Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Fabian Schäfer Title: The Beginnings of Media and Communication Studies in Japan within Transnational Contexts (1920–37) – Adaptations, Reciprocities, and Parallels Journal: Japan aktuell - Journal of Current Japanese Affairs Abstract: In recent years inbound mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in Japan have been on the rise and legislative changes have opened up new strategic opportunities for foreign companies. To make their acquisition strategies work, foreign acquirers typically initiate a number of post-merger integration (PMI) activities at the Japanese companies acquired. It is assumed that these changes would not have taken place, or not to the same extent, without the foreign acquirer. These activities can conflict with Japanese stakeholders’ goals and therefore provoke resistance. For the acquirer, the crucial question is which of his integration activities are likely to spark conflicts with Japanese stakeholders, for example, employees. This paper tries to broaden the perspective beyond the oft-cited “clash of corporate cultures” and introduce an analytical framework which also covers the micro level; that is, it does not simply remain on the level of “the Japanese company’s interest vs. the foreign company’s interest” but also looks at the goals of individual employees or employee groups. It highlights some typical PMI activities, particularly in the areas of purchasing and human resources, and subsequent exemplary conflicts by looking at the case of a mid-sized Japanese company that was acquired by a French manufacturer. Moreover, the paper analyses the underlying reasons for conflicts by looking at Japanese stakeholders’ personal goals and how they are affected by acquirers’ integration programmes. Finally, it points out how conflicts during PMI can be managed successfully, again drawing on the successful French-Japanese case. Pages: 5-32 Volume: 16 Issue: 4 Year: 2008 Handle: RePEc:gig:chaktu:v:16:y:2008:i:4:p:5-32 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Carsten Herbes Title: Schneider Electric – Digital Electronics: A Successful Case of Foreign M&A in Japan Journal: Japan aktuell - Journal of Current Japanese Affairs Abstract: In recent years inbound mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in Japan have been on the rise and legislative changes have opened up new strategic opportunities for foreign companies. To make their acquisition strategies work, foreign acquirers typically initiate a number of post-merger integration (PMI) activities at the Japanese companies acquired. It is assumed that these changes would not have taken place, or not to the same extent, without the foreign acquirer. These activities can conflict with Japanese stakeholders’ goals and therefore provoke resistance. For the acquirer, the crucial question is which of his integration activities are likely to spark conflicts with Japanese stakeholders, for example, employees. This paper tries to broaden the perspective beyond the oft-cited “clash of corporate cultures” and introduce an analytical framework which also covers the micro level; that is, it does not simply remain on the level of “the Japanese company’s interest vs. the foreign company’s interest” but also looks at the goals of individual employees or employee groups. It highlights some typical PMI activities, particularly in the areas of purchasing and human resources, and subsequent exemplary conflicts by looking at the case of a mid-sized Japanese company that was acquired by a French manufacturer. Moreover, the paper analyses the underlying reasons for conflicts by looking at Japanese stakeholders’ personal goals and how they are affected by acquirers’ integration programmes. Finally, it points out how conflicts during PMI can be managed successfully, again drawing on the successful French-Japanese case. Pages: 33-66 Volume: 16 Issue: 4 Year: 2008 Handle: RePEc:gig:chaktu:v:16:y:2008:i:4:p:33-66 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Matthias Schock Title: Lagging Behind in CSR? Japanese Companies on Their Way to Corporate Sustainability Management Journal: Japan aktuell - Journal of Current Japanese Affairs Abstract: During the last two decades, the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has increasingly received attention in business practice as well as in academic research. In particular in the United States and European countries, CSR is playing an ever more important role. Despite being of the leading G7 member states, Japan is in the literature often portrayed as lagging behind in matters of CSR. This article focuses on the discussion of CSR in Japan. It argues that in fact, Japanese businesses are not falling behind. Rather, the Japanese economy is characterized by specific forms of CSR, whose emergence can be explained by the historical development of the Japanese business sector and society. Pages: 67-86 Volume: 16 Issue: 4 Year: 2008 Handle: RePEc:gig:chaktu:v:16:y:2008:i:4:p:67-86 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Freddy Litten Title: The Animation Market in Japan Abstract: 50 years ago, on 22 October 1958, „Hakujaden“ („Panda and the Magic Serpent“) premiered in Tokyo. This was Japan’s first full-length, colour animated movie, marking the beginning of commercially produced Japanese animation, later to be called “anime”. From one movie a year at that time, animation in Japan has now grown into an industry which turned over about USD 2 billion in 2006, with even larger sales of “character goods” based on the animation. Key information on this market (movies, television, dvds, and network-based distribution) and its recent development is presented in this context. While the data seem to paint a picture of a market in good health, there are signs that the future of anime will not be free of trouble. Pages: 87-103 Volume: 16 Issue: 4 Year: 2008 Handle: RePEc:gig:chaktu:v:16:y:2008:i:4:p:87-103 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Stefan Beck Title: The Reform of the United Nations Security Council – Perspectives for a Future Partnership between Japan and Germany Abstract: Since its establishment in 1945, there have been no major changes in the membership structure of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) (with the exception of the 1965 adaption to the rising number of member states). For the majority of the UN’s current 192 member states, the structure of the UNSC as the most powerful organ of the UN is no longer adequate. They are calling for a reform of the UNSC on various levels. Within the discussion surrounding possible UNSC reform, Japan and Germany have been working to gain permanent seats on the council. This article focuses on the different rationales underlying the two countries’ demands and possibilities for bilateral cooperation. Pages: 115-133 Volume: 16 Issue: 4 Year: 2008 Handle: RePEc:gig:chaktu:v:16:y:2008:i:4:p:115-133