INSIGHTS & MEDIA

Langley Esquire's initiative to deliver up-to-date information on political developments in the Japanese Diet. While the parliament remains closed, the Japanese Government has been active in the international scene with PM Abe’s visit to the G7 in France and the diplomatic feud with South Korea. This month’s edition focuses on ...
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-Leveraging strengths together in an expanding public affairs market- Langley Esquire K.K. and comprehensive PR firm Vector, Inc. entered into a business alliance that leverages the strengths of both companies in the field of public affairs. Langley Esquire is a public affairs firm established by President & Representative Director Timothy ...
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Welcome July's Policy Radar! Langley Esquire's initiative to deliver up-to-date information on political developments in the Japanese Diet: the Diet’s session ended on the 26th of June and the Government has been focusing on the triennial House of Councillors Election. Thus, the Government has done little in terms of agenda-setting ...
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With just two days before the House of Councillors election, the LDP’s chance of securing a majority of the 124 available seats is impossibly distant. Reaching a 2/3 majority (together with coalition partner, Komeito, and votes of other parties/independents who might be in favor of constitutional reform), is even a ...
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Welcome to June's Policy Radar! This is a continuation of Langley Esquire's new initiative to deliver up-to-date information on political developments in the Japanese Diet. This is the last time we will post Policy Radar on our website for the general public, so please subscribe to our policy mailing list ...
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Oftentimes Japanese offices have huge problems communicating with the head office overseas. What we see is not a problem of language — it's a problem of culture. Different countries do it differently: the British have a rather long-term view of sending an executive from the home office to Japan. They ...
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In this episode of Mission Japan, we are honored to welcome H.E. Patricia Flor, the EU Ambassador to Japan. The EU Ambassador sheds light on the recently signed Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the lesser-known Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA), data protection, and how Brexit will likely affect EU-Japan relations. Make sure ...
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Fewer things are harder to bear than the passing of loved ones. But when you come from a dual-culture, or when you are a foreigner living in Japan, your troubles are exponential. Especially when you realize that heirlooms and other possessions (that were destined for you) have somehow been usurped ...
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Nissan is witnessing a fallout following the aftermath of the Ghosn scandal and is still scrambling to recover. Annual operating sales are at a decade-long low and consumers continue to lose confidence in the automaker as further issues unravel. Ghosn’s successor, Hiroto Saikawa has yet to announce a plan on ...
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Welcome to May's Policy Radar! This is a continuation of Langley Esquire's new initiative to deliver up-to-date information on political developments in the Japanese Diet. This is the last time we will post Policy Radar on our website for the general public, so please subscribe to our policy mailing list ...
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In an annual report released last week, the U.S. State Department removed Japan from its list of countries deemed non-compliant with the Hague Convention on cross-border parental child abduction. Even though Japan was removed from this Blacklist, child kidnappings in this country still remain rampant. The Hague Conventions refer to ...
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Beginning of a New Era The Current Diet session will last until June 26th, 2019, which will include the change of an era (from Heisei to Reiwa) and the Imperial ascension. Two days later, the G20 will convene in Osaka. Timeline for Major Upcoming Political Events 2019 Data and Antitrust ...
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Langley Esquire's President and CEO, Timothy Langley, was recently featured in the prestigious Japanese business magazine President (Issue 2019.2.18). Among one of the country's most prominent business magnates, he is asked about leadership: how it is generated and exercised, and the effects on organizational structure in business and politics. Langley ...
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As of April 1st, Japanese labor laws have changed. In 2018, Japan passed “The Work Style Reform Bill”. This Bill (now Law) amends eight laws (including the Labor Standards Act (LSA)) and the Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA). Prime Minister Abe has been pushing hard to address the job ...
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Langley Esquire's President and CEO Timothy Langley was recently featured in Japan Network, the segment in the Japan Times that profiles prominent professionals in their respective fields. "Being in Japan for 40 years has truly been a blessing. The lessons I've learned along the way have allowed me to discover ...
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Casino legislation has just passed in the most recent Diet session. Now the bureaucrats must finalize the contents of the basic Integrated Resorts (IRs) regulations. With Japan set to become the second largest casino market in the world, many local governments are attracted to the forecasted growth in tourism and ...
