In 2017, the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) introduced its One ACCJ initiative. The goal of the initiative, which continues to this day, is to encourage greater integration among the Tokyo, Kansai, and Chubu chapters and nurture a sense of community across the chamber as a whole. As the chamber’s smallest chapter, the ACCJ-Chubu is a tight-knit and agile community that is able to quickly make necessary adjustments to achieve its aims. (From the February 2021 issue of The ACCJ Journal.)

The medical industry is one of the hardest to disrupt. In some ways, that’s a good thing. Lives are literally at stake, so there’s a good argument to be made for being conservative and taking things slowly. But looking at the National Health Insurance (NHI) system in Japan—and the health systems of all developed nations—it becomes obvious that not only can improvements be made, but that they must be made. (From the February 2021 issue of The ACCJ Journal.)

Looking back, 2020 was a year unlike any other. For the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) Healthcare Committee, despite starting the year with a clear seat of priorities, the coronavirus pandemic forced us to shift our focus early on. Our advocacy agenda quickly took on the important challenge of ensuring the stable supply of medicines and medical equipment, and what used to be in-person events went fully virtual—a first for the Healthcare Committee. (From the February 2021 issue of The ACCJ Journal.)

MnK builds sustainable business and community in Niseko. Short for midori no ki or green tree in Japanese, MnK has grown to offer more than 100 modern and beautifully furnished properties in three communities at the foot of the Niseko ski resorts, whose powder attracts skiers and snowboarders from Australia, Southeast Asia, and even the United States. (From the February 2021 issue of The ACCJ Journal.)

Sharon Sadako Takeda, senior curator and the head of the Costume and Textiles Department at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) the techniques, artisans, and works that capture the rich history of Japan. (From the February 2021 issue of The ACCJ Journal.)

A discussion of the challenges facing the company and the industry, as well as the opportunities the Boeing Japan K.K. president sees in the Japan market. (From the February 2021 issue of The ACCJ Journal.)

In a year of transformation, The ACCJ Journal changes, too. (From the February 2021 issue of The ACCJ Journal.)

Bringing a new team member into a business—and then making them feel a valued part of the operation—can be a challenge at the best of times. During a pandemic, with people working remotely and no water cooler around which to gather for introductions and valuable insider tips, it can be significantly more difficult. ACCJ members in the human resources field shared with The ACCJ Journal successful approaches to bridging the virtual gap. (From the February 2021 issue of The ACCJ Journal.)

For many people, one of the hardest parts of the coronavirus pandemic has been staying home. With fewer opportunities for outdoor exercise and trips to the gym, keeping in shape has become more difficult. One option often overlooked is virtual reality (VR). Sometimes seen as a niche technology that appeals mainly to hardcore enthusiasts, VR has evolved rapidly in recent years and offers easy, immersive ways to exercise—or just reduce stress—when working from home. (From the February 2021 issue of The ACCJ Journal.)