Back in 1994, Takashi “Tachi” Kiuchi wrote a book instructing his compatriots on how to adapt to life in the U.S.
“Working in America,” offered suggestions on how to break out of the Japanese way of being reserved, how to join groups outside of work and how not to dwell too much on things that are different here.
Now Kiuchi, general manager of global communications at Mitsubishi Electric Corp. in Tokyo and Orange County’s most prominent Japanese executive for most of the 1990s, has some pointers for OC, a place he still calls his home.
The University of California, Irvine, must improve its standing as a major research university, particularly for technology, Kiuchi said. While UCI has made strides, Kiuchi said he believes that a world-class university is an absolutely critical ingredient for producing a truly top-notch tech center.
“We wish UCI was a better school,” he said. “It’s no Berkeley or Stanford. To be more of a high-tech hub, we need a better supply of top-level engineers. Orange County is still a second-class tech center compared with Silicon Valley, Boston or Austin, Texas. But it’s much better than it was 10 years ago.”
Another Kiuchi gripe: Apart from the great restaurants, Irvine-based Japanese executives can’t get good quality Japanese groceries nearby,they have to drive to Costa Mesa for that (see related story, starting on page 1).
Even for those used to Tokyo’s high cost of living, rent in OC is a problem, Kiuchi said.
“Rents are so high that a lot of Japanese executives are moving further south to Dana Point and San Clemente,” he said.
Kiuchi said what he likes most about OC is “freedom.”
“You can start almost anything here,” he said.
