Hiroko's Hitokoto

Did you make a plan for the golden week holidays coming up next week? For those of you who are not going overseas, there are lots of interesting towns in Tokyo where you can hang out. The newest one is Harumi Triton in Kachidoki. It's a group of apartments, office buildings, shopping mall, restaurants and a theater -- which just opened last Saturday. Last year, Odaiba opened and it became THE place to go on a date. Before that, Queen's Square in Yokohama was the place to be seen. QSY is located right next to the ocean, and still looks good 6 years after it opened. Then of course there is Ebisu Garden Place, Tokyo Disneyland, and Universal Studios in Osaka. The only problem? Lots and lots of people... But anyway, let's hope the weather will hold for Golden Week!

I commute on the bus every day, and often see freshmen off to their new offices and little kids going to kindergarten. One morning, I saw a kid doze off on the bus. Poor little tike was obviously really tired and looked like he was going to miss his stop. But somehow he woke up just in time, and got off at the right stop. Amazing. He's definitely got the Japanese habit of being able to take a nap on the ride, though he is only 5 or 6 years old! I believe it's one of those Japanese habits, being able to fall asleep while commuting -- just like bowing your head when speaking on the phone, even though the other person can't see you. Yes, if you live Japan too long, you too will start to fall asleep on the train....

Have you been seeing lots of freshmen on the streets while out and about visiting clients? I see them as being the "Springtime" of the employment cycle. It's the custom that all freshmen wear new suits and shirts and carry a huge bag around. They really stand out, giving new meaning to the word "Fresh-men (and women). As you may know, the number of job seekers and the jobs available are mis-matched. These days companies are looking for more skilled/experienced people, and so the employment environment for these freshmen is becoming rather severe. I wonder if these people will see the next generation like I see them... recalling our own first spring in our careers.

The funding for Layer-8 Technologies (which we're nicknaming L8T to keep it short) will have closed by the time you read this newsletter. There are still some more documents for me to handle, but now L8T is on its way. Time for the team to now do its thing, and accelerate the business forward. The expectations by the investor are high, and everyone who is involved in the deal hopes that L8T will have a major part to play in the upcoming mobile market both here in Japan and overseas. Now Goro's team needs everyone's support. Please wish them the best of luck!