Run This Town

I know this is a long overdue, but here is my playlist for TCS NYC Marathon.

I created this list for the 2015 race. Listened to it so many times during my training and the race. After all, I figured out I didn't even need such a list because so many spectators were cheering the runners throughout the course aloud (I couldn't hear the songs!).

But, the playlist could be used for this year's (especially training!) as well as NYRR Five-Borough Series kicking off with United NYC Half tomorrow.

STATEN ISLAND:
"A Better Tomorrow" (Wu-Tang Clan)
"Feel This Moment" (Pitbull feat. Christina Aguilera)

BROOKLYN:
"Life Is Good" (DJ Deckstream feat. Mos Def)
"Get By" (Talib Kweli)
"Crazy In Love" (Beyoncé feat. Jay Z)

QUEENS:
"I'm The Best" (Nicki Minaj)
"Fly" (Nicki Minaj feat. Rihanna)
"Cherry Wine" (Nas feat. Amy Winehouse)

BRONX:
"And I Miss You" (The DEY)
"On The Floor" (Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull)
"Still Not a Player" (Big Pun feat. Joe)

MANHATTAN:
"Girl On Fire" (Alicia Keys feat. Nicki Minaj)
"Empire State Of Mind" (Jay Z feat. Alicia Keys)

Looking forward to seeing runners, volunteers and spectators tomorrow, and the following races!!

Playlist for Staten Island Half

I don't visit Staten Island so often. Probably Staten Island Half Marathon is a few opportunity. But, once visiting the island, I enjoy a breathtaking Manhattan view, the beautiful boardwalk, and the community's ballpark.

It is a home of Wu-Tang Clan and Christina Aguilera, and getting more diverse. Earlier this month, TimeOut magazine covered Staten Island, arguing it is "the forgotten borough" no longer, could be a next Brooklyn.

Anyway, here's my playlist for Staten Island Half on October 11.

Yes, it's Christina:
"Feel This Moment (feat. Christina Aguilera)" (Pitbull)
"Moves Like Jagger (feat. Christina Aguilera)" (Maroon 5)
"Ain't No Other Man" (Christina Aguilera)

Of course, can't miss Wu-Tang:
"A Better Tomorrow" (Wu-Tang Clan)
"Bring The Pain (feat. Method Man)" (Missy Elliott)
"Runaway Love Remix (feat. Justin Bieber& Raekwon)" (Kanye West), which samples Wu-Tang Clan's song "Wu-Tang Clan Aint Nuthing Ta F' Whit"

Uh well. With all the above songs, it was still short of a playlist for a couple of hours' run. So, I got some help from NJ!
"Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" (Lauryn Hill)
"Doo Wop (That Thing)" (Lauryn Hill)
"Family Business" (The Fugees)
"Killing Me Softly" (The Fugees)

Bronx

Bronx is the birthplace of HipHop. 

Even though I did not grow up with those classics, it was a delight discovery of some old songs as I decided to make my playlist for NYRR Bronx 10-Mile on September 27.

Some classics (and discovery to me):

"Still Not a Player (feat. Joe)" (Big Pun)

"I'm Not a Player" (Big Pun)

"Step Into a World (Rapture's Delight)" (KRS-One)

"MC's Act Like They Don't Know" (KRS-One)

And well, everyone knows JLo:

"On the Floor (feat. Pitbull)" (Jennifer Lopez)

"Feelin' So Good [Remix] (feat. Big Pun & Fat Joe)" (Jennifer Lopez)

"Love Don't Cost a Thing" (Jennifer Lopez)

Last but not least. The DEY is a relatively new, and I believe under-rated trio. I look forward to listening to more songs by them, but is the group still performing?

"Give You The World" (The DEY)

"I Need You" (The DEY)

"And I Miss You" (The DEY)

Playlist for San Francisco Marathon

I just came back from San Francisco where I ran my second full marathon. The race was very, very tough for all the uphills and downhills, and not so many spectators cheering for us!! But, through the course, I enjoyed the great scenary of the city.

As a part of my preparation, I had some hard time compiling my playlist for the race as well because the only HipHop musician I know from the Bay area is Kero One. So, my playlist starts with his songs.

