ITV

Tag: Japan

  • Henrique Braun gets promoted to EVP & COO at The Coca-Cola Co

    Henrique Braun gets promoted to EVP & COO at The Coca-Cola Co

    MUMBAI: Come the new year and Henrique Braun will be carrying a new designation at The Coca-Cola Co. Last week, he was named executive vice-president & chief operating officer.  In his expanded role, Braun will be responsible for all of the company’s operating units worldwide. He will report to chairman &  CEO James Quincey.

    Braun currently serves as EVP & president, international development, overseeing the company’s operating units for Latin America; Japan & South Korea; Asean & south Pacific; Greater China and Mongolia; Africa; India & southwest Asia; and Eurasia and Middle East.

    As COO, Braun will  add oversight of the north America and Europe operating units.

    “Henrique has built an impressive track record of driving our growth strategy along with numerous operational accomplishments, all while keeping the consumer as the center of decisions,” Quincey said. “He has proven to be a trusted, strategic leader with a reputation for developing talent and delivering results.”

    Prior to his current role, Braun served as president of the Latin America operating unit from 2020 to 2022 and as president of the Brazil business unit from 2016 to 2020. From 2013 to 2016, he was president of the company’s Greater China & Korea business unit.

    Braun, 56, joined The Coca-Cola Co in 1996 in Atlanta and progressed through roles of increasing responsibilities in north America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Those positions included supply chain, new business development, marketing, innovation, general management and bottling operations. Braun has served in regional, business unit and corporate functions.

    “I am energised and honored to take on this broader role and look forward to partnering with James, our executive leadership team, bottling partners and associates to deliver on our total beverage strategy and drive growth across the company and our system worldwide,” Braun said.

    The following leaders will report to Braun:
    Selman Careaga, president, ASEAN & South Pacific operating unit;
    Nikos Koumettis, president, Europe operating unit;
    Gilles Leclerc, president, Greater China and Mongolia operating unit;
    Jennifer Mann, EVP and president, North America operating unit;
    Luisa Ortega, president, Africa operating unit;
    Murat Ozgel, president, Japan & South Korea operating unit;
    Bruno Pietracci, president, Latin America operating unit;
    Sanket Ray, president, India & Southwest Asia operating unit;
    Sedef Salingan Sahin, president, Eurasia and Middle East operating unit.

    Braun holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from the University Federal of Rio de Janeiro, a master’s of science degree from Michigan State University and an MBA from Georgia State University.

  • Hiroshi Hamada appointed as Yakult Danone India MD

    Hiroshi Hamada appointed as Yakult Danone India MD

    Mumbai: Probiotic food company Yakult Danone India has announced the appointment of Hiroshi Hamada as managing director effective 4 April. Hamada took charge from Minoru Shimada who had led the company, a 50:50 JV between global probiotic majors Yakult Honsha, Japan and Groupe Danone of France for over ten years.

    With more than 33 years of experience in the corporate world, Hamada has had a chequered career in different verticals, which include accounts, corporate planning, sales and marketing. “Based in New Delhi at Yakult India’s head office, he will be leading the business operations for the Indian market,” said the statement.

    During his tenure at Yakult Honsha, the parent company located in Japan, Hamada was instrumental in the establishment of the Yakult European Research Institute in Belgium and played a critical role in joint clinical trials with the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED), Kolkata, according to the company. He also played a pivotal role in building an effective home delivery business model in Yakult Indonesia, before moving to Yakult Malaysia as marketing director for six years.

    “Probiotics is not new to India, but we continue to engage, propagate and educate the health benefits of the unique probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) in Yakult which is scientifically validated to improve intestinal health and build immunity,” said Hiroshi Hamada. “India offers immense opportunities for us by its vast consumer base and its diverse geography.”

  • Nippon TV inks licensing deal with Netflix

    Nippon TV inks licensing deal with Netflix

    Mumbai: Nippon TV, Japan’s multiplatform entertainment company, has partnered with Netflix for the first time to make 30 of its biggest drama series and entertainment shows available outside Japan, all across Asia.

    The first 15 titles have just started to stream in October. Titles include its mega-hit 2011 drama series “I’m Mita,” “Your Housekeeper,” whose last episode broke records with a 40 per cent viewer rating in Japan and has also been successful as a scripted format and licensed to Korea; “Death Note,” which is a live-action drama based on its widely popular comic series, and “Tokyo Tarareba Girls,” which is also remade from the hit comic series that saw over 1.8 million copies printed throughout Japan.

