Japanese Organizations Research Articles

Continuous-Time Portfolio Optimization for Absolute Return Funds

This paper investigates a continuous-time portfolio optimization problem with the following features: (i) a no-short selling constraint; (ii) a leverage constraint, that is, an upper limit for the sum of portfolio weights; and (iii) a performance criterion based on the lower mean square error between the investor’s wealth and a predetermined target wealth level. Since the target level is defined by a deterministic function independent of market indices, it corresponds to the criterion of absolute return funds. The model is formulated using the stochastic control framework with explicit boundary conditions. The corresponding Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation is solved numerically using the kernel-based collocation method. However, a straightforward implementation does not offer a stable and acceptable investment strategy; thus, some techniques to address this shortcoming are proposed. By applying the proposed methodology, two numerical results are obtained: one uses artificial data, and the other uses empirical data from Japanese organizations. There are two implications from the first result: how to stabilize the numerical solution, and a technique to circumvent the plummeting achievement rate close to the terminal time. The second result implies that leverage is inevitable to achieve the target level in the setting discussed in this paper.

Implications of existing capacity building efforts for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction: A case study of Japan

Capacity building and the transfer of marine technology (CB&TT) are key parts of negotiations at Intergovernmental Conferences on an international legally binding instrument regarding the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). Throughout the negotiations, divergent views persisted among governments. One possible reason for such a situation is the lack of comprehensive understanding of existing CB&TT efforts. In this case study, we assessed how these existing efforts could contribute to capacity building for the effective implementation of a newly proposed BBNJ agreement. A review of CB&TT projects implemented by Japanese organizations showed that there was a significant amount of efforts relevant to BBNJ (157 cases between 2010 and 2020, which cost about USD 4.3 billion in total). We also found that many of them provided platforms that could be applied to CB&TT for BBNJ. However, projects specifically tailored for BBNJ were still limited. Furthermore, there were several lessons from existing efforts that could provide useful insights for future initiatives. Given a higher priority of many countries to coastal areas and the exclusive economic zone, new capacity building should focus on not only areas beyond national jurisdiction, but also the other areas to manage the ocean as a whole. Lastly, recommendations are advanced to the UN member states on discussing how to build future initiatives of CB&TT upon existing efforts.

Negotiating the nation: public diplomacy and the publication of English-language tourist guidebooks of Japan in the Meiji period (1868–1912)

Tourist guidebooks are powerful instruments of public diplomacy: as supposedly ‘impersonal’ descriptions, intended for ‘average’ readers, they can be used to subtly promote careful national narratives, and to draw the attention of foreign publics to a country’s soft power. This article analyses, in this light, the English-language tourist guidebooks of Japan published by the Society called Kihinkai (Welcome Society, 1893–1912), the earliest Japanese organization for the promotion of inbound tourism. It relates them to the popular handbooks of Japan published by the British House of Murray, which were adopted as their model. Murray’s handbooks ‘created’ Japan as an international tourist destination for a majority of English-speaking travellers, responding to common travel tropes and expectations about the country. The Kihinkai’s guidebooks engaged with them in the form of ‘autoethnographic’ texts, adopting their style and language, as a way to partake in their established reputation of authoritativeness. At the same time, they carefully reframed their narrative of Japan, in a way that was coherent with the Kihinkai’s general ‘diplomatic’ strategy – born of the background of its founders and supporters, and of the coming together of private and public sector interests.

Correlation between the risk of ovarian cancer and BRCA recurrent pathogenic variants in Japan.

