―Please tell your profile.

We, Raymond Mok and Connie Mok, were managing RM Enterprises, also famous as “A Licensing Program of RM” managed Peanuts/Snoopy, The world of Peter Rabbit, Paddington Bear, San-X Characters. RM was one of the best reputable licensing agency company throughout Asia Pacific territories over 30 years of successful licensing business during since 1984 to 2017 until after we retired.

―Please tell us about your first encounter with Ingram.

Our first encounter with Ingram was at early days of 1996 in Japan.

―What were the most memorable (and exciting) moments in working with Ingram?

Dancing Baby licensing business was a great success in Japan and San-X all characters including Tarepanda licensing programs were super successful throughout Asian countries.

―What do you expect from Ingram in the future?

Ingram should consider to acquire more good IPs to support Ingram’s licensing partner agents’ in Asia and Europe.

―Please give your message to Ingram on 30th anniversary.

Congratulations and looking forward to 40th, 50th, 60th onward anniversary.

―Please tell us your first encounter with Ingram.

I was first introduced to Ingram in the 1990s due to their strong support for US lifesaving and professional lifeguards.

―Please tell us the details of the USLA.

The United States Lifesaving Association is America's nonprofit, professional association of beach lifeguards and open water rescuers. The USLA works to reduce the incidence of death and injury in the aquatic environment through public education, national lifeguard standards, training programs, promotion of high levels of lifeguard readiness, and other means.

―Please tell us your most memorable (exciting) event in connection with Ingram.

My most memorable event was having Ingram’s founder attend the National Lifeguard Championships in person!

―Finally, we would like to hear a few words from you.

Ingram has been a friend and supporter of professional lifeguards in the United States for decades. That support has gone a long way toward supporting the United States Lifesaving Association’s efforts to improve the professionalism of America’s beach lifeguards and to help us prevent drowning nationwide. Thank you!

―Please introduce yourself.

I am Moriya HAMADA and I represent Ingram America LLC. Our work is to produce licensing agreements of intellectual properties between USA and Japan, and that includes marketing and promotion thereof.

―Please tell us your first encounter with Ingram.

I remember first meeting with Ben-san in the early 1990’s. At that time recognition of licensing concept was at its early stage and we met to discuss how we should develop US brand markets as well as how we extend planning and sales of US products. We were a sort of forerunners in this area to actually work on many licensing projects. I remember talking about doing this new thing and that new project. In 1999 we came to complete understanding of each other and that’s when my current work started.

―Please tell us your business description in connection with Ingram.

Since 1999 I’ve been introducing intellectual properties of US into Japan while INGRAM doing the same from Japan to US, all of which has been working so well.

―Please tell us your most memorable (exciting) event in connection with Ingram.

In the beginning, the licensing business in Japan simply meant that you buy a right to use a trademark and to make products. The basics principle probably remains the same, but my understanding is that since around the latter half of the decade starting in 2000 the concept of ‘branding’ spread among US licensors for Japanese market and this caused a huge change in the licensing industry. And Ingram made sure that we exhibited our position to be deeply involved in this branding process. It was when business strategy of Team Ingram for both US and Japan was cemented and the bond between us became ironclad that I felt such nice vibrations for what would be happening to us all. That was an impressive moment!

―To feel more excitement, please tell us things you would like to challenge with Ingram or things what you expect from Ingram.

Currently in the US, this concept of “D to C” (Direct to Consumers) is so up-to-date that everyone is trying to make this concept a reality by securing more consumers attached to the brand in question. You create a lifestyle where such attachment to a brand is just a daily occurrence and thus you create a new demand. Be there a difference in the culture, you try to incorporate the difference in your business structure. That’s how INGRAM will stay at the cutting-edge of the industry. That’s how INGRAM will help its customer brands grow. This is the exact source of our future excitement for ALL of us, licensors, agents, licensees and consumers. I dare to say LET US STAY AT THE CUTTING-EDGE OF THE INDUSTRY!

―Finally, we would like to hear a few words from you.

