Jamaica/Japan Connections

[Hopyoneson]

Re: Jamaica/Japan Connections

That guy you spoke about check out the size of his restaurant from his website, knowing how expensive land is in Japan I am proud of this yardy fi real

Restaurant

[Tropicana]

Re: Jamaica/Japan Connections

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Here is where I stand, from your earlier post you appear to imply that Jamaicans are not doing business in Japan, </div></div>

Not sure where you got that from. The whole purpose was to highlight Jamaican/Japan connections and I provided a number of examples.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">when I know of several and I had to deal with them on the corporate side myself, if you want to discuss constructively I suggest you forget what was said in those rice bamboo threads, I was not in them. </div></div>

I know and my comments were made long before you entered the thread. Discussion has gone fine for the most part in this thread. My comments were to ensure the same negativity and whining didn't creep into this thread.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Some people as you state just like to talk fawt and add nothing and watch the cat fights if you are serious about this we can talk, I tried to talk to S82 in the past with her japan threads but it always end with her losing interest and me wasting my time. </div></div>

Well I am not S82 and I have a keen interest in learning as much as possible about this topic so please share away.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
But since this is a thread about doing business in Japan I have to also disclose the negatives I have learnt so you and anybody else reading dont make the same mistakes. Do you understand?
</div></div>

Absolutely and I am inviting you to share both positive and negative. I just wasn't sure where some of the potshots at me were coming from. The bold orange text was to highlight my intent. It is to highlight Jamaica Japan connections and explore opportunities for more not to imply that there are few Jamaicans doing business in Japan. Not sure where that impression came from .


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I dont know what to think Trops, when I see words in bold orange several times normal size, to me that is shouting or when i see the over use of this !!!!!!. </div></div>

I put text in orange to stress my intent as there was clearly a misunderstanding. It was not. Notice I deliberately avoided red so that it would be clear I am not shouting but emphasizing. I can remove the orange once this is clear.

Now let's proceed on what has been a very interesting dialouge. It would be very helpful if you could share what you have learned about doing business in Japan or with Japanese companies in Jamaica. Where do you see the opportunities Kingston20? What are some pitfalls to avoid and how can we avoid them?

[Tropicana]

Re: Jamaica/Japan Connections

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kingston20</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That guy you spoke about check out the size of his restaurant from his website, knowing how expensive land is in Japan I am proud of this yardy fi real

Restaurant
</div></div>

Yes he has done well hasn't he? There is a lot we can learn from him.

[Hopyoneson]

Re: Jamaica/Japan Connections

Mi a go the gymn so mi will reply properly later tonite or in the morning and tell you some opps I saw.

regards

[evanovitch]

Re: Jamaica/Japan Connections

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tropicana</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: evanovitch</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Kgn 20, Tropi juss discova ovah deh,u haffi see wid har...di second wave a come which is where she comes een

</div></div>

I wouldn't call 7 1/2 years of doing business in Asia "just discovah".

This is the article I came across yesterday, when researching the bamboo thread actually:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Japanese Savor Big Bamboo’s Jamaican Dishes

Kerron Boothe landed in Japan with US$300, unsure of what he’d do after his funds dried up. No stranger to calamity, he concentrated on his IT studies being the first Jamaican to study at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. To stretch his wallet, he lived on campus, cooking for himself in the dorm kitchen. Smelling the aroma of Caribbean food, his floor mates were hypnotized. They quickly realized Boothe’s exotic culinary skill and invited him to cook with them.

“Actually I was cooking for them,” recalls Boothe, “but I didn’t mind cause I got to eat!”

That $300 was eroding quickly from Japan’s high cost of living, so Boothe tried to land a part-time job. With IT jobs scarce in that area, he applied for an English teaching job. One little kink, though Japanese view Jamaicans as speaking “Jamaican,” not real English, so he was turned down.

Undeterred, Boothe delved into cooking at community centres and festivals. Confident he could profit from his great sense of taste, he entered several venture capital competitions, but lost out to IT focused ideas.

Finally, he got his big break when the city of Beppu launched an international street, with government sponsored shops, owned and operated by foreigners. Boothe won a bid, and with the cash renovated his location. BiG BAMBOO Restaurant, operated by Boothe’s flagship brand Caribbean Flava Japan, opened its doors October 8th, 2005 with a staff of four and seating 33.

Boothe credits Abe Mari, a Japanese national, who helped him understand the way of doing business in Japan. “I could not have done as much as fast as I had done given my restrictions as a student and as a foreigner in that country. I say thanks to Abe for opening her heart and mind to Jamaican culture,” Boothe said.

