So here we are, a few of us anyway, at SIBOS 2012 in Osaka, Japan.
Having faced a lengthy and, for some, gruelling journey of 24 hours or more, the welcome greeting you find at the INTEX Centre is second to none.
But then you get into the spirit of things, and my spirit is obviously second to none too.
I’m actually here as I’m one the two anchors – I SAID “ANCHOR” – at the innotribe stream.
This is something I've been looking forward to, as agitator in residence, although I was a bit suprised that innotribe appeared to be much smaller this year, appearing inside a small container vessel offloaded from a Chinese container ship.
But then I discovered the Chinese had withdrawn from this year’s SIBOS due to some argument with Japan about Ireland – must be that European sovereign debt thing.
A jolly good thing as the Japanese had all gathered and enabled innotribe to be more successful through collaborative thinking.
Must be something wired about this place.
Anyways, as I wander around, I find lots of things are to my liking. The only thing to my disliking is the fact that no-one here speaks any language other than Japanese.
Sure, there are some English translations, but most are lost in translation.
This is the only reason I can think of that would explain why Microsoft’s massive launch of Windows 8 has just gone down the toilet …
I should say that I merely refer to Microsoft's stand this year being located next ot the toilets, and nothing about the company's quality of products or services.
Ah well, whether Japan loses something in the translation of the latest banking issues remains to be seen. All I can say is that I’m staying next to a hotel that is lovely, but designed for this country’s ageing population.
[see note if confused]
Having said that, I may soon be following them based upon the amount of walking, talking and frustration I’ve experienced so far in getting to SIBOS 2012. Trust you’ve all fared better.
Now, off to see the show.
See ya later …
[Note: OAP = Old Age Pensioner in the UK, a classification for Over 65's only]
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I believe China and Japan are arguing about "islands" and not "Ireland" as you state above - specifically the Senkaku / Diaoyu islands. The Chinese takeover of Ireland is not scheduled for another decade a least.
Posted by: Jerry | November 05, 2012 at 10:48 AM
Hey Jerry, we have a thing in Britain called 'tongue in cheek'. This is an example.
Chris
Posted by: Chris Skinner | November 05, 2012 at 02:24 PM