The Pareto Principle (also known as the 80/20 rule) is an empirical observation stating that roughly 80% of outcomes or results come from 20% of causes or inputs. This principle suggests that a small number of factors often have a disproportionately large impact. The Pareto Principle is applicable across various fields and helps us understand the unequal distribution of cause and effect.
Specific Examples
Machine Failures: 80% of machine failures are caused by only 20% of the machine’s components. Focusing on maintaining and improving these critical components can significantly enhance overall machine reliability.
Income Tax: 80% of total income tax revenue comes from the top 20% of taxpayers. This highlights income inequality and has implications for tax policy discussions.
Divorce: 80% of all divorces involve only 20% of people who have been divorced. This suggests a tendency for certain individuals to experience multiple divorces, which is a crucial factor in addressing divorce-related issues.
Exam Questions: 80% of exam questions can be answered using only 20% of the subject knowledge. This emphasizes the importance of focusing on key concepts when studying for exams.
Words in a Text: 80% of the words used in a text come from only 20% of the total vocabulary. This demonstrates the uneven distribution of word usage in language and can be useful for efficient vocabulary learning.
Urban Traffic: 80% of urban traffic is concentrated on only 20% of the city’s roads. This highlights the importance of prioritizing traffic management efforts on key roads to alleviate congestion.
Software Usage: 80% of software users utilize only 20% of the software’s features. This suggests that software developers should focus on core functionalities that users truly need.
The Essence of Things: 80% of the essence of a matter can be understood by observing and understanding only 20% of its entirety. This principle encourages focusing on key elements for efficient analysis and comprehension.
Hardworking Ants: In an ant colony, 80% of the work is done by only 20% of the ants. This exemplifies the division of labor and unequal contribution among individuals within a group.
The Pareto Principle promotes efficient improvement and problem-solving by focusing on the vital few. However, it’s crucial to remember that it’s an empirical observation and may not always strictly adhere to the 80/20 ratio. It should be interpreted and applied flexibly based on the specific situation.
Summary
The Pareto Principle states that roughly 80% of outcomes or results come from 20% of causes or inputs. This principle highlights the unequal distribution of cause and effect and encourages focusing on key factors for efficient improvement and problem-solving.
A VTuber (Virtual YouTuber) is a streamer who mainly works on video sharing platforms such as YouTube. Using a 2D or 3D character avatar, they use motion capture technology and software such as Live2D to reflect real human movements on the character, making it seem as if the character is alive.
VTuber content is diverse, including gameplay commentary, chatting, singing covers, original songs, ASMR, and more. Some VTubers belong to companies or production companies, while others work independently.
The appeal of VTubers is that they can show their individuality and charm through their characters, and viewers can easily empathize with the characters. Another advantage of using an avatar is that they can work while protecting the privacy of the streamer.
In recent years, VTubers have become increasingly popular worldwide, with many active not only in Japan but also overseas. There are also an increasing number of cases where companies are using VTubers for marketing, and VTubers are attracting attention as a new form of entertainment.
Branding is a strategic activity that involves clarifying the values and image of a company, product, or service, and instilling them into customers and society to differentiate from competitors and establish a competitive advantage.
Objectives of Branding:
Becoming a preferred choice for customers: By establishing a unique value and image, the aim is to gain trust from customers and become their preferred choice.
Differentiating from competitors: Clearly defining the differences from other companies and products helps to build a unique position and establish a competitive advantage.
Enhancing corporate value: Improving brand image leads to an overall increase in the value of the company.
What Branding Entails:
Branding is carried out through various activities, including:
Formulating a brand strategy: Clearly defining the target brand image and target customers, and formulating a strategy based on them.
Establishing brand identity: Defining elements that symbolize the brand, such as logos, brand colors, and slogans, to create a unified image.
Brand communication: Communicating brand messages and engaging with customers through various channels such as advertising, PR, and social media.
Designing customer experience: Designing all experiences at customer touchpoints, not just products and services, to provide a consistent experience in line with the brand image.
Brand evaluation and improvement: Regularly evaluating the brand and identifying areas for improvement to continuously enhance brand value.
Benefits of Branding:
Breaking away from price competition: If unique value is recognized, customers will choose based on factors other than price, reducing the risk of getting caught up in price wars.
Acquiring loyal customers: Increasing the number of loyal customers who resonate with and trust the brand helps build a stable revenue base.
Improving employee motivation: A brand that employees can be proud of leads to increased motivation and contributes to the revitalization of the entire company.
Branding is not about seeking short-term results but should be approached with a long-term perspective. By consistently communicating messages and building trust with customers, a strong brand can be established.