"When The Sunshine Comes" (Kero One feat. Ben Westbeech)
"In All The Wrong Places" (Kero One)
"Keep Pushin'" (Kero One)
"We Stay Fly" (Kero One feat. Othello & Dminor)
"Remember All That" (Kero One)

But, I couldn't just listen to all his songs for rotation through the race, so I added some of Apple's iPod commercial songs such as:

"Mi Swing Es Tropical" (Nickodemus)
"Hey Mama" (Black Eyed Peas)

And West Coast HipHop and the like for the rest:

"Don't Stay" (Linkin Park)
"Fly With U" (Far East Movement feat. Cassie)
"Young, Wild & Free" (Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa feat. Bruno Mars)

I couldn't achieve my target time, but albeit the hilly course, am proud to made it faster than my first full marathon in Miami!!

Queens Anthems

Tomorrow(Technically today)'s NYRR Five-Borough Series Queens 10K has been delayed for an hour due to the heavy rain forecast. Hope the weather is going to be OK, and all the runners will have a great (and safe) race!

Here are my BGM pick for tomorrow's race. Needless to say, Nicki Minaj, Consequence and Nas are all from Queens.
"I'm The Best" (by Nicki Minaj) - yes, runners, you all are the best!!
"Fly" (by Nicki Minaj feat. Rihanna) - La Guadiana and JFK airports are in the borough. Run like flying!
"Starship" (by Nicki Minaj) - don't miss the some famous scenes from "Men In Black"
"Turn Me On" (by David Guetta feat. Nicki Minaj) - This song will turn you on for the race.
"Don't Forget Em" (by Consequence) - don't forget the support of volunteers and spectators. Thanks!!
"Gone" (by Kanye West feat. Consequence and Cam'Ron)
"A Queens Story" (by Nas)
"Memory Lane" (by Nas)
"The Good, The Bad, The Ugly" (by Consequence feat. Kanye West)
"Daughters" (by Nas) - last but not least, Happy Father's Day!!

BK Anthem

Like many others, favorite songs give me 'push' when running.

As running the Central Park Loop every week and listening to the favorite songs over and over, however, I got sick of my 'favorite' songs.

I googled some Brooklyn-related songs before running last weekend's Airbnb Brooklyn Half Marathon, but only ended up with finding very unfamiliar, slow HipHop songs from 1980s and 1990s. So, I decided to create my own playlist for the race, selecting some songs of Brooklyn-born musicians like Jay Z, Talib Kweli, and Mos Def.

Thanks partly to the following songs (and some other songs), I achieved my personal best!

"Brooklyn's Finest" (by Jay Z feat. The Notorious B.I.G.)
"Crazy In Love" (by Beyonce feat. Jay Z)
"Numb / Encore" (by Linkin Park & Jay Z)
"Life Is Good" (DJ Deckstream feat. Mos Def)
"Run This Town" (by Jay Z feat. Rihanna & Kanye West)
"Like That" (by Black Eyed Peas feat. Q-Tip, Talib Kweli, Cee-Lo & John Legend)
"Lighters Up" (by Lil' Kim)
"Get By" (by Talib Kweli)
"Young Forever" (by Jay Z feat. Mr. Hudson)
"Empire State Mind" (by Jay Z feat. Alicia Keys)

「病院」がトヨタを超える日

「病院」がトヨタを超える日　医療は日本を救う輸出産業になる！ (講談社プラスアルファ新書) 北原 茂実

日本の政局を、占う。

予測不能な現代社会。

日本の未来、そして政局も混迷を極めているが、歴代首相の動物占い判断をしてみると、なんとなく未来予想図が描けるような、描けないような。けっこう当たっている気がするのは私だけだろうか。

小渕恵三氏（ひつじ）：人恋しい博愛主義者。一本気で穏やかなひつじの男性は、ルールを守る良識派。かなり博識で、駆け引きも得意。凝り性で、興味をもったことはとことん追求。

森喜朗氏（小守熊）：夢見がちな現実主義者。1日中ユーカリの木の上でじっとしている子守熊のように、ぼーっとする時間がなくちゃ駄目。ぼーっとしている間にパワーを蓄える。しかも究極の快楽主義者なので楽しいこと大好き。何をするにも楽しくなくちゃ損と思っている。

