Message from the Chairman

I am very happy to have this opportunity to serve as Chairman of HIBA. When I first arrived in Hokkaido 9 years ago I realized very quickly that this is a unique and beautiful place, and somewhere I wanted to stay long term. I sensed then and I feel even more so today that Hokkaido is a land of opportunity, a land for pioneers, in many ways the frontier of Japan and of Asia. Hokkaido's people have a unique energy and spirit, friendly, outgoing and somehow stoic all at the same time. Throughout it's history Hokkaido has been uniquely international, with Otau Port at one time being one of only three in Japan open to international trade, and people like Professor William Clark, famous for his quote: "Boys, be Ambitious!", contributing greatly to its development. It is my opinion that Hokkaido has the potential to become an international hub and trade gateway to Asia. With the Port of Tomakomai and Chitose International Airport being the closest points between the Asian and North American continents, and a strong existing infrastructure, all the peices are there. It just requires enterprising people to put those pieces together. I believe HIBA is the place where those people will meet, and the organization which will help make this happen.

HIBA is also here to support the local foreign population. It is not easy starting and running a business in any country, and this is made even more difficult when one is not a native of the language and culture. When I was first starting my company there were a million hurdles to overcome. I was unaware of the existence of HIBA at that time, and I would have benefitted greatly from being able to talk to those who had done it before me, and to find English speaking professionals like accountants, lawyers, and bankers. HIBA provides a network of mentors and service professionals who can help someone get their start. Every year thousands of people come to Hokkaido, realize how great the quality of life is here, and want to stay long term. Starting a business is one of the best ways to procure a visa and build a life here. There are many examples of foreign businesspeople who have done just that, and are today contributing greatly to Hokkaido's economy and culture.

I beleive we are entering a new chapter in Hokkaido's history, with Niseko providing the flagship model of foreign investment, the Hokkaido International School growing and opening a new campus in Niseko, the opening of the new International Terminal at Chitose AIrport last year, and the Japanese government reforming immigration requirements to make it easier for qualified foreign workers to enter and stay long term starting next July. I am excited to be living and doing business in Hokkaido at this time, and I look forward to helping anyone with similar dreams and ambitions, whether they be a foreigner wishing to start a new business venture here, or a Japanese businessperson looking to enter the international market.

Sincerely,

Evan Burkosky
HIBA Chairman