Executive Impact
Logistics real estate firm ESR explores diversity, renewable energy
While we may enjoy the fruits of consumerism—marked by an abundance of goods and, increasingly, on-demand services and delivery—we rarely give much thought to the systems and infrastructure that underpin this global social force. A key component of the logistics systems that are vital to the consumerist world is the… Read
Daihatsu looks to Brazil for growth
Daihatsu Motors says it plans to launch compact cars in Brazil, as parent company Toyota Motor Corp looks to its minicar subsidiary to help it expand in emerging markets and produce lower-cost, quality vehicles. Toyota, the world's No. 2 automaker, wants to apply its smaller partner's expertise in affordable, reliable… Read
Women in business: Xue Wang advises women to be pragmatic
Xue Wang did not always think she would end up in Japan; it was just the right opportunity at the right time. Now senior associate at Allen & Overy (A&O), Wang finds that being pragmatic with the opportunities she is given has helped develop her career, maintain a good work–life… Read
Women in business: Rina Akiyama says women need to overcome pressure
Determination and perseverance are clear traits of Rina Akiyama, best known as a London 2012 Paralympic Games gold medallist. As a Paralympian and someone with congenital blindness, Akiyama has certainly trodden a different path to most, but she has carved out a career in the Essential Training division at the… Read
Women in business: Maiko Itami tells women in Japan to be curious
After accidentally taking a Krav Maga class, Maiko Itami is now a participant in the Shine On! Kids Executive Fight Night. Her drive and determination have certainly showed in her career and mind-set.Growing up one hour from Tokyo in Kanagawa Prefecture with Camp Zama, a US Army post, a stone’s… Read
Chiaki Hayashi embodies the start-up spirit
If there is a piece of advice Chiaki Hayashi would give to burgeoning entrepreneurs, it is this: “Follow your heart. Just go for it. Take the risk and see how it turns out.” Hayashi knows a thing or two about risk-taking. When it seemed that she had not an entrepreneurial… Read
Digital notes: Wacom sets pace in digital stationery
Holding 90% of global share in the pen tablet market, Japan-headquartered Wacom Co Ltd has boomed as a result of its international approach to business. But with the growth worldwide of digital stationery as an everyday tool rather than one solely for the creative industries, opportunities remain high. As the… Read
Capital integrity: SESC secretary general protects the nation’s economy
The Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission (SESC) is the government body that oversees the legal compliance of Japan’s capital markets. Operating under the authority of the Financial Services Agency, the SESC is marking 25 years of operations this year. Secretary General Kiyotaka Sasaki sat down with The Journal to talk… Read
Quentin O’Mahony is wheels down with CAE and its joint venture with JAL
Though he’s Canadian, it pleases Quentin O’Mahony to say that he was born in Ireland —Kilkenny City to be precise, home to the famous cream ale. He was also a world traveler even as a child. His family emigrated to Terrace, British Columbia when he was 5-years-old and before his… Read
One woman's mission to revive ailing kimono industry
With grit and business acumen gleaned from executive roles in the corporate world, Joanne Wilkinson is using her love of kimono to support a community devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. After climbing the ladder to become the COO of Dell Japan in 2012, she gave up… Read
