THE 31ST LEADERSHIP PROGRAM ON JAPAN

September 6-11, 2004

organized by

Institute for International Studies and Training

with the support of

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

THE 31st LEADERSHIP PROGRAM ON JAPAN From September 6 to 11, 2004, Institute for International Studies and Training (IIST) has conducted the 31st Leadership Program on Japan. The purpose of this yearly program is to promote mutual understanding between Japan and other countries in the global community. Through various activities such as lectures on the economy, market, society and culture of Japan, dialogue with senior government officials as well as Japanese business leaders, and visits to Japanese major companies, the participants were able to deepen their knowledge on what is happening in current Japan.

At the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

Welcome Reception in Tokyo

Mr. Risaburo NEZU “The Japanese Economy”

Mr. Nobuhiko SUTO “Japanese Politics”

Mr. Glen S. FUKUSHIMA

“Changes in the Japanese Market, 1985-2004”

Program Orientation

Mr. Takato OJIMI

THE 31ST LEADERSHIP PROGRAM ON JAPAN

(September 6-11, 2004)

Monday September 6 Morning Welcome: Takato Ojimi, Vice President & Managing Director, IIST

Self-introduction: All participants Program Orientation: Hiroyasu Tamagawa, Director, International Exchange Department, IIST

Presentation: “The Japanese Economy – Where does Japan go from a decade-long recession?-”

Risaburo NEZU Senior Executive Fellow, Fujitsu Research Institute

Afternoon

Presentation: “Japanese Politics” Nobuhiko SUTO Member of the House of Representatives /the Democratic Party of Japan

Presentation: “Changes in the Japanese Market, 1985-2004” Glen S. FUKUSHIMA Co-President, NCR Japan, Ltd.

Evening

Welcome Reception Remarks: Takato OJIMI Vice President & Managing Director, IIST Akira MIWA Deputy Director-General for International Trade Policy, METI Nobuhiko SUTO Member of the House of Representatives /the Democratic Party of Japan Alexander Graf LAMBSDORFF Member, European Parliament (Participant)

Guests: Kazumasa KUSAKA Vice-Minister for International Affairs, METI Michael REITERER Deputy Head of Delegation/Minister, Delegation of the European Commission

Michael OTTER Commercial Attache, Embassy of the Republic of Austria Virendra SHANKER Counsellor, Embassy of India Rolf MAFAEL First Counsellor, Embassy of the Federal Repubilc of Germany Japheth O. ARIEDI Second Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Kenya

Pisanu SOBHON First Secretary, Economic Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy

Other distinguished diplomats, business leaders, and government officials in Tokyo

Tuesday September 7 Morning

Visit to Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)

Presentation: “Progress of Japan’s Structural Reform and Challenges for the Future” Kazumasa KUSAKA

Vice-Minister for International Affairs, METI Lunch Time

Meeting with Senior METI Officials

Eiichi HASEGAWA Deputy Director-General for International Trade Policy, Trade Policy Bureau

Hisato NAGAO

Director, Trade Policy Division, Trade Policy Bureau Akira MATSUNAGA Director, Research and Analysis Division, Trade Policy Bureau Susumu OKAMOTO Deputy Director, Research and Analysis Division, Trade Policy Bureau

Masashi OSHITA Director, Economic Partnership Division, Trade Policy Bureau Seiji TAKAGI Director, Office for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, Trade Policy Bureau Keisuke SADAMORI Director, Americas Division, Trade Policy Bureau

Masaya YASUI Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa Division, Trade Policy Bureau

Masanori AMANO Director, Russia and New Independent States Office, Europe, Middle East and Africa Division, Trade Policy Bureau Minoru NAKAMURA Director, Middle East-Africa Office, Europe, Middle East and Africa Division, Trade Policy Bureau Keita NISHIYAMA Director, Asia and Pacific Division, Trade Policy Bureau Tatsuya TERAZAWA Director, Northeast Asia Division, Trade Policy Bureau Tsunehiro OGAWA Director-General, Multilateral Trade System Department, Trade Policy Bureau Osamu ONODERA

Deputy Director, Multilateral Trade System Department, Trade Policy Bureau Shigehiro TANAKA Director, Office for WTO Compliance and Dispute Settlement, Multilateral Trade System Department, Trade Policy Bureau Eigo NOMURA Deputy Director, Trade and Investment Facilitation Division, Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau

Afternoon

Individual Activities or a Half-day Visit to the Places of Interests in Tokyo

Wednesday September 8 Morning

Presentation: “Socio-Cultural Characteristics of Japanese Society” Fumie KUMAGAI Ph.D. Professor of Sociology, Graduate School of International Cooperation,

and Department of Foreign Studies, Kyorin University Presentation: “Japanese Culture” Françoise MORÉCHAND-NAGATAKI, Visiting Professor, Kyoritsu Women’s University Afternoon

Visit to Sony Media World Masao TOYAMA Deputy General Manager, External Relations Department, Sony Corporation

Visit to GDH K.K. Shinichiro ISHIKAWA

CEO, GDH K.K.

