Invest Fukuoka North America | Newsletter Vol.1

VOL 1
APR 2010

Growing Business Between Fukuoka & North America

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MILSTONE NEWS

Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced the iPad, Apple’s new tablet computer, earlier this month. The device promises to become the “third screen” for users, filling the gap between smart phones and laptop computers. The device has created a new market, redefining the e-book and personal computing ecosystems with its large, color LCD touch screen, light form-factor, and extensive application marketplace.

GAME CHANGERS

Location-Based Gaming with a Business Twist
»FOURSQUARE: Use your smart phone or laptop to “check-in” when you visit your favorite shops and restaurants. Collect points and earn virtual “badges” for checking in frequently. When you check in, read and share information about the location and access discounts and coupons in realtime.
Limited Time, Limited Quantity Special Offers for You and Your Friends
»GROUPON: The company gives the buying power of groups to the individual, offering one limited-quantity deal per day from local shops, restaurants, and event organizers in each region where it operates. The “groupon” (Today’s Deal) is not activated until a large number of users purchase the offer, encouraging users to share the site with their friends. This viral marketing technique has made Groupon one of the fastest growing companies in Internet history.
»GILT: This ecommerce site sells brand name products at deep discounts. You must be a member to view or purchase products on the site. The company also recently opened Gilt City, offering exclusive, local deals.

FUKUOKA HIGHLIGHTS

Kitakyushu Selected as Smart Grid Demo Site

The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has selected the City of Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture as one of 4 cities to be designated a Next Generation Energy and Social System Demonstration Area. Smart Grid technologies will be demonstrated by Nippon Steel, IBM Japan, and Fuji Electric Systems.» Read More

Kyushu Electric Power to Demonstrate the Microgrid

70% of the power generation facilities on outlying Japanese islands are owned by Kyushu Electric Power. The company is experimenting with a reusable energy “Microgrid” system for these facilities. Construction is now complete, and Kyushu Electric is ready to begin a 3 year demonstration of the system which uses Li-Ion batteries co-developed with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

“We love our Fukuoka!” – Fukuoka Among Best-loved Hometowns

Fukuoka Prefecture is the 4th best-loved hometown in Japan, according to national rankings by Recruit Co., Ltd. Fukuokans ranked especially high for their love of their local dialect, hometown celebrities, local baseball, and local cuisine. The citizens of Fukuoka described themselves as social, passionate, curious, and trendy.

Exploring Novel Organic Electronics and Photonics

Kyushu Univeristy has launched a new research center called “OPERA”, under the direction of Professor Adachi. The Center will lead development of next-generation 3D displays, organic semiconductor-based lasers, and other technologies. The center has received grants from the national government worth over $30 million over the next 4 years. » Read More

Protecting Metal Surfaces - Toyo-Kenma, Co.,Ltd.

Toyo-Kenma Co., ltd. has developed a new way to increase the durability of metallic surfaces using a low-cost coating process. The process uses thin-film formation technology from the semiconductor industry. The technology can preserve metallic surfaces in their original state for 20+ years for less than 1/10 the cost of the original semiconductor process.

Agriculture in the Cloud

Fujitsu Kyushu Systems is providing agriculture support software from the cloud. Through a combination of sensors deployed in the fields and GPS, the software allows users to track work status and manage progress to improve work efficiency. The company has plans to market the product throughout Asia. » Read More

"Stay hungry, Stay foolish." - Stewart Brand, 1974