We have come through many ups and downs. That means we have learned so much from our experience and that makes the current standpoint of INGRAM such a strategically and richly potential position. Let us make full use of it and let our customer brands and licensees/manufacturers as well as consumers take advantage of it, bearing fruits for everyone. No matter whether you are in the US or in Japan, consumer enthusiasm for brands remains the same and we will continue to give our heartfelt passion to all. Happy 30th anniversary and TEAM INGRAM forever!!

―Please introduce yourself.

I am Michelle Nguyen Bradley, event producer and social media manager for all of the San-X branded channels in English, which Ingram has been working with for over 10 years!

―Please tell us your first encounter with Ingram.

I first met the Ingram Team of Ben, Mori, and Tomo while assisting at the very first Rilakkuma weekend event at JapanLA. I ended up helping with small things like doing the guest list and helping around the store, and soon it evolved into becoming a full event producer with the team.

―Please tell us your job description in connection with Ingram.

I do two things with Ingram. When there are conventions or parties, I am the event producer for their Rilakkuma branded activations. For social media, I manage 5 accounts for their client, San-X.

―Please tell us your most memorable (exciting) event in connection with Ingram.

The most amazing project I worked on with Ingram was the Rilakkuma Café event. We turned an empty space into a full experience for fans to enjoy the Rilakkuma brand through decorations, food, drink, photo sessions, gifts, and entertainment. It was a great experience and I hope to do more like that!

―To feel more excitement, please tell us things you would like to challenge with Ingram or things what you expect from Ingram.

Creating more experiences with Ingram to have fans enjoy their favorite brands in different ways is what I look forward most to doing with them in the future.

―Finally, we would like to hear a few words from you.

Congratulations to Ingram on their 30th Anniversary! It has been a long road, with many challenges, but you approached them all professionally and with a smile. I am proud to have worked with your company for over 10 years and hope I can continue to do so for many more!

―Please tell us about your first encounter with Ingram.

It was probably late 90's and the beginning was tiny project but we have all grown up.

―Please tell us what kind of oversea business you are doing with Ingram?

I have been working with lots of IPs such as San-X characters (Rilakkuma and Sumikkogurashi, etc.), Route 66, Lifeguard and more with Ingram.

―What were some of the most memorable (and exciting) moments of working with Ingram?

It was year 2000 and one of the most busy years. We launched lots of San-X program at the time and I received plenty of gratitude greetings.

―What do you expect from Ingram in the future?

I have been seeing Ingram's stabilized IP management power for long time for mutual satisfaction between principles and the licensees. Ingram has great networking for this industry. I look forward to seeing more new IPs in the future and happy to be a supporter.

―Please give your message to Ingram on 30th anniversary.

Congratulations! It's my great honor & pleasure to send this message as one of long term business partners & friends. Super excited to see Ingram's splendid accomplishment in the last 3 decades.　Wow, we have been working together in joy and sorrow. Its period is over two thirds of Ingram's 30 years. Our relationship is not just business partner, if we are just business partner then it is not able to stand here at the moment.　Sincere congrats to your 30th anniversary, Bravo Ben!

―Please introduce yourself.

I am Munehiro TAMURA, President of System Service Co., Ltd.
We plan, manufacture and sell premium toys as prizes for claw crane game machines at amusement facilities all over Japan. Our philosophy is to deliver novel pleasure and excitement around the world through “Craftsmanship.” We make good use of the knowhow that originates from producing claw crane game prizes, through Craftsmanship, to produce toys in capsule, to operate our EC markets, and manufacture OEM/ODM products for our clients.

―How did you encounter INGRAM?

I understand that when I joined System Service, we already had business association with Ingram. We had association, but it was not quite an on-going busy relationship and we just remained as good partners within Licensing Industry, as I recall.
My first personal encounter with Ingram people was in 2014 when Green Camel Co., Ltd., as domestic agent of SAN-X characters, held a big Licensing Conference. It was held at famous resort of Izu, and accordingly, we partied, enjoyed karaoke, played golf and kept drinking in hotel rooms. The very first impression of Ingram people – “Serious to play! (one step before too much so!).” And that gave me one big impact and that was when I learned what it means to have the best entertainment.