We previously reported that L63X and Q934X are BRCA1 common founder variants in Japan. So far, there have been no reports of a correlation between such BRCA common variants and the risk of BRCA-related cancers. In this analysis, we investigated the correlation between the risk of ovarian cancer (OC) and BRCA recurrent pathogenic variants. We examined the database of the Japanese organization of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. The database contained 3517 probands who underwent BRCA genetic testing. Among them, 11.1% (392/3517) had germline BRCA1 pathogenic variant, and 8.3% (293/3517) had BRCA2 pathogenic variant. We calculated the OC prevalence, breast cancer (BC) prevalence, and the ratio of OC to BC within second-degree relatives. The ratio of OC to BC in Q934X family members was significantly higher than that in the overall BRCA1 family members (0.80 vs.0.52: p = 0.038), and the ratio in STOP799 was 0.42, which was relatively lower than the overall BRCA1 value. Both Q934X and STOP799 are located in the ovarian cancer cluster region (OCCR), however there seems to be a difference in the risk of OC. R2318X family members had a significant higher ratio of OC to BC at 0.32 than the overall BRCA2 value of 0.13 (p = 0.012). R2318X is known to be located in the OCCR. This is the first report to investigate the correlation between BRCA recurrent variants and the risk of OC in Japan. The family members of probands with Q934X or R2318X have a higher risk of OC than that with other BRCA variants.

Internal knowledge networks and employees' performance in a collaborative context: an empirical study of Japanese universities

The effect of cohesive networks on employees' performance has led to a protracted dispute among researchers. This study investigated the relationships between the internal knowledge network and employees' performance in a collaborative context. Using questionnaire survey data, we examined the ego networks of 274 research managers and administrators from Japanese universities and research organisations. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that a cohesive network structure has a significant positive relationship with the perceived performance of individuals and the workplace. External knowledge search activity of networks also had a positive relationship with individual and workplace performance. Our findings clarify the positive relationship of a cohesive internal network with employees' performance in a collaborative context where multiple, specialised tasks have to be cooperatively performed. Our results can be of benefit in extending the practice of university research management.

Theoretical Model of Adaptation of Japanese Religious Organizations to Cross-cultural Society

Theoretical Model of Adaptation of Japanese Religious Organizations to Cross-cultural Society

Unraveling the Challenges of Japanese Local Climate Change Adaptation Organizations

Unraveling the Challenges of Japanese Local Climate Change Adaptation Organizations

A case study of relationships between the organizational capacity of a Japanese national sport organization and the elite sport system

A case study of relationships between the organizational capacity of a Japanese national sport organization and the elite sport system

JAPAN'S ECONOMIC POLICY IN ARMENIA (1992-2021)

The purpose of this article is to show the economic policy of Japan towards Armenia after the establishment of Armenian-Japanese diplomatic relations. The article presents three phases of Japan's economic policy, taking into account the type of assistance provided by Japan to Armenia, which is correlated with Armenia's economic and GDP’s growth. The first phase covers 1992-99, during which bilateral economic relations were limited to grant assistance provided by Japan to Armenia, with the aim of supporting the economic recovery of the newly independent state and ensuring sustainable economic growth. The second phase (2000-04) marked the beginning of economic cooperation between the two countries. Due to its stable economic growth, Armenia received loans from Japan for developing economic infrastructures. During the third phase (2005- up to date) Japan has expanded its cooperation with the Republic of Armenia and begun to provide technical equipment for the development of targeted sectors. At this stage, Japan clearly defined the direction of its assistance and the sectors necessary for the stimulation of the Armenian economy, in particular, the energy sector, small and medium-sized businesses, as well as the development of villages. Japan also greatly supports Armenia by providing Japanese technologies for risk prevention in natural disaster zones and organizing training courses and discussion- meetings for Armenian specialists aimed to promote capacity building on the implementation of disaster risk reduction and emergency situations. Since 2018, Japan has begun to consider Armenia as a full-fledged economic entity, and review the possibility to build mutually beneficial economic relations. The main witnesses are the signed agreement on investment liberalization in 2018, the visit of Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono to Armenia for developing bilateral relations in the fields of banking, innovation, food security, information technology, artificial intelligence, cultural exchange, scientific and educational projects, as well as active contacts of Armenian President with Japanese organizations.

