JETRO Spotlight August 2011

Welcome to the latest edition of JETRO Spotlight USA, JETRO USA's national e-newsletter featuring the latest articles and events on our website. Each month JETRO brings you relevant and timely articles highlighting business opportunities between the United States and Japan along with updates on JETRO seminars and events.

Contents in this newsletter:

• The Changing Energy Landscape of Post-Fukushima Japan

• Planning for success: a check list for meeting Japanese customer needs

• Social Networks and Games: Transition from Web to Mobile in Japan and the U.S.

• Earthquake Protection Systems More Committed to Japan after Quake, Plans Asia Expansion

• Fabless Semiconductor Company Tabula Opens First Asia Office in Tokyo, Japan
• Gaming Products Provider Mad Catz Announces Japan Subsidiary, Company President Believes in Market Despite Earthquake
• Provider of Cloud-based Connectivity Solutions LogMeIn Announces Opening of Japan Office

• JETRO ZONE @ CEATEC JAPAN '11

• Keizai Society Summer Networking Event
• BioJapan 2011: World Business Forum

Japan Cleantech Sector Update

Read the first installment of our Cleantech Sector updates, written by Cando Advisors, a consulting firm supporting clients on international business development, strategic alliance and investment, focusing on the Japanese market.

The Changing Energy Landscape of Post-Fukushima Japan

Japan Healthcare Market Update (Medical Device)

JETRO's North America Medical Device Advisor, Harold Smith publishes a regular bi-monthly opinion piece on opportunities in the world's third largest medical device market - Japan. Read the latest installment:

Planning for success: a check list for meeting Japanese customer needs

Event Summary: "Social Networks and Games: Transition from Web to Mobile in Japan and the U.S."

JETRO Case Study

News Update: Companies making progress in Japan

Keep an eye on what companies are doing in Japan with this monthly news update.

Fabless Semiconductor Company Tabula Opens First Asia Office in Tokyo, Japan
June 20, 2011

Santa Clara, Calif.-based fabless semiconductor company, Tabula Inc., announced that "in response to rapidly growing demand, it is establishing a presence in Asia by opening its first office in Tokyo, Japan." The office will add to Tabula's ability to meet demand in Japan's growing programmable logic market. Last February, Tabula selected Value Added Reseller and distribution partner, Renesas Easton Corporation (REC), to begin providing technical and commercial support.

Sources: Company press release  and company representatives


Gaming Products Provider Mad Catz Announces Japan Subsidiary, Company President Believes in Market Despite Earthquake
Jun 28, 2011

Based in San Diego, Calif., Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. announced it has established the subsidiary Mad Catz Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan to focus on sales, marketing and product development. Company President and CEO Darren Richardson is quoted in a press release saying, "Over the last few years Japan has been a growth market for Mad Catz products and the establishment of a permanent office staffed with industry veterans marks another milestone in the company's expanding distribution footprint."

When asked whether the March 11 earthquake has affected the company's outlook for business in Japan, Mr. Richardson said, "Mad Catz have been experiencing a sustained period of organic growth and the opening of a strategic office in Japan has been part of our planned expansion for quite some time. Our strategy for the new office will allow us to continue to grow steadily and we therefore do not foresee the recent earthquake as having a long term negative impact on our plans for the region. In addition, we would like to take this opportunity to extend our thoughts and sympathies to the people of Japan."

When asked why Mad Catz has moved forward with opening the Japan office in light of the earthquake, Mr. Richardson said, "We have targeted Japan as a major territory for future growth of our business, and our sales in the region have grown year on year for the last three years. We believe that Japan presents us with a strong opportunity for expansion and though we are saddened by recent events, we strongly believe that now is the right time to focus our efforts in this region."

Sources: Company press release  and company representatives


Provider of Cloud-based Connectivity Solutions LogMeIn Announces Opening of Japan Office
July 14, 2011

Massachusetts-based provider of cloud-based connectivity solutions, LogMeIn, has announced the opening of its Japan office located in Tokyo. "Japan has the ideal combination of a mobile-connected population, top mobile OEMs, and an abundance of consumer technology businesses -- audiences where we typically see high demand for remote access, support and collaboration products," said company CEO Michael Simon in a press release. "The opportunity in Japan is clear, and we believe our products are well suited to meet the evolving demands of Japanese consumers and businesses. A Japanese office gives us the ability to localize the way we deliver solutions, interact with our customers and expand our presence in the region."

Sources: Company press release  and company representatives

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See how you can use JETRO's free services to establish your company's office in Japan.

 
 

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Upcoming Events

JETRO-Organized Event

JETRO ZONE @ CEATEC JAPAN '11

Date:	Tuesday, October 4, 2011 - Saturday, October 8, 2011
Location:	Makuhari Messe (Chiba)
	2-1, Nakase
	Mihama-ku
	Chiba-city 261-0023
	It is indeed a pleasure to invite you to apply for the JETRO ZONE @ CEATEC JAPAN '11. Application deadline is August 15, 2011.

Third-Party Events

Keizai Society Summer Networking Event

Date:	Sunday, August 14, 2011
Location:	Washington Park
	840 Washington Ave
	Sunnyvale, CA 94086
	Keizai Society presents our summer networking event on 8/14/2011 (Sun) in Washington Park, Sunnyvale! Built in 1945 it remains one of Sunnyvale's most popular parks.

BioJapan 2011: World Business Forum

Date:	Wednesday, October 5, 2011 - Friday, October 7, 2011
Location:	Pacifico Yokohama
	1-1-1 Minato Mirai
	Nishi-ku
	Yokohama 220-0012
	Participating BioJapan, which provides the chance of open innovation as a platform, will offer you the best opportunity for finding better alliances as your prospective business partners from all over the world.

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We welcome your comments or suggestions for future article topics. Feel free to contact us at www.jetro.org/contact