PSPINC CEO Kenichi Uchikura's Blog

Pros and Cons of EVs — It All Depends on What You Expect From Your Car

 

Electric vehicles (EVs) have become a hot topic in recent years, with strong opinions on both sides. But in reality, whether an EV is a good choice for you depends entirely on how you use your car and what you expect from it.

 

I own one EV and one hybrid, and I have no plans to go all-EV. EVs can be a great choice for daily commuters—especially those driving predictable routes with access to charging at home or work. The smooth drive, quiet operation, and lower “fuel” costs make them appealing.

 

It’s true that EVs are generally more expensive than gas-powered cars, but the current $7,500 federal tax credit can help make them more affordable. However, this incentive ends on October 1, and when it does, new EV sales could take a significant hit.

 

On the flip side, if your car is part of your work equipment—whether you’re in sales covering large territories, running service calls, or transporting goods—EVs can be a major limitation. Charging takes time, and range anxiety is real when your job depends on getting somewhere on time.

 

For those who are pro-environment, EVs also project a certain image—owning one can signal your commitment to greener living. But it’s important to remember that while EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, they still have an environmental footprint from battery production to electricity sourcing. Sometimes, EV ownership is as much about making a statement as it is about helping the planet.

 

In the end, an EV is neither inherently good nor bad—it’s simply a tool. Like any tool, it works best when matched to the right job.

 

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/536883/on-october-1-the-ev-tax-credit-of-7500

 

 

 

 

 

The Great Advertisement That Wasn’t Planned

 

When controversy first started brewing around this ad, American Eagle initially considered pulling it. However, the public’s reaction went in the opposite direction. Stores became packed with customers, and the company’s stock price soared.

 

From a business standpoint, the data was undeniable — the campaign was driving massive foot traffic, brand awareness, and sales. Instead of retreating, American Eagle made the strategic decision to double down on the campaign, maximizing the momentum and turning unexpected controversy into a powerful marketing advantage.

 

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/536882/the-great-advertisement-that-wasnt

 

 

 

Why U.S. Cars Struggle to Sell in Japan

 

Despite the popularity of American culture in Japan, U.S.-made cars have never gained a strong foothold in the Japanese market. The reasons go far beyond personal taste—they are tied to structural, economic, and cultural factors that make it difficult for American automakers to compete.

 

1. Size Matters
American cars tend to be larger, both in length and width, than Japanese roads and parking spaces are designed for. In Japan’s dense cities, where narrow streets and compact parking spaces are the norm, maneuvering a full-size American sedan or SUV is simply impractical for many drivers.

 

2. Car License Tax Based on Vehicle Size
Japan’s car license tax system heavily favors smaller vehicles. The larger the car’s engine displacement and dimensions, the higher the annual tax. This immediately puts U.S. cars—which often have larger engines—at a financial disadvantage compared to compact Japanese models.

 

3. Consumption Tax Favoring Domestic Manufacturers
While Japan applies a standard consumption tax, certain subsidies, incentives, and tax breaks are structured in ways that benefit domestic automakers. This makes locally produced cars more affordable and attractive to consumers than imported alternatives.

 

4. Support Infrastructure and Dealer Network
Japanese automakers have extensive dealership networks across the country, providing easy access to sales, maintenance, and parts. U.S. automakers, by contrast, have far fewer dealerships, which means less convenience for potential buyers. Without a strong network, after-sales support becomes a major concern.

 

5. Availability of Skilled Mechanics
Most mechanics in Japan are trained primarily on domestic brands. Specialized knowledge, diagnostic tools, and parts for American cars are harder to find, leading to longer repair times and higher maintenance costs for owners.

 

Conclusion
For U.S. automakers, breaking into the Japanese market has always been a challenge. Without adapting vehicle design, pricing, and support infrastructure to Japan’s unique environment, American cars will continue to remain a niche choice for a small group of enthusiasts rather than a mainstream option.

 

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/536831/why-us-cars-struggle-to-sell-in-japan

 

 

 

Starting October 1, 2025, the State of Washington will begin requiring businesses like ours to charge sales tax on services such as web hosting, web development, and other digital services.

 

Up until now, these were considered “non-taxable services” under Washington State law, meaning they were not subject to sales tax. This change effectively treats these services the same way as physical goods when it comes to taxation.

 

What’s even more concerning is that this decision was made without a public vote. There was no direct input from the people of Washington — the very individuals and businesses who will be impacted. Instead, it was pushed through at the state level, adding a new cost burden to both service providers and customers.

 

For small businesses, startups, and organizations that rely on affordable web services, this means higher costs starting this fall. For providers like us, it also means the added responsibility of collecting and remitting sales tax on services that have never been taxed before.

 

While the state sees this as a way to increase revenue, for many in the tech and service industries, it feels like yet another example of policy changes made without meaningful public discussion or consent.

 

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/536819/sales-tax-on-services

 

 

 

 

PSPINC as a Technology Company

Since the very beginning, PSPINC has always believed in building things ourselves.
There are plenty of companies that resell other people’s services, but we never chose that path. The reason is simple — that approach doesn’t allow you to make the small but important adjustments that customers often need.

