Moving Special Items with Asian Tigers Japan MD - Tomomi Fujita
In this episode of “The Global Move” we delve into a pressing issue of shipping e-bikes equipped with lithium batteries. Our special guest, Tomomi Fujita, the Managing Director of Asian Tigers Japan, shares her insights on the topic. Drawing from her extensive experience in the relocation and moving industry, Tomomi explains why lithium batteries pose a significant hurdle for international moves due to their classification as dangerous goods. Tomomi offers practical advice for e-bike owners looking to move abroad, suggesting the sale of these items through online platforms tailored to the expat community. This not only simplifies the moving process but also allows clients to recoup some of their investments. Join us as we explore solutions to this complex issue and provide valuable advice for planning a smooth relocation. And check out our website’s FAQ chatbot for more help on your unique moving questions: https://asiantigersgroup.com/faq.
Host: Welcome back to the Global Move, Your go-to podcast for all things related to international moving brought to you by the Asian Tigers Group. Today we’re tackling a topic that’s becoming increasingly relevant for clients in Japan. The challenges of shipping e-bikes with lithium batteries. Joining us to shed light on this issue is Tomomi Fujita, Managing Director of Asian Tigers Japan. Welcome to the show, Tomomi.
Tomomi: Thank you. Great to be here and discuss a subject affecting many of our clients.
Host: Tomomi, you’ve had a remarkable journey in this industry from your days at Lehman Brothers to navigating the complexities of relocation and moving services during the COVID 19 pandemic. But today, we’re focusing on something quite specific Japanese e-bikes. Can you tell us more about the issue with shipping these abroad?
Tomomi: Absolutely. E-bikes are extremely popular in Tokyo for good reason: they’re compact and eco friendly and more than anything, they’re perfect for hilly Tokyo. However, when moving overseas, there is a significant hurdle. Lithium battery power, these bikes.
Host: Right. Lithium batteries. They’ve been a hot topic in shipping and logistics for a while now, right?
Tomomi: Yes, they have. Lithium batteries are classified as dangerous goods because of the risk of overheating and of causing fires. Recently, I heard of a tragic fire in a high rise apartment in the mainland China caused by an e-bike’s lithium batteries. As a result, 15 people died. These batteries can be the cause of a huge disaster.
Host: That’s not something you want on a plane or a boat. So what does this mean for your clients who own e-bikes?
Tomomi: Well, it means we can’t export e-bikes with their lithium batteries. So as soon as we notice our client having an e-bike, we recommend them to sell it through an online buying and sell market for expat community.
Host: That sounds reasonable. Have many of your clients had success with selling their e-bikes this way?
Tomomi: Yes, they have. It’s been a surprisingly smooth process for most of our clients. These online platforms are very active and e-bikes are in high demand. It’s a win win situation and our client can recoup some of their investment and the bikes find a new home where they will continue to be used.
Host: That’s fantastic to hear. It’s all about finding those silver linings. Before we wrap up, Tommy, any advice for our listeners who might be facing this issue?
Tomomi: Oh my suggestion would be to plan ahead and talk to us. If you’re moving overseas and have an e-bike, consider selling it sooner rather than later. It makes your moving prep easier, and it also helps avoid any last minute surprises. And of course, just talk to us, we at Asian Tigers Japan are here to guide you through every step of your move.
Host: Wise words, Tomomi-san. Thank you so much for joining us today and for shedding light on this important topic.
Tomomi: My pleasure, Thank you for having me.
