Central Japan’s new regional branding invites startups to give-it-a-try in the Homeland of Mobility 5.0

Central Japan is where the mysterious sphere-shaped object, which many nicknamed “Godzilla Egg,” washed up on the beach last month. Coincidentally, another sphere concept was unveiled at a panel discussion hosted by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Central Japan Startup Ecosystem Consortium, which was themed around regional innovation in Aichi, Nagoya, and Hamamatsu, fostered through co-creation. The new sphere-shaped logo announced after the session not only represents the geographical and industrial center of Japan’s manufacturing excellence but also depicts the open and welcoming culture of the region, which invites like-minded startups and entrepreneurs from all corners of the world.
The power of convergence

In a panel discussion dubbed “Region x Innovation – Knowing Who and How to Engage,” PDIE Group Founder Christian Schmitz cited Tesla as an example of the type of innovation startup ecosystems are tackling today. “We need to realize Tesla only looks like a car” but is, in fact, “a convergence of different technologies.” He said so to describe how the Central Japan region’s spirited hardware manufacturing craftsmanship can evolve by connecting with startups specialized in new digital areas such as AI, big data, material science, and nano-technology, as well as emerging business models. In addition, Christian welcomed the fact that there are now increasing opportunities after the pandemic to meet face-to-face in networking or matching events, which fosters the convergence of talent.

Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, wrote that the “shift from simple digitization to innovation based on combinations of technologies is forcing companies to reexamine the way they do business.” Citing the chairman’s quote, Jonathan Soble said, “the means to connect and involve people is not limited to physical interactions.” Jonathan is the Editorial and Communication Lead at the World Economic Forum Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Japan. Today “I see more and more people in Japan, both expatriate and Japanese moving away from Tokyo, but are remotely connected to Tokyo or even Australia.” He concluded that anyone interested in the Central Japan region could be plugged into the ecosystem without constantly being on the ground. However, Jonathan continued by provoking the area to also transform the work culture, if not, at the very least, “should embrace that creative people (or startups) prefer a different workstyle and lifestyle” from conventional Japanese manufacturing companies or plants.

A culture that embraces failure

Shinko Osada, a Board member of Future Design Shibuya, expanded on the cultural aspect, stressing the importance of defining the city or region as a brand before discussing the possibility of a cross-border ecosystem succeeding out of Japan. Based on her experience working behind the ongoing rebranding of Shibuya in Tokyo, she described how “the people make up the culture” and a sense of belonging, energy, and city pride were the key ingredients of what makes an appealing regional brand. “We need to connect and involve a diverse range of people” to raise awareness of the regional brand, which “attracts more people who want to take part” in evolving the Central Japan Startup Ecosystem.

Shinko continued that the region’s culture also “needs to embrace failure,” sharing how she faced many situations elsewhere of startups being asked to present a track record. “Innovation is an innovation because it has not been done before. If we can support those who throw themselves into uncharted territories, people worldwide will show interest in this region.” Fortunately, the Central Japan region has been long known for its Yaramaika spirit, which means “Let’s give it a try.” Those who live in India might recall Satoshi Suzuki, the then-Japanese Ambassador to India, saying, “this spirit (Yaramaika) which comes from his homeland, is the second key to unlocking the potentials” of the development of the North Eastern Indian Region two years ago. Central Japan’s new regional branding owes its open, diverse, and collaborative personality to this Japanese dialect popular in Hamamatsu, where the mayor is leading by example.

An open and energetic brand identity

The new official logo and branding for the Central Japan Startup Ecosystem will be applied beyond the consortium’s website and LinkedIn account. The logo takes its cue from two facts. First, the region is geographically located roughly in the center of Japan. Second, the area has been the center of Japan’s manufacturing excellence for centuries. The sphere circling the “C” is always open – not closed, representing the region’s vision to become a place where open innovation is born for entrepreneurs of all corners and its commitment to support them. Yuki Goto, who works in the Startup Support Department of Nagoya’s Innovation Promotion Division, is enthusiastic about the new visual identity because it mirrors her desire. She wants “a diverse range of people beyond the locals to join and co-create the ecosystem with them” because it is a crucial driver in nurturing a thriving startup ecosystem. Venture capitalists in Tokyo already tell her they hear much about what’s recently happening in Central Japan. “I’m excited because we’re getting noticed,” she said. Born and bred in Nagoya, Yuki started working at a local manufacturing company. However, she joined the public sector driven by her passion for helping companies pave a new path toward the future.