The United States at the Center of the Action

The United States at the Center of the Action

The role of organizational and individual-level factors for the inclusion of women managers in Japan

PurposeThis study aims to analyze and contrast the role of organizational and individual level factors in influencing the effective participation of women managers in decision-making in Japanese business organizations.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative study based on 21 in-depth interviews with women and men in managerial positions in Japanese organizations is adopted.FindingsResults show that gender equality structures and practices are not effectively institutionalized within Japanese organizations. In particular, corporate social responsibility programs are perceived by women respondents to be formally adopted to gain legitimacy in the eyes of foreign investors. However, they lack effectiveness in giving the woman manager a “voice” in business decisions. Organizational practices such as leadership development and mentoring are generally not evident in the organizations analyzed. Conversely, the personal traits of the woman manager, such as determination, self-confidence and “being able to confront men colleagues” are the factors perceived to be crucial in influencing women’s participation in decisions.Social implicationsThe study suggests that to increase the weight of women managers in Japanese organizations’ decision-making, action is still needed within organizations to create a true diversity-culture. Additionally, action at the educational level has to remove women’s own self-segregation.Originality/valueThe study offers novel evidence on the “glass ceiling” in Japanese businesses by investigating whether women’s access to management positions corresponds to effective decision power. The study also highlights the key enabling factors, therefore contributing to the analysis of how to create more effective gender “diversity” within Japanese businesses.

Bilateral finance organizations and stranded asset risk in coal: the case of Japan

ABSTRACT We evaluate the treatment of climate-related financial risk by bilateral finance organizations and related policymaking bodies involved in the design and implementation of thermal coal power generation technology financing. Our empirical focus is Japanese bilateral financing of thermal coal power generation in the Asia-Pacific. We differentiate between three approaches that organizations can adopt to assess climate change risk. In the first, the organization assesses climate risk and includes consideration of stranded asset risk. In the second, the organization assesses climate risk but does not take into account stranded asset risk. In the third, an organization does not explicitly consider climate risk although it may use alternative criteria for deciding whether to support an investment, such as the broader environmental implications of a proposed project. We review publicly available documents from nine organizations, supplemented by interviews, and find that while some Japanese lending and policy-setting bodies take climate risk into account, none are required to consider the risk that infrastructure investments may become stranded. Our paper contributes to the study of stranded asset risk in two ways. First, while export finance plays a crucial role in thermal coal power plant investments in the Asia-Pacific region, lending by bilateral finance institutions has not been a focus of such research to date. Second, we extend research into stranded asset risk to bilateral finance organizations and related policy bodies. Our approach can be adopted to understand how finance decision-making bodies in other geographic contexts and technology-types assess the risk that assets may become stranded. Key policy insights Bilateral finance organizations are important in infrastructure exports for thermal coal power plant technologies. Japanese bilateral finance organizations and policy bodies take climate risk into account when making lending decisions for thermal coal power plant technologies, but until recently have not explicitly addressed stranded asset risk. Impairments to the asset value may be incurred by the asset holders or the government. This risk should be taken into consideration in investment decisions.

Current Status of Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Japan.

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has been an established and frequently utilized approach in a variety of clinical settings. Nevertheless, real-world data about the clinical course of AF patients after initial catheter ablation remain limited, and these are mainly derived from particular registries or selected high-volume centers.In this study, we used health check-ups and insurance claims database from a Japanese insurance organization. The study population was comprised of 1777 patients who underwent catheter ablation for AF before June 2016. During the 3-year follow-up period, 396 (22.3%) patients underwent at least one repeated AF ablation, while 74 (4.2%) underwent two or more repeated ablations. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, longer time after AF diagnosis (7-11 months and ≥12 months versus 1-6 months) (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08 and HR, 1.04; 95% CI 1.02-1.07) was independently associated with repeated ablation. The discontinuation rates of OACs and AADs after the first ablation were 26.7% and 63.0% at 3 months and 75.2% and 89.1% at 1 year after the initial ablation, respectively. The former was independently associated with shorter time after AF diagnosis and lower diastolic blood pressure, whereas the latter was independently associated with older age, smaller CHADS2 score, and shorter time after AF diagnosis.We presented real-world data regarding the clinical course of young Japanese AF patients after initial catheter ablation based on a claims database in Japan.

