Scott McCaskie
General Manager
Allied Pickfords

By Chris Betros/Japan Today Editor in Chief
TOKYO—

Since the recession started hammering Japan last year, many companies have cut back on staff, creating an exodus of expat workers and their families … which means that moving companies are being kept pretty busy. One of those is Allied Pickfords, which is part of SIRVA Inc, the largest moving and relocation services company in the world with more than 800 offices in 40 countries.

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Makoto Nakazawa
President – Barrier Free Co, Ltd

By Taro Fujimoto/Japan Today

Out of Japan’s population of 127 million, including foreigners, about 3.6 million have physical disabilities, according to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Over the past few years, the government has enacted several laws to facilitate the daily lives of disabled people and realize a so-called “barrier-free society.” (more…)

Safia Minney
Founder/Chief Executive
People Tree/Global Village

By Taro Fujimoto/Japan Today

One fair trade organization which has been focusing on the poor in developing countries is People Tree which was established in Japan. (more…)

When getting ready to interview candidates, it is always a good idea to have some effective questions prepared that will allow you to make the most of the time you spend with the candidate and make an informed decision on whether or not you would like to move forward with their candidacy and even offer them a job. (more…)

Ken Millhouse
Representative Director/Vice President
LEGO Japan Ltd.

By Taro Fujimoto/JapanToday

What toys did you play with when you were a kid? While video and high-tech toys are popular in Japan today, some parents want their kids to play with more creative and educational products, such as LEGO. The Danish toymaker is one of the most popular brands in Japan. (more…)

By Taro Fujimoto/Japan Today

Kazuhiro Ohshima, Director of Center for International Exchange, Nihon Kogakuin College (Katayanagi Institute)

In Japan, 3,218 private vocational schools offer professional education in individual areas of industry. Currently, 23.1% of high school graduates study at vocational schools and 99.6% of them find employment after graduation. (more…)

Steve Kaufmann started learning Russian – his 9th language – when he was 60, and Portuguese at 62. He figures if he can do it, so can anyone. But they need a more effective method than the usual classroom milieu of endless repeating and exams. (more…)