Thursday, September 30, 2010

when breaking the rules is not a crime! - "Indonesia, please learn!"

a creative way to leverage the privilege of being a host country of a high profile state event.

Creating proximity between government and the general public.
Creating ownership and sustainability by making it relevant and known to all.
A simple way to educate what G20 is all about, why it is important, why a country needs to participate and the benefit for the people.

In order to succeed, a government needs the full support of the people, young and old. Therefore, it is crucial for a government to be able to communicate their vision and objectives clearly; making the people understand the reason why they have to support a certain action taken by the government. Like a parent speaking to a child, a government needs to speak in a way that is easy to understand by its people. The language of politics seems to be distant from the common people. But why must it be? Isn't misunderstanding the first cause of many conflicts? So why sound intellectual when no one can understand? Be human. Be real. Be relevant. And be surprised of what wonders it will bring to a nation by just communicating.


The three members of TVXQ, Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu, recently expressed their thoughts on their overseas promotions at a G20 Seoul Summit blog interview.
JYJ stated, “We’re glad to be able to participate in an event that gets Korea recognized to the world. We feel responsible as singers that represent Korea overseas – especially when our international fans listen to not only our songs, but support us with their love for Korea as well.”
The members went on to talk about their views about G20’s “Consideration Campaign”. Yoochun stated, “I’m currently studying the analects of Confucius in order to learn how to become a bigger person. It’s definitely important for us to learn how to be considerate of others and to keep order so that we become a considerable nation.”
Junsu chose throwing trash away properly and Jaejoong chose apologizing to those one bumps into in the streets as their global manners. Jaejoong went on to state, “As we promoted in Japan, we saw that the Japanese apologize at all times for even the littlest things. Through this campaign, we’d like for our fans to participate through these actions with us.”
The three concluded the G20 relay interview by stating, “We’re extremely excited as citizens that Korea will be hosting the Seoul G20 summit.”
Kim YunA, Park Ji Sung, Park Tae Hwan, Edward Kwon, and others were present at the interview as well. Their individual interview segments can be found on Naver.
Source + Photo: Daily Sports

Who is JYJ?


JYJ Announces "The Beginning"
New album from the ex-members of Asia's top selling male vocal act "TVXQ" collaborates with international music superstars on global debut

29 September 2010, International: JYJ, which includes 3 main members from arguably the biggest selling male vocal group in Asia "TVXQ" has teamed up with A-list US producers Kanye West and Rodney Jerkins for their global album debut "The Beginning". The title of the album is synonymous with their journey to date and marks a first for the group to release an English language album.

JYJ has an enormous fan base worldwide and the trio made it to the Guinness Book Records in 2008 and 2009 for having the World’s Largest Official Fan Club at over 800,000 members in Seoul alone and being The Most Photographed Celebrities in the World shot an estimated 500 million times in magazines, albums jackets, and commercials from the time of their debut in 2003 to May 19 2009 with their former group.

The first single off the album "Ayyy Girl" is produced by Kanye West who lends his vocals to the song. It also features the maestro of spoken word, Malik "The Poet" Yusef. It's a song that depicts the quest of seeking that perfect girl but when you find her, things are never quite as perfect as you envision it to be.

Besides the catchy first single by Kanye West, The Beginning also sees original compositions by top music producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins. The two tracks are "Empty" and "Be My Girl".

"I'm really glad to work with JYJ on their debut album. It’s all about the East meeting the West these days and the world is becoming a melting pot of various cultures. To have Kanye and myself champion the cause of unifying the world through the international language of music and introducing top artistes from one end of the globe to this end in America makes this a very special project to us" adds Rodney Jerkins.

Other than the creative collaborations with the US top producers onboard, JYJ who has been dabbling in songwriting since their teenage days, have also contributed a song each to the album. The tracks are "Still in Love" Jaejung, "I Can Soar" Junsu and "I Love You" Yuchun.

"We have faced many challenges in these recent months but are glad to complete an album which the boys are extremely proud of. The Beginning is a product of their blood, sweat and tears, and they hope fans will see the efforts that went into making this excellent album. As a partaker in their journey, I am so proud of them at this moment for what they have achieved." Says Mr. Baek Chang Ju, the trio's manager and CEO of C-JeS Entertainment.

The album comprises of 7 tracks and 3 remixes. Jae Chong, one of Asia's leading music producers has also contributed a track on it and played a big role in organizing and producing the overall project with the 3 members.

The Beginning is produced by Show Shop Entertainment and distributed by Warner Music worldwide. The album will be released on CD & digital formats from 12th OCT. There will also be a special limited edition 'Luxury Package' which will be numbered and limited to only 99,999 sets.

The first single "Ayyy Girl" will be made available via i-Tunes for download on the 19th of Oct.