―What event gave you a moment of excitement while working with Ingram?

Our earlier relationship involved receiving assistance from Ingram regarding our export of products to amusement facilities in North America, around 2013. Later Ingram gave us full support for our export development to Asian countries, for which I am very grateful. For about a decade we continued our relationship in the area of export business. Then in 2020 Ingram was kind enough to introduce major domestic SPA entities and that was the start of our involvement with Sumikkogurashi characters, and that was the moment of excitement. We now manufacture its novelty and other products for them.

―What do you expect from Ingram, which will give you more of excitement?

Even though we have been working together in our export efforts, strangely, I have never traveled overseas with Ingram. Opportunities lie in Asia, North America and Europe. I am excited to think about reencountering the best entertainment experience overseas such as I first encountered at Izu!

―A word for our 30th anniversary?

Taking this occasion, I would like to congratulate all of you for your 30th anniversary. Next 30 years or even 30 more years on, Ingram will keep making efforts to “master the licensing business.” Towards this end, we hope to render our assistance to you, small as it may be. Let us both grow and prosper!

―Introduction of yourself and where you work?

My name is Ken Busby, and I’m executive director & CEO of the Route 66 Alliance. We are a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and enhancement of Route 66, past, present, and future!

―How did you meet and relationship with Ingram?

I first became acquainted with Ingram six years ago, in 2016, through Jim Conkle. He had worked with Ingram for several years prior, and introduced me to Tomo Kainuma（Ingram America） to continue the relationship. As one of the world's leading branding companies, I was excited to partner with Ingram to continue to raise the profile of Route 66 around the world!

―Congratulations message to Ingram for the 30th anniversary.

I wish to heartily congratulate Ingram on its 30th Anniversary! It has been a sincere pleasure working with you, and I'm excited to see what the next 30 years will bring as we work together to promote Route 66!

※ Michael Wallis(Right), the Founder of the Route 66 Alliance, and the voice of The Sheriff in Disney/Pixar's "Cars."

―Please tell your profile.

I am Emily Co, the president of Studio eM Licensing Co., Ltd. based in Taiwan. We act as the licensing agent of San-X and for other different properties. Previously, I served as the General Manager of RM Enterprises Limited and of Global Brands Group in Taiwan where many licensing programs have been developed.

―Please tell us about your first encounter with Ingram.

First encounter with Ingram was in Year 2000 when we started representing San-X's properties. Ingram team came to Taiwan to attend a TarePanda event held in Taipei.

―Please tell us what kind of oversea business you are doing with Ingram?

We work side by side with Ingram in building up licensing programs. We handle the programs for territories of Taiwan and the Philippines.

―What were some of the most memorable (and exciting) moments of working with Ingram?

Working with Ingram for more than two decades has been an awesome and fulfilling journey. Seeing how the brands have grown, seeing the happiness these characters bring to the public is worth all the time and effort. We are excited to continue handling new properties and brands together.
On the side, the trips made and meals taken together, undoubtedly filled with good food, good wine and much fun and laughters add to making each encounter a memorable one!

―What do you expect from Ingram in the future?

May Ingram and Studio eM continue to work side by side, continue to grow together.

―Please give your message to Ingram on 30th anniversary.

Happy 30th anniversary to Ingram! May the road ahead continue to be filled with unparalleled success. All the best to Kato San and the whole team!

―Please tell your profile.

T.A.C.Consumer Public Company Limited (TACC), formerly known as T.A.C Beverage Co.,Ltd. is a leading company in Thailand offering beverages and lifestyle products, especially tea and coffee by operating in Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Customer (B2C) domestically and internationally. TACC has been registered as a company on 28th March 2002 with an initial registered capital of 2 million Thai baht to operate a dispenser drink business in the leading convenience store in Thailand, 7-Eleven. Such drinks are the joint-developed products between the company and CP All Public Company Limited.