For further information, please refer to the following resources:
What does branding mean? Explanation of purpose, benefits, and steps to implement measures: https://www.dhw.ac.jp/now/list/howtobe/branding/ There are also various other sources of information available, so please feel free to explore them.
Outer and Inner Branding: A Comparison and Explanation
Branding can be broadly categorized into two directions: “outer branding” and “inner branding.” Each has different objectives and targets, and they work together to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Aspect
Outer Branding
Inner Branding
Objective
To instill the value and image of the company, product, or service to customers and society.
To deepen employees’ understanding and empathy for the corporate philosophy and brand values.
Target
Customers, potential customers, business partners, shareholders, local community, etc.
Increased employee engagement, sense of belonging, motivation, retention, productivity, and corporate culture development
Outer Branding
Outer branding refers to activities that communicate the value of a company or product to the outside world, aiming to gain recognition and understanding from society as a whole.
Specific Examples
Advertising campaigns on TV, online, and in magazines
PR activities such as press releases and media coverage
Information dissemination through websites, social media, and blogs
Organizing exhibitions, seminars, and events
Designing customer experiences through product packaging, store design, and customer service
Inner Branding
Inner branding focuses on helping each employee understand, empathize with, and embody the company’s philosophy and brand values.
Specific Examples
Sharing and instilling the corporate philosophy and vision
Information dissemination through internal newsletters and intranet
Conducting training, seminars, and workshops
Organizing internal events and implementing recognition programs
Improving employee benefits and office environment
Relationship and Importance of Both
Outer and inner branding are not independent but closely intertwined.
Outer branding is built on the foundation of inner branding: If employees don’t understand and empathize with the company’s values, they cannot convey those values to customers.
Inner branding strengthens outer branding: When employees embody the company’s values, it enhances the brand experience for customers and strengthens the brand image.
Conclusion
To achieve successful branding, it is essential to approach it from both outer and inner perspectives. By balancing and integrating both aspects, you can create more effective branding activities.
Key Points
Consider branding as a two-pronged approach: outer and inner
Clarify the objectives and targets of each
Integrate both aspects to enhance synergy
Consider your company’s or product’s specific situation and develop an appropriate branding strategy.
2: Due to local characteristics, business cards are made of bamboo.
3: The company name is pronounced as SC (furigana is troublesome), but the meaning is abbreviated as follows. This is the meaning of S.A.C dot separator. “Refers to a social phenomenon in which behavior is based on collective consensus, and even though an isolated individual (stand-alone) acts in a collective manner (complex)”
BlackRock was founded in New York in 1988 by eight partners. Initially focused on bond management, the company has since grown into the world’s largest asset management company, managing a wide range of asset classes, including stocks, real estate, and alternative investments.
Let’s look at BlackRock’s history in several periods.
1988-1994: Founding period
1988: BlackRock is founded. It specializes in bond management and attracts clients with an investment strategy that emphasizes risk management.
1992: Development of the technology platform Aladdin® begins. Aladdin® later develops into the core system for BlackRock’s asset management.
1995-2004: Diversification
1995: The company diversifies its business by starting to manage open-end funds, including stocks.
1999: The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
End of 2004: Assets under management increase to $342 billion.
2005-present: Global expansion and growth
2006: Acquires Merrill Lynch Investment Advisory Division, exceeding $1 trillion in assets under management.
2009: Acquires Barclays Global Investors, becoming the world’s largest asset management company.
End of 2023: AUM will reach approximately $9 trillion.
BlackRock has always been a leader in the industry, developing Aladdin®, offering iShares® ETFs, and focusing on ESG investing.
For a detailed history, please visit BlackRock’s website.
BlackRock History | Company Information – BlackRock: https://www.blackrock.com/jp/individual/ja/about-us/blackrock-history
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Because BlackRock is an asset management company, it is a shareholder of various companies around the world. BlackRock itself is a publicly traded company (NYSE: BLK), and its shareholders are mainly institutional and individual investors.
Please refer to the following sources for information on the shareholder structure of BlackRock.
On this page, you can check the major shareholders of BlackRock (institutional investors and funds).
In addition, BlackRock’s subsidiary BlackRock Japan holds shares in many companies on the Japanese stock market. You can check the list of stocks held by BlackRock Japan in the following sources.
Buffett Code: List of stocks held by BlackRock Japan and their valuation | Buffett Code: https://www.buffett-code.com/shareholder/1be4d497f22f2ef012d83b034ec014d2
Please use these sources to find out more about which companies BlackRock holds as a shareholder.
