About PSPINC and Japan

Will the Last Taxpayer Leaving Seattle Please Turn Out the Lights?

May

22

Will the Last Taxpayer Leaving Seattle Please Turn Out the Lights?

Many people know the famous 1971 Seattle billboard that read:

"Will the last person leaving Seattle — Turn out the lights."

At the time, Boeing layoffs were devastating the local economy. Jobs disappeared, families moved away, and the city faced an uncertain future.

Today, Seattle's situation is very different. The city is larger, wealthier, and more technologically advanced than ever before. Yet I sometimes wonder if the message on that sign should be updated.

Perhaps it should say:

"Will the last taxpayer leaving Seattle please turn out the lights?"

A city cannot operate without taxpayers. Businesses, property owners, investors, and working families provide the revenue that funds roads, police, fire departments, parks, public transportation, and countless other services.

What concerns me is a growing attitude that successful businesses and higher-income residents can simply absorb any tax increase, regulation, or additional burden placed upon them. The reality is that people have choices. Companies can relocate. Investors can invest elsewhere. Retirees can move to states with lower taxes and lower costs.

Most people do not leave because of a single policy. They leave because of the cumulative effect of many decisions over many years.

Seattle became a great city because it attracted talent, innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment. It was a place where people wanted to build businesses, create jobs, and raise families.

A healthy city should not focus on driving wealth away. Instead, it should encourage growth while ensuring that everyone benefits from that growth.

The original billboard was a warning about losing jobs.

Today, I believe the greater risk is losing the taxpayers who support the city's future.

Because when taxpayers leave, eventually someone really does have to turn out the lights.

For Service and Iqnury : Call 1-800-232-3989 or 425-957-0808

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

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ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), based in Bellevue, Washington founded in 1987, has provided web hosting, email hosting, and internet solutions since 1997. The company operates data centers in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and multilingual service.

For more information or to discuss your needs, please call (800) 232-3939 or (425) 957-0808, or email Info@PSPINC.com

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

#Bellevue #Bloguru #BusinessPlanning #BusinessStrategy #CrossBorderBusiness #FounderLife #JapanBusiness #KenUchikura #KenichiUchikura #MarketingLeadership #PSPinc #PacificSoftwarePublishing #TechEntrepreneur #Tokyo #USBusiness #UchikuraCo #ViewOfJapan

Our Goal Was Never 99.99%

May

22

Our Goal Was Never 99.99%

Many hosting companies proudly advertise 99.9% uptime. Some go further and promise 99.99% availability. On paper, those numbers sound impressive.

One day, one of my staff members suggested that PSPINC should set our goal at 99.99% uptime.

I remember my reaction.

"What are you talking about?"

Our goal should not be 99.99%.

Our goal should be 100%.

Now, before anyone points out that 100% uptime is practically impossible, I understand that. Hardware fails. Software has bugs. Networks have problems. Unexpected things happen.

But that does not change the goal.

When a baseball player steps up to the plate, the goal is not to get a hit 30% of the time. The goal is to get a hit every time. Reality may be different, but the target matters.

At PSPINC, we aim for 100% availability because that is what our customers deserve. Every website, every email server, and every application we host is important to someone. Even a few minutes of downtime can affect a business.

Did we achieve our goal?

No.

For the past year, our uptime was 99.98%.

By most industry standards, that is an excellent number. In fact, during the most recent six-month period, we achieved 100% uptime.

Still, when I look at the annual number, I do not see success. I see a reminder that we have not yet reached the goal.

That may sound demanding, but I believe goals should inspire improvement, not simply be easy numbers that look good in marketing materials.

Many companies promise 99.9%.

Some promise 99.99%.

At PSPINC, we continue to aim for 100%.

Even if we never reach perfection, aiming lower has never been our style.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/558521/our-goal-was-never-9999

For Service and Iqnury : Call 1-800-232-3989 or 425-957-0808

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), based in Bellevue, Washington founded in 1987, has provided web hosting, email hosting, and internet solutions since 1997. The company operates data centers in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and multilingual service.

For more information or to discuss your needs, please call (800) 232-3939 or (425) 957-0808, or email Info@PSPINC.com

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

#Bellevue #Bloguru #BusinessPlanning #BusinessStrategy #CrossBorderBusiness #FounderLife #JapanBusiness #KenUchikura #KenichiUchikura #MarketingLeadership #PSPinc #PacificSoftwarePublishing #TechEntrepreneur #Tokyo #USBusiness #UchikuraCo #ViewOfJapan

KYB? No, It Will Always Be Kayaba to Me

May

22

KYB? No, It Will Always Be Kayaba to Me

If you are a car enthusiast, you probably know the company as KYB. Their shock absorbers and suspension components can be found on vehicles all over the world, and many people in the automotive community recognize the KYB brand immediately.

