Spotlight Newsletter, October 2012

Japanese Technology Excellence - Challenges & Prospects in Silicon Valley, the U.S. & The World

For Japanese start-ups and small-to-medium sized companies in the high-tech industry, the U.S.-Japan Business Innovation Center (BIC) can be a gateway to the U.S. markets. Located in the Silicon Valley, JETRO's BIC has supported more than 80 Japanese companies in successfully expanding their businesses to the U.S. These companies offer a wide variety of products and services but all of them share the features of originality and quality. Two outstanding examples of this are Taica North America Corporation, a specialist in unique technologies such as their multifunctional silicone gel, αGEL? (Alpha GEL), and CSE Secure Systems, Inc., the developer of a matchless one-time-password security authentication system, SECUREMATRIX?. JETRO interviewed both companies to understand how their businesses have accelerated in the U.S. thanks to their distinctive "born in Japan" products and services.  

>> Read the unique story of Taica and CSE's US expansion

Also, be sure to join us at CLOUD EXPO 2012 in Santa Clara to meet other amazing Japanese technology companies in cloud computing. One of the largest Cloud Computing trade shows in the West Coast, CLOUD EXPO had 112 exhibitors from over 48 countries and more than 7,500 attendees last year. This year, JETRO will welcome four Japanese exhibitors in the Japan Booth at #615 in Halls A through D. Get a FREE pass to the event by registering as a guest of JETRO. >> Find out about CLOUD EXPO 2012 and get your Free Pass!

Companies with 510k-equivalent products breathe a sigh of relief when they learn that local clinical data isn't required to obtain formal regulatory approval for their products in Japan. Once this has been determined, the typical wisdom is to quickly move forward with partnering or regulatory approval. Although it makes perfect sense to avoid a full-blown clinical trial when it isn't required, smaller informal clinical studies can pay significant dividends.

Many products can be imported prior to formal regulatory approval. As a result, companies can initiate small informal studies with key opinion leaders before product approval and prior to launch. These smaller informal marketing-oriented studies provide a number of benefits, including...  

>> Read the Full Article

In the past few years more than a handful of Japanese gaming companies have made the move to the San Francisco and Silicon Valley areas. You do not have to travel to Japan to do business with Japanese gaming companies. Discover the benefits of these high-quality products and services cultivated in the Japanese game market. Some of the companies in the Bay Area include: Adways Interactive Inc., CyberAgent America, Inc., GMO GameCenter USA, Inc., GNT Inc., Pole To Win America, Voltage Entertainment USA, Inc., and more...

MORE COMPANIES TO LAUNCH IN JAPAN

From the left to the right: Mr. Jeff Jarrell (Tenneco Japan), Mr. Takeshi Honjo (JETRO Osaka), Mr. Yasukazu Kamada (Kubota), Mr. Gregg Sherrill (Tenneco Inc.), Mr. Hiroyasu Chiyomatsu (Mayor, Izumisano City), Mr. Patrick Linehan (US Consul General, Osaka-Kobe), Mr. Hari Nair (Tenneco Inc.)
Photo by Tenneco Inc.

TENNECO Establishes First Manufacturing Operation in Japan

Tenneco announced today the opening of its first manufacturing plant in Japan. Located in Osaka, the facility will initially produce emission control systems for Kubota, a leading global manufacturer of engines and equipment for agricultural and industrial applications. Tenneco is working to expand business with other Japan-based customers, using this facility and the company's engineering and manufacturing capabilities.

>> Read the Full Press Release

Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers Expands Global Real Estate Investment Platform in Asia, Launches Tokyo Office

Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers, one of the world's top 10 real estate investment advisory firms, continues to expand its global platform with the opening of a Tokyo office to serve its Asian clients and to introduce other Asian institutional investors to its U.S. and European investment opportunities.  >> Read the Full Press Release

TOPICS IN JAPANESE ECONOMY AND INDUSTRY