    From December, another 15 titles will be added, including the 2019 award-winning drama series “Mr Hiiragi’s Homeroom,” “Your Turn to Kill,” and “Life’s Punchline,” which was broadcast this year with almost 14 million total views to date on TVer, a VOD streaming service in Japan. 

    Entertainment shows as part of this deal include the highly popular adventure variety show “The Quest,” and the contest show “Masquerade,” which is one of Nippon TV’s longest-running programs with its over 40 years history.

    “We are very pleased to announce that Netflix will be offering our content to its audience across Asia,” stated Nippon TV head of finished program sales, international business development Keisuke Miyata. “This region is a key part of our continued growth, and now coupled with Netflix’s strength as one of the world’s leading streaming platforms, we are confident that Nippon TV’s titles will be well received by viewers in this prominent new territory for us.”

  • Nippon TV elevates Yoshikuni Sugiyama as new president

    New Delhi: Nippon TV, Japan’s leading multiplatform entertainment powerhouse has elevated its representative director and operating officer Yoshikuni Sugiyama to the role of president and senior executive operating officer.

    He replaces Yoshinobu Kosugi who will be taking the new position of vice chairman and senior executive operating officer of Nippon TV. “President Sugiyama will report to vice chairman and senior executive operating officer Yoshinobu Kosugi and chairman and CEO Yoshio Okubo,” it said in a statement.

    Having had significant growth in its international business, Keiichi Sawa, currently operating officer responsible for Nippon TV’s Global Business Development, which includes International Business Development (IBD), has been promoted to Board Director and operating officer for that division. 

    Board Director Sawa will be responsible for Business Development and Real Estate. He will report to President Sugiyama.

    Nippon TV’s recent scripted format Mother was recently ranked #1 in the Top 10 Traveling Asian Scripted Formats, and Nippon TV also ranked for the first time in the Top Exporter of Asian Unscripted Formats 2020-2021, achieving the third position. The global sales of Mute it!, Sokkuri Sweets, BLOCK OUT, Pharaoh!, Old Enough! and other unscripted formats led to this position, as per the data provided by K7 Media in May 2021.

  • SPNI acquires broadcast rights for 2021 MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE

    New Delhi: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has acquired the exclusive television & digital rights for the 29th season of Japan Professional Football League – MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE, till December 2021.

    The broadcast territories will include India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The matches will be aired LIVE on SONY TEN 2 channels in India and livestreamed on SonyLIV, SPN’s OTT streaming platform.

    Football is the second most popular sport in Japan and that can be witnessed through the lens of the Japan Professional Football Association who manages their professional football league – MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE. The 29th season began in the month of February with 20 clubs participating in the league.

    The league has made improvement in competitiveness through events such as the Fuji Xerox Super Cup and YBC Levain Cup which helped the country in nurturing great football talents like Shinji Kagawa, Takumi Minamino, Yuto Nagatomo and many more. These players can now be seen playing for some of the biggest teams across Europe.

    MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE is the top division of MEIJI YASUDA J. LEAGUE and also one of the most successful leagues in Asian club football. The league has been home to some of the most exciting players from across Europe such as Diego Forlan, Lukas Podolski, Hulk, Jorginho and Andreas Iniesta among others, said the network in a statement on Thursday.

  • M&M hires Toru Saito as President & CEO of Mitsubishi Mahindra Agricultural Machineries

    M&M hires Toru Saito as President & CEO of Mitsubishi Mahindra Agricultural Machineries

    New Delhi: Home-grown multinational automotive manufacturing corporation Mahindra and Mahindra on Monday appointed Toru Saito as the president and CEO of Mitsubishi Mahindra Agricultural Machinery Co Ltd (MAM), Japan.

    He will also be a representative director on the board of MAM, which has played a key role in establishing Mahindra as a global player in the area of tractor and farm implements. 

    Saito carries over three decades of experience with Nissan Motors and Audi Japan. For the past six years, he was associated with Audi. Before joining Mahindra, he was president, Audi Japan Sales KK.

    ”Our endeavour is to bring on board top global talent to support our ambitious growth plans,” said M&M executive director and chairman of the board of directors, Rajesh Jejurikar. “Saito brings with him global cross-functional experience. I am sure under his leadership MAM will continue its transformative journey and meet the commitments of a profitable growth.”

  • Nippon TV heads to Series Mania Forum with three new scripted formats

    Nippon TV heads to Series Mania Forum with three new scripted formats

    TOKYO: Nippon Television Network Corporation (Nippon TV), Japan’s leading multiplatform entertainment powerhouse, announced that the company has been officially invited by Laurence Herszberg, founder-general director of Series Mania, to be the first Japanese company to attend Series Mania Forum.

