PSPINC CEO Kenichi Uchikura's Blog

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/536419/todays-wallpaper-it-is-raining-in

 

 

 

Would you rather buy from someone who truly understands what the product can do—or from someone who only knows how much it costs?

 

If you want your customers to value your products or services, show them your expertise, not just your prices.

 

People trust professionals who understand their needs and offer real solutions. Adjust your marketing message to highlight your skills, knowledge, and experience.
Price matters—but value is what closes the deal.

 

 

 

 

Three Seconds to Connect: The New Rules of Messaging

 

In today’s digital age, getting your message across is more difficult than ever. People are overwhelmed with information and have shorter attention spans. They don’t want to read long texts, watch lengthy videos, or sit through drawn-out explanations. What they want is simple: the conclusion, right away.

 

This means that as a communicator—whether you're writing a blog, creating a video, or promoting a product—you must get to the point quickly. The first three seconds are critical. If you don’t capture attention immediately, people will scroll past or click away. Start with the core message. Tell them what it is and why it matters, up front.

 

Once you have their attention, you can provide more details for those who are interested. Don’t overload everyone with information from the beginning. Instead, structure your message so it starts strong and expands only if the audience wants to go deeper.

 

Relevance is also key. People engage with content that feels personal. Focus on how your message, product, or service helps them. What problem does it solve? Why should they care?

 

Modern marketing is not about hard selling. It’s about creating value and offering solutions. The goal is not to push people into action, but to help them realize something useful: “This could actually benefit me.” That moment of realization is far more powerful than any sales pitch.

 

In a world where most messages are ignored, clear, concise, and relevant communication stands out. Know your audience, respect their time, and make your point—fast. That’s how you get heard today.

 

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/536342/three-seconds-to-connect-the-new-rules

 

 

 

 

 

This is an image of a Tesla Supercharging station located near Mt. Si, a beautiful and iconic mountain in Washington State. Although I don’t personally own a Tesla, I can understand why many people choose to purchase one. One of the most compelling reasons is Tesla’s extensive and reliable charging infrastructure.

 

A major concern for many prospective electric vehicle (EV) buyers is the availability and convenience of charging stations. Unlike traditional gas stations, EV chargers—especially high-speed ones—are still relatively scarce in many areas. Tesla addressed this challenge early on by building out a vast network of Superchargers across the country, giving their customers peace of mind when it comes to long-distance travel or daily commuting.

 

These high-powered Supercharging stations are strategically located and designed to provide fast, efficient charging—often adding hundreds of miles of range in under an hour. This makes EV ownership more practical and eliminates one of the biggest barriers to adoption.

 

In a way, Tesla didn’t just sell cars—they built an ecosystem. And by doing so, they’ve created a major competitive advantage that goes far beyond just performance or design. For many drivers, the convenience of knowing there’s a charging station nearby is a key reason to go with Tesla over other EV brands.

 

Smart strategy, simple execution, and a focus on the full customer experience—that’s something all businesses can learn from.

 

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/536303/todays-wallpaper-at-my-home-office

 

 

 

Doing Business in Japan: It’s a Different Game

 

Many people assume that bringing international experience and ideas into Japan will give them a competitive edge. On paper, that makes sense—global exposure, new ways of thinking, and innovative practices should add value. But if you're planning to do business in Japan, you need to understand this: Japan plays by its own rules.

 

Success here isn’t just about having a great product or a well-rehearsed pitch. It’s not about traction, growth charts, or buzzwords. Those things may open doors elsewhere, but in Japan, they rarely seal the deal.

 

In Japan, what matters is trust.

 

And trust takes time.

 

You need to:

 

> Build relationships slowly and respectfully
> Understand unspoken hierarchies and protocols
> Be patient—even when things move at a pace that seems frustratingly slow
> Show commitment, not just interest
>  Deliver consistently before expecting anything in return

 

There’s also a deep preference for stability and risk avoidance. Japanese businesses don’t move fast—and they don’t move just because you say something is new or better. They move when they feel confident that you're dependable and will be around for the long haul.

 

The truth is, doing business in Japan is not easy. But if you take the time to listen, observe, and adapt, the rewards are real. It’s not about changing Japan—it’s about understanding how to work with it.

 

So if you're serious about entering the Japanese market, forget shortcuts.
Start with trust. Stay consistent. Be patient. That’s how business gets done in Japan.

 

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/536259/doing-business-in-japan-its-a-different#