BlackRock holds a large number of companies in the United States, including some of the most well-known large companies. Here are some of the major companies where BlackRock is a major shareholder:
Tech companies:
Apple
Microsoft
Amazon
Alphabet (Google)
Meta (Facebook)
Nvidia
Financial companies:
JPMorgan Chase
Bank of America
Wells Fargo
Visa
Mastercard
Other:
Johnson & Johnson
Procter & Gamble
Berkshire Hathaway
Exxon Mobil
UnitedHealth Group
These are just a few examples of companies where BlackRock is a shareholder.
You can find more information about BlackRock’s holdings in the following sources:
BlackRock’s website: Please refer to the sustainability report and proxy statement, among others.
SEC filings: The SEC filing, Form 13F, provides details about BlackRock’s holdings.
Financial information services: Services such as Bloomberg, FactSet, and Refinitiv provide information about BlackRock’s holdings.
Use these sources to find out more about which companies BlackRock owns in the US.
Both advertising and public relations are ways for companies and organizations to disseminate information, but there are big differences in their objectives and methods.
**Advertising**
* **Objective:** The aim is to obtain direct benefits, such as promoting the sales of products and services and improving brand image.
* **Method:** Information is posted in the media, such as TV commercials, newspaper ads, magazine ads, web ads, and SNS ads, for a fee.
* **Characteristics:**
* Information can be controlled, and the message you want to convey can be expressed freely.
* It is clearly stated that it is an advertisement, and consumers are aware of this.
* It is effective immediately, and you can expect results in a short period of time.
* It costs money.
**Public Relations**
* **Objective:** The aim is to obtain indirect benefits, such as promoting understanding of companies and organizations, improving trust, and building good relationships.
* **Method:** Information is disseminated to the media and stakeholders through press releases, media relations, holding events, and SNS management.
* **Characteristics:**
* Being featured in the media allows you to obtain objective evaluation from third parties.
* It is more reliable than advertising and is more easily accepted by consumers.
* It may take some time to see results, but it can be expected to have a great effect in the long term.
* It can be less expensive than advertising.
**Summary**
| Classification | Advertising | Public relations |
|—|—|—|
| Purpose | Direct benefits | Indirect benefits |
| Method | Paid media | Information transmission to media and stakeholders |
| Characteristics | Controllable, immediate effect, costly | High reliability, long-term effect, cost-saving |
Advertising and public relations each have different purposes and characteristics. Neither is superior, so it is important to understand the characteristics of each and use them according to the purpose.
For example, when launching a new product, it is effective to intensively transmit information through advertising and increase awareness. On the other hand, to improve a company’s image, it is important to transmit information about social contribution activities and CSR activities through public relations and increase trust.
Combining advertising and public relations makes it possible to transmit information more effectively.
Music and human history have a deep and close relationship that goes back to the origins of humanity. Music has played an important role in various aspects of human life, including emotional expression, communication, social cohesion, and healing.
Origin and early development of music
The origins of music are uncertain, but archaeological evidence suggests that music existed as early as the Paleolithic period. It is assumed that early humans created music through the sounds of nature, clapping their hands, stomping their feet, and singing, and used it in ceremonies and festivals.
music in ancient civilizations
In ancient civilizations, music played an important role in a variety of situations, including religious ceremonies, political events, theater, and entertainment. Civilizations such as ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, India, and China developed their own unique musical cultures, and developed musical instruments, music theory, and musical notation.
Music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance
In medieval Europe, Christian church music took center stage, and Gregorian chant developed. During the Renaissance, secular music also flourished, and polyphonic music and instrumental music developed.
Baroque, classical, and romantic music
The Baroque period saw the emergence of new musical forms such as opera, concerto, and sonata, and featured composers such as Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi. During the Classical period, artists such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn were active, and forms such as the symphony, string quartet, and piano sonata were established. During the Romantic era, artists such as Schubert, Schumann, Chopin, and Wagner were active, creating music rich in emotional expression.
Music from the 20th century onwards
Since the 20th century, advances in recording and broadcasting technology have made music accessible to a wider range of people. In addition to classical music, various genres of music such as jazz, rock, pop, and electronic music have been created and enjoyed all over the world.
The relationship between music and humans
Music has a great influence on human emotions, thoughts, and actions. Listening to music can trigger emotions such as joy, sadness, anger, and excitement, as well as have relaxing effects and improve concentration. Music also promotes social connections between people and contributes to the transmission of culture.
The history and relationship between music and humans is extremely diverse, so we have provided an overview here. If you want to know more, it’s a good idea to focus on a specific era, region, or genre.