小泉純一郎氏（ライオン）：大らかな完璧主義者。特別扱い・目立つのは当たり前。世間体や人目を気にし、常に弱みは見せません。ライオンの男性は、ずばり「体育会系」。ブランドやステイタスにこだわり、出世争いにも猛勇果敢に飛び込みます。ちなみに鳩山由紀夫氏もこれ。

安倍晋三氏（小鹿）：甘えん坊なナチュラリスト。依存心が強く受け身なところをまわりがほうっておけないので甘えていられる役得も。飾り気がなく純粋なところがあるこじかの男性。積極的な押しには欠けるけど、自然と周りから引き立てられてリーダーに祭り上げられたりもします。中曽根康弘氏も小鹿というのはちょっと意外。

福田康夫氏（狼）：個性豊かなマイペース人間。群れをなさない狼のように、人とは違う生き方を常に心がけている。マイペースで何をするにも自己流がポイント。一人の時間や空間を大事にするので変わり者と思われがちだけど、変わっていると言われるのが嬉しかったりも。そう、「あなたとは違うんです。」って言ってました。他に宮沢喜一氏も狼(笑)。

麻生太郎氏（猿）：人マネの上手い猿のように、何事も器用にこなせるけど、じっとしているのが苦手なので起きている間は複数のことを同時進行しちゃうくらい活発に動き回ります。しかもおだてにめちゃめちゃ弱く、褒められるとなんでもやっちゃう。猿の男性は、ユーモアあふれる気さくな人。

菅直人氏（虎）：貫禄のある働き者。悠然とした虎のように慌てず騒がず、落ち着いた雰囲気を持つ。ただ、思い込みが強く自分の考えを曲げなくて迷惑がられるなんてことも。虎男性は、タフな自信家。困っている人に手を差しのべる人情派。即断即決が苦手で、急な出来事にはパニック！橋本龍太郎氏もこれ。

振り返ってみると、納得できるけど、予測可能性を高めるはしないかなあ。

-----
尚、上記にあたっては、Wikipediaと動物占いを参照させて頂きました。

Best Songs of the (Half) Year

The first half of 2011 ends today. This year has been totally different from previous years. Everything changed on March 11 when the earthquake and tsunami hit the northeastern Japan.

I was one of hundreds of thousands of commuters walking home that night. My relatives and friends were hit hard by the natural disaster. For weeks I could do nothing. Nothing but following the news coverage on the disasters for a month. Then, my job turned super busy. Overwhelmed by the tsunami of projects, and followed by the very last semester which started the late April.

My taste has also changed. New generations of Korean hip-hop became my latest favorite music. My iPod only repeated songs of BigBang and 2NE1 again and again.

So, I supposed there were only a few songs I could name for this year's best. But, was wrong. Here's my top 10 list of the 1st half of the year. Do I miss something?

1. "Rocketeer" (Far East Movement ft. Ryan Tedder)
This song still comes on to the top of my track list. A-maz-ing.

2. "Never Forget You" (Lupe Fiasco ft. John Legend)
What an irony. One of last year's top 10 songs is "Forget You" (Cee-Lo Green). And now comes with the other way around. Lupe's 3rd album is, however, one of the best in 2011. My fav songs also include "The Show Goes On", "Till I Get There" and "Coming Up", but every single song in the album is a masterpiece. I mean it.

3. "Fly" (Nicki Minaj ft. Rihanna)
Nicki's 1st debut album "Pink Friday" is another best. Sometimes I feel the songs are too young for me, but she is a very talented female rapper. "I'm the Best", "Right Thru Me", "Moment 4 Life", "Dear Old Nicki" and "Last Chance" are all so good.

4. "See Me Now" (Kanye West ft. Beyonce & Charlie Wilson)
Kanye never disappoints me. Ever. By the way, "Lost in the World", a song in the latest album, "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy", is originally written by a Wisconsin-native. What a pleasant surprise!!

5. "Pretty Girl Rock" (Keri Hilson)
I have no problem with pretty girl rock at all. I like this PV which reminds me of female singers in the old times.