New Album Showcase Tour 2010

JYJ will be embarking on an 8 city new album showcase tour from the 15th of Oct to the end of November in Asia and the US. More information on the confirmed tour stops can be found via the tour schedue tab.

About JYJ

JYJ comprises of three members from South Korea namely Kim JaeJung, Park Yuchun and Kim Junsu. They were originally from the boy band Dongbangshinki also known as "TVXQ" and "Tohoshinki" which is formed in 2003 in Korea. who are active in Korea and Japan from 2003 onwards. Known for their good looks, dancing skills and vocal capabilities, the boys took the world of Asian pop music market by storm. They were also the first group to successfully spearhead carry the 2nd Korean Music wave into the Japanese music market by becoming industry and became the first non Japanese act foreigner to have achieve nine No. 1 singles songs on Japan's Oricon Charts. In 2009, the trio left the band and went on to form JYJ. In 2009, the trio sued their management company for release from their 13 year slavery contract. The suit became Korea's largest news making headlines and legal battle ongoing till now was further intensified by the involvement of their Japanese record label. In June 2010 this year, JYJ held their first concert under their new identity rebranded at the Tokyo Dome, singing to more than 200,000 fans from 43 countries around the world. To date, the concert DVD became the second fastest selling DVD in Japan this year shifting 140,000 copies in its first week of release.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Kit-Kat to hold treasure hunting event with Kuroki Meisa via Twitter


Nestlé Japan has announced a special Treasure Hunting game event using the social networking tool, Twitter. The event will occur on September 21st to celebrate the anniversary of their Kit-Kat products.

Various treasure hunting hints will be tweeted on Kuroki Meisa and Akagi Meisa’s Twitter pages. There will be two goals, a Black goal where Kuroki Meisa will be tweeting the hints to achieve the goal, and a red goal where Akagi Meisa will be tweeting the hints for this goal.

The first five people, per location (total of 10 people) who arrives at each goal will receive a special present from NestlĂ© Kit-Kat. No word on what the prizes will be. Hints will be tweeted on September 21st from 9AM through 10AM under Twitter account of “Meisa_Kuroki” and “Meisa_Akagi.” As a bonus, the first person to arrive at the goal(s) will receive an additional surprise gift.

source: TOKYOHIVE, japan_now

Monday, September 6, 2010

what indonesia should learn.


TokyoHive recently covered Arashi appearing in the skies with their own jet, and now they are going to be appearing on the desk of every child and teenager through a textbook appearance. It sure seems like Arashi is taking over Japan one product at a time.

A book called “Nippon no Arashi” has appeared in every elementary, junior high, and senior high schools in Japan recently. A letter that was sent along with the books explained that the goal of the book is to teach the children of Japan of its beauty and culture, and to encourage them to travel the country. The book is not for public sale though, as Arashi actually volunteered for this project.

In the book, Arashi is featured as tour navigators, presenting each chapter on different parts of Japan. For example, Sho visits a rural town in Aichi Prefecture and helps with the farming. The book has many photos of the members getting a hands-on experience and spending time with the locals. There are no interviews in the book, however, there are detailed reports written by professionals who observed Arashi’s activities.

The book was published two days ago, and two copies of “Nippon no Arashi” have been sent to each school, and they will be placed in the school’s library. While Arashi is on the cover, the real stars of the book are the locals, who are featured along with the lengthy articles. This book isn’t a fan book at all, it’s an educational book hoping to get children more interested in their country. While many may not understand that concept, this is one book that will certainly touch the hands of many children for years to come.

With the release of this type of book, this is a strong testament to the popularity of Arashi in Japan, something even the government recognizes.

While it was told to us that this book is not for sale, there was a press conference back on April 8 in which the publishers requested TV stations from China and Korea market the “sightseeing navigator”, which plays an active part in promoting Japan overseas. Using Arashi as the face of Japan is the company’s catchphrase logo.

Twitter account GAKUJI received their copy four days ago (9/1) and uploaded the photo of the book. While they don’t explain the book, they did provide the link to the press conference with Arashi.

At a press conference the members each had a message:

“I am Sho SAKURAI, and I am very excited to be appointed as the Japanese Tourism Promotion Representative. I will make every effort to encourage you to visit Japan by introducing all the wonderful destinations in our country. I will be waiting for your visit here in Japan, so come enjoy endless discovery.”

“I’m Aiba Masaki and I was appointed as the sightseeing navigator. I did my best to show everyone Japan’s charm, so everyone hold on tight! I’ll see you all in Japan!”

“I’m Arashi’s Matsumoto Jun. I am a sightseeing navigator. We had two concerts in Korea and it’s a country I like very much. This time I want everyone to see the good of Japan. Everyone, Japan is waiting for you all!”

