eachother find the latest environment-friendly
innovations and create products that add
value to society.”S12

Friday, April 29, 2022

JAPAN BUSINESS REPORTTEMPLE UNIVERSITY
DELIVERS TOP-RANKEDGLOBAL EDUCATION IN
THE HEART OF TOKYOW

ith about 37,000 students
enrolled worldwide, Temple
University is a global
education powerhouse. In
Tokyo, students haveaccess to the same academic
standards, network and curricula of its
Philadelphia headquarters through its
Japan campus. Temple University,
Japan Campus (TUJ) is Japan’s oldest
and largest foreign university. It offers
full American degree programmes andtailored courses in a genuineinternational learning environment
with students from nearly 60 countries.
“As a globally top-ranked
university, our comprehensive
approach is unparalleled in preparing
today’s students for tomorrow’s
workplace,” says TUJ’s dean Matthew
Wilson, who has a juris doctor degreefrom Temple University. “We cater tomore than 3,000 learners with diverse
backgrounds and perspectives in aninternational environment where weplace students first.”
Asians, including those from China,
are recognising this opportunity as
enrolment has hit all-time highs despite
the pandemic. Without having to leave
Asia, students can obtain an American
degree and liberal arts education at anaffordable price.
At TUJ, students benefit fromAs the population of Asia booms, sodoes the demand for building materials
and various machinery. But while
demand has encouraged aggressive
production among players in the mining
and construction industries, one
company is making a difference.
Yabashi Holdings is marking 61
years as a highly reputable and

SUMIRON’S SURFACE PROTECTIONFILMS MEET CUSTOMER CHALLENGEFOR VALUE CREATION
Having superior technology is one
thing, but being able to share it withclients to create new value is another.
This is the key to the success of Sumiron,a thin-film multilayer coating specialist.
For 50 years, the company has beendeveloping among the best surface
protection films for metals, building
materials, cars and electronics, while
exploring new functionalities forhealthcare.
“We listen to our customers’
opinions and modify our designs
accordingly in a timely manner to help
clients stand out in a highly competitivemarket,” says president and CEO Eiji
Haruyama.
Using state-of-the-art adhesive andmulticoating technologies, the company
has developed a wide range of novel
functional films. These include processtapes used in electronic components
such as semiconductors and multilayer
ceramic capacitors. The company is alsobehind the KABUTO paint protection film,
which has excellent antifouling properties
and flexibility to protect cars andmotorcycles from stains and scratches.
Sumiron has entered thehealthcare segment with CareFort, abattery-powered equipment thatconveniently packs used diapers in a
breakthrough film that prevents bacteria,
infection and foul odour from spreading.
The company has sold nearly 3,000
CareFort units and sees a huge future
demand from hospitals as it has only
penetrated about 5 per cent of the market.
Looking to undertake a public listingin the next five years, Sumiron seeks toaddress the evolving needs ofautomotive original equipment
manufacturers and healthcare companies
across Asia-Pacific. The company has
improved KABUTO with better

Eiji Haruyama,president and CEO
installation features and released a homeversion of CareFort in 2020.
“We will continue to enhance ourexisting products with the next
generation of technologies as we
advance versatile applications in themarket,” Haruyama says.
“We’re committed to meet ourcustomers’ challenge for value creation
as we work together with them as one,physically and spiritually.”

SANEI HYTECHS’ DESIGN EXPERTISE WILLBOOST CHINESE SEMICONDUCTOR MARKET
Matthew Wilson, dean. Photo by Joshua Noel, TUJ Class of 2019
innovative approaches. Its Emerging
Leaders Program trains incoming
undergraduate students on essential
skills such as leadership,communication and networking.
TUJ has also incorporated esports
and computer information studies into
its curricula designed for online andin-person learning. The university’s
Corporate Education programme,
meanwhile, provides tailored language
and business skills training for
employees.
Students are also free to continue
their studies at Temple University’s

campuses in Philadelphia or Rome,
while having the option to explore its
growing number of partner schools
across Asia, including Meiji University
in Japan and Yonsei University andKyung Hee University in South Korea.
“We’re moving forward in a very
creative, innovative and contemporary
way as we look to bridge gaps between
cultures while having fun,” says
Wilson, who plays basketball withstudents and takes them hiking on
weekends. “The Japan campus was
exceptional when I was a student to getme back here as its dean.”