6. "Born This Way" (Lady Gaga)
Lady Gaga isn't my favorite musician. Neither is making her song on this list a courtesy to her for doing charity to the tsunami-hit region in Japan. Just this song keeps playing in my head...

7. "No Sleep" (Wiz Khalifa)
I really need a sleep though...

8. "Marry You" (Bruno Mars)
Reportedly many people decided to get married after a life-threatening experience.

9. "Friends & Family" (Talib Kweli)
"Nothing else matters more than friends and family." Indeed.

10. "Hot-n-Fun" (N*E*R*D ft. Nelly Furtado)
Given the shortage of power generation capacity, Tokyo is gonna be literally super HOT this summer. It is already. But, I haven't found a way to enjoy it yet. Any suggestion?

Thoughts on Father's Day

As for Father's Day gift campaign, some stores were advocating "Dad needs no more ties!" That message is so true. Tie is one of a few self-expressions for men in the business world. Hence, many, if not all, won't give up such a freedom and sole discretion easily.

Given the hot and humid summer weather in Tokyo, tie isn't what we need for now, either. The government has introduced "Super Cool Biz" this year. Accoring to it, a suit (and a tie) is officially prohibited from the business battle field in Japan. Hot pants are okay. I have never seen (never ever want to see) one so far though. If you go to an office with tie, you are NO patriotic.

Besides, Tokyo's offices and subways are not as comfortable as previous years. Their air-conditiongs are set at a higher temperature (some 28 degrees Celcius) than usual due to the blackout risk. Seriously such actions undercut Japan's economic growth even further.

So, all those circumstance in consideration, my wife (and baby girl) gave me a Starbucks tumbler and card. This is the very first gift I got on Father's Day. I have been looked forward to having a Father's Day gift throughout last couple of years (including my wife's pregnancy). But, now I came to think in a different way. Fatherhood itself is such a priceless gift. It is blessing. The gift is great, but I am so grateful to my wife and daughter who delivered the utmost happiness and delight in my life.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads.
Let's enjoy our fatherhood!!

History Lessons?

Japan's political leadership has been in a mess for years. The prime minister of the 3rd largest country changes every single year or less. So, I supposed no political events would surprise me until recent news reported Yukio Hatoyama, a former premier, asked Naoto Kan, his successor, to resign the job. This is pretty surpring given what Hatoyama had done during his term in the office.

Looks like there is some kind of seniority system among premiership. Or Hatoyama must be a terminator for himself and/or someone else. In "Terminator" the movie, however, the robot comes from the future. Unfortunately this Japanese came from the past. Okay, we'd better suppose he's just an alien as he is called so.

When Hatoyama quit his job as prime minister a year ago, I assumed hopefully that he might become a Jimmy Carter, one of the greatest ex-Presidents of the U.S.A. That was only a possibility, though. It was neither my expectation nor hope. Still, his recent initiative is not the case at all.

While a predecessor criticizes a current premier and asks him to resign in Japan, the opposite case applies in Korea. In this peninsula country, a predecessor is criticized and punished by a current president. Remember what Kim Young Sam did to Jeon Doo Hwan? The ex-President deserved it, but it also looked used as a scapegoat to hike successor's approval rate. And this isn't the only case.

To summarize, Japanese tend to forget history while Korean criticize (and scapegoat) one. I only hope this is my hasty generalization, and many events are exceptional.

The two countries have been discussing to make their relationship future-oriented. Yet, they've got to make their own country's politics future-oriented in the first place.

Seeing is Believing

Ever since the fear of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor meltdowns mount, many foreign expats, students and families are reportedly leaving Japan. And some criticisms on them make me sad.

First of all: a REMINDER. It seems like many people forgot when the spring break is in Japan. Students don't go to school in most of March. Long before the natural disasters and the crisis hit the northern Japan, many foreign students and expat families planned to visit their home country. As the fear of nuclear meltdowns emerge, some are in panic, and scared by wrong (or lack of appropriate) information. Given the circumstance, however, many people are struggling whether to stay or leave behind their husbands, some family members or friends in Japan.

If I could, I would recommend them leave Japan for the time being. But it's NOT because the possibility of nuclear plant meltdowns are not remote. Although the worst is over, water, foods and papers are scarce even in Tokyo. Planned blackouts will last over a month.

