From its beginnings as a temporary staffing company, the Pasona Group is now an industry creation company that has introduced a host of new working practices and innovative environments – including US-style 401k plans – to Japan and become a leader in Japanese employment and staffing solutions. It has also brought new opportunities and support to previously marginalized sections of society through various initiatives it is looking to roll out nationwide. Group CEO Yasuyuki Nambu looks at the Japanese labor market, the company’s innovations and next generation services, and how he sees future working practices unfolding.
From its beginnings as a temporary staffing company, the Pasona Group is now an industry creation company that has introduced a host of new working practices and innovative environments – including US-style 401k plans – to Japan and become a leader in Japanese employment and staffing solutions. It has also brought new opportunities and support to previously marginalized sections of society through various initiatives it is looking to roll out nationwide. Group CEO Yasuyuki Nambu looks at the Japanese labor market, the company’s innovations and next generation services, and how he sees future working practices unfolding.
Some 65 years after its establishment, Towa Pharmaceutical has grown into a key player in the Japanese generic drugs’ market, generating sales of over 80 billion yen, which amounts to an increase of nearly 70% over the past five fiscal years. President Itsuro Yoshida provides an insight into the generic drugs industry and the company’s adherence to ethical business that ensures trust with the public and medical practitioners alike.
Some 65 years after its establishment, Towa Pharmaceutical has grown into a key player in the Japanese generic drugs’ market, generating sales of over 80 billion yen, which amounts to an increase of nearly 70% over the past five fiscal years. President Itsuro Yoshida provides an insight into the generic drugs industry and the company’s adherence to ethical business that ensures trust with the public and medical practitioners alike.
Launched in 2008, Colopl, Inc. is now one of Japan’s largest mobile game developers having consistently delivered quality entertainment to a large number of users. President and CEO Naruatsu Baba explains how it is looking to repeat its first-mover advantage gained in providing content in mobile gaming in the virtual reality (VR) sector with its $50-million Colopl VR Fund targeting investment in all VR-related categories such as software, hardware, and development tools and equipment.
Launched in 2008, Colopl, Inc. is now one of Japan’s largest mobile game developers having consistently delivered quality entertainment to a large number of users. President and CEO Naruatsu Baba explains how it is looking to repeat its first-mover advantage gained in providing content in mobile gaming in the virtual reality (VR) sector with its $50-million Colopl VR Fund targeting investment in all VR-related categories such as software, hardware, and development tools and equipment.
Founded in July 2009 to promote innovation, encourage entrepreneurialism and inspire R&D synergies for the following 15 years, the Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) is helping improve Japan’s commercial competitiveness and investing in startups and venture companies, at home and abroad. Chairman & CEO Toshiyuki Shiga explains the impact the corporation is having and where its focus is sharpening for its next seven years.
Founded in July 2009 to promote innovation, encourage entrepreneurialism and inspire R&D synergies for the following 15 years, the Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ) is helping improve Japan’s commercial competitiveness and investing in startups and venture companies, at home and abroad. Chairman & CEO Toshiyuki Shiga explains the impact the corporation is having and where its focus is sharpening for its next seven years.
Regionally renowned for quality and timely construction and its local training and staff development programs, Roko Construction is open to further expansion and partnerships. Director Derek Claassen assesses Rwanda’s ongoing infrastructure building efforts, some of the bottlenecks to greater regional integration, the advantages of Roko having its own materials manufacturing plants, its extensive in-house skill sets, and its signature building projects making their mark on Rwanda’s infrastructure and human resource pool.
Regionally renowned for quality and timely construction and its local training and staff development programs, Roko Construction is open to further expansion and partnerships. Director Derek Claassen assesses Rwanda’s ongoing infrastructure building efforts, some of the bottlenecks to greater regional integration, the advantages of Roko having its own materials manufacturing plants, its extensive in-house skill sets, and its signature building projects making their mark on Rwanda’s infrastructure and human resource pool.