The role of Japanese governmental organizations in cooperation in education: the case of Kazakhstan

Cooperation in education with high income countries is becoming more essential than ever. However, Kazakhstan is still falling short in development of educational cooperation with some of the high-income countries in the world as Japan. This paper aims to clarify the role of Japanese governmental organizations in development of bilateral in Kazakh-Japan relationship as well as educational cooperation between the two states. A historical and systematic analysis was used , for a better understanding the policy of Japanese educational organizations in Kazakhstan. Along with official information of embassies, the annual reports of a Kazakhstani university were used to conduct the research. In general, the Japanese governmental organizations play a crucial role as actors that foster cultural integration, political relations and peace-building. However, promotion of Japanese traditions and Japanese language education can have an aim of strengthening its influence and prestige in Kazakhstan. Yet, especially in the case of Japan and Kazakhstan, it is far from being a hegemony tool of a dominant country. The results of this study may be useful for everyone who is interested in cooperation in education, Kazakhstan-Japan relations, internationalization of higher education in Kazakhstan and the role of governmental bodies in these processes. Keywords: cooperation in education, internationalization, Japan, Kazakhstan, governmental organizations.

Loyalty of workers to industrial organization

The differences in roles between individuals in Western factories and in Japanese factories - the ways in which individuals are given responsibility and authority, what rewards are given, and behaviors are rewarded - have a close relationship with the differences between their two cultural backgrounds. Japanese industry has for decades coated the top of a very and once feudal society for several centuries. The loyalty of workers to industrial organization, the paternal style of motivating and paying workers, the deep involvement of the company in all things which were to the eyes of the workers' private affairs - all of these had something in common with Japanese pre-industrial social organization. This equation does not underestimate the massive changes that have taken place in Japan during its industrialization period. Japan has changed enormously; and the changes continue. However, if the study of industrialization in Japan is to be relevant for the study of economic development in other Asian nations, then the nature of the changes that have occurred must be well understood.

Effect of VR for education to promote the social participation of people with cognitive disorders caused by acquired brain injuries

Brain injuries will often result in some form of permanent damage and lead to disorders such as cognitive and behavioural problems. Although treatments are available, it is likely that the patient and their family will have to learn to live with the disorder and the patient may face challenges related to workplaces and care networks. Ultimately, this can result in the patient retreating from society, which can be damaging to mental health. Professor Tamami Aida, Mejiro University, Japan, is a Director at the Japanese non-profit organisation Minna no centre Omusubi which seeks to make better, more inclusive lives for people with long-term brain injuries. Aida is currently working on a project to help different people involved in the care and treatment of those with acquired brain injuries (ABI). A key focus is educating stakeholders on the process of vocational rehabilitation (VR), which is the end goal of a long process from initial brain injury representing a return to work. She has created informative materials to enlighten stakeholders on the needs of ABI patients and the process of VR, including a video that explains VR and highlights the necessary input of those involved in the care of ABI patients. Ultimately, Aida wants to ensure that people with ABI have a suitable framework to rebuild their lives.

Symptomatic Trauma: Japan, Drug Addiction, and the Limits of Treatment

Abstract Possession and use of illegal drugs carry harsh penalties in Japan if an individual is apprehended by authorities. These severe legal restrictions stigmatize drug use while failing to eliminate narcotics from Japan. This makes individual efforts to take on recovery difficult, as admissions of past use are often met with fear and disdain. Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Center (DARC) is a Japanese organization that helps individuals work a program based on Narcotics Anonymous (NA), while providing members a place to spend their days free from temptation or judgment. Underestimated in this program is how DARC members drug use is often a symptomatic response to interpersonal trauma and struggles to meet societal expectations of success. I argue here that an NA influenced approach to recovery, typically the only option available to those seeking help in Japan, struggles to acknowledge contextual and societal factors that motivated members to begin using drugs. In doing so, I show the necessity for comprehensive change to the ways in which Japan understands, perceives, and treats those labeled as addicts.