Also, they have family and friends in their home country. Displaced people visiting and staying their relatives' or friends' home. The people of Japan solidified their family bonds and friendship during the crisis. The only difference is where their asylum is: domestic or oversea. Why not giving the latter people the same opportunity?

But, most importantly those (even if they are neither hard hit by the disaster nor displaced) visiting their home country can provide more direct and appropriate information to the overseas people. There are a lot of information around the world now including right and wrong. Given some misinformation, their families in home countries are more in panic than the people here. Phone conversation is not persuasive enough than shocking video news. Seeing is believing. Sadly though, a Korean who went hometown cannot meet her friends because some misunderstand and believe they get exposed.

So, if anyone going home overseas, I would rather say, have a safe trip and see you later!!

We Shall Overcome

One of advantages to live in this 21st century is: information technology.

Ever since the earthquake and tsunami hit the northern Japan hard on last Friday, March 11, social media have proved the best information resource as well as communication tool. I have been getting the change in subway time schedules in Tokyo, latest earthquake news in Japan and warm messages from all over the world. Through Facebook, friends have contacted if my family and I are OK. One friend gave me an email first time in 5 years. Given too busy phone lines, I was able to contact my relatives in Sendai and Fukushima where the earthquake hit hardest via short mail.

I thank all the thoughts, prayers and supports from all over the world. I want to tell my friends that I cannot get in tough with for a long time: My family and I are OK in Tokyo.

Liquefaction has stopped water and gas supplies to some neighborhoods (not mine) even in Tokyo Metropolitan area. Due to the scheduled blackout, public transportation has stopped, or is operating under limited time schedules. So some people cannot make it to office and are staying home. Still, such problems are minor.

All the news coming from the northern Japan such as Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures is devastating and heart-wrenching. I was surprised to see many rushed into shops to buy up water, foods, batteries and toiletries over the weekend even here in Tokyo. As I walked into several Seven-Elevens, I found no bread, water and noodles. Things are getting worse than expectede. Now the concerns mount as the fear of nuclear plant meltdowns. Nikkei recorded the 3rd largest drop to 8,605 yen today, and expected to go down even further.

However, I am optimistic about the future of Japan. I believe in the orderliness and discipline of Japanese I watched last Friday night as walking home among tens of thousands of people. People were just walking back home. Private facilities offered their restrooms and some even provided the buildings for stay at the night. I also believe in the resilience of the people who reconstructed the country after the defeat of the World War II and the aftermaths of earthquakes and other natural disasters.

I admit I won't be of direct help in the devastated land in the north. I am neither doctor nor rescue team member. All I can do is extremely limited and negligible: to save energy, to work as usual and to spend money (incl. to donate it but not to buy up!!).

But, as such minor effort coming together, we shall overcome the disaster and the crisis.

Top of the World (by Van Halen)

At Japan's Government Revitalization Unit meeting in Novemer 2009, one congresswoman asked a bureaucrat emphasizing to pursue the top of the world is important: "Why do you want to be a No. 1? Why not No. 2?"

Well, everybody wants to be a number one. 5 HipHop (or R&B) musicians at least seem so.

"Number One" (Pharrell Williams feat. Kanye West)
"Number One" (R. Kelly feat. Keri Hilson)
"Numba 1 (Tide is High)" (Kardinal Offishal feat. Rihanna)
"Number One" (Chrisette Michele)
"Number One" (John Legend feat. Kanye West)
"No One" (Alicia Keys)

Oops, the last one is not No. 1 but No One! A mistake! :P

Happy New Year

"In English 'Commencement' means graduation as well as a new start. This is not the end but a new beginning in our life."

I was so impressed that I still remember the statement our 12-year-old representative read at my elementary school graduation ceremony.

An end is just a new beginning, indeed. But, when it comes to a ceremonial event, cultural differences become very clear. Some countries value end more while others beginning.

Beginning looks more important in Japan. As one entering into every single life stage, the very first thing (s)he does is having a ceremony. Starting from kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, high school and college, there are always ceremonies to welcome new comers, celebrating to be "one family". Even when one first starts to work, there is a welcome ceremony by his (her) employer.