Thursday September 9 Morning

Move to Nagoya (by Bullet Train Shinkansen Nozomi 109)

Visit to Toyota Kaikan Exhibition Hall and Motomachi Plant (TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION))

Shoji KIMURA Project General Manager, BR China Project Group, Logistics Planning Division Project General Manager Planning Department, Logistics Planning Division,

TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION Ron HAIGH Assistant Manager, Corporate Public Relations Division,

TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION Afternoon

Visit to the Sites of the 2005 World Exposition Aichi, Japan Takashi HONJO

Assistant Secretary-General, Japan Association for the 2005 World Exposition

Presentation: “Greater Nagoya Initiative” Shohei OTAKI Director-General, Economic Policy Department, Chubu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, METI

Evening

Reception

Remarks: Takato OJIMI

Vice President & Managing Director, IIST Hideki OGAWA

Director-General, Chubu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, METI

Jun MORIYAMA Executive Managing Officer, General Manager, Nagoya Office, MITSUI & CO., LTD.

Caroline GAILLOCHET Deputy Director-General, Invest in France Agency (Participant)

Takashi HONJO Assistant Secretary-General, Japan Association for the 2005 World Exposition

Guests: Government Officials and Business Leaders in Chubu District

Friday September 10 Morning

Move to Kyoto (By Bullet Train Shinkansen Nozomi 43) Visit to ROHM CO., LTD Hidemi TAKASU

Director, Member of the Board, Semiconductor Research and Development Headquarters, ROHM CO., LTD

Afternoon

Individual Activities or a Half-day Visit to the Places of Interests in Kyoto

Saturday September 11 Morning

Half-day Visit to the Places of Interests in Kyoto Afternoon

Visit to Watabun Co., Ltd. Naomi WATANABE

Deputy Director, ORINASU THE HANDMADE FABRICS PRODUCTION FOUNDATION Evening Farewell Dinner

List of Participants

1. Mr. Georg Michael KARABACZEK (Austria)

Director Products, Member of the Board of Austrian Trade Austrian Federal Economic Chamber-Austrian Trade

2. Mr. Pierre SAUVÉ (Canada) Consultant World Bank Institute

3. Mr. Matthew TAYLOR (Canada） Senior Manager

Wilson & Partners LLP

4. Mr. Christian BECHON (France) Magistrate Senior Auditor French Court of Accounts

5. Ms. Caroline GAILLOCHET (France) Deputy Director-General Invest in France Agency

6. Dr. Friederike BOSSE (Germany) Director Regional Coordination Federation of German Industries

7. Count Alexander Graf LAMBSDORFF (Germany) Member

European Parliament

8. Mr. Sanjay TREHAN (India) Chief of Internet HT MEDIA LTD.

9. Mr. Albert MUMMA ODUOR (Kenya) Senior Lecturer Nairobi University

10. Ms. Irina GORBULINA (Russia) President Russian Academy of Business and Commerce

11. Mr. Andrei LUBALIN (Russia) General Director Trade and Investment Development Agency, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Russian Federation

12. Mr. Martin HERB (Switzerland) Attorney at Law, Partner Herb Takata Attorneys at Law

13. Mr. Techa BOONYACHAI （Thailand） Director and Deputy-Secretary General The Thai National Shippers’ Council

14. Ms. Laurel REINER （U.S.A.） Founder

LANGUAGES SERVICES, INC.

15. Mr. Michael ZIELENZIGER （U.S.A.） Visiting Scholar Institute of East Asian Studies, University of California, Berkeley

Georg Michael KARABACZEK (Austria) Director Products, Member of The Board of Austrian Trade Austrian Federal Economic Chamber-Austrian Trade

Since September 2003 I am director of the Group “Products” and a member of the Board of Austrian Trade responsible for developing and implementing new services for the Austrian business community. Austrian Trade is the Foreign Trade Service Organization of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. Our service operates 70 trade offices in 60 countries and employs 700 people, 600 of which are stationed abroad. Before returning to Vienna in Summer 2003 I was for 5 years Trade Commissioner in Helsinki in charge of Finland and the Baltic Countries. Before that I spent 10 years as Deputy Trade Commissioner in Belgium, India and Czechoslovakia (at that time still one country!). Before joining the Federal Chamber I studied Business Administration and graduated in 1984 from Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration.