In addition, two shades of blue will be used as the primary brand color. First, the chic, down-to-earth Hanada Iro represents the area’s traditional craftsmanship and merchant spirit not limited to heavy industry. The color is a variant of indigo dye, which the town of Arimatsu in Aichi is known for. The second, futuristic, brighter blue represents the energy of the new and younger generation and the innovation made possible by the area’s famous optoelectronic industry. Glowing Plasma Blue – a name coined for Central Japan’s regional branding, shows the ecosystem’s determination to lead the way toward Mobility 5.0 – an uncharted territory yet to be defined. Makoto Kanemaru, Assistant Director, Startup Division, Bureau of Economy and Industry, Aichi Prefectural Government, mentioned that the number of startup companies PRE-STATION Ai houses quadrupled in the past year. PRE-STATION Ai is the precursor to Japan’s largest incubation hub-to-be, STATION Ai. When asked what to expect in the next ten years, Makoto concurred that unless the region promotes a unique and ownable concept like mobility, “we will continue to be in the shadows of Tokyo’s stature.”

The region’s positioning statement ‘An Ecosystem Integrated with Manufacturing Excellence’ is “a powerful statement that we can build on,” Yutaka Yamazaki, Deputy General Manager Innovation Initiative Division of Central Japan Economic Federation, affirmed. Furthermore, Yutaka pointed out that, while more and more people use the innovation hub and co-working space Nagoya Innovator’s Garage, the most significant change is, “I notice a sense of heightened urgency.” Soon, the region can be considered part of a new Greater Tokyo due to the Maglev Shinkansen, which will connect Tokyo and Nagoya in 40 minutes. More than halving the time of what it takes today will open up a whole new world, bringing software startups in Tokyo closer to manufacturers of Central Japan, thus creating an even more diverse startup ecosystem.

About the Central Japan Startup Ecosystem

There are 371 startups in Central Japan, of which 150 are university-launched. An estimated 18.615 billion yen (as of July 2022) of funds have been raised, in addition to accelerator programs, financial support systems, and innovative university seeds. Furthermore, collaborative partnerships with STATION F, INSEAD, BLOCK71, Paris&Co, Bpifrance, Venture Cafe, Plug and Play, Israel Innovation Authority, Tsinghua University, China Medical University, National University of Singapore, The University of Texas at Austin, Stanford University, North Carolina State University, University of Nebraska and the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad attract a diverse range of entrepreneurs to the region. For more information, please visit https://central-startup.jp/en.

Scheduled to open in 2024, STATION Ai will be a world-first, top-notch global innovation center. The center will provide a one-stop, one-roof link to world-class startup support programs through liaison with leading-edge startup support bodies and universities. Please visit https://www.aichi-startup.jp/english/support/.

About the Central Japan region

In July 2020, Aichi prefecture, the City of Nagoya, and Hamamatsu City of Shizuoka became one of the four regional Startup Ecosystem Global Base Cities groups designated nationwide by the cabinet office. The GDP of this region is 44,093.2 billion yen (as of 2019), mainly attributed to key industries such as Automotive, Aerospace, Machine Tools, Production Machinery, Iron and Steel, Musical Instruments, and Photonics/Electronics. The region’s mission is to positively impact society by bringing the future of mobility to our doorsteps as soon as possible. The 6,731 km2 area is currently home to 8.29 million people, out of which over 300 thousand are foreign nationals – and will be a home-from-home for entrepreneurs and startups who share the same will and passion. In addition, various chill-out activities such as surfing, hiking, camping, paragliding, and ski/snowboarding are easily accessible. At the same time, seasonal marathon events and Formula One races are also hosted in adjacent cities. Furthermore, the American Chamber of Commerce, Tokai Japan Canada Society, Chubu Walkathon & International Charity Festival, and Nagoya Vegan Gourmet Festival are opportunities to meet like-minded locals.


