Dear colleagues,

 

We are pleased to announce that Volume 9, Issue 1 & 2, 2024 of Japan MNE Insights is now available online (http://www.mne-jp.org/english/column.html). These issues are the official newsletter of the Japan Academy of Multinational Enterprises (JAME).

 

This issue includes three special essays, the summaries of which are shared below.

 

“Technology Entrepreneurship: Japan’s New Growth Engine?” by Martin Hemmert (Korea University, South Korea).

 

Synopsis: This essay discusses the growth of technology start-ups in East Asian countries. The driving forces of this growth and ongoing challenges for East Asian start-ups are identified. Finally, implications for technology entrepreneurs and public policy are outlined. The global competitiveness of East Asian technology start-ups can be enhanced by more globally connected start-up ecosystems, more international start-up management teams and the development of globally applicable products and business models.

 

“Global ‘Jinzai’ Development in Japanese Universities: The Case of University of Hyogo” by Takahide Yamaguchi (University of Hyogo, Japan)

 

Synopsis: This essay explores the possibility of developing global leaders at Japanese universities. We delve into the concept of global leaders, or global jinzai, for Japanese universities or companies, drawing on existing studies in the field of international human resource management. Subsequently, we introduce the case of the University of Hyogo, which offers a Global Business Course designed to confer a degree in economics in English, aiming to cultivate global leaders among students from diverse countries. Following that, we examine various challenges that Japanese universities face in developing global jinzai within Japan. Specifically, we emphasize gaps in the training of global jinzai in Japan, comparing it to previous studies on global leaders in terms of their identity and educational programs. Lastly, we outline future challenges for the development of global jinzai in Japanese universities.

 

“Brand Personality in Japan” by Risa Jitosho (Ryukoku University, Japan) and Hajime Baba (Kansai University, Japan).

 

Synopsis: This essay discusses brand personality in Japan, highlighting changes and consistencies over time. It utilizes a hybrid approach to develop a culturally sensitive scale, revealing dimensions such as excitement, sincerity, imperfection, and ruggedness in Japan. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding temporal variations in brand personality and calls for multi-country longitudinal research. Collaboration among researchers with cultural expertise is essential for globally consistent and culturally sensitive studies in international marketing. Future research aims to explore brand personality in other East Asian countries.

 

In addition, we would like to draw your attention that JAME will publish the new book entitled "Transformation of Japanese Multinational Enterprises and Business: The 50th Anniversary of the Japan Academy of Multinational Enterprises," on April 24 by Springer.

 

Before its publication, we would like to share the aim and the scope of the book by Shige Makino (Kyoto University), the first editor of the 50th-anniversary commemorative book of JAME, as follows.

 

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the Japan Academy of Multinational Enterprises (JAME) has released a groundbreaking edited volume that sheds light on the evolution, strategies, and future directions of Japanese multinational corporations (MNCs). This publication, marking a significant milestone, offers insights into the complex dynamics of Japanese MNCs in the global marketplace and commemorates JAME's legacy. It embodies the collective effort and dedication of scholars who have significantly contributed to the field of international business studies in Japan.

 

The book emerges against the backdrop of changing global economic conditions, reflecting on shifts in strategies of Japanese MNCs from the era of high growth and the bursting of the bubble economy to the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging markets and technological advancements. Organized into four main sections, it delves into various aspects of Japanese MNCs, including trends in international business, emerging entities, evolving strategies, and management practices. The sections cover a range of topics, from the internationalization of the Japanese Sake industry to the strategic alliances of Toyota and distinctive management practices.

 

This volume significantly addresses the gap in English-language research on Japanese business and MNCs, aiming to amplify the dissemination of these findings globally. The editors and contributors seek to foster a deeper understanding of the unique characteristics and contributions of Japanese MNCs to international business.

 

The contributions, from both emerging scholars and esteemed academics, provide a comprehensive overview of the past, present, and future of Japanese MNCs. This publication testifies to JAME's enduring commitment to advancing international business studies in Japan, serving as a valuable resource for scholars, practitioners, and students interested in the dynamics of multinational enterprises and the unique position of Japanese firms in the global economy.

 

We hope that you will find our newsletter interesting.

 

Kind regards,

 

Tami Kasahara

Editor-in-Chief of Japan MNE Insights

 

Tamiko Kasahara (Ph.D.)
Visiting scholar

Bentley University, 175 Forest Street Waltham MA 02452
E-mail :[log in to unmask]

 

Assistant Professor

University of Shizuoka, Japan