In order to support such growth, the company has continuously increased its capital and has transformed into a public company and changed its name to T.A.C.Consumer Public Company Limited on 26th August 2015.

During the period of over a decade that we partnered with 7-Eleven, TACC has constantly developed dispenser beverage market. The drinks were well accepted by consumers and as a result we witnessed over 100 percent sales growth in consecutive years.

However, in order to strengthen our sustainable growth and to diversify our business, we created another pillar into our business which was to Licensing Business.

―Please tell us about your first encounter with Ingram.

Through reference among our trustworthy business partners, we were introduced to Ingram in 2017.

―Please tell us what kind of oversea business you are doing with Ingram.

TACC had signed a licensing agreement with Ingram (Japan) as a representative agent of San-X in South East Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos) for the right to produce and sell goods, apply a brand name or trademark which were owned by the licensor.

―What were some of the most memorable (and exciting) moments of working with Ingram?

Throughout the years, working with Ingram has been a remarkable experience. It brought us the good opportunity to expand our business and meet new business partners in other fields.
Ingram is not only our partner, but we are family for better or for worst and through good times and bad times. In the past, TACC has continuously received full support from Ingram without any doubt. Despite the fact that we may have worked in a shorter period of time with Ingram compared to other agents around the world, we can say our experience with Ingram has been extremely memorable. Even though we work in different parts of the world, we still have great collaboration. The most important word that Ingram informed us of why they chose us as their partner was ‘TRUST’. We believe in this word because we are ‘FAMILY’.
We sincerely appreciate your team’s continues support, hardworking and dedication to achieve our success together.

―What do you expect from Ingram in the future?

We, TACC, would like to thank you for your continuous trust in our company and hopefully we can continue support each other in the long run for future mutual contributions and benefits.

―Please give your message to Ingram on 30th Anniversary.

On behalf of TACC, congratulations on the Ingram 30th Anniversary.
May the journey of your success continue in the coming years! Wishing you and your team a happy anniversary!
With collaboration and great team work, we foresee the continuous growth of Ingram. We are grateful to be a part of Ingram family.

―Please tell your profile.

My name is Yuzo Tatemoto, president of Green Camel Co., Ltd.
We have been managing property licensing for 50 years.

―Please tell us about your encounter with INGRAM.

President Kato has been in good touch with our Chairman and Vice-Chairman even before INGRAM was incorporated and thus we have known each other for a long time.
My impression of President Kato was that he was a man with foresight. We are of the same generation and we can talk about a number of topics such as fashion, sports, automobiles and that also told me that he possessed great sensibility (although his jokes are rated so-so).

―What was the most impressive (exciting) thing that relates to INGRAM?

Starting in the mid-1990s, INGRAM introduced the properties that we were managing to overseas clients. When I was responsible for overseas markets, I traveled together visiting perhaps 6 countries in a year. Each trip was very tightly scheduled, but I was taken to restaurants with superb quality. In the past license shows were held in New York and we were there, too. In 2001 I was so pleased to have an opportunity to dine at “Windows on the World” that INGRAM kindly booked for me. It was 3 months later that it was demolished together with the entire World Trade Center buildings by 9.11 attacks. I was speechless.

―What would you wish (or expect) to do with INGRAM so that you will have more of excitement?

With over 30 years of history of INGRAM, you have an excellent team. I expect that new generation of staff will create new business frontlines meeting new demands of time and succeed everywhere.

―Could you please give us a few words?

Congratulations! You have my heart-felt blessings and appreciation!

―Please tell your profile.

