11 November may mean Remembrance Day in the UK, but in Japan it's Pocky Day - well, they're perfectly formed to make a 3D version of 11.11.11. It's also Cheese Day, for reasons which I've been unable to ascertain. I did my bit to mark the occasion by participating in a C7 Cheese Summit along with representatives of other cheese-producing countries. We all talked about our respective countries' cheeses and cheese culture, took around samples (the Cheddar and Stilton supplied by Adams Foods definitely trumped the French, Australian and other offerings, though I may be a bit biased) and signed a Cheese Declaration pledging to spread cheese love. Whimsical but worth it if it helps to get a few more of the UK's 700 varieties into the shops - it's about the only thing I really miss in Japan (well, apart from Crunchie bars and my children, though not in that order of course).
Last week also saw the annual UKTI fashion mission in town, with 17 companies exhibiting at a showcase in the trendy Aoyama district of Tokyo. Buyers thronged the venue throughout the 2 day show, with particular crowds around Christopher Raeburn's ethical fashions and Lu Flux’s super-cute floral patchwork dresses. All the British exhibitors were loving being in Tokyo and agog at just how cutting edge and carefully put-together people's outfits are, especially the men, who are always impeccably accessorised. The quirkiness and creativity of British design really strike a chord here and all the missioners were upbeat about their prospects.
We generally warn missioners at the briefing at the start of their visit that Japanese companies tend to take time over decisions and that they shouldn't expect to sign any contracts during their visit. And every time someone proves us wrong. This time it was Nicky Thomson, manufacturer of contemporary knitted fashion & accessories (“made with passion in Britain”), who received several sample orders from leading select shops as well as expressions of interest in future business from many other companies, including major department stores.
I've also been talking to the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan about an event this week for their SME members. Major companies like Rolls Royce, GSK, Astra Zeneca and the big banks account for a large proportion of our exports to Japan but thousands of SMEs also do well here and often find Japan a good first step into Asia. The food and fashion sectors are good examples, but it's true across the board, in engineering, ICT, life sciences and services. The BCCJ event is designed to find out whether SMEs encounter particular issues in doing business here, to see what the Chamber and UKTI can do to support them and to encourage more companies like them to come and investigate opportunities in Japan. I'd like to say we'd planned this to coincide with the launch last week of the government's Exporting for Growth campaign to get more SMEs exporting, or branching out into new markets. In fact it's just coincidence, but good to know that we're in tune with the times!
Sue Kinoshita
UKTI Japan