The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Advocacy
March 2016
Leadership Forum

American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

ACCJ Governance
The ACCJ follows global best practices for
governance of nonprofit business
organizations, including the use of the
principles of representative democracy.
All policy positions taken by the ACCJ undergo
a formal review process, which includes
approval by its elected leaders.

American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

A Unified Voice:
The ACCJ represents the collective
voice of its members

American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Advocacy Instruments
Core Advocacy Principles
Viewpoints
Public Comments
Press Releases
Advocacy Letters
Presentations
White Papers
American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

External Affairs Advisory Council

Constitution Article 5.21(a)(2)
Provides "advice and counsel to the President and the Board
regarding matters related to external affairs and shall review and
approve all policy statements prior to their issuance by the
Chamber
Approximately 20 members representing a range of committees
and industries
Chair:
Vice Chairs:

Eric Sedlak
Ryan Armstrong
Ernfred Olsen

American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

What Does EAAC Actually Do?

Review Viewpoints, public comments, white papers,
press releases
Confirm consistency with Core Advocacy Principles
Check for clarity and logical flow
Try to identify common ground when different
Committees have different positions
Work closely with dedicated and knowledgeable
professional staff in ACCJ External Affairs Department
Work with Committees and Task Forces to improve
the final products

American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Core Advocacy Principles

I.

Free Market Principles

A healthy economy that contributes to the welfare of all requires government

involvement as an effective regulator who is deeply committed to such free market
principles as competitive markets and free, and open trade and investment.
II.

Level Playing Field

Like market participants should be subject to the same laws in the same manner.
III.

Transparent and Fair Process

Transparency is essential to the regulatory process, improving the quality of

rulemaking and enforcement decisions by ensuring fairness, clarity and predictability.
IV.

Global Best Practices

Adoption of global best practices promotes efficiency and sound regulation and allows
regulators, the business community, and consumers to benefit from innovation and
expertise developed in other markets.

American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Core Advocacy Principles (contd)

V.

Corporate Social Responsibility

As good corporate citizens, the behavior of companies should serve and support the
communities in which they do business.
VI.

Solutions-Based Recommendations

In order to promote a better business environment, policy recommendations should be

constructive, solutions-based, cost-effective and founded on sound analysis to foster
economic growth, competition and innovation, providing customers with greater
choice, higher quality, and more convenience.
VII. U.S.-Japan Economic Integration and Regional Leadership
Enhanced U.S.Japan economic integration based on the foregoing core principles, is
the most effective way for both nations to work in concert to bolster the global freetrade system, strengthen their international competitiveness, overcome their shared
challenges, achieve sustainable growth and maintain regional prosperity and stability.

American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

2015 Advocacy

Health Care White Paper

Women in Business White Paper
Women's Health White Paper
15 Viewpoints
16 Public Comments

American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

2016 Advocacy Agenda

TPP Adoption in Japan and the U.S.
Advocacy Survey Thank You for Your
Feedback!
Abenomics Report
Washington DC Doorknock Preparation
Highlighting Cross-Sectoral Issues
Support from the Interested Committees

American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

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The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Advocacy Nuts and Bolts

American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

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Develop a Position
Leaders = Gate Keepers
Plan Ahead
Build Committee Consensus
Recommendations for Industry Benefit
Seek Synergy

American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

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ACCJ Review Process

To Ensure the Integrity of the ACCJ Brand
Consistency with Core Advocacy Principles
ALL Recommendations Need BOG/EAAC Approval
5-Working Days*
Review in English
Confirm Japanese Version
* Documents over 1,400 words require a longer review period.
American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

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Finalize the Position

Japanese Version
NOT Translation
Branding

American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

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Disseminate
U.S. Government
Japanese Government
Business Organizations
Media
Opinion Leaders

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The Virtuous Circle

Advocacy

Networking

Information

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Who to Contact?
External Affairs: External@accj.or.jp
Laura Younger, Executive Director: LYounger@accj.or.jp
Eric Sedlak, EAAC: ESedlak@jonesday.com
Ryan Armstrong, EAAC: RJArmstrong@aflac.com
Ernfred Olsen, EAAC: ErnfredOlsen@occ-japan.com

American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

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