By Willhemina Wahlin and Dr Kaoru Natsuda -- Japan’s bid for a UNSC permanent seat: pipe dream or viability? -- There seems to be one point agreed on by almost everyone when it comes to the United Nations Security Council: It’s a time capsule of the post-World War II global power structure, hardly representative of the 21st Century political landscape, and reform is badly needed. But here the consensus comes to an abrupt halt. The sticking point: everyone seems to want an expansion of the permanent seats available, but no one can seem to agree on how many, and to whom the honor should be bestowed upon—and why. Japan has long been campaigning for permanent membership of one of the most exclusive clubs in the world, but it has an uphill battle ahead if it is to convince its closest neighbors that it deserves one. But the real question is, does anyone really deserve a seat?

By Kevin Mcgue -- The difference between the perfect business suit and one that is merely adequate can mean the difference between a strong first impression and one that is instantly forgettable. Too many men settle for suits that are not quite the shade or pattern they had in mind, or buy shirts knowing that the collar is just a bit too loose, and the sleeves a touch too short. The perfect suit is not one in which every stitch is evenly spaced—that can be found in virtually any mass-produced garment. The perfect suit is one that satisfies on all levels and affords its owner a sense of confidence and well-being. Finding the perfect suit can seem like a daunting process, which is why many people don’t bother. However, it can be a fascinating journey during which you will encounter traditional craftsmanship, and discover your own sense of style as well as taking the average customer into the world of bespoke tailoring.

By Sarah Noorbakhsh -- The best dive this side of Izu -- I was thankful to finally step off the ferry and on to my destination. Not because I was eager to leave the Sarubia Maru, whose spacious quarters had been my home for the overnight voyage, but because I had been staring at Hachijo-jima in the distance for the past half hour and was impatient to see what awaited on this small island. We docked and I was met by the welcoming smile of Yoshiyuki Ooishi, long time island resident and dive shop owner. The weather had cleared up from the previous day’s rainstorm, and the blue sky peered down as we cut straight across the gourd-shaped island down palmlined roads. With mild westerly breezes, it was a perfect day for diving.

Brief biographies of who's coming and going in the foreign business community. -- In collaboration with Santa Fe Relocation Services Japan KK, the J@pan Inc Arrivals & departures column takes a look at some of the key figures of Japan's expatriate business community who are either just landing in Japan or flying off to new places. -- Jeremy Gibb -- Alain Piraux -- Shaun Conroy -- Matthias Terrettaz -- Dan Petersen

By Ken Worsley -- Back and Forward is a regular column that takes a slightly irreverent look at some of Japan’s biggest business stories. -- Higher costs, falling profit... -- ...and hotels look at consolidation, overseas operations... -- ...while Seven-Eleven rolls the dice in China... -- ...and Steel Partners swings its hair -- Overtime pay? Is nothing sacred anymore? -- Whale meat imports; where’s the butter?

Compiler: Burnaby -- J@pan Inc is offering a prize of two free tickets to see Tokyo Sinfonia—Japan’s fi nest chamber orchestra conducted by Robert Ryker. All correctly completed entries will be entered into our prize draw. Please send answers to: J@pan Inc Communications, 3F Maison Tomoe Building, 3-16-1 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062

Jobs -- Services -- Groups/Events -- Support

Gordon HattonBy Brad Frischkorn -- How the real estate meltdown is affecting Japan -- With the break of the subprime mortgage crisis in the summer of 2007 and the global scale of its spread, the parade of negative real estate related news has been relentless as financial institutions fall, central banks launch massive credit-easing campaigns, and home foreclosures put many on the street—all with shocking swiftness. After experiencing its own real estate market collapse through the 1990s, Japan is certainly no stranger to this kind of pain. Should the country brace itself for another round of carnage?

Carl EverettBy Peter Harris -- The story of Capital Services Group -- Capital Services Group talked to J@pan Inc about how their business has grown from Japan to the whole of the Asia region and about resetting the agenda in integrated loan servicing, real estate asset management and servicing technology solutions. -- With billion-dollar investors as its clients, CSG can be said to have the last decade of Asian financial history imprinted upon its development. While growth has been driven by the ambitions and triumphs of such investors, the group’s decision to focus on Asia, and build a niche for itself as regional experts, is a success story in its own right.

J@pan Inc is pleased to present our comprehensive Real Estate Directory. For all your property related ventures and queries find the help you need right here.