One ACCJ and Future Vision

Mar 2

Chubu leaders look to digital for a stronger chamber

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.

Last year alone, the Chubu chapter saw a substantial increase in those outside the region participating in chapter events—an indication that this initiative is taking root. We believe that, by capitalizing on the unique strengths and characteristics of the Chubu chapter and leveraging technology, we can encourage this trend for the benefit of all chapters and further contribute to the success of the ACCJ.

“Given its size and flexibility, the Chubu chapter is uniquely positioned to act as a test bed for new ACCJ policies and technology."

Tight-knit and Agile

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.

The Chubu chapter is probably best known for its annual Walkathon, a fundraising event that we have organized and hosted for the past 30 years in collaboration with local charities that do not have the resources for self-promotion.

In 2020, despite the many challenges, we were able to successfully transform the traditionally in-person Walkathon into a fully virtual event. More than ¥6 million in donations was generated, providing much needed support for charities in a year when many saw a drop

in donations and a rise in costs as they worked to create safe environments in the face of Covid-19.

On November 20, we were also able to navigate ACCJ coronavirus protocols to safely host a socially distanced hybrid event: a breakfast with Nicholas M. Hill, deputy chief of mission at the Embassy of the United States, Tokyo. Attended by 15 members in person and streamed live for members viewing remotely, the session was a clear illustration of how the One ACCJ concept can bring all members from all regions together. This year, we will continue to look for new and innovative ways to accommodate changing circumstances and meet our members’ needs.

Platform and Voice

The Chubu chapter is specially positioned to provide a platform and voice for entrepreneurs as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We have traditionally attracted business-minded professionals in both categories, and many have gone on to create successful businesses with the help and support of ACCJ activities and members. We intend to double down on these efforts over the next two years as we kick off a mentorship series aimed at helping members get their businesses off the ground and running.

With the One ACCJ initiative in full force—and a new environment in which events are delivered online and, when possible, in a hybrid format—we will aim to reach out to entrepreneurs and SMEs in all three chapters to provide value not only to those in the Chubu region but to all chamber members

Ideal Test Bed

Given its size and flexibility, the Chubu chapter is uniquely positioned to act as a test bed for new ACCJ policies and technology.

One such area that we are pursuing is the digitization and storage of committee notes and resources in a digital document repository. This will promote more effective communication and provide new members a more complete picture of committee activities, allow- ing them to become more fully engaged in committees early on. It will also assist with succession planning by ensuring that valuable information is still available when leaders leave committees or the chamber, and new leadership is installed.

Although small, the Chubu chapter is blessed with many dedicated leaders and members committed to advancing the goals and efforts of both the chapter and the chamber. We look forward to working with all ACCJ leaders and members to identify more ways in which the Chubu chapter can contribute to the richness and diversity of the chamber and the community in general