I am Shirley Gao from Fun Way Brands Limited. Our company is engaged in brands management and licensing business in mainland China, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR of China.
Before joining Fun Way Brands in early 2018, I had worked 4 years in Global Brands Group (GBG), one of the leading global licensing agency in China and later restructured as CAA-GB, acting as the manager in GBG Beijing office. We were devoted to licensing and marketing of classic international characters including Peanuts, Miffy, Rilakkuma, Paddington Bear, Popeye, Betty Boop, Peter Rabbit etc.
While exploring new licensing deals to the classic properties, we also maintained good contact and communications with national level media like CCTV and key VOD/video platforms in China, targeting at character brands marketing and contents distribution.
Prior to GBG, I had twelve years working experiences with China Toy and Juvenile Product Association (CTJPA), responsible for China Toy Expo & China Licensing Expo (CLE) held in Shanghai each year.
CLE was sponsored by LIMA in China at that time. As of today, CLE has expanded into the leading licensing show in China and the biggest licensing trade show in Asia.
On top of professional B2B trade licensing expo, I was also involved in organizing brand licensing training seminars appointed to CTJPA by Ministry of Culture, PRC.

―Please tell us about your first encounter with Ingram.

My first encounter with Ingram was during year 2018.

―Please tell us what kind of oversea business you are doing with Ingram?

Now we are the close partner of Ingram for San-X brands management and licensing business in mainland China, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR.

―What were some of the most memorable (and exciting) moments of working with Ingram?

It’s really quite pleasant experience for us to have been working with Ingram for the past few years.
Ingram is such a kind, friendly and professional team and we are honored to collaborate with them for business expansion in our territories.
The communications between us have always been cheerful, encouraging and inspiring.

―What do you expect from Ingram in the future?

We will need the continuous supporting from Ingram for future collaborations.
Believe with concerted efforts, Ingram overseas licensing business will grow on a healthy and steady basis.

―Please give your message to Ingram on 30th anniversary.

30th Anniversary is the unforgettable moment for both Ingram and the friends and partners of Ingram.
Taking this opportunity, we’d like to extend our warm congratulations to Mr. Kato and Ingram team.
Sincerely wish Ingram a prosperous and fruitful future in the next journey!

―Please tell your profile.

Hi, I am Lina from Brand Link International, the character brand & lifestyle licensing company based in Indonesia.
Since young, I love cartoon character.
In the year 2008, when I entered the licensing business, I realized that cartoon character could be transformed to the licensed product, so the fans could touch and keep the cartoon character into the product that they could use everyday.
These have amazed me that licensing programs are very creative industries.
The cartoon character that we love could be “live” in many forms of products that stay near our daily lives.

―Please tell us about your first encounter with Ingram.

My first encounter with Ingram is since the first time I started to enter the character licensing business in year 2008. At that time, I have managed all related licensing business with Ingram that represented San-X Co Ltd Japan licensing program.
Those are kawaii characters that I love so much such as Rilakkuma, Sumikkogurashi, Tarepanda, Mamegoma, and many more.

―Please tell us what kind of oversea business you are doing with Ingram?

The overseas business that I am working together with Ingram is San-X Co Ltd Japan licensing program, the characters that we currently focus are Rilakkuma and Sumikkogurashi but not limited to both characters, we grow other characters & brands too.

―What were some of the most memorable (and exciting) moments of working with Ingram?

When I visited Japan in the year 2019, all of the Ingram teams were very friendly as a part of big family and we spent the great time during my visit in Japan.
Thank you very much for Ingram’s hospitality during visit and Ingram support while I started the licensing business in my own company until now.
Ingram means “family” to me, we work professional but we have close relationship as a family.

―What do you expect from Ingram in the future?

I wish Ingram could stay stronger and stronger in the licensing business globally and Ingram could manage top character brand & lifestyle licensing program.
Ingram could support the licensing agents for growing the licensing business in the respected countries.
Even though now we face the challenges and difficulties due to the C19 situation, but I pray that God will help Ingram to stand still and have breakthrough to face all obstacles and grow more stronger.

―Please give your message to Ingram on 30th anniversary.

Happy 30th Anniversary for Ingram, I wish Ingram’s future journey will be more bright and successful.
All the best for Ingram’s team and all Ingram’s licensing agents.
We are proud and love Ingram as our big family and best business partner.