F E AT U RE STABLE BUSINESS BASE Japan may have more than its fair share of natural disasters, including the recent Typhoon Hagibis, but this advanced country has the capability to climb back on its feet and get business moving quite quickly. Nor do the disasters tend to affect moving operations too much. Whatever challenges businesses may face, they know that operating in Tokyo brings many benefits in terms of stability. Tempaku says the citys crime rate is very low reflected by its ranking in the worlds safest cities list. In addition, on the roads, drivers have good manners. Most try to drive safely and give way to others. Japans economic stability means businesspeople can make transitions with peace of mind and the citys administrative procedures are excellent, says Tempaku. As well as the expectation of ethical conduct in business dealings, Santa Fes Morocz cites the lack of social political turmoil, or violence experienced in Tokyo as a key benefit. MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS A shipment is handled at one of the Santa Fe Relocation warehouses compared with more sophisticated establishments like our company, says Tomomi Fujita. Bigger, more advanced companies typically FIDI Affiliates provide high-quality standards, financial security and the ability to meet the complex compliance needs of many organisations. Fujita added: When we compete head to head with these companies and our pricing is higher, one of the effective ways we differentiate ourselves is with our FIDI membership and FAIM certification. But this only helps if we take the time to educate the client or company HR about the importance of these. FIDI AFFILIATES IN TOKYO ASIAN TIGERS JAPAN MSE GLOBAL MOBILITY SERVICES NIPPON EXPRESS CO., LTD. SANTA FE RELOCATION TOKYO UNIGROUP WORLDWIDE MOVING TOKYO YAMATANE CORPORATION 70 FF295 FebMar20 pp64-71 City on the Move Toyko.indd 70 AFFILIATE AFFILIATE AFFILIATE AFFILIATE AFFILIATE AFFILIATE TOKYO TOKYO TOKYO TOKYO TOKYO TOKYO While there was much praise for Japans recent hosting of the Rugby World Cup and many are looking ahead to this summers Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics FIDI Affiliates say these mega sporting events are not such a business bonanza. Morocz at Santa Fe says: You would think that these would be major opportunities for our business, but generally these organisations such as the Rugby World Cup and International Olympic Committee have a centralised decision-making process, and preferred vendors are selected well before the event. Also, in contrast to countries such as Brazil, Japan is a highly developed economy and most infrastructure for large-scale events is already in place here. Asian Tigers Fujita, however, says the events seem to be adding to recent increased business activity and optimism. There are significant opportunities, particularly for business connected to marketing and public relations, sporting merchandise and tourism. Whatever part sporting events will play in the countrys future, visitors to Tokyo, or Japan as a whole, are made to feel welcome by the polite Japanese people. Sometimes the language is challenging, but Japanese people are friendly and kind. In addition, Tokyo and cities in Japan overall are safe for westerners, too, says Tempaku, at Nippon Express. Fujita added: While some people immediately equate language barriers to a difficulty in adapting to living in Japan, the reality is that Japan and Tokyo specifically is a highly organised place. It is relatively easy to adapt to living here, particularly when you have the benefit of relocation services to help get you started on the right foot. All things considered, it seems that for Tokyo and the rest of Japan the only way is up. WW W. F I D I FOC U S . OR G 20/01/2020 15:39