    The company plans to highlight its hit list of scripted titles including Mother, Woman –My Life for My Children-, Abandoned, as well as introduce three of its newest scripted formats, including Top Knife, Off The Record, and Our Dearest Sakura. The announcement was made by KakoKuwahara, Managing Director, International Business Development, Nippon TV.

    In addition, Nippon TV will be hosting a one-hour showcase focusing on how its award-winning drama series, led by Mother and Woman – My Life for My Children, were created and went on to become international hits around the world. On stage during the showcase will be the producer Hisashi Tsugiya from the production department of Nippon TV, who is credited with creating and producing both series along with many others. Also on stage will be Incognita CEO Édouard de Vésinne, who is the producer of the upcoming French version of Mother. The showcase is set for Wednesday, March 25 at 15:15 (3:15pm) at the Salle Artois, followed by networking cocktails at the Lille Grand PalaisMatisse space cocktail room.

    “Since moving to Lille in 2018, Series Mania Forum has truly become the place in Europe where scripted professionals can find the best talent and projects in development, discover new trends, and connect with the top industry players. This is why we are so pleased that Nippon TV accepted our invitation for this year’s event as the first Japanese company officially attending Series Mania Forum and hosting a showcase. We look forward to putting a spotlight on Nippon TV’s content for all of the industry leaders in the global scripted world and welcoming the team to Lille,” said Herszberg.

    “I am delighted to represent Nippon TV as the first Japanese company to host a showcase at Series Mania. When I create my series, I have always focused on the theme of family and its relationships through my dramas such as Mother, Woman –My Life for My Children – and a none. I think this is a theme that is relatable throughout the world at any time. With the big win for Parasite at the Oscars this year, it is a wonderful time to create drama series from Asia. I firmly believe that strong stories from Japan are relevant today and I look forward to meeting many creators from around the world at Series Mania,” stated Tsugiya.

    “We are delighted to have been invited to Series Mania Forum. Our series Mother and Woman –My Life for My Children-are both universal stories that have garnered us a wide recognition in the international market, and we are proud to be able to showcase all of our series to the industry leaders attending Series Mania. Our producer, Tsugiya, is very much looking forward to talking about his creation process and we welcome all participants to join the discussion. We also believe this is the perfect venue for unveiling our three new scripted formats,” added Kuwahara.

  • ISRO sees rise in third party satellite launches

    ISRO sees rise in third party satellite launches

    MUMBAI: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is slowly but surely making its mark as far as its satellite launch services are concerned. Consider: in 2018-19 it pocketed Rs 324.19 crore courtesy its launch capabilities as against Rs 232.56 crore in the year before. That’s a decent 35 per cent plus growth in income from launches.

    This information was given out in a reply to a question raised in the Rajya Sabha to union minister for atomic energy and space Jitendra Singh late last week.

    Singh further disclosed that ISRO earned Rs 1,245.17 crore during the last five years by launching satellites from 26 countries. Additionally, it has signed contracts with 10 countries –  the US, the UK, Germany, Canada, Singapore, Netherlands, Japan, Malaysia, Algeria, and France  over the same period under commercial arrangements.

    India has till date put into orbit 319 foreign satellites.

  • P&G rolls out innovative, connected products at CES 2019

    P&G rolls out innovative, connected products at CES 2019

    LAS VEGAS: Can an FMCG company go the connected product route too?

    Well the Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble obviously believes that's the way to go. At a press conference today, the global major unveiled six products at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas during CES 2019. The purpose according to a press release it issued is to share “how the company is leveraging cutting edge technologies to develop new products and enhance everyday experiences for consumers around the world” at the world’s preeminent showcase for global innovation.

    Among the six products it featured include:
    SK-II’s Future X Smart Store, transforming beauty retail shopping with facial recognition and gesture-driven “phygital” experiences, augmented by SK-II’s proprietary skin science and diagnostics. 
    Team SK II marketing director global operations Sandeep Seth spoke at length about SKII’s smart bottle which recommends and rewards users for successful applications of the serum. He, however, revealed that the focus of the brand will be China and Japan, the place where the SKII has some seven to eight per cent marketshare. “India is sometime away,” he said.

    Olay’s Skin Advisor platform, which uses artificial intelligence to provide personalised skincare analysis and recommendations by analyzing selfies and a short questionnaire.

    The Oral-B Genius X toothbrush, which uses artificial intelligence to recognise how users are brushing and provides personalised feedback that leads to better brushing, and superior oral health. Company officials say that product pricing has not been fixed as yet, it is expected to be in the $200-250 range.