BiG BAMBOO remains a haven for locals, university students and internationals visiting the city. The restaurant serves 100% Jamaican food, including jerk chicken and limited quantities of jerk pork. Other celebrated dishes include ackee and saltfish (Jamaica’s national dish), curried mutton, pumpkin soup and peppered shrimp.



</div></div>

More

Anyway, as for the Jamaican restaurants, I don't have first hand knowledge of how they are doing and which are still operating but here are some examples. I think the first one is a credible source:

http://www.jamaicans.com/directory/index.php?cat=47 [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif[/img]

http://eatjamaican.com/Japan.html </div></div>

den why u a gwane like is juss u a know wat Japan has to offer...u can present ur info widdout carry awn like u a Marco Polo reincarnated u know ,,cho

[Tropicana]

Re: Jamaica/Japan Connections

I haven't seen anyone else do a thread like this. Perhaps they have and I missed it. The majority of people on here have not had the opportunity to travel to Asia, I thought some might find it interesting and apparently some do. I believe in sharing my experiences and learning from the experiences of others. Some are enjoying the dialogue. If it is not of interest to you...sorry. We can continue dialogue about the bamboo business up soh. That is of interest to both of us and I would like to know more about your plans. It sounds like you are on the brink of launching a viable venture.

[evanovitch]

Re: Jamaica/Japan Connections

no follow mi boo...u done arreddy seh mi no ha nooooo ambition fi do nutten...[img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif[/img] btw, if smaddy seh dem get u a 2 bdroom apt in Alberta fi $$1500, is it safe to assume is a decent place [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70402-thinking.gif[/img]

[Gen]

Re: Jamaica/Japan Connections

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: evanovitch</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tropicana</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: evanovitch</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Kgn 20, Tropi juss discova ovah deh,u haffi see wid har...di second wave a come which is where she comes een

</div></div>

I wouldn't call 7 1/2 years of doing business in Asia "just discovah".

This is the article I came across yesterday, when researching the bamboo thread actually:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Japanese Savor Big Bamboo’s Jamaican Dishes

Kerron Boothe landed in Japan with US$300, unsure of what he’d do after his funds dried up. No stranger to calamity, he concentrated on his IT studies being the first Jamaican to study at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. To stretch his wallet, he lived on campus, cooking for himself in the dorm kitchen. Smelling the aroma of Caribbean food, his floor mates were hypnotized. They quickly realized Boothe’s exotic culinary skill and invited him to cook with them.

“Actually I was cooking for them,” recalls Boothe, “but I didn’t mind cause I got to eat!”

That $300 was eroding quickly from Japan’s high cost of living, so Boothe tried to land a part-time job. With IT jobs scarce in that area, he applied for an English teaching job. One little kink, though Japanese view Jamaicans as speaking “Jamaican,” not real English, so he was turned down.

Undeterred, Boothe delved into cooking at community centres and festivals. Confident he could profit from his great sense of taste, he entered several venture capital competitions, but lost out to IT focused ideas.

Finally, he got his big break when the city of Beppu launched an international street, with government sponsored shops, owned and operated by foreigners. Boothe won a bid, and with the cash renovated his location. BiG BAMBOO Restaurant, operated by Boothe’s flagship brand Caribbean Flava Japan, opened its doors October 8th, 2005 with a staff of four and seating 33.

Boothe credits Abe Mari, a Japanese national, who helped him understand the way of doing business in Japan. “I could not have done as much as fast as I had done given my restrictions as a student and as a foreigner in that country. I say thanks to Abe for opening her heart and mind to Jamaican culture,” Boothe said.

BiG BAMBOO remains a haven for locals, university students and internationals visiting the city. The restaurant serves 100% Jamaican food, including jerk chicken and limited quantities of jerk pork. Other celebrated dishes include ackee and saltfish (Jamaica’s national dish), curried mutton, pumpkin soup and peppered shrimp.



</div></div>

More

Anyway, as for the Jamaican restaurants, I don't have first hand knowledge of how they are doing and which are still operating but here are some examples. I think the first one is a credible source:

http://www.jamaicans.com/directory/index.php?cat=47 [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif[/img]

http://eatjamaican.com/Japan.html </div></div>

den why u a gwane like is juss u a know wat Japan has to offer...u can present ur info widdout carry awn like u a Marco Polo reincarnated u know ,,cho </div></div>


[img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/704555_dwl.gif[/img] dont mek mi wet up miself tinight yah [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/704555_dwl.gif[/img] marco polo

unnu yardie a real comedian enuh [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70394-bawlout.gif[/img] mi gwine haffi borrow this one start fi real [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70409-waytogo.gif[/img]

[Tropicana]

Re: Jamaica/Japan Connections

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: evanovitch</div><div class="ubbcode-body">no follow mi boo...u done arreddy seh mi no ha nooooo ambition fi do nutten...[img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif[/img] </div></div>

Never said any such thing.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">btw, if smaddy seh dem get u a 2 bdroom apt in Alberta fi $$1500, is it safe to assume is a decent place [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70402-thinking.gif[/img] </div></div>

Sorry I am not familiar with that market. I think Remo (is that his name?) lives out da' way deh. He can probably assist you.