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Welcome to Policy Radar! This is Langley Esquire's new initiative to deliver up-to-date information on political developments in the Japanese Diet. Beginning of a New Era The 198th Japanese ordinary Diet session started on January 28th, 2019. The number of bills submitted to the Diet will mark the 2nd lowest ...
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Election alert: double election in Osaka. As Japan gets ready for the unified local elections, Osaka sees prefecture Governor Matsui and Mayor Yoshimura vying to swap their positions. While the Osaka Ishin no Kai attempts to pursue its dream of turning Osaka into a 'metropolis', these local elections have a ...
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After 8 years, the Fukushima disaster still casts its shadow on Japanese politics. Opinion polls show general opposition to any suggestion of expanding nuclear energy. Did the Fukushima disaster radically shift energy policy for the best? Join Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek as they discuss Japan's energy policy since the ...
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One of the coolest experiences I ever had was when I worked inside the Japanese National Parliament. If that wasn't interesting enough, I've got this last name that causes Japanese bureaucrats’ hair to ignite spontaneously (reminds suspicious people of the CIA in Langley, Virginia.) Sen. Taro Nakayama and Tim Langley ...
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On the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Summit in Singapore last November, Prime Minister Abe and President Putin both compromised to an acceleration in the negotiations of a peace treaty between both countries. We are now in March and close to the G20 Summit in Osaka, but has much been accomplished? ...
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The Simon Wiesenthal Center is a Jewish global human rights organization based in Los Angeles, California (U.S.). Rabbi Abraham Cooper shares with us his insights on Japan's diplomatic relations in the Middle-East and what needs to be done to protect and promote human rights in the Asia-Pacific region. Join us ...
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In this episode of Mission Japan, we are honored to welcome H.E. Mikhail Galuzin, Russian Ambassador to Japan. We explore the origins of Russo-Japanese relations, the Russian community in Japan and the economic components of a thrilling trading relation. The Ambassador also gives us his insights on the possibility of ...
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Getting fired is never a pleasant experience. It is important for you to know that in Japan, this is not a unilateral decision; it is a negotiation. You need to protect your interests and be aware of all available options to disengage from your employer in the best possible way ...
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On February 28th, the Langley Esquire team attended a welcome party for the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, a postgraduate program at the National University of Singapore. The school is famous for teaching international students, particularly those from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in fields such ...
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２月２８日神田憲次衆議院議員のセミナーに参加しました。講師は青木孝德内閣官房審議官。テーマは外国人材受け入れについて。在留外国人や外国人労働者の現状と新たな外国人材受け入れ制度について詳細な説明がありました。日本全国各地で深刻な人手不足であることがわかりました。 We assisted Kenji Kanda’s morning seminar on the effects of the newly reformed immigration law and the acceptance of new kinds of foreign workers in Japan. Takanori Aoki, Cabinet Secretariat Deputy, has described to use the current situation of the new system in place and how it affects both ...
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The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is a U.S. bill passed in 1977, designed to prevent the bribery of foreign government officials. Bribery, in this sense, is “purchasing the influence or favor of foreign government officials for business-purposes.” The reach is broad: any U.S. corporation or individual operating in any ...
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With increasing international scrutiny of the Japanese judiciary system due to recent mega scandals, such as the Carlos Ghosn case, attention has shifted to the tenets of legal order in Japan. What's the role of the Supreme Court and how does it stand in Japan's hierarchy of political power? Join ...
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Liberal democracies ensure that citizens, politicians and bureaucrats will interact throughout lawmaking and that no single player will be entirely dominant or autonomous from the rest. Citizens control politicians through elections, the latter control bureaucrats through budgets and mechanisms of oversight, yet bureaucrats are usually exempt from any control when ...
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Langley Esquire's team attended a seminar hosted by Vice Foreign Minister Masahisa Sato on February 12th, 2019. Rep. Sato gave a speech on Japan’s diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Korea and the DPRK. He mentioned the current state of US-China relations, giving us great ...
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Trade unions and interest groups have a special role within public policy in Japan. Their substantial leverage on governing bodies is a force to be reckoned with. Abe has done much to hinder their influence, but who are the big players and what do they really represent? Join Timothy Langley ...