YABASHI HOLDINGS MINESMINERALS AND NEW TALENTFOR GREATER GOOD

Tatsuyoshi Yabashi, president

Sponsored section in cooperation
with Discovery Reports

environmentally conscious construction,
metal work and limestone mining
company in the local and international
scenes.
For roughly half a millennium, theYabashi family has proven to be a
prominent name in Japan’s Gifu
prefecture. A clan code is followed by the
Yabashi descendants, leading Yabashi
Holdings to unearth enviable company
goals.
“Our family code is to do anythingthat contributes to society,” says
Tatsuyoshi Yabashi, president. “Selling
natural resources may bring profit, but
we find that true profit comes fromgathering people from different countries
who share the same values as us andnurturing them.”
Having expanded to Vietnam morethan 30 years ago, Yabashi Holdings
continues to embark on bolder ventures
under each new generation.
The company is in the process of
supplementing its mining sites with its
own original kilns, becoming a one-stop
solution for limestone in Vietnam as it

aims to add limestone mining locations
beyond Japan and Vietnam. It is also
open to hiring even more talents fromSingapore, Vietnam, South Korea and
Myanmar.
In terms of metal work, Yabashi
Holdings specialises in manufacturing
bespoke machinery. The company seeks
to further develop this segment and is
excited to provide consistent,
customised solutions to companies
within the food and beverage field. It isalso eager to maximise these capabilities
in line with its clan code.
“As life isn’t made convenient fordisabled people in other countries, wewant to help them by manufacturing
equipment that caters to them,” Yabashi
says.
Yabashi Holdings is committed toreducing its carbon emissions throughreduction in the production process andreusing the gas it generates.
The company seeks local partners in
Taiwan’s metal processing andlimestone industries and looks forward
to selling its solutions in mainland China.

Advanced Japanese technology istrusted by global players, especially inthe semiconductor industry wherecontinuous innovation is the norm. In
this fast-evolving market, Sanei Hytechs
stands out with large-scale integration(LSI) design services that have provenvaluable to Japanese manufacturers
such as Renesas Electronics and DENSO
over four decades now. As artificial
intelligence (AI) and the internet of things(IoT) drive broad industry changes, thecompany is expanding in China andSoutheast Asia to support thedevelopment of 5G networks andautomated driving systems.
“We see ourselves contributing to
the growth of China’s semiconductor
market, especially in developing thecritical systems that integrate devices
and software such as power
management for smartphones,” says
Yoshihiro Mabuchi, president and CEO.

Yoshihiro Mabuchi,
president and CEO

Sanei Hytechs is among a few thatcan provide total LSI design support tocustomers, from analogue and digital
circuit design, layout and verification to
distributed applications and embedded
software. LSI capacitates communication
devices such as smartphones, audio
equipment and vehicle engine control
systems, among others.
With LSI design centres in Chengdu
and at the Suzhou Industrial Park, Sanei
Hytechs backs IoT system development
and AI businesses in China. In 2020, thecompany opened a branch in Ningxia,
China to augment LSI design support
capabilities.
Sanei Hytechs is also present in
Vietnam where it aims to initiate IoT
systems for agriculture and extend its

design services throughout Southeast
Asia starting with Indonesia.
“Many customers are interested inusing AI but find it difficult to attain highaccuracy for deep learning. We can help
them with algorithm design andannotation services,” Mabuchi says.
Sanei Hytechs aims to raise overseas
sales to 25 per cent of revenue within
five years by attracting top-tiersemiconductor players in China and car
manufacturers. It welcomes partnerships
to expand annotation services, improve
language content analysis andtranslation, and further develop chatbot
technology.
“We can provide the best techsolutions for AI systems and emerging
IoT networks,” Mabuchi says.

NAIL POLISH TRAILBLAZER DEAR LAURARELAUNCHES BESTSELLER, EXPLORES MEDICALCOSMETICS FIELD
Uncovering the niche and blue-ocean
nail polish market 21 years ago with his
pioneering strategy of combining the nailpolish and accessories categories into
one segment, Dear Laura president anddirector Yasutomo Hulk Ishii is a man ina hurry.
Constantly on the lookout forupcoming trends and opportunities inthe vast cosmetics sector, Ishii
meticulously treads common and new
grounds to uphold visible beauty andvigour within.
“When the nail art accessories
business such as nail stickers and fakenails became popular in Japan 21 years
ago, I discovered the potential of mixing
cosmetics and accessories as a new nailcategory, so I was the first to market thisas a brand,” Ishii says.
Dear Laura is the company behindrenowned nail polish and goods brandpa and the popular double eyelid liquid
make-up Automatic Beauty (AB). Dear
Laura also developed a new nail polishcollection in 2020 under the Ohana
Mahaalo licence. Ohana Mahaalo is a
beloved fragrance brand featuring a
sophisticated Hawaiian character.
Last year, Dear Laura relaunched anold make-up favourite in Asian markets.
The AB Mezical Fiber is making acomeback after almost a decade,adorning customers with natural-looking
and long-lasting eyelid creases once
again. “The Chinese and Asian markets
are looking for high-quality Japanese
cosmetics, and that’s an advantage forus,” Ishii says.
“In China, the biggest drugstore
chain Watsons carries our products inmore than 4,200 stores, and we get a

