Press Release

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For Immediate Release

ACCJ Concludes 19th Annual “Diet Doorknock” withJapanese Lawmakers, Stressing the Importance ofPromoting Long-Term Economic GrowthOctober 30, 2014 – The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan(ACCJ) completed its 19th annual “Diet Doorknock” today. Over thepast three days, almost 60 ACCJ leaders and members, led by ACCJ
President Jay Ponazecki, met with approximately 60 legislators andofficials including Cabinet members and party leaders.
The aim of this year’s Diet Doorknock has been to engage withsenior Japanese government officials as the ACCJ continues toadvocate policies and to share global best practices to spur longterm economic growth in Japan and to further Japan’s renewed
economic momentum toward the 2020 Tokyo Olympic andParalympic Games.
Consistent with its core advocacy principle to proffer solutionsbased recommendations to government officials, this year the ACCJ
identified three principal themes that are likely to contributesignificantly to fostering further economic growth in Japan over thelong-term, specifically:Conclusion of TPP negotiations: Japan and the United Statesneed to do what is necessary at this time to take advantageof the historic opportunity to lead in the establishment of thetrade architecture and rules in this vibrant region of theworld.
Implementation of labor mobility reforms and womenomics:
Japan should establish a system in which companies andindividuals can more freely make decisions that enhance
productivity; this would include strengthening the ‘safety net’so that workers can retrain themselves as well as amending
the Labor Law to allow for more flexible hiring and dismissals.
These changes will not only make it easier for growingcompanies and new entrants to the economy to hire the staff
they need to grow, but they are also a prerequisite to theThe American Chamber of Commerce in Japan
Masonic 39 MT Bldg. 10F, 2-4-5 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0041
在日米国商工会議所 〒106-0041東京都港区麻布台2-4-5 メソニック39MTビル10階
Tel: 03-3433-5381 Fax: 03-3433-8454 Web: www.accj.or.jp

participation and advancement of more women in theworkplace.
Promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship in Japan: TheJapanese government should encourage innovation andentrepreneurship through a variety of channels, including by
reducing administrative fees and hurdles to start-up
companies, setting aside procurement budget for new
products and services developed by young or start-up
companies and effectively utilizing special economic zones topromote new companies and lighten the regulatory burden
on them.

Ponazecki said, “With the TPP negotiations in the final stages, thisyear’s Diet Doorknock has been a perfect opportunity to engage
with Japanese officials regarding this historic agreement and thesubstantial economic benefits we believe Japan will derive from its
participation. In addition to TPP, we had numerous productive
interactions with key officials regarding labor mobility, womenomics
and innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as a wide array ofindustry-specific issues.”
The Diet Doorknock is organized by the ACCJ’s Government
Relations Committee, chaired by Arthur Mitchell, who said, “Overthe years, we have built a strong rapport with many within theJapanese government. We are extremely grateful to all the Diet
members and officials who took the time to meet with us. We werepleased to have open and candid discussions about policy matters,and welcomed an exchange of opinions on new and exciting
recommendations we offered in the hope of spurring long-term
growth in the Japanese economy. The ACCJ participants in the Diet
Doorknock are leaders in their industries, bringing with them not
only vital industry-specific knowledge, but also a true desire tocontribute to a thriving Japanese economy and a global perspective
on many issues of import to business and government alike.”###1407 E
About ACCJThe American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) was established in 1948 byrepresentatives of 40 American companies and has grown into one of the mostinfluential business organizations in Japan. Consisting mainly of executives from
American companies, currently the ACCJ has members representing 1,000
The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan
Masonic 39 MT Bldg. 10F, 2-4-5 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0041
在日米国商工会議所 〒106-0041東京都港区麻布台2-4-5 メソニック39MTビル10階
Tel: 03-3433-5381 Fax: 03-3433-8454 Web: www.accj.or.jp

companies with offices in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. Working closely with thegovernments of the United States and Japan, business organizations, and others,
the ACCJ promotes activities that help achieve its mission of further developing
commerce between the United States and Japan, promoting the interests of U.S.
companies and members, and improving the international business environment
in Japan. The ACCJ’s more than 60 committees represent a variety of industries
and make policy recommendations through advocacy tools such as viewpoints,
public comments and white papers. The ACCJ holds approximately 500 eventsand seminars a year, many of which focus on government policy and economic
trends. The ACCJ is also committed to promoting charitable events and CSRactivities.
PRESS CONTACT: ACCJ
external@accj.or.jp).

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The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan
Masonic 39 MT Bldg. 10F, 2-4-5 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0041
在日米国商工会議所 〒106-0041東京都港区麻布台2-4-5 メソニック39MTビル10階
Tel: 03-3433-5381 Fax: 03-3433-8454 Web: www.accj.or.jp

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