On the other hand, the U.S. has none such ceremony. When I started to study at a college in the U.S., there was no welcome ceremony but a mere orientation. It did not mean I was unwelcome. It's not that they are no Catholics who uphold ceremonial events. Americans seem to prefer casual style, but commencement is a huge event. All the families come together and celebrate a family member who graduates.

Also, Japanese newspapers (and/or magazines) publish special report on New Year's Day (the 1st issue of a new year) while American papers rather do so on the last issue of a year. The Economist, for instance, publishes special coverage on the last one every year. Well, the weekly newspaper is not genuinely American. Plus, arguably it also covers new year's first print since it's "double issue". But, my point is, it comes in the end of the previous year rather than the beginning of a new year.

Different holiday calendar might have some influence over such attitudes. Americans cerebrate Christmas. It's a holiday and many people take Christmas vacation. But, not so on New Year's Day. Japanese, on the other hand, have no Christmas holiday but 3 "mandatory" holidays from January 1st through 3rd. Generally, it starts from New Year's Eve or earlier. During the holidays people have family gatherings, shrine visits and New Year Sales (esp. "fuku-bukuro" (literally meaning lucky package, which has so many products in it with discount but in many cases you'll never know what's inside until you open it). Also, season's greeting is supposed to arrive by Christmas in the U.S. while Japan's on New Year's Day.


Perhaps Japan has been under "Lost Two Decades" because the government and business are obsessed too much with how to STOP deflation and recession. The country rather needs to focus on how to create a new economy by taking a big, bold step. Then, the Lost Decades become a history.


Happy New Year. Wish your new year becomes more exciting than 2010!!

I will work and study hard to make 2011 my "Commencement" year.
Not merely graduating from my MBA program in September 2011.
But also to make my dreams come true.

「日本人留学生減少」報道に思う

12月23日の日経朝刊等の報道にある通り、文部科学省の発表によれば、海外の大学や大学院に留学する日本人は4年連続で減少し、2008年は66,833人で前年に比べ11%落ち込み、過去最大の減少となったと言われている。又、新入社員たちは海外勤務を嫌がるといったことも聞かれる。しかし、このような日本人留学生の減少、若者の内向き志向に対するマスコミや識者の一連の報道、コメントを見聞きしていると、非常に違和感を覚える。

そもそも発言者たちに、留学や海外勤務経験がないように見えるからである。自分はこの分野に興味があったので、米国留学したとか、海外在住経験でどのような経験をしたとか、海外勤務で苦労したとか、そういった具体的な話が聞こえないし、見えないのである。つまり、グローバル人材を声高に叫んでいるものの、今の日本経済の閉塞感を打破するための解決策として、打ち出の小槌のように安易に考えているように感じられるのだ。

留学生数の減少は、数字として提示されている以上、事実として受け止めるしかない。しかし、もし喧伝されているような、若者の内向き志向が事実だとするなら、その責任は政府、企業、メディアに少なからずあるはずだ。

日本の首相が国際会議の場で、議論をリードし、イニシアチブを発揮したことがここ数年あっただろうか。1年も経たずにコロコロ替わる為、そうもいかない事情もあるだろうが、そのような場面は記憶にない。又、政府はEPA、TPPの推進でも遅れを取り、海外人材の受入についても最近まで積極的な動きは見られなかった。

企業にもその責任の一端があろう。日本での就職活動が3年生から始まるということが何かと問題にされている。これは後に遅らせることができればそれに越したことはない。卒業後でも良い。しかし、実際は、1年間の交換留学生を含め、企業は何年も前から海外の日本人留学生の採用活動はしている。少なくとも10年前からボストン・キャリア・フォーラムはあった。もちろん、最近でも。夏休みに一時帰国した日本人留学生向けのキャリア・フェアもある。むしろ問題なのは、入社後の留学生や外国籍の社員の処遇だと思う。日本人の場合、採用の仕方だけ別で、入社後の扱いは同じ。一方、外国籍と日本国籍の人材の処遇にも差があることが少なくない。海外在住経験者には、「国際的」日系企業に就職しても、あまりにもドメスティックな制度、文化に幻滅した人も少なくないと思う。これらは、最近になってようやく改善されつつあるが、英語の社内公用語化も含め今更の感が拭えない。

