PSPINC CEO Kenichi Uchikura's Blog

Embracing Our Roots: The Journey from Double-Byte Specialists to Modern-Day Innovators

Back in the 90s, PSPINC was widely recognized for our expertise as double-byte specialists. Our core mission was to create and assist in the development of Japanese language and culturally localized software. This foundation, deeply rooted in understanding and catering to the nuances of the Japanese market, set us apart in the industry.

The Origins: Double-Byte Specialization

During the early days of computing, handling double-byte character sets was a significant challenge. Languages such as Japanese, which use complex characters, required specialized knowledge and technical skill to ensure proper display and functionality in software applications. PSPINC excelled in this area, providing solutions that enabled US companies to seamlessly enter and thrive in the Japanese market. Our focus on linguistic and cultural localization helped bridge the gap between different markets, fostering better communication and business opportunities.

Transition to the Internet Age

As technology evolved and the internet became a dominant force, the landscape of software development transformed dramatically. The emphasis shifted from standalone software applications to web-based solutions. Despite these changes, the core need for cultural and linguistic localization remained relevant. Websites and online services still required adjustments to resonate with Japanese users, ensuring that cultural subtleties and language intricacies were accurately represented.

The Continued Relevance of Cultural Localization

Today, the need for culturally sensitive and linguistically accurate software and websites is as pertinent as ever. While the term "double-byte enablement" might not be as commonly discussed, the principles behind it continue to drive our work. At PSPINC, we remain committed to our roots, leveraging our deep understanding of Japanese culture and language to help businesses succeed in this unique market.

Modern-Day PSPINC: A Unique Expertise

In the current digital age, PSPINC stands out as one of the few companies in the US that specializes in Japanese cultural and linguistic localization. Our experience and dedication to this niche market enable us to provide unparalleled services to our clients. Whether it's developing bilingual websites, offering email marketing solutions like NewsMail, or integrating the latest web technologies, our focus on cultural relevance ensures that our clients can effectively connect with their target audience.

Conclusion: Honoring Our Heritage

As we move forward, we continue to honor our heritage by embracing the principles that have guided us since our inception. By staying true to our mission of bridging cultural and linguistic gaps, we help businesses navigate the complexities of the Japanese market. Our journey from double-byte specialists to modern-day innovators is a testament to our adaptability and unwavering commitment to excellence.

At PSPINC, we are proud of our past and excited for the future. As we embark on new ventures and embrace emerging technologies, we remain dedicated to our core values, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible solutions tailored to their specific needs.

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

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

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.) is a technology company based in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Founded in 1987, PSPINC provides web hosting, email hosting, and other internet-related services to businesses and individuals worldwide.

In addition to its hosting services, PSPINC also offers website design and development, domain registration, and online marketing services. The company has data centers located in the United States and Japan, and it offers multilingual support to its customers.

PSPINC has a strong focus on customer service, and it has received numerous awards and accolades for its quality of service over the years. The company is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends in order to provide the best possible solutions for its customers.

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

Generational Gaps

When you look at media consumption behavior, I feel like there are three distinct generations in today’s society. The younger generation primarily obtains information through smartphones, rather than through television or computers. Those in their 30s to early 60s are not as focused on television or smartphones but still rely heavily on computers. As for the elderly, it’s clear that they mostly obtain information through television, rather than smartphones or computers.

Newspapers, like television, are a medium that primarily provides information to the older generation. From this perspective, it seems that the market for television and newspapers is gradually shrinking. However, in Japan, the population proportion of the elderly is higher due to lowering birth rates. As a result, the influence of television and newspapers remains strong compared to countries with a larger young population.

Currently, the Tokyo gubernatorial election is taking place in Japan, with nearly 50 candidates running. However, based on television coverage, it appears that only incumbent Governor Yuriko Koike and Parliament member Renho Saito are running. This gives the impression that the media is steering public perception to suggest that only these two have a chance of winning, which is disappointing. I’m not saying there’s a problem with these two candidates, it is just unfortunate that we don’t hear more about the other candidates.

We have often discussed the importance of websites, but there are limitations when it comes to disseminating information to the elderly. Accessing a website requires digital devices such as computers or smartphones, which are not widely used by the elderly. This issue is particularly pronounced in Japan, compared to other countries, due to its aging population. Therefore, I feel like there is still much room for growth in Japan's digital media promotion activities.