Topic: Press release summary

Hong Kong – No.3 alarm fire in Central (3)

No.3 alarm fire in Central (3)

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     A fire broke out at 5-9 Robinson Road in Central today (January 22) at 12.01pm, and was upgraded to No. 3 alarm at 1.24pm. The fire was surrounded at 2.20pm, put under control at 2.39pm. It was largely put out at 3.43pm.
           
     Firemen used two jet and mobilised two breathing apparatus teams to fight the blaze.
           
     Six persons felt unwell. Four persons were sent to Queen Mary Hospital for treatment. Two persons were sent to Ruttonjee Hospital for treatment.

1st Finance & Central Bank Deputies Meeting under the G20 Presidency of India scheduled in Bengaluru on Tuesday

The first G20 Finance and Central Bank Deputies (FCBD) meeting is scheduled to be held during 13-15 December 2022 in Bengaluru. This meeting, which will mark the start of discussions on the Finance Track agenda under the Indian G20 Presidency, will be hosted jointly by the Ministry of Finance and the Reserve Bank of India.

The G20 Finance Track, led by Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of G20 countries, focuses on economic and financial issues. It provides an effective forum for global economic discourse and policy coordination. The First Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting will be held during 23-25 February 2023 in Bengaluru.

Hon’ble Prime Minister said in his address at the Bali G20 Summit that the need today is that the benefits of development are universal and all-inclusive. Ministry of Finance has imbibed this idea in the  G20 Finance Track agenda. He has also given us a vision that India will strive to ensure that the G20 acts as a global “prime mover” to envision new ideas and accelerate collective action over the next one year.

The upcoming meeting of G20 Finance and Central Bank Deputies will be co-chaired by Mr Ajay Seth, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs and Dr Michael D. Patra, Deputy Governor of RBI. Their counterparts from G20 member countries, and from several other countries and international organisations invited by India, will participate in the two-day meeting.

The G20 Finance Track discusses key issues of relevance for the global economy, encompassing the global economic outlook, the international financial architecture, infrastructure development and financing, sustainable finance, global health, international taxation and financial sector issues, including financial inclusion.

In the Bengaluru meeting, discussions will focus on the agenda for the Finance Track under the Indian G20 Presidency. This includes reorienting international financial institutions to meet the shared global challenges of the 21st century, financing cities of tomorrow, managing global debt vulnerabilities, advancing financial inclusion and productivity gains, financing for climate action and SDGs, a globally coordinated approach to unbacked crypto assets and advancing the international taxation agenda.

On the sidelines of the meeting, a panel discussion will be held on ‘Strengthening Multilateral Development Banks to Address Shared Global Challenges of the 21st Century’. A seminar on the ‘Role of Central Banks in Green Financing’ will also be held.

The Indian G20 Presidency’s theme of ‘One Earth One Family, One Future’ will guide the G0 Finance Track discussions. Approximately 40 meetings of the Finance Track will be held in several locations in India, which include meetings of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors. The discussions in the G20 Finance Track will ultimately be reflected in the G20 Leaders’ Declaration.

India has assumed the G20 Presidency at a time of multiple challenges, which include scarring from the COVID-19 pandemic, sharpened geopolitical tensions, rising food and energy security concerns, growing debt distress, inflationary pressures, and monetary tightening, among others. A key role of the G20 is to provide guidance in dealing with such challenges.

During India’s G20 Presidency, supporting the countries most in need and reflecting the concerns and aspirations of developing countries will be at the forefront of the G20’s efforts. The Ministry of Finance and the Reserve Bank of India will steer the G20 Finance Track agenda in an inclusive manner aimed at addressing the global economic needs of today as well as preparing for a better tomorrow.

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RM/PPG/KMN

(Release ID: 1882437)
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Hong Kong – Manslaughter in Central

Manslaughter in Central

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     Police are investigating a manslaughter case happened in Central today (July 30) in which a 40-year-old local man died.



     At 1.27am, Police received a report from a staff of hotel on Hollywood Road that a 40-year-old man was lying unconscious in a hotel room.



     Police officers sped to the scene and found the 40-year-old man lying unconscious in the bathroom. Sustaining no superficial injury, he was certified dead at scene.



     A small quantity of suspected drugs in suspected connection with the case was seized.



     Police arrested a 38-year-old foreign man in suspected connection with the case for manslaughter at the aforesaid location. A 44-year-old local man in suspected connection with the case was later arrested for manslaughter in Aberdeen. Both arrestees are being detained for enquiries.



