The Countdown Has Begun

With little more than a month to go before the elections in Sweden, the political temperature is heating up. But few people expect the drama of the last election, when the opposition conservative-liberal Alliance for Sweden, consisting of four liberal and conservative parties, hammered the Social Democrats and formed a government that has proven both viable and stable over the past four years.

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Jon Thunqvist | 2010-08-17

New Member Company: FGREC Corporation

Many companies join the SCCJ because of a connection with Sweden; many others would like to build a connection with Swedes and Swedish business. So it’s an interesting change to hear from Michiko Enomoto, president of FGREC Corporation (pronounced like “f-g-rec”). Basically I just hope to make some good friends in the Chamber!” she says.

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William Ross | 2010-07-26

The Communications Chairman Leaves Japan

After 13 active years with the SCCJ, and five as Communications Committee (ComCom) Chair, Mia Thunqvist is leaving Japan to return to Sweden. The Japan adventure included Japanese language studies, work at a city magazine, and project leader and writer at Text Inc. (now Next Inc.). Eight years ago, she became one of the first employees of IKEA Japan, and was part of starting up the first stores. She spoke with Kjell Fornander, who has been both her boss and a long-term colleague in ComCom.

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Kjell Fornander | 2010-07-12

Sweden Continues Making Inroads

One makes sure we look good; the other that our homes do. Swedish fashion and home furnishing retail giants H&M and IKEA have no plans to slow down their respective expansion in the Japanese market.

With IKEA having arrived in 2006 and H&M in 2008, the two companies are newcomers in a market that is (in)famous for valuing continuity and long-term commitment. One thing that companies—Swedish or not—have learned over the years is one cannot do a half-hearted launch in Japan.

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Jon Thunqvist | 2010-06-29