The Organization
- VISION STATEMENT
The South African Chamber of Commerce in Japan was established in 2008 to promote trade and commerce as well as enhance friendship and cultural understanding between the two nations. The SACCJ strives to be a reliable first point of contact for businesses and individuals related to South Africa in Japan, and to provide our members with access to a wealth of information and contacts to assist in their projects, ventures and businesses.
- CONTACT US
South African Chamber of Commerce in Japan
c/o The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa
3F Oriken Hirakawa-cho Building, 2-1-1 Hirakawa-cho, Chiyokda-ku, Tokyo 102-0093
Fax: 03-3261-6445
c/o The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa
3F Oriken Hirakawa-cho Building, 2-1-1 Hirakawa-cho, Chiyokda-ku, Tokyo 102-0093
Fax: 03-3261-6445
- DIRECTORS
Takashi Kobayashi, ChairmanTakashi Kobayashi is working for Sasol Chemicals Japan KK as President. The company is a subsidiary of Sasol Ltd. offering a broad range of chemicals produced at Sasol global production facilities in South Africa and Germany using proprietary technology.
Jennifer Sakaguchi, Vice Chairman and Director, Communication CommitteeA 20-year resident of Japan, Jennifer serves as Marketing Director for Forevermark K.K., a member of the De Beers group of companies marketing Forevermark, De Beer's newly launched brand of preciously sourced, selected and crafted diamonds. Although Jennifer is American by citizenship, South Africa is very close to her heart, as the birthplace both of De Beers and the modern diamond industry, and the source of 12% of the world's diamonds.
Hisako Hankinson, Vice ChairmanHisako Hankinson serves as the Japan Representative of Platinum Guild International (PGI), an international organization dedicated to the promotion and marketing of platinum for jewellery. Funded by leading South African platinum producers and refiners who collectively produce 80% of the world's platinum, PGI works with the consumers and the jewellery trade to ensure that platinum jewellery continues to remain the number one jewellery of choice.
Clinton Gass, Director, Network CommitteeClinton has made Japan his home since 1993, but has continued to maintain close ties with South Africa through his involvement in the marketing of South African food and beverage products in Japan. Currently he serves as Managing Director for Rooibos Marketing Ltd, the largest distributor of bulk rooibos in Japan, while he also markets packaged teas through his own company, Gass Co., Ltd. Part time he is an instructor at McGill MBA Japan, Desautels Faculty of Management of McGill University.
Dermot Vibert, Director, Program CommitteeDermot Vibert, a Canadian, has resided in Japan for 21 years. He currently is Rio Tinto's Marketing Manager for Titanium Feedstocks and High Purity Iron in Japan and Korea. For the past 11 years Dermot has been responsible for the sales and marketing of products mined and smelted at Richards Bay Minerals, located in Kwazulu Natal Province, South Africa.
Kunio Katsunuma, Secretary GeneralKunio Katsunuma works for the South African Embassy as a Marketing Officer, and has been with the Embassy for 14 years. His job is to promote trade and investment between the two countries in the areas of minerals, energy, auto, electronics, and chemicals. Katsunuma-san was a member of the original Embassy task force which first sought to bring the SACCJ into being.
- BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mr. Michael A. Coombs
Representative Director & President, Tone Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Ltd.
Mr. Mitsutoshi Emoto
Director and Managing Executive Officer of Ito-chu Metals Corporation, and former Honorary Consul of South Africa in Kita-Kyushu
Representative Director & President, Tone Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Ltd.
Mr. Mitsutoshi Emoto
Director and Managing Executive Officer of Ito-chu Metals Corporation, and former Honorary Consul of South Africa in Kita-Kyushu
- New Year's message to the South African Chamber of Commerce in Japan (SACCJ)
from Ambassador-designate Gert J Grobler, South African Embassy, Tokyo
I arrived in Japan in November 2008 to take up my post as the Ambassador of South Africa to Japan, and even before my arrival, I was informed by my predecessor, Ambassador Ben Ngubane, of the encouraging news that the South African Chamber of Commerce in Japan (SACCJ) was established in Tokyo early in 2008.