But for an older guy like me, it is still Kayaba Corporation.

Before global branding became common, many Japanese companies used their full names internationally. Over time, as companies expanded worldwide, shorter brand names and acronyms became easier to market. Kayaba became KYB. It is simple, easy to remember, and works in almost any language.

Yet whenever I see the letters KYB, my mind automatically reads "Kayaba."

I think this happens to many of us as we get older. We remember companies by the names we first learned. Nissan was once Datsun in many markets. Panasonic was often known as Matsushita. Bridgestone, Hitachi, Fujitsu, and many other Japanese companies built their reputations long before modern branding strategies became common.

The funny thing is that younger generations may not even know where the letters KYB came from. To them, KYB is simply the company name. To me, it is an abbreviation of a company that I remember from decades ago.

There is nothing wrong with rebranding. In fact, it often helps companies succeed internationally. But sometimes an older name carries a certain nostalgia. It reminds us of a different era of Japanese manufacturing, when companies were becoming known around the world for quality, reliability, and engineering.

So yes, I understand that the company is officially called KYB today.

But every time I see those three letters, I still say "Kayaba." Old habits are hard to break. Sometimes they are also good memories.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/558501/kyb-no-it-will-always-be-kayaba-to-me

For Service and Iqnury : Call 1-800-232-3989 or 425-957-0808

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), based in Bellevue, Washington founded in 1987, has provided web hosting, email hosting, and internet solutions since 1997. The company operates data centers in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and multilingual service.

For more information or to discuss your needs, please call (800) 232-3939 or (425) 957-0808, or email Info@PSPINC.com

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

#Bellevue #Bloguru #BusinessPlanning #BusinessStrategy #CrossBorderBusiness #FounderLife #JapanBusiness #KenUchikura #KenichiUchikura #MarketingLeadership #PSPinc #PacificSoftwarePublishing #TechEntrepreneur #Tokyo #USBusiness #UchikuraCo #ViewOfJapan

Waking a Sleeping Child

May

22

Waking a Sleeping Child

Japan has a saying: "Neta Ko wo Okosu" (寝た子を起こす), which literally means "to wake a sleeping child."

At first glance, it sounds simple. A child is asleep. Why wake them up?

However, the expression carries a deeper meaning. It refers to bringing up an old issue, conflict, or problem that had already settled down and was no longer causing trouble. By mentioning it again, you risk creating new conflict where none existed before.

A similar English expression is "Let sleeping dogs lie."

This idea is surprisingly important in both politics and business.

In politics, leaders sometimes revisit historical disputes that have been quiet for years. While understanding history is important, repeatedly reopening old wounds can make cooperation more difficult and create unnecessary tension between people or nations.

The same principle applies in business. A disagreement between employees, a past mistake, or an old customer complaint may have already been resolved. Bringing it up again without a good reason can damage relationships, lower morale, and distract people from moving forward.

Of course, not every issue should be ignored. Some problems need to be addressed and corrected. The wisdom of the saying is not to avoid difficult conversations, but to carefully consider whether reopening an issue will actually improve the situation.

Before raising an old problem, it may be worth asking:

Will this help solve something today, or am I simply waking a sleeping child?

Sometimes the wisest decision is not what you say, but what you choose to leave undisturbed.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/558495/waking-a-sleeping-child

For Service and Iqnury : Call 1-800-232-3989 or 425-957-0808

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), based in Bellevue, Washington founded in 1987, has provided web hosting, email hosting, and internet solutions since 1997. The company operates data centers in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and multilingual service.

For more information or to discuss your needs, please call (800) 232-3939 or (425) 957-0808, or email Info@PSPINC.com

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

#Bellevue #Bloguru #BusinessPlanning #BusinessStrategy #CrossBorderBusiness #FounderLife #JapanBusiness #KenUchikura #KenichiUchikura #MarketingLeadership #PSPinc #PacificSoftwarePublishing #TechEntrepreneur #Tokyo #USBusiness #UchikuraCo #ViewOfJapan

See you ext month.

May

21

We had guests from Japan for our shareholder and Board of Directors meetings yesterday, and today they are heading back to Japan.

It was a very short stay, but we truly enjoyed spending time together. Thank you very much for coming all the way to Seattle.

Please come again.

I will also see you all again next month when I travel to Japan. Until then, take care and have a safe flight home.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/558450/see-you-ext-month

For Service and Iqnury : Call 1-800-232-3989 or 425-957-0808

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), based in Bellevue, Washington founded in 1987, has provided web hosting, email hosting, and internet solutions since 1997. The company operates data centers in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and multilingual service.