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The Diet session convened just a few days ago, on January 28th, 2019. It will see only 58 Cabinet-sponsored bills the second lowest number since the Postwar era. Yet, a lot is going on in Japanese politics: the upcoming Emperor's ascension, House of Councillors election in July, Tax hike in ...
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The issue with divorce in Japan (for foreigners married to Japanese nationals) is that the court system overwhelmingly favors Japanese nationals. This is an unfortunate fact. When children are involved the difficulties mount, as children almost always go to the mother (if she is Japanese). It is an open secret ...
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Startup culture is buzzing, and business between Israel and Japan is flourishing through initiatives such as the Japan-Israel Innovation Network (JIIN). In this episode, we are honored to welcome Her Excellency Yaffa Ben-Ari, the Israeli Ambassador to Japan. She delightfully informs us of the ongoing developments between our two nations, ...
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Japan’s labor laws are vastly different from other countries. Unlike places like the U.S. where employees are sometimes famously fired at-will and without cause, Japan’s laws are designed to protect the employees, making it very difficult for a company to fire an employee without cause and ample amounts of evidence ...
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The 2018 US midterm elections resulted in Democrats securing a majority in the House of Representatives, while Republicans maintained a majority in the Senate. A divided government could effectively strengthen the institutional constraints on President Trump, and his ability to pass legislation. Will this domestic conflict prevent him from focusing ...
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The Carlos Ghosn scandal continues, with the former Nissan chairman being rearrested over charges of understated income. The international community keenly watches as Japan's judicial system comes under scrutiny. With further developments raising suspicion over CEO Hiroto Saikawa, who was allegedly going to be removed by Ghosn before the arrest, ...
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It seems as though Abe's Team has an allergy to the 'I' word: why can't immigration be called immigration? Days away from the final vote, the bill's components are still unclear, and the LDP seems to be struggling with its constituents and the opposition parties— why all the fuss? Join ...
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The Carlos Ghosn arrest: all according to the script? Are foreign CEOs treated differently from Japanese CEOs? Were corporate management procedures followed correctly when dealing with Carlos Ghosn? Join Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek as they discuss yet another Japanese corporate giant crisis ...
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Like many, I mourn the passing last weekend of George H.W. Bush. I was fortunate enough to spend an entire week in close-quarters with America’s 41st President! This was on his first visit to Japan after leaving office. Really, what a great man he was; Ambassador to China, Head of ...
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How do international corporations deal with inept or under-performing Japanese subsidiaries? What do you do if a rogue CEO is embezzling funds from the company? In Japan, there are unique challenges in the business environment that require qualified professionals to swiftly and decisively take action when trouble arises. Join Timothy ...
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In this episode of Mission Japan, we are honored to welcome His Excellency Magnus Robach, the Swedish Ambassador to Japan. In this segment, we explore the rich history of the Swedish mission, and the intriguing pioneers who shaped the diplomatic relations of today. This year, Sweden celebrates its 150 year ...
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Status-quo isn't what it used to be in Asia largely because of President Trump's foreign policy initiatives. We've heard rumblings about a United States-China Trade War, but what else is going on and what impact on Japanese Politics? Glen Fukushima gets right into it as we dive into this multilayered ...
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Our new series begins with Mexico, highlighting the history of its embassy and diplomatic mission in Japan. Cultural attaché, Emmanuel Trinidad, takes Tim on a deep dive into Mexico's initial exposure to Japan through frequented trade routes, the establishment of the legation, and the development of relations over time. Initially ...
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Throwback at when Timothy Langley met with Councillor Yamamoto Ichita, at the LDP's headquarters, where they discussed their ties going back to their time as students at Georgetown University and the election of President Donald Trump. For the full video of the LDP's widely acclaimed Youtube show CafeSta, including live ...
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David and Timothy dive into the inner workings of lobbying in Japan. How do Japanese companies do it? Can foreign companies do the same thing? Can their internal Gov't Relations teams achieve the same kind of results as domestic firms, or does it require something more? Timothy's unique personal history ...
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Japan has seen a resurgence of enthusiasm in its startup community over the past few years. As venture capital becomes more readily available, entrepreneurs are vying for position in the Japanese market. Join David Russell and host/founder of the Disrupting Japan Podcast, Tim Romero, as they discuss the state and ...