     Post-mortem examinations will be conducted later to ascertain the cause of death of the deceased.



     Active investigation by the District Crime Squad of Central District is underway.

CVMG’s Central Fontana at Sierra Fountains provides residents easy access to care

Ground-breaking partnership between Jamboree Housing, CVMG benefits Inland Empire

Central Fontana At Sierra Fountains

Central Fontana At Sierra Fountains

FONTANA, Calif.March 15, 2022PRLog — Cucamonga Valley Medical Group’s new Central Fontana at Sierra Fountains clinic will provide residents of the 60 affordable apartments with easily accessible healthcare options as a result of an innovative partnership between CVMG and Jamboree Housing Corporation.

The 3,000-square-foot health and wellness clinic will offer residents and community members of Sierra Fountains diabetes health education classes, immunization services and pediatric through geriatric care. CVMG will hold a Grand Opening event on March 31. The new location in the community located at the southwest corner of Sierra and Ramona avenues welcomes new patients as well as current CVMG patients.

“CVMG is a dedicated community partner at our locations throughout the Inland Empire,” said Cucamonga Valley Medical Group CEO Rahmi Mowjood, DO. “The goal is to serve the community with our new Central Fontana at Sierra Fountains location. Our focus is on taking care of you when you need us and also on preventative health, which is important to everyone.”

“CVMG’s Core Culture is focused on life, love and compassion,” Mowjood said. “With CVMG you are treated like family. We treat our patients, employees and our community the way we’d want to be treated and the way we treat family.”

Founded in 1990, Irvine-headquartered Jamboree Housing Corporation is an award-winning, broad-based nonprofit housing development company that develops, acquires, renovates, and manages permanently affordable rental and ownership housing throughout California for working families, seniors, and people with special needs.

“Jamboree’s strong partnership with the City of Fontana and its Housing Authority spans 20-plus years,” said George Searcy, Jamboree’s Chief Impact Officer. “While Sierra Fountains is our sixth Fontana property, it is the city’s first affordable housing community with an onsite health and wellness clinic”

“Our valued partnership with Cucamonga Valley Medical Group brings to life a shared belief that housing is healthcare, offering both our residents and the local neighborhood convenient access to free health education classes and healthcare services,” Searcy said. “This collaborative effort creates one creative development with an impact that will be felt for many years to come.”

Fontana Housing Authority and Jamboree forged a 57-year ground lease agreement that helped transform a 4.66-acre blighted lot into 60 affordable apartment homes for working families. Sierra Fountains offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in a trio of three-story buildings as part of a $23 million development that also includes an approximately 5,000-square-foot community building.

CVMG’s Central Fontana at Sierra Fountains location provides an onsite healthcare option for the new development’s residents as well as the surrounding community.

“Accessing quality healthcare can be a difficult challenge for anyone, but it’s even more so for families living on limited income. By placing a clinic at Sierra Fountains, the Cucamonga Valley Medical Group is bringing care directly to families who need it and helping eliminate health disparities in our county,” San Bernardino County Second District Supervisor Janice Rutherford said.

CVMG’s presence at Sierra Fountains will make an impact in the community as well as throughout the region.

“Housing and healthcare are two critical components for a good quality of life,” Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren said. “We are excited about the opening of Sierra Fountains and Cucamonga Valley Medical Group. This project is one of the many examples of how Fontana and its partners are working to establish a better economic future.”

“One of Fontana’s strategic goals is to promote attainable housing by facilitating the construction of high-quality multi-family housing,” Mayor Warren added. “We will continue to maintain focus on increasing, preserving, and improving housing that is affordable and livable for all Fontana residents.”

With six locations throughout the Inland Empire, CVMG has expanded its dedicated team in recent months with the addition of seven providers — Paola Yanez, FNP-C; Stefanie Schlosser, FNP-C; Julie Yang, NP-C; Pauline Sung, FNP; Christina Richards, NP; Claudia Guerra, RN, Director of Clinical Management; and Marsha Barlocker, Director, QI Measures & Patient Education.

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Media Contact

Bianca Lambert, Community Outreach Specialist

***@cvmgdocs.com

909.828.5024