Sound has various effects on the human mind and body. The effects vary depending on the type of sound, loudness, frequency, duration, etc.
psychological impact
Evoking Emotions: Music can evoke a variety of emotions, including joy, sadness, anger, and excitement. Faster tempo songs tend to be more exciting, while slower songs tend to have a more relaxing effect.
Memory recall: Certain music can remind you of past events and emotions. This is because music is associated with memory.
Improves concentration and creativity: Certain types of music have been shown to improve concentration and creativity. An example is Mozart’s music.
Stress Reduction: Nature sounds and relaxing music can help reduce stress and relax the mind and body.
physiological effects
Changes in heart rate and blood pressure: Fast-paced music can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Conversely, slow music can lower your heart rate and stabilize your blood pressure.
Changes in breathing: Your breathing may change to match the rhythm of the music. Relaxing music has the effect of making your breathing deeper and slower.
Changes in hormone secretion: Listening to music releases hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, which can lead to feelings of happiness and relaxation.
Improves immune function: Certain types of music have been shown to improve immune function.
others
Improves sleep quality: Relaxing music can improve the quality of your sleep.
Pain Relief: Music therapy has also been shown to be effective in relieving pain.
important point
Negative effects of noise: Loud or unpleasant sounds can cause stress and hearing damage.
Individual Differences: Individuals react differently to sound.
Music has the potential to enrich our lives and positively impact our minds and bodies. However, the influences are wide-ranging and vary greatly from person to person, so it is important to choose music that suits you.
What is spinning? Difference between spinning and splicing
The word spinning refers to twisting fibers such as cotton or cocoons together into thread. This is a traditional handiwork that has been performed by humans since ancient times, and has played an important role as a material for clothing and tools. On the other hand, the word “connect” means to connect things that are separate. This includes not only connecting physical things, but also connecting relationships between people and things.
The words “spinning” and “connecting” may seem similar at first glance, but there are actually subtle differences.
1. Difference in target
Spinning: The object is a long and thin material such as fiber.
Connect: Objects come in all shapes and sizes.
Specifically, “spinning” refers to fibers and sounds, as in “spinning threads” and “spinning words.” On the other hand, “connect” refers to physical things and relationships, such as “build a bridge” and “connect relationships.”
2. Differences in behavior
Spinning: involves twisting the fibers together, a rotating motion.
Tie: There are various methods such as tying, stringing, gluing, etc.
“Spinning” is the act of creating new materials called threads by twisting fibers together. On the other hand, “connecting” is the act of integrating things or building relationships by connecting things that originally existed.
3. Difference in results
Spinning: A new thing called thread is born.
Connect: Connections are created, unification, and relationships are built.
As a result of “spinning,” a new material called thread is born. On the other hand, as a result of “connecting”, things that were separated become integrated, and relationships are built.
“Spinning” as a figurative expression
In recent years, the word “spinning” has been increasingly used as a metaphorical expression. For example, it refers to creating something by connecting words, sounds, and time, such as “spinning words” or “spinning a story.”
The following are possible reasons why the word “spinning” is used in this metaphorical expression.
The act of twisting fibers together to make thread requires creativity, care, and delicacy.
Spun thread can be transformed into various forms such as clothing and tools.
The act of spinning requires time and effort.
These points are thought to be common to the act of spinning words or spinning a story.
What lies deep in words and connections
At first glance, the words “spinning” and “connecting” may seem to have contrasting meanings, but they are actually deeply connected.
Creativity
Both “spinning” and “connecting” have the aspect of creativity in producing something. “Spinning” creates a new material called thread, and “Connecting” allows us to create new relationships and unity.
time and effort
Both actions require time and effort. “Spinning” takes time and effort to carefully twist the fibers. “Connecting” requires time and effort to choose an appropriate method and proceed with the work carefully.
Warmth
The words “spinning” and “connecting” have a warm side to them. “Spinning” conveys the warmth of handmade work and the love that goes into making it carefully. “Connect” means connecting with people and feeling the warmth of those bonds.
summary
Although the words “spinning” and “connecting” each have different meanings, they are profound words that have something in common, such as creativity, time and effort, and warmth.
When creating a blog article, try to touch on the depth of these words, deepen the reader’s understanding of the words “spun” and “connect,” and write content that they can use in their own words and expressions. Let’s keep this in mind.
Tips for enriching your articles
In addition to the “differences in objects”, “differences in actions”, and “differences in results” explained above, we will also consider deeper considerations such as “weaving” as a figurative expression and “what lies deep in the connections between words.” Include.
Make the article easier to read and understand by explaining it with specific episodes and examples.