For more information or to discuss your needs, please call (800) 232-3939 or (425) 957-0808, or email Info@PSPINC.com

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

#Bellevue #Bloguru #BusinessPlanning #BusinessStrategy #CrossBorderBusiness #FounderLife #JapanBusiness #KenUchikura #KenichiUchikura #MarketingLeadership #PSPinc #PacificSoftwarePublishing #TechEntrepreneur #Tokyo #USBusiness #UchikuraCo #ViewOfJapan

Protecting the Backups That Protect Your Business

May

21

Protecting the Backups That Protect Your Business

One of the new behind-the-scenes security features of PSPINC hosting is backup file monitoring.

Normally, backup files are created and stored quietly until they are needed. However, recent ransomware attacks have changed the situation. Today, many attackers target backup files first before attacking the main system. If the backups are damaged or tampered with, restoring the system may no longer be possible.

That is why PSPINC is now monitoring backup files themselves to make sure they are not being altered unexpectedly.

Having backups is important. Protecting the backups is equally important.

This is one of the quiet security improvements built into PSPINC hosting services.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/558437/protecting-the-backups-that-protect-your

For Service and Iqnury : Call 1-800-232-3989 or 425-957-0808

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), based in Bellevue, Washington founded in 1987, has provided web hosting, email hosting, and internet solutions since 1997. The company operates data centers in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and multilingual service.

For more information or to discuss your needs, please call (800) 232-3939 or (425) 957-0808, or email Info@PSPINC.com

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

#Bellevue #Bloguru #BusinessPlanning #BusinessStrategy #CrossBorderBusiness #FounderLife #JapanBusiness #KenUchikura #KenichiUchikura #MarketingLeadership #PSPinc #PacificSoftwarePublishing #TechEntrepreneur #Tokyo #USBusiness #UchikuraCo #ViewOfJapan

“Kuidaore” in Osaka Another Meaning

May

21

“Kuidaore” in Osaka Another Meaning

Many people outside Japan think the word “Kuidaore” (食い倒れ) in Osaka simply means “to eat until you collapse.” That interpretation is common because Osaka is famous for food culture, street dining, and the phrase “Eat till you drop.”

But there is another explanation behind the word that reflects the history of Osaka as a merchant city.

Osaka was built around rivers and waterways. In the old days, merchants depended on bridges for transportation, trade, and daily business. However, floods were common, and bridges were often damaged or washed away. Merchants repeatedly had to drive wooden piles (杭 / kui) into the riverbeds to rebuild the bridges and maintain the infrastructure necessary for commerce.

The cost of rebuilding over and over again could ruin a business financially. Some say this is another origin of the term “Kuidaore” — not from spending too much on food, but from exhausting one’s fortune trying to support and rebuild the city.

Whether this interpretation is historically exact or partly folklore, it reflects something important about Osaka.

Osaka has long been known as a city of merchants. Unlike capitals ruled mainly by political power or military authority, Osaka developed through commerce, private enterprise, and the efforts of ordinary businesspeople. In many ways, the city was maintained and strengthened not only by government, but by merchants who invested their own resources into keeping trade and daily life functioning.

That spirit still exists in Osaka today. Behind the humor, food culture, and energetic atmosphere is a deep history of resilience, risk-taking, and entrepreneurial pride.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/558431/kuidaore-in-osaka-another-meaning

For Service and Iqnury : Call 1-800-232-3989 or 425-957-0808

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), based in Bellevue, Washington founded in 1987, has provided web hosting, email hosting, and internet solutions since 1997. The company operates data centers in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and multilingual service.

For more information or to discuss your needs, please call (800) 232-3939 or (425) 957-0808, or email Info@PSPINC.com

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

#Bellevue #Bloguru #BusinessPlanning #BusinessStrategy #CrossBorderBusiness #FounderLife #JapanBusiness #KenUchikura #KenichiUchikura #MarketingLeadership #PSPinc #PacificSoftwarePublishing #TechEntrepreneur #Tokyo #USBusiness #UchikuraCo #ViewOfJapan

My experience at the Sound Transit light rail station in Downtown Bellevue near NE 8th:

May

20

My experience at the Sound Transit light rail station in Downtown Bellevue near NE 8th:

I recently learned that many Seattle Light Rail stations do not have public restrooms. Honestly, I was surprised.

In Japan, public restrooms are almost expected at train stations. Even small local stations often have clean and accessible facilities. It is considered part of the basic infrastructure for people using public transportation.

Seattle is investing billions into expanding light rail, building large parking structures, and encouraging people to use public transit. But if stations do not even provide restrooms, it feels like something important is missing.

People commuting to work, elderly passengers, families with children, tourists, and people with medical conditions all use public transportation. Access to restrooms should not feel like a luxury feature.