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True gambling with integrated resorts (IR) will now be legitimate in Japan. The legislation passed the Upper House on a riotous last day of the extended Diet Session. How will IRs impact the economy, tourism, and society? Join Michael and Timothy as they examine this dicey issue ...
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Las Vegas-like resorts in Japan? It definitely could happen: the Abe Administration has pushed through enabling legislation that paves the way for massive entertainment resorts to enter the Japanese market. Up until last year, gambling was largely illegal here as it had been since the Edo Period. Join Michael and ...
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Tokyo may not be on fire, but the Niigata elections sure were! Some may even describe them as Nuclear—well, at least they focused on nuclear power. Join Timothy and Michael to find out the results and future implications for Japan’s energy production! ...
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AirBnB Japan has captured global headlines as recent regulation changes have all but exiled the company from this market. As David and Timothy observe, this comes down to two things: tourism growing pains, and the Hotel lobby earning their salaries. Find out more on today’s episode of Brand 2020! ...
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In Japan, if you're working with one company, you’re working with many others. Should one company fall on harder times, then all the others contribute to make up for lost sales—acting very much like a family. We call these units “Keiretsu”, and they run the Japanese economy. Join David and ...
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In a landmark case, the Japanese Supreme Court just ruled companies may now release employees who turn 60 years old, only to immediately rehire them as “non-regular workers.” These would-be retirees perform the same work, but at a significantly reduced wage. Join Michael and Timothy as they dive into the ...
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Since 1955, the LDP has fought to rewrite the constitution, but continuously fails to bring home the bacon. This week, Prime Minister Abe works to move a step closer by tweaking his 2008 referendum laws. Join Michael and Timothy as they analyze Abe's most recent attempts to rewrite Japan's Constitution ...
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Japan exists at the forefront of technology and innovation. Why, then, do we still see ~80% of transactions (jewelry, car, and even home purchases) finalized with cash? Join David Russell and host Timothy Langley as they explore the underpinnings of this practice ...
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In this episode we talk about the very powerful Ministry of Finance. But just how powerful is this ministry? And how does the minister guide the career bureaucrats? Join host Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek in another episode of Japanese Politics 101! ...
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As predicted, the death by a thousand cut has begun for prime minister Abe. This week especially he faces strong opposition to his labor reforms amid dodgy data. Join host Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek in this new episode of Tokyo on Fire! ...
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What is on the horizon for prime minister Abe and his LDP party this year? Will he be able to run for a 3rd term as the head of state? Join hosts Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek in another episode of Tokyo on Fire! ...
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Welcome back to Tokyo on Fire! In this episode we take an overall look at all the state of the main political factions in the Japanese diet as of early 2018. Which are likely to grab more power, and which are likely to implode? Join hosts Timothy Langley and Michael ...
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Maybe because I grew-up on this tortured tropical island, the reminder today of the 70th anniversary of the fall of Okinawa to US forces jumped-out at me like a punch. This 90-day battle was epic even among truly epic battles elsewhere in the three WWII theatres (Pacific, Europe, Africa). Ninety-days! ...
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Welcome to our new segment - Japanese Politics 101! In this series we want to help those interested in learning more about the complex world of Japanese politics. Where is the real power? And who can affect change? In our first episode we start with one of the most famous ...
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Get ready for an in-depth analysis! Prime minister Abe celebrated a huge win in last week's election! But what will he do now that he has the two thirds majority? Join Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek in another episode of Tokyo on Fire: Inside Baseball! ...
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With only a few more days to go, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ruling coalition is poised to win more than 300 of the 465 seats in the House of Representatives election on Sunday. Will he be proved right to have called a snap election? And how is Governor Koike's party ...
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The Democratic Party has imploded and a large number of defectors have broken ranks. What will happen to the main (theoretical) opposition to Japan's main party - the LDP? Join host Timothy Langley and Michael Cucek in another episode of Tokyo on Fire! Don't forget to comment, share and subscribe! ...
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In this week's episode of Tokyo on Fire, we have the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Michael Penn, who is the president of Shingetsu News and the Japan Correspondent for Asia Gaming Brief. The Japanese government is currently holding public hearings on whether or not to change the legislation governing gambling ...