Pierre SAUVÉ (Canada) Consultant World Bank Institute

· 2003-04: Visiting Professor, Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris and Consultant, World Bank Institute, Paris

· 1993-98 and 2000-2002: Senior Economist, Trade Directorate, Organization for Edconomic Co-operation and Development, Paris

· 1998- 2000: Visiting Fellow and Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy, Center for Business and Government, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

· 1998-2000: Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution, Washinghton, D.C. · 1991-93: Negotiator, Trade in Services, Office of the North American Free Trade Negotiations, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Ottawa

· 1988-91:Economic Affairs Officer, General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, Geneva, Switzerland · 1987-88: Economist, Monetary and Economics Department, Bank for International Settlements, Basle,

Switzerland

· 1985-87: Economic Advisor, Executive Council Ministry, Government of Quebec, Quebec, Canada

Matthew Stephen TAYLOR (Canada) Senior Manager Wilson & Partners LLP, a law firm affiliated with PricewaterhouseCoopers Matthew Taylor is a tax lawyer and a Senior Manager with Wilson & Partners LLP, a law firm affiliated with PricewaterhouseCoopers, in Vancouver, Canada. Mr. Taylor was raised in Montreal, Canada. He obtained a B.A. (politics) from Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada and an M.Phil. (politics) from Cambridge University in England. Matthew studied law at McGill University in Montreal, Canada (where he was the Gold Medallist in 1994) and completed an LL.M. at Harvard Law School in Boston. Mr. Taylor has worked as a corporate and public lawyer in New York, Toronto and Ottawa. He has served as a law clerk to Mr. Justice La Forest at the Supreme Court of Canada, as a policy advisor to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs in Ottawa, and as a legal and strategic advisor in several Canadian political campaigns. He is the co-author of a book on Canadian public law entitled The Charter of Rights in Litigation.

Christian BECHON (France) Magistrate Senior Auditor French Court of Accounts

· Since June 2004: Magistrate Senior Auditor at French Court of Accounts · 2002-March 2004: Assistant Chief of Staff to the French Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industry, Francis Mer and Chief of Staff to the Minister for Industry, Nicole Fontaine

· January 1996- May 2002: Magistrate at the 2nd Chamber of the French Court of Accounts and in charge of financial and strategic audits in high-tech sectors

· June 1995 - November 1995: Chief of Staff to the Minister for Public Health and Health insurance, Elisabeth Hubert

· March 1995 - June 1995: Secretary General, French Centre of Space Studies (CNES) · April 1994 - March 1995: Assistant Chief of Staff of the Minister for the Civil Service André Rossinot · January 1992 - April 1994: Secretary General, Institute for Nuclear Protection and Safety (IPSN) · 1988-1991 Auditor then Chief Clerk and Advisor at the French Court of Accounts (social chamber)

Caroline GAILLOCHET (France) Chargée de mission Agence Française pour les investissements Internationaux

1977, I obtain a PhD in business law; my thesis title was: The legals, financial and fiscal matters in rising capitals funds to develop small and medium companies . I always worked in the territory development field, promoting long-term investments that will create employment and economic growth. At first under the leadership of the deputy of Vitrè ,Pierre Mehaignerie, mayor of Vitré, French Secretary of agriculture ; my job was both in his team in Paris and in charge of the industrial local development of the Vitrè region ; then I did the same job for the department of Ille et Vilaine and then for the three regions of West Atlantic. In 1992, I joined Datar, the French government organization in charge of the territory development. I was based in the Netherlands office in the Hague to prospect industrial projects in Benelux to settle them in France. Back in France in 1996, still in Datar, I was in charge of promoting France attractivity to Europeans Headquarters and to create the Japanese Investors Club. In 2001, I joined the new Invest in France Agency (AFII), the French government Agency created to welcome international investors by providing them with an organization adapted to their needs. At this time I am in charge of the Japanese Investors Club and of the training programs of The Invest in France Agency for all regional development organizations in France.

Friederike BOSSE (Germany) Director Regional Coordination Federation of German Industries (BDI)

Professional experience - Since Nov. 2001: director regional coordination at BDI in Berlin; special responsibility for the

Japan-Initiative of German Business

- 1993 – 2001: Senior Researcher at the Institute of Asian Affairs in Hamburg, subject: Japanese Economy

- 1991 – 1993: office manager at ARD German TV studio in Tokyo - 1988 – 1991: assistant to management at Funai Trading in Hamburg Academic background: - Summer 2001: doctoral examination on Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises - 1981 – 1986: Hamburg University, Japan Studies (major), Business Administration

Alexander Graf LAMBSDORFF (Germany) Member, European Parliament

· 2004 Member of the European Parliament, Brussels Member, Internal Market Committee Member, Foreign Affairs Committee