“We couldn’t call for a meeting place today, I’m sorry about that. I’m happy that Arashi has been appointing as the nation’s sightseeing navigators. There are many various things to discovery when traveling, and I think there is a moment in one’s life to look at yourself and make big changes. One of my hobbies is fishing, and I traveled around looking for fishing spots. I was touched by our island’s beauty and the warmth of every person as I traveled. I hope that people from overseas will know about his book, and through us, help them see the beauties of Japan.”-Ohno Satoshi

“I’m Ninomiya, a sightseeing navigator. I apologize for not being able to set up a meeting place. This is a chance for me to introduce the wonderful places of Japan, domestically and internationally. Even though I’ve been living here all my life, I discovered something new everyday. Wouldn’t you like to discover something new with someone all over Japan as well?”

source; TOKYOHIVE

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Interesting promotional campaign: JAL launches Arashi Jet


Japan Airlines, which is currently undergoing reconstruction due to its financial troubles, is looking to boost its business with Arashi's help. The airline has commissioned a single "Arashi Jet," which is basically a Boeing 777 whose fuselage is decorated with a 5-meter-tall, 20-meter-wide seal bearing the images of Arashi's members, along with the title of their latest album, "Boku no Miteiru Fuukei."

The plane will take its first flight on Sunday at 1:30pm, flying from Tokyo's Haneda Airport to Osaka. The plane is expected to be primarily used for domestic flights, serving the routes between Haneda and three other airports: New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, Itami Airport in Osaka, and Fukuoka Airport in Fukuoka. JAL plans to use the plane until January 2011.

In addition to the Arashi Jet, JAL will be selling the "Boku no Miteiru Fuukei" album (with a specially designed cover) in-flight on several of its domestic routes.


source; TOKYOGRAPH; Japan_Now

Monday, August 23, 2010

so near yet so different..



This is so funny..

In Malaysia, banci means census.
In Indonesia, banci means queer!

Friday, July 9, 2010

The Philippines Under President Aquino


The Philippines Under President Aquino

In a country governed for decades by elites and oligarchs, he spoke of simplicity and modesty. And while he himself comes from one of these elite families, he is divesting himself of the vestiges of entitlement.
Symbolically, he has banned politicians and other members of the elite from driving around with police escorts and blaring sirens. Ordinary Filipinos have long resented the massive traffic jams from such blatant daily abuse of power.
He won the election on an anti-corruption platform and in his speech identified his foremost duty as being able "to lift the nation from poverty through honest and effective governance". This brought positive response from all sectors, particularly local business, which has long complained of the cost of corruption to its bottom line.
Foreign businessmen are likewise beginning to have confidence in the Philippine economy. In the past, foreign direct investment in the Philippines has been very minimal compared with other countries. The perception has been that investing in the Philippines is high-risk, financially and politically. Many cite past corruption-tainted projects such as Manila Airport's Ninoy Aquino Terminal 3 project where Fraport, a German company was involved, and the NBN-ZTE broadband deal, where a Chinese telecommunications company was implicated. With renewed confidence from the international and local business community, the Philippine economy should be able to benefit from the surging overall vibrancy of the Asia's regional economy.
Then there is the question of the Philippine military which has indulged in adventurism in past years, including multiple rebellions and coups during his mother's term. The new President almost lost his life in a 1989 coup attempt and he still has a bullet lodged in his neck. Former Brigadier General Danilo Lim, a West Point educated and decorated elite officer, is being prosecuted for leading a number of alleged destabilization attempts against the previous Arroyo administration. Quite interestingly, he allied himself with Aquino -- his former nemesis -- and the now president's party, but the general failed to win a seat in the Senate at the election.
Many will be watching how President Aquino will move with peace talks with the communist and Muslim rebels. But the military now seems intent on following the people's sentiment, and this can only strengthen the new administration's hand.
President Aquino tempered the expectations of his people by admitting that the massive problems facing the Philippines can not be solved overnight and that real remedies could take years. He appealed to a sense of civic duty all Filipinos to do their share. By casting himself as a personal example provides the air of hope, optimism and renewed surge of patriotism among Filipinos, at home and abroad.
The Aquino government is only days old and it is yet to be seen how the backbone of his presidency- his Cabinet line-up - will perform. Nonetheless, Filipinos feel reinvigorated. They have a feeling of euphoria and pride - one that comes from the national redemption that democracy is resurrected and their dignity has been restored.

Arnel Paciano Casanova is the Executive Director, Asia Society Philippines.

Monday, June 28, 2010

The World's most expensive cities.


