An open , creative and diverse workplace is key for creativity , making future leaders , and driving the economy
PRESIDENT
Unleashing Creativity
An open , creative and diverse workplace is key for creativity , making future leaders , and driving the economy
“ There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all . Without creativity , there would be no progress , and we would be forever repeating the same patterns ”.
Edward de Bono Maltese physician , author , inventor and consultant
The UK and Japan share a rich creative heritage that includes architects , musicians , filmmakers , video game developers , fashion designers and technologists across a broad range of industries .
Japanese contemporary culture influences and fascinates people far from these shores . Its glow has pull particularly among those in younger generations .
According to a UK survey , Japan is the world ’ s most creative country , and Tokyo the city in which most creativity blooms . And , of course , Japan ’ s appreciation of quality , authenticity and originality provides massive business opportunities for products that are made in the UK .
But is Japan making the most of this brilliance ? Or could it do better ?
In this context , we are constantly being reminded of the need to foster creative thinking and encourage innovation in both schools and the workplace .
Just as firms must compete internationally , global competition is intensifying for all graduates . The debate in Japan ’ s education-related circles is ongoing .
At the chamber , we like to believe we are providing a platform that will allow new things to develop . Be it inspiration sparked by a thought leader or connections which are made , that kernel of an idea could mean the start of a new business venture . The British Business Awards ( BBA ) were developed to recognise the successes of our members and their contribution to the UK – Japan relationship .
Nomination categories for this year ’ s BBA will be published on the BCCJ website later this month , but there ’ s one special prize I ’ d like to draw to your attention .
This year , we ’ re very happy to announce a new award category for Global Talent , sponsored by the British Council Japan .
Global talent development — perhaps better known as global jinzai — is
currently a buzzword in Japan ’ s business community . It is recognised as one of the key challenges facing Japanese business when it comes to overseas expansion .
At the BCCJ , we believe that an open , creative and diverse workplace with equal opportunities is key in developing creativity , creating future leaders , and driving the economy .
The British Council award will recognise corporate contributions to the cultivation and development of global talent within Japan .
Please visit the BCCJ website for information on how to prepare nominations for all BBA categories , including the Company of the Year and UK – Japan Partnership .
We ’ re looking forward to helping you share and celebrate your achievements .
As we head into summer , I would like to extend my best wishes to those who will be travelling during the holiday season . And gambatte to those who suffer due to the humidity and heat of the Japanese summer .
Alison Jambert BCCJ President @ BCCJ _ President
VICTORIACAZZOLIPHOTOGRAPHY
The first online bilingual video channel dedicated to successful
Business in Japan
Expertly produced bilingual video interviews featuring top executives and other thought leaders in Japan and abroad .
See and hear experts analyse key industry issues , trends and insights with subtitles in Japanese or English .
New videos are emailed to our vast database of key business decision-makers every month .
To view interviews or subscribe : BIJ . TV Would you like to be interviewed or have your event covered by BIJ . TV ? Contact : BIJ . TV @ custom-media . com | 03-6804-5267
LATEST INTERVIEWS
INTERVIEW WITH BCCJ PRESIDENT ALISON JAMBERT
Elected in April 2013 , BCCJ President Alison Jambert tells us what one of the biggest and most influential foreign business membership organisations in Tokyo stands for .
DEVELOPING FUTURE LEADERS IN ASIA
In BIJ . TV ’ s first role play , David Wagner , a partner in The Carter Group , demonstrates the process and importance of communicative skills and the power of persuasion .