It is a particular privilege to have been asked by the SACCJ in Japan to serve as its Honorary Chairman and I look forward to a close working relationship between the Embassy and the SACCJ, in the interest of actively promoting closer economic ties between South Africa, our region, SADC, and Japan.
It is indeed a great honour for me to have been appointed as Ambassador to Japan. Japan as the second largest economy of the world and a key political player in the international arena, serves as a valued and trusted strategic partner for South Africa. It is my Government's sincere desire to actively consolidate and further expand the already existing good bilateral relations between our two governments and peoples. The South African Embassy will therefore actively work towards achieving this goal.
As far as the African continent is concerned, South Africa welcomes the constructive approach and cooperation displayed by Japan at the G8 and TICAD IV meetings which Japan successfully hosted in 2008. In fact, the outcomes of these processes are very important and relevant to Africa's development and Japan's continued support for and commitments to Africa, backed-up by practical follow-up measures and concrete resources, are highly valued.
In preparing in South Africa for my post in Japan and based on my meetings and encounters since my arrival, it is more than evident that there is huge potential for the future expansion of bilateral relations not only in the economic sphere but also in terms of political cooperation between South Africa and Japan on global issues such as addressing the development challenges facing Africa, the international financial crisis, climate change and pressing multilateral issues such as more effective multilateralism through the reform of the UN and the international financial architecture. On bilateral level, South Africa furthermore would want to work towards closer cooperation with Japan in various other sectors i.e. energy, minerals, cultural and academic exchanges, science and technology, education, agriculture, health and safety and security.
Japan is one of South Africa's most important economic partners globally. In fact, Japan is one of South Africa's top three trading partners globally and a key market for inter alia our minerals, precious metals and other natural resources. But Japan is also an important partner for us in terms of contributing her skills and expertise to support South African government's programmes such as ASGISA (Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa) and JIPSA (Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition), for which we owe Japan our gratitude.
The South African economy has been growing steadily and in fact, South Africa was fortunate to mark nine consecutive years of economic expansion up to 2008. South Africa's finances are in order, our banks are sound, our investment plans are in place, and our course is firmly directed at our long-term growth and development challenges. South Africa, as all countries around the globe, is also affected by the international financial crisis. We are, however, given our human and natural resources, confident that we will ride out this storm, whatever it takes, on the strength of a vision and a plan of action, initiated by government in close consultation with business and labour.
Following five years of economic expansion since 2002 of 5 per cent a year, the revised GDP growth estimate for South Africa for 2008 is approximately 3.7 per cent, somewhat below our initial forecast at the beginning of 2008, due to external factors.
In 2009, South Africa expects to grow by 3 per cent, accelerating moderately in 2010 and beyond, as the global economy begins to recover. Continuing investment in infrastructure, to the value of 500 billion rands over the next five years, will contribute to the momentum of growth in South Africa
South Africa will be hosting the FIFA Soccer World Cup in 2010 and it is estimated that this event would have contributed between R50 billion to R55 billion to South Africa's GDP between 2006 and 2010.
Navigating our way in this changed economic environment, due to the current global economic slowdown, will be tough, but South Africa, as already mentioned, will continue to expand and improve public services and invest in infrastructure, which is required for future growth.
Japan has well established trade and investment links with South Africa which continue to grow. In fact, South Africa and Japan's total trade doubled between 2004 and 2007, to its current level of almost 90 billion rand. We believe that huge potential exists to further enhance the economic interaction between South Africa and Japan, to mutual benefit.
What is also of significance is that South Africa is part of the vibrant Southern African Development Community (SADC), which in August 2008 launched the SADC Free Trade Area which will further enhance the economic integration of the region. These exciting developments will inter alia create attractive trade and investment opportunities in a growing market with a combined population of 180 million people in fifteen member states. It is imperative that Japanese business note these positive economic developments and actively explore the resultant economic opportunities.
It is against this background of positive and exciting developments in South Africa and the region, that I fully support the establishment and objectives of the SACCJ.
The Embassy therefore looks forward to working closely with the SACCJ on concrete and practical ways to achieve our mutual goal of actively enhancing economic ties, be it through trade, investment, technology transfer, skills development etc. between South Africa and Japan. The Embassy stands ready to, jointly with the SACCJ, provide appropriate information on economic opportunities in South Africa and the region.