I&M Bank’s footprint in the East African region currently covers Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, with a presence in Uganda also on the horizon. Its customers are drawn to its technology, capacity building, and knowledge sharing across the region. Managing Director Robin C. Bairstow discusses the bank’s upcoming IPO, its focus on building up local expertise, and its wider view of how to provide support for SMEs.
I&M Bank’s footprint in the East African region currently covers Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, with a presence in Uganda also on the horizon. Its customers are drawn to its technology, capacity building, and knowledge sharing across the region. Managing Director Robin C. Bairstow discusses the bank’s upcoming IPO, its focus on building up local expertise, and its wider view of how to provide support for SMEs.
Uruguay’s leading producer of chlorine, caustic soda and byproducts through the electrolysis of sodium chloride (salt), Efice makes a significant contribution to not only the country’s industrial sector, but also its health and various other not-so-obvious areas. President of the proudly Uruguayan family-run business Néstor Gómez Alcorta reveals the innovative developments taking shape from its extensive research and development efforts, which include tripling production with reduced energy costs, increasing agricultural productivity by 10%, and converting waste products into raw material for photovoltaic panels.
Uruguay’s leading producer of chlorine, caustic soda and byproducts through the electrolysis of sodium chloride (salt), Efice makes a significant contribution to not only the country’s industrial sector, but also its health and various other not-so-obvious areas. President of the proudly Uruguayan family-run business Néstor Gómez Alcorta reveals the innovative developments taking shape from its extensive research and development efforts, which include tripling production with reduced energy costs, increasing agricultural productivity by 10%, and converting waste products into raw material for photovoltaic panels.
Manga and anime content provider Shueisha is one of Japan’s leading publishing houses. Established in 1926, it has since expanded its operations into a full publishing company producing general magazines, comics, picture books and dictionaries, as well as collection volumes, literature books, alongside history and arts collections. It also operates portal sites that include women’s magazines and comics, and a mail-order site to sell items listed in fashion magazines. President Marue Horiuchi explains the company’s international strategy, varied acitivities, and flourishing partnerships bringing Japanese media to a wider audience.
Manga and anime content provider Shueisha is one of Japan’s leading publishing houses. Established in 1926, it has since expanded its operations into a full publishing company producing general magazines, comics, picture books and dictionaries, as well as collection volumes, literature books, alongside history and arts collections. It also operates portal sites that include women’s magazines and comics, and a mail-order site to sell items listed in fashion magazines. President Marue Horiuchi explains the company’s international strategy, varied acitivities, and flourishing partnerships bringing Japanese media to a wider audience.
CEO Tineyi Emmanuel Mawocha and Acting CEO Germaine Mukamusana of Urwego Opportunity Bank Rwanda explain the financial inclusion efforts being made by the bank and the far-reaching impact of its sustainability-focused services, such as its ‘mHose-mVisa’ mobile wallet and e-banking facilities, on Rwandans' lives in rural areas.
CEO Tineyi Emmanuel Mawocha and Acting CEO Germaine Mukamusana of Urwego Opportunity Bank Rwanda explain the financial inclusion efforts being made by the bank and the far-reaching impact of its sustainability-focused services, such as its ‘mHose-mVisa’ mobile wallet and e-banking facilities, on Rwandans' lives in rural areas.
Rwanda’s award-winning Water and Sanitation Corporation Ltd (WASAC) has made some outstanding achievements in streamlining and improving the efficiency of its operations, and has ensured every business in Rwanda has access to water and sanitation. CEO James C. Sano explains the leaps and bounds the company has made, its teamwork and collaborations that are ensuring its success is ongoing, and what opportunities lie ahead for investors in both the sector and Rwanda as a whole.
Rwanda’s award-winning Water and Sanitation Corporation Ltd (WASAC) has made some outstanding achievements in streamlining and improving the efficiency of its operations, and has ensured every business in Rwanda has access to water and sanitation. CEO James C. Sano explains the leaps and bounds the company has made, its teamwork and collaborations that are ensuring its success is ongoing, and what opportunities lie ahead for investors in both the sector and Rwanda as a whole.