10. Zurich, Switzerland
Rank in 2009: 10
Food: Lunch at a restaurant: $25
Can of beer from grocer: $2.01
One kg of rice: $3.36
One dozen eggs: $5.81
Entertainment: Movie ticket: $16
Appliances: Washing machine: $974

9. Geneve, Switzerland
Rank in 2009: 9
Food: Lunch at a restaurant: $30
Can of beer from grocer: $2.02
One kg of rice: $3.81
One dozen eggs: $7.64
Entertainment: Movie ticket: $16
Appliances: Washing machine: $1,304

8. Copenhagen, Denmark
Rank in 2009: 7
Food: Lunch at a restaurant: $36
Can of beer from grocer: $2.10
One kg of rice: $4.85
One dozen eggs: $6.99
Entertainment: Movie ticket: $15
Appliances: Washing machine: $1,196

7. Kobe, Japan
Rank in 2009: 6
Food: Lunch at a restaurant: $16
Can of beer from grocer: $3.09
One kg of rice: $8.57
One dozen eggs: $2.81
Entertainment: Movie ticket: $20
Appliances: Washing machine: $470

The city has one of Japan's largest ports and has become home to many heavy machinery, iron and steel, and food product companies. According to the Japan External Trade Organization, 117 foreign and foreign-affiliated companies have offices in Kobe. As the price of Kobe beef, the style of high-grade meat named after the city, suggests, food is costly here, as are other living expenses.

6. Stavanger, Norway
Rank in 2009: 14
Food: Lunch at a restaurant: $33
Can of beer from grocer: $4.76
One kg of rice: $5.71
One dozen eggs: $6.34
Entertainment: Movie ticket: $15.50
Appliances: Washing machine: $749

5. Yokohama, Japan
Rank in 2009: 4
Food: Lunch at a restaurant: $17.39
Can of beer from grocer: $3.26
One kg of rice: $6.54
One dozen eggs: $3.72
Entertainment: Movie ticket: $19.50
Appliances: Washing machine: $630

About half an hour by commuter train from Tokyo, this port city has active shipping, biotechnology, and semiconductor industries. Yokohama is one of the world's most expensive cities, but companies here enjoy lower operating costs compared with the nearby capital. Nissan opened a new headquarters in Yokohama this year and reportedly will sell its office in Tokyo to cut costs.

4. Nagoya, Japan
Rank in 2009: 3
Food: Lunch at a restaurant: $19
Can of beer from grocer: $3.08
One kg of rice: $9.14
One dozen eggs: $3.33
Entertainment: Movie ticket: $20
Appliances: Washing machine: $621

Japan's fourth most populous city, Nagoya is also among the country's most expensive. The city ranks No. 1 for the cost of rice: $9.14 per kilogram, according to ECA International data. As Japan's auto hub, the Nagoya area is an important center of business: about 44 percent of automobiles produced in Japan are made here, according to the Greater Nagoya Initiative Center. Such companies as Toyota, Honda, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, and General Motors have headquarters, manufacturing operations, or distribution points in the Nagoya region.

3. Luanda, Angola
Rank in 2009: 1
Food: Lunch at a restaurant: $47
Can of beer from grocer: $1.62
One kg of rice: $4.73
One dozen eggs: $4.75
Entertainment: Movie ticket: $13
Appliances: Washing machine: $912

2. Oslo, Norway
Rank in 2009: 8
Food: Lunch at a restaurant: $43
Can of beer from grocer: $4.71
One kg of rice: $5.66
One dozen eggs: $6.72
Entertainment: Movie ticket: $16
Appliances: Washing machine: $880

1. Tokyo, Japan
Rank in 2009: 2
Food: Lunch at a restaurant: $18
Can of beer from grocer: $3.37
One kg of rice: $8.47
One dozen eggs: $3.78
Entertainment: Movie ticket: $22
Appliances: Washing machine: $879

The strength of the yen has brought Tokyo back to the No. 1 spot on ECA International's ranking for the first time since 2005. In addition to the costs above, rent for a two-bedroom apartment for expats is typically more than $5,000 per month in Tokyo, according to data from EuroCost International. While visitors need more pocket money here than in any other city, the monthly consumer price index in Tokyo's wards has actually dropped year-on-year for 14 straight months as of May 2010, based on figures from Japan's statistics bureau.

Results acquired from "ECA International" (a global human resources company).
ECA’s ranking is based on a basket of 128 goods that includes food, daily goods, clothing, electronics, and entertainment, but not rent, utilities, and school fees, which are not typically included in a cost-of-living adjustment. ECA researchers and local partners gathered prices in September 2009 and March 2010 for domestic and imported brands that are internationally recognized—such as Kellogg’s cereal or Sapporo beer. While lower-priced goods and services are available in these markets, the study estimated the cost of supporting the standard of living expected by expatriate employees, says Lee Quane, ECA’s regional director for Asia. Some of the cities, such as Seoul and Stockholm, jumped up in the ranking as the local currency strengthened against the U.S. dollar. Quane says that while a slowdown in business may tempt employers to scale back compensation, "recessions only last so long" and retaining top talent in these places is critical to companies’ success when the global economy recovers.


Source: Japan_Now