I wish the SACCJ well in its endeavours and a highly productive 2009.
Yours sincerely
Mr GJ Grobler
Ambassador
Tokyo, 07 January 2009
It is a particular privilege to have been asked by the SACCJ in Japan to serve as its Honorary Chairman and I look forward to a close working relationship between the Embassy and the SACCJ, in the interest of actively promoting closer economic ties between South Africa, our region, SADC, and Japan.
It is indeed a great honour for me to have been appointed as Ambassador to Japan. Japan as the second largest economy of the world and a key political player in the international arena, serves as a valued and trusted strategic partner for South Africa. It is my Government's sincere desire to actively consolidate and further expand the already existing good bilateral relations between our two governments and peoples. The South African Embassy will therefore actively work towards achieving this goal.
As far as the African continent is concerned, South Africa welcomes the constructive approach and cooperation displayed by Japan at the G8 and TICAD IV meetings which Japan successfully hosted in 2008. In fact, the outcomes of these processes are very important and relevant to Africa's development and Japan's continued support for and commitments to Africa, backed-up by practical follow-up measures and concrete resources, are highly valued.
In preparing in South Africa for my post in Japan and based on my meetings and encounters since my arrival, it is more than evident that there is huge potential for the future expansion of bilateral relations not only in the economic sphere but also in terms of political cooperation between South Africa and Japan on global issues such as addressing the development challenges facing Africa, the international financial crisis, climate change and pressing multilateral issues such as more effective multilateralism through the reform of the UN and the international financial architecture. On bilateral level, South Africa furthermore would want to work towards closer cooperation with Japan in various other sectors i.e. energy, minerals, cultural and academic exchanges, science and technology, education, agriculture, health and safety and security.
Japan is one of South Africa's most important economic partners globally. In fact, Japan is one of South Africa's top three trading partners globally and a key market for inter alia our minerals, precious metals and other natural resources. But Japan is also an important partner for us in terms of contributing her skills and expertise to support South African government's programmes such as ASGISA (Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa) and JIPSA (Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition), for which we owe Japan our gratitude.
The South African economy has been growing steadily and in fact, South Africa was fortunate to mark nine consecutive years of economic expansion up to 2008. South Africa's finances are in order, our banks are sound, our investment plans are in place, and our course is firmly directed at our long-term growth and development challenges. South Africa, as all countries around the globe, is also affected by the international financial crisis. We are, however, given our human and natural resources, confident that we will ride out this storm, whatever it takes, on the strength of a vision and a plan of action, initiated by government in close consultation with business and labour.
Following five years of economic expansion since 2002 of 5 per cent a year, the revised GDP growth estimate for South Africa for 2008 is approximately 3.7 per cent, somewhat below our initial forecast at the beginning of 2008, due to external factors.
In 2009, South Africa expects to grow by 3 per cent, accelerating moderately in 2010 and beyond, as the global economy begins to recover. Continuing investment in infrastructure, to the value of 500 billion rands over the next five years, will contribute to the momentum of growth in South Africa
South Africa will be hosting the FIFA Soccer World Cup in 2010 and it is estimated that this event would have contributed between R50 billion to R55 billion to South Africa's GDP between 2006 and 2010.
Navigating our way in this changed economic environment, due to the current global economic slowdown, will be tough, but South Africa, as already mentioned, will continue to expand and improve public services and invest in infrastructure, which is required for future growth.
Japan has well established trade and investment links with South Africa which continue to grow. In fact, South Africa and Japan's total trade doubled between 2004 and 2007, to its current level of almost 90 billion rand. We believe that huge potential exists to further enhance the economic interaction between South Africa and Japan, to mutual benefit.
What is also of significance is that South Africa is part of the vibrant Southern African Development Community (SADC), which in August 2008 launched the SADC Free Trade Area which will further enhance the economic integration of the region. These exciting developments will inter alia create attractive trade and investment opportunities in a growing market with a combined population of 180 million people in fifteen member states. It is imperative that Japanese business note these positive economic developments and actively explore the resultant economic opportunities.
It is against this background of positive and exciting developments in South Africa and the region, that I fully support the establishment and objectives of the SACCJ.