    The new Heated Razor by GilletteLabs, which features a warming bar that heats up in less than one second and elevates the shave experience, delivering the pleasure of a hot towel shave with every stroke.  The focus, according to company executives, is to make the shaving experience a comfortable one for users. “Other innovations can follow,” said they.

    Opté Precision Skincare System combines camera optics, proprietary algorithms, printing technology and skincare in one device that scans the skin, detects hyperpigmentation and applies corrective serum with precision application to reveal the natural beauty of skin. The corrective serum is available in  light, medium and dark shades and one fill of the serum in the applicator lasts for about 60 applications. 

    AIRIA, a smart home fragrance system that uses patented, capillary action and heating technology to establish scent-enhancing ambiance with the touch of a button.

    DS3 range of  personal care products which feature compressed serves of detergent, handwash, detergent. “The products will be great for travellers as they and their packaging is fully dissolvable with water on use,” said a company official. “And they are very compact just a few inches in size.”

    “We’re living in a time of mass disruption, where the exponential power of technology combined with shifting societal and environmental forces are transforming consumer experiences every day,” says P&G chief brand officer Marc Pritchard. “P&G is integrating cutting-edge technologies into everyday products and services to improve people’s lives. We’re combining what’s needed with what’s possible. By answering the question, ‘what if,’ we’re delivering irresistibly superior consumer experiences.”

    “We’re innovating faster than ever, combining more than 180 years of capability with the entrepreneurial spirit of a lean startup,” said P&G chief research, development & innovation officer, Kathy Fish. “As consumers are changing, so are we. What remains the same is our focus on deeply understanding how consumers live, work and play so we know precisely what they want. When we combine breakthrough science and technologies with this deep consumer understanding, we’re able to deliver transformative innovations that improve life every day.”

    The company is scheduled to unveil additional products on Tuesday in P&G’s LifeLab exhibit when CES opens to the public. P&G promises an immersive experience that highlights how the company’s approach to innovation and partnership-building is creating the products consumers want, often before they even know they want them, says the company press release.  

  • Hulu Japan says hello to Indian content

    Hulu Japan says hello to Indian content

    MUMBAI: The world has been amazed with Japan's anime and now it's time for role reversal. While international over the top (OTT) giants like Netflix and Amazon are already playing an active game in India, Hulu Japan has also arrived in search of content.

    A fireside chat with Hulu Japan CCO Kazufumi Nagasawa was conducted at Vidnet 2018 hosted by Indiantelevision.com powered by Verizon which had ZEE5 as title partner. The session was moderated by Indiantelevision.com founder and CEO Anil Wanvari.

    Nagasawa said that the Japanese market is crowded with OTT platforms, majority focusing on SVOD service and a few on AVOD model. He claimed Hulu Japan stands with 1.8 million paying subscribers with more than 50,000 hours of content. Talking about the company making room for Indian content in the Japanese market, Nagasawa said that the plan is to offer Swastik Productions' Porus in its content line-up with Japanese subtitles.

    He added, “We prefer period drama and are usually not excited for miniseries. Moreover, I got a chance to look at the Porus trailer at Mipcom and I was fascinated by it.” Baahubali was also another option that the company had offered to the Japanese viewers which worked well with them.

    Apart from this, Hulu acquired Turkish and Russian shows and its performance did better than their expectations. “The reason for acquiring Indian content is because it is affordable as compared to Turkish content. Because of the given resources that we have, we need to be very choosy. In the next two years, we might acquire Indian shows including Tamil, Telugu and Kannada among others but with subtitles as we cannot afford to dub them.” He also said that in 2019, its plan is to focus on developing original content and to be less dependent on studio content (American).

    Hulu Japan was initially launched in the US in 2011. Then it got acquired by Nippon TV in 2014. Nagasawa said that Hulu is a pure SVOD service and that is its primary focus. “We have 50,000 hours of content and out of that, 3000 are films and the rest are series. As far as content from domestic and international markets is concerned, 60 to 65 per cent are from domestic and the rest is from international, which is mostly from US. We actually launched our service with pure US content initially because we couldn’t get local content, especially from broadcasters.”

    He further said that now most of the content the company gets is from its parent Nippon TV and the content that it provides is catch-up, exclusive content, drama series, extra footage etc.

    When it comes to age diversification, Nagasawa said that initially, men were majority users. Right now it is 50:50 and especially the audience from Nippon TV has a big skew to women. "This happened because we started US drama series. Half of the consumption comes from living room set and majority of the users are watching on mobile that means many users are using multiple devices to watch content. In terms of hours, living room is most important but that doesn’t mean people doesn’t use mobile,” he concluded.