又、企業の場合、長引いたリストラ、選択と集中により、海外の実務研修や駐在員の人数が縮小されたことも大きい。コストの高い日本人駐在員を海外に派遣するよりも、現地のスタッフを雇用した方がコストパフォーマンスが良いからだ。大卒の日本人駐在員に対しては住宅、ハードシップ手当等も含めお金がかかるのに対し、現地でMBAホルダーを雇った方が安く済むからだ。こうしたローカライゼーションは2000年以降に特に推し進められたように思う。しかし、この施策は結果として、本社と海外現地法人のスタッフに埋め難いコミュニケーション・ギャップを生んだのではないだろうか。又、日本人社員の海外勤務経験の機会も大幅に縮小することとなった。

メディアも海外の情報発信が非常に少ない。テレビ、新聞は国内問題ばかり。海外ニュースの報道にも大きな時間差がある。国内にいると海外に目を向ける機会が非常に少ない。

今年ノーベル化学賞を受賞した根岸教授は、国内に第一人者がいれば別だが、海外にいるのならその教授の下に行って学べというようなメッセージを日本の若者に対し言っていた。しかし、事業仕分けで、「1番じゃなきゃいけないんですか。2番じゃダメなんですか」という発言は、日本のメンタリティをよく表しているように思う。ゆとり教育の弊害とよく指摘されるが、1番を目指すという競争意識が植えつけられていないからだ。教育の現場だけでなく、例えば輪番制のように交代する首相のポスト、淘汰されずに生き永らえる業界内で横並びの企業、そしてメディアも同様だろう。30人31脚をやっているのは学校だけでなく、政治もビジネスも同じだ。もっと言うと、留学生減少や内向き志向という報道も、業界横並びで、物事の一面しか報じないマスコミの刷り込みかもしれない。又、高度成長期は、米国に追いつけ追い越せとばかりに海外に目を向けていたが、結局日本全体として2番で満足してしまったのではないか。バブルが崩壊し、停滞が長く続く中で、今まさにその2番の座さえ取られ、没落の一途を辿っているように見える。

テレビ、ネット、旅行等で手軽に海外を体験できる時代になった。しかし、その多くは日本語に限定された環境。海外に住んでも日本人社会にどっぷり浸かって何不自由しない。しかし、人口で見ても日本は世界の1/60に過ぎない。東京に出ず、国内の片田舎で満足しているようなものだ。

実際に何年もそこに住み、現地の人と同じ新聞を読み、同じものを食べて、一緒に生活して初めて日本を客観視できるようになるし、真の海外経験と言える。旅行は所詮お客さんに過ぎない。周りの日本人の友人たちと同じ道を歩む必要がなぜあるのだろう。自分が迎合しようとしているマジョリティは、じつはマイノリティなのだ。よりエキサイティングな活躍の舞台があるのに、片田舎の平凡な人生で満足して良いのですか。

International Monetary Football

On Dec 2, FIFA's executive committee voted to decide World Cup host countries in 2018 and 2022. As a result, Russia won the host in 2018, and Qatar in 2022. The committee must have assessed so many factors of each candidate: vision, stadiums, transportation, concept, security and more. Yet, reportedly, it is said that strong government support did contribute to the awards for Russia and Qatar.

Wait a minute. A strong government support? Hey, sovereign debt crisis is a huge concern around the globe right now. Ever since the global financial crisis hit here and there, the IMF has been busy with providing its financial packages to many countries. Also, still others are concerned for sovereign risks: The United Arab Emirates (or Dubai to be precise), Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Italy.

Without doubt, to host a FIFA World Cup costs a lot. A host country (or its football association) needs fundraise a lot of money. As taking a look at Moody's sovereign credit ratings (as of today) for the countries which bid for the World Cup host, however, FIFA seems a risk-taker.

The World Cup 2018
England: Aaa (the United Kingdom)
Belgium & Netherlands: Aa1, Aaa
Spain & Portugal: Aa1, A1
Russia: Baa1

The World Cup 2022
USA: Aaa
Australia: Aaa
Japan: Aa2
Qatar: Aa2
Korea: A1

Now you can see Russia and Qatar are the lowest credit ratings among the bidders. Well, South Korea is lower than Qatar, but the country did host in 2002! I can't check the credit ratings for South Africa and Brazil when the two were awarded. Still, today's ratings are A3 and Baa3 respectively. In other words, a BBB country like Russia had a fairly good chance to win it.