The Embassy therefore looks forward to working closely with the SACCJ on concrete and practical ways to achieve our mutual goal of actively enhancing economic ties, be it through trade, investment, technology transfer, skills development etc. between South Africa and Japan. The Embassy stands ready to, jointly with the SACCJ, provide appropriate information on economic opportunities in South Africa and the region.
I wish the SACCJ well in its endeavours and a highly productive 2009.
Yours sincerely
Mr GJ Grobler
Ambassador
Tokyo, 07 January 2009
- ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Directors would like to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of Eugene Brockman, Deputy Director
of the Communication Committee, in bringing this website to fruition.
of the Communication Committee, in bringing this website to fruition.
- Endorsement of South Africa Tourism
The Country Manager of South African Tourism, Mr Bradley Brouwer, Welcomes You.
Welcome to the SACCJ web site! South African Tourism is proud to be an Associate Member of the SACCJ and fully supports the organisation for the wonderful work it is doing in Japan. With all the many South African companies represented, the SACCJ is sure to offer you everything you need to know about our diverse and culturally rich country.
South African Tourism is pleased that more and more Japanese are visiting our country, and more areas in South Africa, helping to create jobs and strengthen the economy. Highly recommended "Iconic" sites include Table Mountain; Robyn Island; Seal Island; Boulders Penguin Beach, the V&A Waterfront, the world-renowned Kimberly Diamond Mine, The Blyde River Canyon (the only Green Canyon in the world); the entire Panorama Route in Mpumalanga; Kruger National Park; Nelson Mandela Square; The Hector Petersen Memorial in Soweto; the homes of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu (both Nobel Peace Prize Lauriats); the Cango Caves, and more. South Africa also offers not-to-miss experiences, such as traveling on The Blue Train; taking the Trans Karoo to see the Namaqualand Daisies; visiting Ostrich farms and Wine Estates; surfing at Cozy Bay; and of course Gauteng's stunning display of thousands of Jacaranda trees in purple bloom – South Africa's answer to Japan's "Sakura".
Japanese visitors always comment on South Africa's friendly people, our vast open spaces, our game parks and animals, and most of all our scenic beauty. I personally invite you to visit our website and come and visit the South African Tourism Offices in Akasaka to learn more about South Africa.
South Africa Tourism Office Address:
South African Tourism Akasaka Lions Building 2F,
1-1-2 Moto Akasaka, Minato-ku,
Tokyo, Japan 107-0051
Tel: + 81 (0)3 3478 7601
Fax: + 81 (0)3 3478 7605 or + 27 866 930561
Welcome to the SACCJ web site! South African Tourism is proud to be an Associate Member of the SACCJ and fully supports the organisation for the wonderful work it is doing in Japan. With all the many South African companies represented, the SACCJ is sure to offer you everything you need to know about our diverse and culturally rich country.
South African Tourism is pleased that more and more Japanese are visiting our country, and more areas in South Africa, helping to create jobs and strengthen the economy. Highly recommended "Iconic" sites include Table Mountain; Robyn Island; Seal Island; Boulders Penguin Beach, the V&A Waterfront, the world-renowned Kimberly Diamond Mine, The Blyde River Canyon (the only Green Canyon in the world); the entire Panorama Route in Mpumalanga; Kruger National Park; Nelson Mandela Square; The Hector Petersen Memorial in Soweto; the homes of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu (both Nobel Peace Prize Lauriats); the Cango Caves, and more. South Africa also offers not-to-miss experiences, such as traveling on The Blue Train; taking the Trans Karoo to see the Namaqualand Daisies; visiting Ostrich farms and Wine Estates; surfing at Cozy Bay; and of course Gauteng's stunning display of thousands of Jacaranda trees in purple bloom – South Africa's answer to Japan's "Sakura".
Japanese visitors always comment on South Africa's friendly people, our vast open spaces, our game parks and animals, and most of all our scenic beauty. I personally invite you to visit our website and come and visit the South African Tourism Offices in Akasaka to learn more about South Africa.
South Africa Tourism Office Address:
South African Tourism Akasaka Lions Building 2F,
1-1-2 Moto Akasaka, Minato-ku,
Tokyo, Japan 107-0051
Tel: + 81 (0)3 3478 7601
Fax: + 81 (0)3 3478 7605 or + 27 866 930561