[Tropicana]

Re: Jamaica/Japan Connections

Geneva, do you have anything constructive to contribute to this thread? We are attempting to explore a serious topic here.

[Tropicana]

Re: Jamaica/Japan Connections

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kingston20</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mi a go the gymn so mi will reply properly later tonite or in the morning and tell you some opps I saw.

regards </div></div>

Thanks. I am looking forward to it.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CEW</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In principle I agree with you, but don't you think that the economics, i.e. economies of scale, do play a large role in what Jamaican businesses do, and who they do business with? For example, in North America (USA & Canada) there is access to approximately 350 million people, the third largest population trailing only China and India. From a business perspective, it is very tempting for the majority of businesses, who are not global in scope, to concentrate their efforts in that market. Sure there is protectionism and all the other market forces to deal with, but for the most part, it works. </div></div>

Doesn't seem to be working to me. Jamaica is still having serious economic problems and some of our people are still living in deplorable conditions. I think it is important to explore our options.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Historically, Asia is not so much of an open market as we often think, and the auto industry is an excellent example of that. Granted, I believe every country serves its own interests first, and therefore I do not think for one moment that there will be fairness in imports versus exports. In as much as Jamaica need to continue to seek new trading partners, that does not mean the other side will roll out the red carpet and make that easy. </div></div>

We won't know until we try. Based on some of the examples posted, some have tried with great success.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sure, it is great that the Japanese love our coffee, our music, and whatever else, but how much outside of that will they allow in compared to how much of their stuff goes to JA? </div></div>

Well they have been willing to pay a premium price for our coffee before it even goes into the ground....for years. So, again, we don't know until we try.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> The challenge is to find out what else they need that we can offer at a competitive price. </div></div>

I agree.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm tempted to think that maybe some of the private sector businesses have looked at it and, after doing the cost/benefit analysis, figured it not to be really financially viable for their particular products.
</div></div>

Well we don't know that for sure. Asia is not a place where the majority of our people including the majority of our business people have had an opportunity to travel. I think those of us who do have that opportunity have a responsibility to come back, report on what we see and let others know about possible opportunities. Of course someone like me could just be selfish and keep the information to herself but that has never been my style.

[Tropicana]

Re: Jamaica/Japan Connections

Here is more about the reggae business in Japan:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Jamaica and Japan see reggae ties
By Rhoma Tomlinson
Kingston, Jamaica


Akihiko Narisawa came to Jamaica two years ago from Japan with one aim in mind - to find authentic Jamaican music produced by Jamaican artists and send it back to his homeland, where love for Jamaican reggae had skyrocketed to almost cultish proportions.

Jamaican reggae duo SOJAH did not realise how big they were in Japan
"I am interested in reggae and I want to know more about reggae music, and understand more about Jamaican culture and people," Mr Narisawa says.

"I can really only understand Jamaica if I'm here."

The 30-year-old business graduate runs the Jamaican branch of Tokyo-based Oasis Music and sends thousands of records to Japan each month.

Mr Narisawa is one of hundreds of Japanese who have come to the land of reggae to bury themselves in reggae music culture.

They want to drink in, and take back to Japan, the complete Jamaican reggae experience - late-night visits to the dancehalls, eccentrically dressed artists sporting dreadlocks, the lyrical poetry of the Jamaican DJs and the mixture of Bob Marley-styled culture reggae with hardcore dancehall rhythms.

Outspoken lyrics

Japan's love affair with reggae really took off in the 1980s.

Bob Marley's brand of conscious and culturally expressive reggae had taken the world by storm, inspiring social revolutions and placing the Caribbean island in the big league as far as the global multi-billion dollar music industry was concerned.

Young Japanese embraced the music. They loved the outspoken lyrics, the many sounds of the reggae beat and the energy of the Jamaican performers.

Today, reggae music is a multi-million dollar industry in Japan and Jamaican musicians are in demand more than ever.

And in Jamaica, you can see young Japanese people strolling along the busy thoroughfares, hanging out in areas like Trench Town, seeking inspiration from Bob Marley's community.

They are at the Jamaican studios and production houses, purchasing and recording what they call authentic Jamaican music.

For reggae fans back in Japan, there are businesses like Mr Narisawa's.

