Fall is here and we are proud to announce the 15th anniversary of JMEC! Around this time 15 years ago, JMEC was conceived by the Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan. Its success in the first year resulted in other chambers lending their support in the following years, and the program has come to be supported by 12 foreign chambers of commerce, the European Business Council in Japan, and numerous corporate sponsors from the Tokyo business community. With many exciting things in store for JMEC 15, we hope you will join us in celebrating this milestone occasion.

In this Issue
JMEC Launches its New Website
It's Not too Late to Join JMEC 15
Need a Fresh Approach?
Join us for Oktoberfest
Sponsor News

JMEC Launches its New Website
In conjunction with the 15th anniversary of JMEC, the program's website, www.jmec.gr.jp, has received a complete makeover. While the old site served its purpose of providing information about the program, but there was a lot of scrolling involved. The focus of the website redesign has been on making the site more organized and usable. It is now easier for each of JMEC's unique audiences - participants, project clients, sponsors and alumni - to find what they are searching for. The company responsible for the design, development and hosting of the new site, Nichiai Inc., has been a JMEC sponsor since 2000. Nichiai, which has been in business for over 15 years, provides IT consulting, creative design and web hosting services. Its clients include Carl Zeiss, British American Tobacco, Hilton Grand Vacation Club and Tenneco Automotive. To see our new look for yourself, please visit us at www.jmec.gr.jp.
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It's Not too Late to Join JMEC 15
Spread the word! For any individuals insterested in participating in JMEC 15, there will be three information sessions in the month of October. These sessions are a good opportunity for anyone contemplating participating in the program to learn more about it and to speak with alumni about what it's really like to do JMEC. The remaining sessions are:
Wednesday, October 1, 7:30 - 9:00pm
Tuesday, October 14, 7:30 - 9:00pm
Thursday, October 23, 8:00 - 9:00am
All sessions will be held at Temple University Japan, Mita Hall room 502. While there is no fee to attend, registration is required. For a map and to sign up, please click here.
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Need a Fresh Approach?
For companies or organizations seeking a fresh approach to some business challenge they may be facing in the Japanese market, why not consider becoming a JMEC project client? Each year roughly 10 organizations turn to JMEC to have a business plan written to address such challenges. The objectives of the 129 JMEC plans written to-date have ranged widely, but include market entry, new product launch, and revision of distribution networks. The project clients themselves have been just as diverse as the plans, ranging from large multi-national companies, to small start-ups, to governmental and non-profit organizations. Each project client is assigned a team of 5-6 individuals, who spend 4 months researching and writing a business plan. The teams are comprised of working professionals in an array of industries and from many different countries. Their unique approach, free from in-house policies or politics, is often just what a company needs. Read more about it in an article about JMEC recently featured in J@pan Inc, Fresh Approach, or visit our website to learn more about becoming a JMEC project client. The deadline to apply for JMEC 15 is November 28, 2008.
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Join us for Oktoberfest
Sausages, sauerkraut and beer - all the makings of a good Oktoberfest! Kick back and relax with JMEC friends, old and new, while enjoying all you can eat and drink German food and beer. JMEC is partnering up with Parasolmedia to host this upcoming Oktoberfest event, and we hope you will join us!  The event will take place at Lili Marleen in Jiyugaoka on Thursday, October 16th, 7:30 - 10:00pm.  The entrance fee is just 4,000 yen.

Parasolmedia is the result of the winning JMEC 13 business plan. Representatives will be on hand for those interested in finding out what a "real" JMEC business plan can do for a company. You'll also have a chance to meet and network with other JMEC Alumni and supporters. Feel free to invite friends, but reservations are required, so please RSVP to info@jmec.gr.jp. To learn more about the event, and for a map to the venue, please click here.
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Sponsor News
The following are announcements from various JMEC-sponsoring organizations. Please visit the sponsors' websites for more information. If you are a sponsor and have an announcement you would like included in the next newsletter, please email us.

AUSTRADE - Australian Delegation at BioJapan 2008 (15-16 October, Pacifico Yokohama) http://www.austrade.or.jp/biojapan. Visit Booth A-142, the Australian Biotechnology Pavilion at BioJapan. States governments, government agencies and departments along with private companies will be present to engage in business communication and networking. Why not join us at the Australian wine-tasting on Wed 16th 4pm at our booth to meet us and learn more about what Australian bio-industry can offer!  For further info please contact: Tokyo@austrade.gov.au

CCH Japan will host a Japan Tax Seminar on Wednesday October 15th. A discount is available for JMEC members and alumni. For more information about the event, please visit www.cch-japan.jp or contact support@cch.co.jp.

Emissary Computer Solutions is looking to expand its sales and marketing team with talented and motivated individuals. Experience in the computer, real estate and/or the event promotion industries as well as Internet marketing experience will be an asset. Please visit www.emissary.co.jp for more information. 

Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) announces the following upcoming events:
MBA Information Sessions: Saturdays, October 18 & December 6, from 11:30 at TUJ Mita Hall. For details please visit www.tuj.ac.jp/mba.
Law School Information Sessions: Fridays, October 10 & November 7, from 19:00 at TUJ Mita Hall. For details please visit www.tuj.ac.jp/law.
Special Lectures at the College of Education (TESOL): Distinguished Lecturer Series in Tokyo (open to public): Saturdays, October 11& November 8, from 14:00 at TUJ Azabu Hall. For details please visit www.tuj.ac.jp/tesol.

The Westin Tokyo welcomes you to sample the delights of its renewed 22nd floor with your choice of a dinner menu for two in either the Michelin starred Yebisu Teppanyaki or the highly acclaimed French restaurant Victor’s, while enjoying the view of Tokyo’s lights twinkling below. Stay and dine for 49,000yen~. Please visit www.westin-tokyo.co.jp for more information.
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