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In this week's episode of Tokyo on Fire we have the pleasure of welcoming Hon. Ichita Yamamoto, who is a member of the House of Councillors, as well as special advisor for IT strategy to president of the Liberal Democratic Party (which, coincidently, is Prime Minister Abe). Delve into what ...
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In this week's episode of Brand 2020, we have the pleasure of having Member of the House of Councillors Hon. Rui Matsukawa talk about Womenomics in Japan. Is there a chance for Japan to switch its position from lagging behind to leading in women empowerment? ...
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The LDP-Komeito alliance, one which has been strong for the past 16 years, might be coming to an end in the next election. Join us in this (very) inside baseball edition of Tokyo on Fire ...
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Talking to and within the Japanese Government is a much different process than foreign corporate entities understand. In this video we talk about the ins and outs of "lobbying" in Japan and how it's different that what many American companies might know from the process in the United States ...
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The 2016 Rio Olympics have come to an end and one of the highlights was Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appearing as Super Mario. How successful was this cosplaying? Host Timothy Langley and Dr. James Brown take on the subject ...
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Don't you wish that politics and elections could be simpler? You're in luck! In this episode we've taken the upcoming house of councillors elections and used the latest hi-tech visual effects to break it down. Really - take a look! ...
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With Renho, Yuriko Koike and Tomomi Inada all rising to power in the last few months, Japan is joining the rest of world in having a strong female presence amongst its top ranks. But does this reflect on the general population or is this just a smoke screen? Join host ...
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Archived drawing of newly styled Bentley in 1952. I have a well-known passion for ​classic cars of a certain vintage and, generally, for working on older cars. My first “proper” vehicle ​(after cutting my teeth and knuckles on ​rebuilding a '65 Corvair from scraps) is a lacquered black 1953 Bentley ...
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Summary: While there is no law or mention within the National Government Organization Act that defines it, there is an understanding of “importance” within and among the various Ministries that make up the Japanese government. It is rumored that within the 12 Ministries and Single Cabinet, there are a certain ...
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With the enactment of the 'My Number' System, the Japanese government is more active than ever in not only trying to secure its dwindling tax base, but to put a wrap around all transactions and all citizens. Timothy Langley and Langley Esquire Advisor Michael Cucek discuss the background of this ...
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The Japanese government can, at times, be quite the fickle mistress. Constant sways in factional leadership provide an already never-ending entertainment value to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, while the national-level debates and arguments provide enough food for thought for the nation. Just this week, however, we’ve seen a proclivity ...
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The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (aka, 'The LDP'), has been Japan's most prominent political party since the end of the Second World War. In this episode of Tokyo on Fire, Host Timothy Langley and Advisor Michael Cucek explore the whys, hows, and whats, of what supports the LDP's grip ...
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One facet of working in the world of Japan Public Affairs is being a frequent visitor into Japan’s National Diet. The hustle-and-bustle of politics never feels closer than when you’re dining with a Councilor in the sushi restaurant in the basement of the Main Building or passing through phalanxes of ...
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One of the coolest things that ever happened to me occurred in high school just after I moved to Atlanta in 1969. I haven’t spoke of it until now, even among friends, because it always seemed so self-aggrandizing… still, it is admittedly a pretty cool thing to befall someone: This ...
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Incorporating a company in Japan can be intimidating, but Langley Esquire is equipped to guide you through this process with ease. We have helped countless companies set up shop in Japan, locate office space, identify and hire local employees, establish concrete work rules, and obtain essential services—accounting, insurance, legal, etc.—to ...
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"The public face of the Goldman Sachs Japan Employee Union was Timothy Langley of Langley Esquire, a former U.S. lawyer who consulted the laid-off employees. He now admits that generating interest and public support was a “specific element of the negotiating approach to a reluctant Goldman Sachs.” “The arrogance and ...
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"It’s going well,” he says. “Not many can cleanly pull off the political and lobbying stuff. I guess that’s where my real strength lies.” Read the full article here: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2006/11/11/how-tos/u-s-lawyer-gets-the-impossible-done-in-japan/#.XHTeLHYVa31 ...
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