Japan

The Snickers recall has been a long marathon. Can Mars’ commercial teams fight back?

Snickers, the iconic confectionery brand, has global sales well in excess of $3b. Well that is until last year’s voluntary recall that saw the candy bar vanish from shelves. Here in Japan, Snickers was rare in being one of only three global confectionery brands that had almost universal distribution. Besides Kit Kat and Haribo, the …

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Cool Japan technology

The once acclaimed Cool Japan fund fights for survival; an ode challenging Governmental nannying

What can possibly go wrong with a venture fund generously financed by the tax payer topped up by token contributions from a selection of corporates? Quite a lot it seems. Japan and specifically modern Japanese culture like animé, media, fashion and food were cool. Why not brand and fund them to promote the growth of …

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Olympus strategy

Olympus looks to the future appointing its second foreign CEO

The first time Tokyo listed Olympus appointed a foreign CEO it ended in tears. Michael Woodford’s tenure was short-lived. Woodford questioned huge fees paid to unknown companies which had links to criminal entities. Dismissed, he sued Olympus. The case concluded with a substantial out of court settlement in Woodward’s favour. Then Olympus was synonymous with …

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Tokyu Hands flagship store

Tokyu Hands changes hands; enter stage left Home Centre giant Cainz

Tokyu Hands was one of the first stores I visited when I came to Japan. I vividly recall their store in Tokyo with many more floors (and staircases) than I can remember; and then there’s the eclectic range of premium merchandise. Want something you can’t find elsewhere? Go to Tokyu Hands, said my colleagues. Founded …

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