Among BRICs, now Brazil is hosting in 2014 and Russia in 2018. Seems like China (Aa3) and India (Baa3) have a good chance to be a host in 2026 or later games. As for India, however, the nation perhaps needs give up cricket. The 11 billion's passion. And that's not a easy thing to happen in the near future.

Best Songs of the Year

Although some new albums such as Kanye West's "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" and the BEP's "The Beginning" are yet to come, it's time for announcing Best Songs of the Year. Because everywhere on the earh has started to play Christmas songs all the time!!

1. "Best I Ever Had" (Drake)
2. "Runaway" (Kanye West feat. Pusha T)
3. "Good Friday" (Kanye West feat. Common, Pusha T, Kid Cudi, Big Sean & Charlie Wilson)
4. "No Plan B" (Manafest)
5. "Waiting for the End" (Linkin Park)
6. "Don't Look Now" (Far East Movement Feat. Keri Hilson)
7. "Broken Heels"(Alexandra Burke)
8. "Now or Never" (The Roots Feat. Phonte & Dice Raw)
9. "Wake Up Everybody" (John Legend & the Roots feat. Common & Melanie Fiona)
10. "Forget You" (Cee Lo Green)

And I won't rank this in my Top10 above, but have to admit Kara's "Mr." is really good :p

A Hectic Korean Wedding

Even after the wedding party started, the long line of visitors never ended. When the line ended at last (!! in two hours or so?) and I took a sigh of relief, the party was over.

This is what happened about 3 years ago when I attended the wedding party of my brother-in-law in Seoul. With his cousins and brother, I was one of receptionists welcoming all the visiting guests. It wasn't supposed to be like that. When I took a flight from Tokyo, had never dreamed of it. Just imagined myself having a gorgeous meal and seeing the couple with smile. But, another cousin didn't show up and I took his part.

Later I heard that the visitors exceeded 800 (!!) on that day. (Not sure if this is normal in Korea, but 50 to 100 maybe in Japan?) The groom is a very nice guy, but not that famous like an actor or musician. He is an ordinary businessperson. And his wife a school teacher. They hadn't estimated how many people were coming. The hall wasn't big enough to have all the guests, so many guests were guided to other rooms, and watched the ceremony through TVs. Still other visitors just showed up, passed a tip, and were gone.

Japan, on the other hand, has a perfectly planned wedding party. A bride and a groom takes months to prepare their wedding. Time schedules are arranged. Tables and seats are allocated by the ages and relationships with the bride and groom. All the (invited) guests show up before the ceremony starts. Receptionists (generally friends of the bride and groom) are able to enjoy the party (By the way, I had a good meal with other receptionists after the party in Seoul).

As having attended my old colleague's wedding party in Yokohama last month, it reminded me of the Korean wedding. And differences between the two countries.

Yes You Can

In his speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2004, Mr. Obama said "there's not a liberal America and a conservative America; there's the United States of America."

It's a great, moving statement. Not only Americans but also people around the globe were impressed by the young senator from Illinois.

Like many others, however, I had some doubt on his points. Perhaps because I lived in Missouri: the state known as "Show Me" state. Or because I received a "critical thinking" education at a US college. Or as a risk analyst, I've been trained to assume the worst scenarios for every single case. (I'd like to strongly deny the last possibility, though.)

It's easier to be said than done.

Yesterday's Mid-term election results are discouraging for Obama administration. Reportedly Democrats retained its majority in Senate, but House was overtaken by GOP. President Obama took the responsibility for "shellacking".

Still, as far as I know, he hasn't given up his 2nd term in the oval office, and above all his presidential term has 2 more years. It's not over. Given the worst recession since the Great Depression and the mid-term election results, his task is harder than ever. As Alan, a French philosopher, said, "Pessimism comes from our passions, optimism from the will." Now is the time for Mr. Obama to put his words into action. A show time has just started.

Yes, You Can, Mr. Obama.