스포츠단체의 거버넌스 코드에 관한 연구 : 일본의 스포츠통괄·경기단체를 중심으로

The purpose of this study is to clarify the issues and principles of National Sports Federation(the Sports Unification Bodies and the Sports Athletic Bodies) governance code, which was recently introduced by Japan for the first time. To achieve the purpose of the study, it conducted as a venue for discussion on the Sports Athletic Organizations of Governance Code Decision, the discussion process of the Sports Integrity Association, launched by the Sports Agency, which determined the code in its entirety. The result of the study is as follows. First, The discussion process took into account the principles and regulations related to sports governance abroad, based on problems caused by the dysfunction of governance of Japanese Sports Athletic Organizations. In order to make a more effective governance code, the discussion process included reporting the status of NF officials, as well as a hearing survey and gathering opinions from experts from all walks of life. Second, the Governance Code of Japan’s Sport Athletic Organization consisted of 131 detailed items based on 13 principles, each of which had a sole purpose, but could be confirmed to have a different principle and organic function. In particular, Principles 1, 2, and 3 occupy the core layers of the code as a whole compared to other principles. It is an essential principle that establishes a holistic and core framework for establishing governance of the NF. Based on the above three principles, the principles necessary for the actual situation of Japan as well as overseas were selected. Third, The governance code setting of Japanese sports organizations already has governance-related regulations such as the ideology of the Framework Act on Sports(Article 2) and the efforts of sports organizations(Article 5), making it easier to access code decisions. Furthermore, the recently established policy on sports integrity seems to have played an important role in organizing the system for establishing more governance for sports organizations ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Japan

Analysis of the Conditions and Characteristics of Japanese Migrant Fishing Villages in Ulsan

This study aimed to explore how Japan expanded its fishery bases in Joseon and colonized and ruled the coastal and offshore areas of Joseon and its fishery industry by analyzing the conditions and characteristics of Japanese migrant fishing villages in Ulsan. This study also examined how the private exchange between Joseon and Japanese people was formed during the colonial era. There were free-migration fishing villages, such as Sinam, Sejukpo, Ilsanjin, and Jeongja, where Japanese fishermen migrated and settled to make a living and earn personal incomes by catching fish, such as sardines, sole, and cero. In the case of Jeonhari, it was initially an aid-migration fishing village, which was formed as the Shimane Prefecture government offered aid grants to have fishermen migrate and later more Japanese fishermen migrated by their free will. Bangeojin was a migrant fishing village formed based on the combination of free migration and aid migration. The establishment of those migrant fishing villages was managed as part of Japan’s colonial policies as the Japanese government intended to colonize Joseon. The Japanese government aimed to obtain the fishery resources of Joseon, and there was also a strategic intention to have Japanese people migrate to geographically important spots in the Korean peninsula and have a militarily competitive edge. It was also found that the fish caught in migrant fishing villages were carried to Japan to be used for military food procurement in times of war, as seen in Sinam, Sejukpo, and Bangeojin. The early process of the colonization of Joseon was confirmed through the Association of Japanese People formed in Bangeojin, which gave Japanese people the privilege to engage in commerce in Joseon and supported Japanese settlers, groups, and organizations that aided in the colonization of Joseon. Lastly, this study analyzed how private exchange between Joseon and Japanese people was formed during the colonial era. There were conflicts between Joseon and Japanese people at red-light districts, public baths, and schools. Conversely, the records about the Joseon person hired by a Japanese store owner and a Joseon person who gave considerations to Japanese people showed personal trust and friendly attitude between civilians beyond the relationship between colonizers and the colonized at a governmental level.

Japanese scandals and their production

This treatise conflates cultural sociology, media theory, and Japanese philology in order to better understand the way media scandals are produced in contemporary Japan. In cultural sociology, scandal is understood as a social performance between ritual and strategy. In my previous research I focused on the ritual aspect, analyzing Japanese scandals as dramatic public performances of confession, exclusion, and reintegration. In this treatise, I focus on the strategy aspect, approaching scandals as symbolic products of media routines and journalistic practices. The former part of this treatise examines how the actor-network of power circles co-defines the way scandals emerge and unfold in Japan. The latter part focuses on the role of Japanese media organizations in the process of transforming leaks into scandals.