F E AT U RE A Yokohama packer at work Yokohama displays its FIDI flag peace of mind, when talking of FIDI, is a recurring phrase. We can find qualified movers immediately, and perform door-to-door services in cooperation with other Affiliates, says Ishiyama. FIDIs payment protection plan helps us recover up to 90 per cent of unpaid invoices should a partner go bankrupt or have membership terminated. We can work safely, without anxiety. Santa Fe sees membership as a valuable guarantee. Its a great selling point when being able to demonstrate that we can provide the same quality of service on a worldwide basis, even where we do not have an office, says Latui. Limbo sees belonging to FIDI as a proof of trust. Without FIDI membership we wouldnt be able to secure a move from one country to another. And we also worry less about payment collection. Japanese workers are renowned for their industry and commitment to the job. Yet, even in Japan there are some prepared to cut corners and prices if it means landing the job. There are times when I shake my head at what some companies do, says Masee. Yet the competition does keep us on our toes and looking for ways to provide a little bit more for the same, or a bit less. In the face of significant under-cutting when it comes to pitching for a quote, Nippon Express is at pains to emphasise reasonable price and qualified service. Price is important, but well-managed moving services more so, says Ishiyama. Though Santa Fe has seen the moving business become ever-more competitive, its confident that its brand name, dedicated personnel, and investments in technology enable it to remain a major player. Yokahama refuses to enter any race to the bottom, price-wise, in the interests of upholding service standards. Whatever is thrown at them, FIDI Affiliates are good at 78 FF291JunJul19 pp70-79 Regional Focus Japan.indd 78 Yokohama staff finding reasons to be cheerful. Its important to maintain a positive attitude even in the face of expected headwinds, says Masee. Santa Fe sees improvements in the local economy and, says Latui, believes the trend will continue. Yamatane believes the worst may be over. Prices hit rock-bottom but the industry as a whole is tending to raise prices against the background of labour shortages, and we expect them to continue rising, says Limbo. While most moving companies expect a shortterm boost from next years Tokyo Olympics, long term, Yokohama believes that constant factors will ensure a good future for the industry. Transfer of people outside the country will not disappear, says Nogami. And packaging must be done by hand, so well pass on the knowledge weve accumulated over 40 years of experience. Nippon Expresss optimism is based on the conviction that global business will become increasingly important for most industries in Japan. The mobility of technologies, products, mineral resources and human resources is key for development of the economy, environment and society, says Ishiyama. Our business will be affected by these movements. KOJI NOGAMI, SALES MANAGER AT YOKOHAMA SYSTEM MOVER FIDI AFFILIATES IN JAPAN ASIAN TIGERS MOBILITY J.LOGICOM CORPORATION MSE GLOBAL MOBILITY SERVICES NIPPON EXPRESS CO., LTD. SAKAI MOVING SERVICE CO., LTD. SANTA FE RELOCATION - TOKYO UNIGROUP WORLDWIDE MOVING YAMATANE CORPORATION YOKOHAMA SYSTEM MOVER CO., LTD TOKYO CHIRYU TOKYO TOKYO OSAKA TOKYO TOKYO TOKYO YOKOHAMA AFFILIATE AFFILIATE AFFILIATE AFFILIATE AFFILIATE AFFILIATE AFFILIATE AFFILIATE AFFILIATE WWW. F I D I . OR G 13/05/2019 12:56