I understand there are concerns about maintenance, safety, vandalism, and homelessness. Those are real challenges. But Japan also has major cities, crowded stations, and social challenges, yet they still manage to provide public restrooms as part of the transit experience.

In fact, if you are in Japan and looking for a restroom, one of the best places to go is the nearest train station. Most stations will let you use the restroom even if you do not have a ticket.

Maybe this sounds like a small thing, but small things often shape how comfortable and welcoming a city feels.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/558369/my-experience-at-the-sound-transit-light

For Service and Iqnury : Call 1-800-232-3989 or 425-957-0808

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), based in Bellevue, Washington founded in 1987, has provided web hosting, email hosting, and internet solutions since 1997. The company operates data centers in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and multilingual service.

For more information or to discuss your needs, please call (800) 232-3939 or (425) 957-0808, or email Info@PSPINC.com

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

#Bellevue #Bloguru #BusinessPlanning #BusinessStrategy #CrossBorderBusiness #FounderLife #JapanBusiness #KenUchikura #KenichiUchikura #MarketingLeadership #PSPinc #PacificSoftwarePublishing #TechEntrepreneur #Tokyo #USBusiness #UchikuraCo #ViewOfJapan

Ken Uchikura Newsletter Vol. 390 Integrating AI into PSPINC SaaS: Evolving Current Services for the Next Era

May

20

Ken Uchikura Newsletter Vol. 390 Thumbnail

Integrating AI into PSPINC SaaS: Evolving Current Services for the Next Era

When people hear "AI," they often imagine something entirely new—new AI services, new startups, or revolutionary technologies. However, I believe the true value lies in integrating AI into the services people already use and trust.

For years, PSPINC provided SaaS platforms that support real business operations and communication, including Bloguru, WebdeXpress, Dreamersi Mail, NewsMAIL, and InforMakers. Now, by introducing AI into these existing services, we can evolve them from simple, convenient tools into smarter, safer, and more valuable assets.

Take Bloguru, for example: With AI-powered writing assistance, title suggestions, translation, and summarization features, users can significantly enhance their ability to create and share content.

With WebdeXpress, AI can suggest page structures and content tailored to specific industries, improving both the speed and quality of website creation.

In Dreamersi Email, AI can strengthen external link verification by assessing potential risks and helping users better understand whether a link is safe or suspicious. Making security more intuitive and accessible will be increasingly important in the future.

Furthermore, services like NewsMAIL and InforMakers can benefit from AI-driven analytics and automation, improving marketing effectiveness, membership management, and customer support accuracy.

The key is not to build AI from scratch, but rather to use AI to strengthen our existing services. At PSPINC, we already have a solid foundation. That is why the AI era isn't just about launching new technologies—it’s about evolving the SaaS ecosystem we’ve already built.

PSPINC is transitioning from a company that simply provides SaaS to one that provides a continuously evolving SaaS with the help of AI. The future isn't just built on the new; it’s built by taking the value we have today and making it better.

For Service and Iqnury : Call 1-800-232-3989 or 425-957-0808

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), based in Bellevue, Washington founded in 1987, has provided web hosting, email hosting, and internet solutions since 1997. The company operates data centers in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and multilingual service.

For more information or to discuss your needs, please call (800) 232-3939 or (425) 957-0808, or email Info@PSPINC.com

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

#Bellevue #Bloguru #BusinessPlanning #BusinessStrategy #CrossBorderBusiness #FounderLife #JapanBusiness #KenUchikura #KenichiUchikura #MarketingLeadership #PSPinc #PacificSoftwarePublishing #TechEntrepreneur #Tokyo #USBusiness #UchikuraCo #ViewOfJapan

About My Post

May

20

Some people have asked me why I write about topics beyond just my business.

Yes, I started my company, Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC), in 1987. We are now in our 38th year and will celebrate our 39th anniversary this July.

My work has always focused on building business relationships between the United States and Japan and supporting companies in both countries. Because of that, exchange rates matter to me. Politics matter. Safety matters. Public opinion matters. These things directly affect my company, the people around me, and the businesses we work with.

That is why I post what I post.

I am not here to argue with anyone or tell people what to think. I simply share what I see from my perspective and how I believe current events may affect the people and businesses connected to me.

So please excuse me if I sometimes come across as too opinionated. I am simply speaking honestly from my experience as a business owner who has spent nearly four decades working between two countries.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/558365/about-my-post

For Service and Iqnury : Call 1-800-232-3989 or 425-957-0808

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), based in Bellevue, Washington founded in 1987, has provided web hosting, email hosting, and internet solutions since 1997. The company operates data centers in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and multilingual service.

For more information or to discuss your needs, please call (800) 232-3939 or (425) 957-0808, or email Info@PSPINC.com

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__