Yasutomo Hulk
Ishii, president
and director

reorder every month.”
Dear Laura seeks more partners in
China to penetrate the e-commerce
space. Through research anddevelopment collaborations with venture
capitalists associated with Osaka

University, it develops Covid-19 testing
kits and natural sanitisers made of yuzu.
“I want to help people specially inthis time of pandemic,” Ishii says. “Mytime is running short, so I want to do thiswhile I am still active.”

TOMOE ENCOURAGES ADOPTION OF
BUTTERFLY VALVES IN ASIA
Companies are sometimes reluctant toadopt technological innovations as
they may pose risks that can affectoperational efficiency and continuity.
Industry tried-and-tested products
then tend to emerge as the clear choice
for many. Tomoe Valve intends to allay
fears of technological changes andaims to position its high-performancebutterfly valves as the compact
alternative to other types of large-scale
valves.
Many industries, such as oil andgas, petrochemical and electric power,
typically use gate, globe and ballvalves. Confident of its valves’
functionalities, which have been
continuously upgraded and perfected
over 69 years, the company envisions
increasing butterfly valve adoption in
Japan and the rest of Asia.
“We have a longer expertise inbutterfly valves than othermanufacturers. Even if they arelatecomers in the valve industry,

butterfly valves today are ideal
alternatives to other types as they are
more compact, easier to install, more
economically priced and require lighter
torque,” says president Ikutaro
Yamamoto.
Because of its valves’
characteristics, Tomoe eyes the
petrochemical, energy, and oil and gas
sectors as its target industries since
they would benefit the most frombutterfly valves.
Tomoe works hand in hand with its
clients to create solutions specificallytailored to their requirements.
Tomoe constantly seeks ways to
add value to its product offerings. Inline with this, it has developed amonitoring system to assess theoverall condition of the valves in use.
This system will be a valuable toolin long-term upkeep and maintenance.
With its sales network spanning
Britain, Singapore, China, Indonesia,
Thailand and the United States, Tomoe

Ikutaro Yamamoto, president
serves a global clientele. The company
is looking to further expand its reachand sees distributor partnerships as
one way to achieve this goal.
“We always challenge ourselves tobecome better at what we do. We seek
partners who share this passion andwho believe in the potential of butterfly
valves as we do,” Yamamoto says.

NRS LENDS MORE THAN 75 YEARS OF
EXPERTISE TRANSPORTING DANGEROUS
CHEMICALS WORLDWIDE
With an extensive network andexperience, NRS Corp has been the
global partner of choice of companies fortransporting dangerous gases andchemicals. As the company celebrated
its 75th anniversary last year, it is further
strengthening its one-stop logistics
offering by expanding its market reachand boosting its digital infrastructure andhuman resources.
Clients from the chemical industry
that supply products for semiconductors,
lithium batteries, automotive products,
plastics, derivatives, agrochemicals andso forth are bound to benefit from these
initiatives, which NRS complements witha highly customised approach tocustomer service.
“We listen to our customers withsincerity and integrity, and this is the key
to our success,” says NRS president
Shingo Togi, who studied synthetic
chemistry at Okayama University. “Wenever refuse a customer request andShingo Togi, president
continuously adapt to evolving needs
with the best service in terms of safety,
quality control, information sharing andso on all under one roof.”
With an extensive network ofindustry players and government
regulatory bodies worldwide, thecompany serves clients from Europe, theUnited States and Asia. The chemicallogistics specialist is expanding its

business in the region through its
subsidiaries in Japan, China, Singapore,
Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand andVietnam. It opened a new warehouse in
Vietnam in November last year and is
exploring cross-border opportunities inThailand to cover markets in Myanmar,
Cambodia and Malaysia.
This is especially true with niche
products such as catalyst chemicals usedin making plastic parts for electronic
appliances and automotives. Adhering toenvironmental, social and governancestandards, NRS is complementing its
business initiatives with a stronger
digital infrastructure, a doubling ofinvestments in human resources andmore engagements with industry
partners. “We are building capabilities
internally and externally,” Togi says.
“For us, everything is all about
people. We are investing in our systems
and talent pool while boosting our
regional and global network.”