Increase engagement with readers by incorporating reader-participation projects.
Traditional crafts are arts and crafts that are made using techniques and techniques that have been passed down over many years. Traditional crafts reflect the history and culture of the region and are considered one of Japan’s important cultural heritage.
Japan’s traditional crafts are extremely diverse. Typical examples include:
Dyeing and weaving: Kyo Yuzen, Kaga Yuzen, Kurume Kasuri, Hida Takayama Tsumugi, etc.
Lacquerware: Wajima lacquerware, Kyoto lacquerware, Kanazawa lacquerware, etc.
Metalwork: Nanbu ironware, Edo Kiriko, cloisonné, etc.
Bamboo crafts: tortoise shell braiding, Hyogo braiding, etc.
Each of these traditional crafts is made using unique techniques and captivates the viewer. Traditional crafts can be enjoyed not only as practical items, but also as ornaments.
In recent years, traditional crafts have been attracting attention from the younger generation. This is because people are reaffirming the beauty and depth of traditional crafts and are becoming more conscious of preserving traditional culture.
Traditional crafts are Japan’s treasures. It is important that we continue to protect and develop it.
Information about traditional crafts
Information on traditional crafts can be obtained from the following sites.
Traditional Craft Industry Promotion Association: https://kougeihin.jp/learn/
KOGEI JAPAN: https://kogeijapan.com/locale/en_US/
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Traditional Crafts: https://www.kanto.meti.go.jp/seisaku/chiiki_brand/index_densan.html
Agency for Cultural Affairs Traditional Crafts: https://www.bunka.go.jp/seisaku/bunkazai/kougei_hogo/93650901.html
These sites provide introductions to traditional crafts, event information, and information on production areas. If you are interested in traditional crafts, be sure to visit these sites.
NFT and traditional crafts
In recent years, the technology called NFT (Non-Fungible Token) has been attracting attention, and its use is expanding into the world of traditional crafts. NFT uses a technology called blockchain to give unique ownership rights to digital data.
Traditionally, traditional crafts have been sold as physical objects. However, by using NFT, it becomes possible to sell the digital data of traditional crafts as NFT. As a result, you can expect the following benefits:
Developing new sales channels for traditional crafts: Through NFT marketplaces, etc., it will be possible to sell traditional crafts to people around the world.
Increasing the value of traditional crafts: By issuing highly rare NFTs, the value of traditional crafts can be increased.
Creating a new source of income for traditional craftspeople: Proceeds from the sale of NFTs can be used as a new source of income for traditional craftspeople.
Preventing counterfeiting of traditional crafts: NFTs have anti-counterfeiting functions, so they can be used to prevent counterfeiting of traditional crafts.
Several initiatives for traditional crafts using NFT have already begun. For example, we have the following initiatives:
Sales of digital art of traditional crafts: This is an initiative to turn traditional craft designs and photographs into digital art and sell them as NFT.
Selling the right to experience traditional crafts: This is an initiative to sell the right to experience making traditional crafts and participate in workshops as NFT.
Forming a fan community for traditional crafts: This is an initiative to form a fan community for people who have purchased NFTs of traditional crafts and provide a place for interaction.
NFT is a technology that brings new possibilities to the world of traditional crafts. It is expected that there will be more efforts to create traditional crafts using NFT in the future.
Information about NFT and traditional crafts
Information about NFT and traditional crafts can be obtained from the following sites.
NFT and Traditional Crafts Special Feature: [Invalid URL removed]
The potential of traditional crafts x NFT “Proof of Japan x FabCafe Kyoto”: https://fabcafe.com/jp/events/kyoto/NFT_x_traditional_crafts
First in Japan! Start of a project to revitalize Japanese traditional crafts with NFT: https://www.jalan.net/kankou/280000/281700/g2_23/
NFT project “Chishin from the Past”, which aims to deliver the appeal of traditional Japanese crafts created by “Living National Treasures” to the world and preserve Japanese traditional culture, has been released: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001214.000006792. html
These sites feature articles, interviews, and event information related to NFTs and traditional crafts. If you are interested in NFTs and traditional crafts, please visit these sites.
Notes
NFT is a relatively new technology, and there are some areas where the legal system and market environment are not yet established. Please use caution when purchasing or selling NFTs.
Additionally, NFTs are also speculative products. It should be noted that the value of NFTs can fluctuate widely depending on market conditions.
Future outlook
NFT is a technology that has the potential to bring about major changes in the world of traditional crafts. It is expected that in the future, as more efforts are made to create traditional crafts using NFT, new value will be created for traditional crafts, and they will become loved by many people.