 

The Dreamersi hosting service and the various SaaS products we offer are all planned, developed, and operated in-house.
We manage our own servers, write our own code, and provide our own customer support. This gives us the flexibility to add features or change specifications based on our clients’ needs.

 

Another important part of who we are is our role as a behind-the-scenes partner.
We don’t just operate under our own brand — we also work through OEM arrangements and joint development projects with partner companies. Even if our name isn’t in the spotlight, we’re there, powering their business like an engine that keeps things running smoothly.

 

Technology is only a tool.
But whether you can create your own tools or not can make a huge difference in your company’s future.
PSPINC will continue to use our own technology as a strength to support the growth and success of our customers and partners.

 

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/536815/pspinc-as-a-technology-company

 

 

 

 

 

I went to pick up my prescription at the RITE AID pharmacy in Factoria Mall. There was a sign saying the store is closing on August 28, and the pharmacist asked me to transfer all my prescriptions to another pharmacy. I had noticed the store shrinking and the shelves gradually emptying over the past few months, so I knew it wasn’t a good sign—but I didn’t expect a store of this size to close.

 

After checking online, I found out that RITE AID has filed for bankruptcy for the second time, and this time it seems final. Brick-and-mortar stores are struggling to compete with online retailers like Amazon. I guess the cost of shipping each product to the customer is now less than the cost of operating and maintaining a physical store.

 

If a store of this size can’t survive, I wonder how small businesses—especially mom-and-pop shops—can make it. I truly hope small companies will find a way to stay in business and prosper.

 

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/536755/another-store-is-closing-in-bellevue-wa

 

 

 

No Longer a Festival of Sport — Why I Can’t Accept the Olympics

 

The Olympics were once called the “festival of sport,” a stage for people to connect and challenge themselves beyond borders and politics. The philosophy promoted by Baron de Coubertin — “the important thing is to take part” — was beautiful and meaningful.

 

But in today’s Olympics, I can hardly see a trace of that spirit.
Commercialization through massive sponsorships is expected, and political messages or environmental advocacy are pushed to the forefront just as much as the competitions themselves. To me, it no longer feels like a pure sporting event — it has become a showcase for political, commercial, and social agendas.

 

What I particularly cannot accept is the participation of male athletes in women’s competitions. In sports where physical differences clearly exist, I cannot bring myself to call that fair. I believe it undermines the years of dedication and skill that athletes have worked so hard to build.

 

Furthermore, the Olympics should not be a stage for political statements. Bringing national conflicts and ideologies into the arena only diminishes the essence of sport. I want to enjoy sport free from politics and social activism.

 

The Olympics once celebrated not only results but also the journey, the effort, and the spirit of fair play. Now, it seems that commercial value and the delivery of political messages take priority over that spirit.

 

For me, the Olympics are no longer an event I want to watch.

 

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/536664/no-longer-a-festival-of-sport-why-i

 

 

 

When I started my business in Washington State back in 1987, the environment for entrepreneurs was completely different. This state truly felt like a partner in my success. They helped me find the right location for my office, introduced me to the banks — I still remember working with Seafirst Bank — and even helped me connect with talented people who would go on to become the foundation of my company. The sales tax back then was just a little over 7%, and the overall cost of doing business was reasonable. It was, in every sense, a great state to start and grow a business.

 

But today, I hardly recognize Washington State anymore. The focus has shifted. Instead of creating a supportive climate for small businesses, or investing in building one of the best educational environments in the nation, the priority now seems to be on environmental regulations and generating tax revenue. While protecting the environment is important, the balance has tipped so far that small businesses — once the heartbeat of this state — are left struggling under the weight of taxes, compliance rules, and bureaucracy.

 

It saddens me to say this, but based on what I see today, I can no longer recommend Washington State as a place to start a business. The spirit of partnership that once made it a great place for entrepreneurs has been replaced with a system that feels more like an obstacle than an ally.

 

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/536572/how-business-friendly-is-the-washington

 

 

 

 

The Honda N-Box: Japan’s Best-Seller, But at What Cost?

 

The N-Box by Honda is currently the most popular car in Japan. Many people love it, calling it cute, practical, and economical. From the outside, it seems like the perfect choice for city driving.

 

But I see it differently.
The N-Box is not as safe as a full-size car. In collisions, especially at higher speeds, the fatality rate is higher compared to larger vehicles. Its lightweight design and compact structure make it efficient, but they also compromise safety.

 

So why is this “matchbox” so successful in Japan?
It’s not just about convenience or fuel economy—it’s about taxation. The Japanese government heavily taxes larger vehicles, making them expensive to own. Over time, this has eroded the public’s appetite for real, full-sized cars.

 

To me, this is a tragedy.
Japan, once a powerhouse of automotive innovation and performance, now sees its streets dominated by tax-friendly microcars. Practical? Yes. Affordable? Certainly. But the price we pay is safety—and the fading love for the kind of cars that once defined Japanese engineering.

 

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/536566/the-honda-nbox-japans-bestseller-but-at