"I go out to the distribution companies or music studios and I get records and make CDs, then I ship them to my company's head office in Tokyo," he said.

He also gets dub plates - a promotional brand of music done on a popular rhythm by a famous artist or radio personality - and sends these back to Japan.

"After people hear the Jamaican artists in Japan, they want to hear more about the artists and want to get singles. So when they come to our shop in Tokyo, they can get these singles. We also sell music on our website."

The fans in Japan are crazy about the music... they want to talk like Jamaicans, walk like Jamaicans, and sing like us...

Singer Konscience from SOJAH

Phillip George, a Jamaican who manages Japanese-owned company Rockers Island, which also exports records to Japan, says the business is profitable.

Last year alone, Rockers Island shipped more than 800,000 records to Japan and Mr George says he currently has a list of some 130,000 records waiting to be supplied to customers there

</div></div>

Source

[Diplomat]

Re: Jamaica/Japan Connections

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tropicana</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CEW</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In principle I agree with you, but don't you think that the economics, i.e. economies of scale, do play a large role in what Jamaican businesses do, and who they do business with? For example, in North America (USA & Canada) there is access to approximately 350 million people, the third largest population trailing only China and India. From a business perspective, it is very tempting for the majority of businesses, who are not global in scope, to concentrate their efforts in that market. Sure there is protectionism and all the other market forces to deal with, but for the most part, it works. </div></div>

Doesn't seem to be working to me. Jamaica is still having serious economic problems and some of our people are still living in deplorable conditions. I think it is important to explore our options.

</div></div>

I don't think anyone disagrees with exploring options but you should know I don't buy into this "because it doesn't work for me, then it doesn't work" argument. That's illogical. People are predisposed to different things, and are willing to take different risks. As the saying goes, "one man's meat is another man's poison" and so if we are talking about looking at the bigger picture, we have to resist treating the anecdotal references we are personally aware of as everybody else's norm. A free enterprise have both successes and failures; such is the nature of business.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm tempted to think that maybe some of the private sector businesses have looked at it and, after doing the cost/benefit analysis, figured it not to be really financially viable for their particular products.
</div></div>

Well we don't know that for sure. Asia is not a place where the majority of our people including the majority of our business people have had an opportunity to travel. I think those of us who do have that opportunity have a responsibility to come back, report on what we see and let others know about possible opportunities. Of course someone like me could just be selfish and keep the information to herself but that has never been my style. </div></div>

Are we talking about individuals or corporate Jamaica? For some reason, the latter was what I thought we were discussing. If that is the case, are you saying that the various trade missions to Japan over the years haven't shed enough light on any potential opportunities? I know someone at the PIOJ, and will try to find out if there are any numbers relative to the number of missions done and the business that they generated.

[Tropicana]

Re: Jamaica/Japan Connections

I am not saying doesn't work for me so doesn't work...I am pointing out that we are still having economic problems and some of our citizens are still living in deplorable conditions. What we have tried so far has rectified that situation.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are we talking about individuals or corporate Jamaica? </div></div>

Corporate sector and entrepreneurs.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For some reason, the latter was what I thought we were discussing. If that is the case, are you saying that the various trade missions to Japan over the years haven't shed enough light on any potential opportunities? </div></div>


I suspect not but have no direct knowledge of the trade missions. That is why I am encouraging this discussion and asking these questions.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I know someone at the PIOJ, and will try to find out if there are any numbers relative to the number of missions done and the business that they generated. </div></div>

Yes find out and let us know. It will be interesting.

[Hopyoneson]

Re: Jamaica/Japan Connections

Ok mi is back, The area that I saw some serious opps were several some I am investigating my self currently so I will not talk about those but this one had the most potential for the fisheries and it was ika. Thats right ika. The Japanese love squid and we dont eat it in Jamaica, based on our preliminary studies the egg casings suggest a large population in our waters.

You fish for squid using special hooks and bright lights at night so you dont destroy the reefs as they tend to live in the deep, Jamaica has a sea faring fisherman culture in place already, to prepare squid is relatively easy and we could sell the steaks and excess meat to the US where it is used as calamari. We just need to do a proper study and get organized so that the small fisherman can benefit from it and give the shallow water reef fishing a break.

In order to ensure we control the product we would need to set up a small satelite office in one of the smaller Tokyo suburbs with access to Narita or in Osaka/Kobe with Kansai, you would have to fly it in as ika spoils easily and we codistriubte it with a japanese company through a joint venture.

You would need Jamaicans who speak Japanese and willing to work in Japan long term, we have several UWI students participating in JET over there, they would be the natural choice in regards to staffing. [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70402-thinking.gif[/img]