Welcome to the latest edition of JETRO Spotlight USA, JETRO USA's national e-newsletter featuring the latest articles highlighting business opportunities between the United States and Japan along with updates on JETRO activities.

Contents in this newsletter:

• Earthquake Protection Systems (seismic isolation systems) - Update
• Vidyo (video conferencing solutions)

• Cleantech: Japan's Special Economic Zones Offer Opportunity for Overseas Companies
• Cleantech: Japan's Data Centers Offer Promising Markets for North American Energy Management Technologies
• Healthcare (Medical Device): You've decided to enter Japan: which market entry option is right for you?
• Healthcare (Medical Device): Demystifying FAP, R-zone and the bi-annual reimbursement rate reductions

• Business Opportunities in Yokohama: Your Gateway to Japan and Beyond (La Jolla, CA, April 11, 2012)

I. JETRO USA Launches New Website

JETRO USA takes a big step towards providing better support for U.S. companies looking to do business with Japan by launching its new and more interactive website at www.jetro.org. The website, fitted with a dramatically new design and navigation, will draw attention to JETRO USA's two main focuses:

• Helping U.S. companies establish a business presence in Japan.
• Helping U.S. companies procure Japanese goods and technology from Japan.

The new homepage features refined navigation to services offered by JETRO and a stylish new look that highlights JETRO USA's current activities and recent clients. Additional features include social media tools, online videos from recent events, one-click access to contact a local JETRO representative and frequently updated content on Japanese trends and industries. Please visit our new website to experience our improved features and resources.

>> Read our full press release.

II. JETRO Interview

Read the experiences of our clients who recently established their office in Japan. Find out what attracted them to Japan, how JETRO helped them, and how they view their progress and outlook in Japan.

Earthquake Protection Systems (EPS) Update Interview with Dr. Victor Zayas Ph.D. and P.E. President and CEO In August 2011, we interviewed Dr. Victor Zayas Ph.D. and P.E. at Earthquake Protection Systems (EPS), a manufacturer of seismic isolation bearings. We had a chance to speak with him again about what attracted EPS to Japan, why EPS' seismic isolation bearings were implemented in the Todaiji Museum, and how they are positioning themselves for future growth in the Japanese market. >> Read the full article.

"The average person [in Japan] is much more concerned by and interested in achieving protection from the very devastating effects of most major earthquakes."

Vidyo's New Japan Office Critical to Fortifying Relationships in the Region Interview with Mr. Hiroshige Kusumoto Representative director for Vidyo Japan, Inc. Vidyo, Inc., the company that pioneered personal telepresence, established its new branch, Vidyo Japan, Inc. in Tokyo in October 2011. Over the last 3 years, JETRO has helped Vidyo through the process of opening their Japan office. With the set up now complete, we took some time to catch up with Mr. Kusumoto. We decided to give VidyoConferencing a try and found the set up to be simple and straightforward. Mr. Kusumoto spoke to us about the events leading up to opening the Japan office, his experiences using JETRO's services, and the company's outlook on business in the region. >> Read the full article.

"By having a K.K., we can demonstrate our solid support services, and provide our partners with a sense of security."

>> Find how JETRO can support your company establish an office in Japan.
>> Find more interviews with the U.S. companies that went to the Japanese market using our services.

III. Japan Market Update

CLEANTECH

Read the latest 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.

January 2012 -- Japan's Special Economic Zones Offer Opportunity For Overseas Companies
To say that 2011 was not an easy year for Japan would be a gross understatement. The Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, coupled with the continuing uncertainties in global financial markets, exacerbated the ongoing economic challenges Japan faces. In the face of these strong headwinds, the Japanese government recently adopted various measures to boost growth...
>> Read the full article.

February 2012 -- Japan's Data Centers Offer Promising Markets for North American Energy Management Technologies
The global market for data centers has increased rapidly in the past few years. The exponential growth in digital visual content, cloud computing, and social media requires ever-increasing amounts of ditital data storage, and the data center industry is expanding briskly in response.
In Japan, this technology-driven increase has been compounded by the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Because of the disaster, many businesses, especially IT companies, began to review and rethink their data strategies...
>> Read the full article.

Note: The February 2012 edition is the last article of this series.

>> Find past articles.

HEALTHCARE (MEDICAL DEVICE)

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

January 2012 -- You've decided to enter Japan: which market entry option is right for you?
Medical device companies have an array of options for entering Japan. The right option for a specific company depends upon its resources, level of risk tolerance, and the overall market opportunity for its portfolio. Smaller companies with limited portfolios and resource constraints tend to favor distribution agreements. Larger companies with broad portfolios and more substantial resources tend to opt for more direct modes of entry such as co-marketing, acquisition, or a "go-it-alone" organic build out of the organization.
In reality, for most companies, market entry is an evolutionary process in which they leverage multiple options over the course of a business expansion...
>> Read the full article.

February 2012 -- Demystifying FAP, R-zone and the bi-annual reimbursement rate reductions
In April, MHLW (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) will implement the next round of bi-annual reimbursement rate reductions. The reimbursement cuts are always a source of frustration for foreign companies. For many, the process seems to lack transparency and predictability.
To better understand the reductions, it is important to understand the key mechanisms that impact the magnitude of the cuts and the number of products affected...
>> Read the full article.

>> Find past articles.

IV. Upcoming Events

JETRO USA website provides information of upcoming events and seminars that are relevant to your business. Please check our Events Calendar and join the events!

We welcome your comments or suggestions for future article topics. Feel free to contact us by clicking the "CONTACT US" tab on the JETRO USA website.