· 2000-2003 Press Attaché, German Embassy, Washington · 1997-2000 Officer, Policy Planning Staff, MFA of Germany, Bonn/ Berlin · 1995-1997 Diplomatic training, MFA of Germany, Bonn · 1991-1994 Georgetown University, Washington M.S. in Foreign Service M.A. in History

· Married, two Children

Sanjay TREHAN (India) Chief of Internet HT MEDIA LTD. For over 3 years now, Sanjay Trehan has been looking after the Internet division of HT Media Ltd., one of the largest media houses in India and publisher of Hindustan Times, the single largest English language newspaper edition in India. As Chief of Internet, Sanjay is in-charge of HindustanTimes.com, the online arm of Hindustan Times, HTcricket.com, a vortal on cricket, HTtabloid.com, Asia's first online tabloid, the online UK Edition, HindustanDainik.com, online version of Hindi daily, Hindustan, and HTClassifieds.biz, HT's online classifieds channel. Sanjay is one of the Founding Members, and part of the Governing Council, of India's first Internet & Online Association. Earlier, Sanjay was a part of the set-up team at the e-tailing portal, Jaldi.com, where he rose to the position of the Chief Operating Officer. Sanjay, 41, has Bachelor's and Master's degrees in History from St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi. He is interested in poetry, literature, people, human relationships, cricket, theatre and music. His first collection of poems, Appassionata, has recently been published.

Albert MUMMA ODUOR (Kenya) Senior Lecturer Nairobi University

Dr Mumma is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Law, University of Nairobi. He also practices law in the firm of Lumumba & Mumma Advocates. He previously worked in London with the firm of Simmons and Simmons, Solicitors.

Dr Mumma graduated from the University of Nairobi with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1985. In 1987 he obtained a Master of Laws degree from Yale Law School, USA. In 1991 he obtained a Ph.D. from Cambridge University, UK specializing in environmental law.

Dr Mumma has advised the Government of Kenya with respect to the enactment of the Water Act, 2002 as well as the Kenya Roads Board Act, 1999. He has also been a Consultant to the World Bank, the European Union and the United Nations Environment Programme.

Irina GORBULINA (Russia) President The Russian Academy of Business

Present Position – President of the Russian Academy of Business Previous Positions: 1989-President of the USSR Federal Journalist Association (ASMO-press);1991-President of the International Association of Journalists;1996-President of the International Assembly for Economic, Cultural and Science Cooperation “Global World” (Vienna, Austria);1998-President of the Media Holding ASMO-Invest;2000-President of the Russian Academy of Business. Ms. Gorbulina is a member of the following public organizations: Member of the Expert Council for Entrepreneurship under the Federal Parliament of the Russian Federation; Member of the Federal Journalist Union of Russia. Educational background: Far Eastern Government University (Journalism, Philology); Moscow Government University of Administration (Business); Ph.D

Andrei LUBALIN (Russia) General Director Trade and Investment Development Agency, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Russian Federation

Education

1996-1997 : ESL School (Toronto, Canada)

1989 : Tallinn Manager School - Tallinn, Estonia, Business Administration

1982-1989 : Machine Building Institute - Zaporozhye, Ukraine, Electrician-engineer

Employment History

2003-present time : Trade & Investment Development Agency – general director

2001-2003 : CellTel International Inc., New York, USA – vice president

1995-2001 : LATECO INC. Toronto, Canada - president

1993-1995 : City Economy Development Center (C.E.D.C) - Moscow, Russia, General Director

1992-1993 : Union of Russian Cities - Moscow, Russia, Economical projects Director

1991-1993 : Industrial - commercial company - Zaporozhye, Ukraine, Director

1989-1991 : Scientific-technical Center “VEDA” - Zaporozhye, Ukraine, Chief of overseas trade

department

1986-1989 : Vehicular plant “KOMMUNAR” - Zaporozhye, Ukraine, Electrician engineer - constructor

Martin HERB (Switzerland) Attorney at Law, Partner Herb Takata Attorneys at Law

Present titles: - Attorney at Law, Partner, Herb Takata Attorneys at Law Zurich - Managing Director of SJCC Swiss-Japanese Chamber of Commerce - President of the Swiss-French Business Club

Previous positions: - Head of Legal Department Glarner Kantonalbank - Legal counsel Bank Coop - Bar examination, Geneva - Law training Administrative Tribunal, Geneva - Law training law firm Pestalozzi Lachenal Patry, Geneva - Law School University of Geneva - Swissair, Geneva

Techa BOONYACHAI (Thailand) Director and Deputy-Secretary General The Thai National Shippers’ Council

Present Title: -Director and Deputy-Secretary General, The Thai National Shippers’ Council -Member of the Council, The National Economic and Social Advisory Council -Specialist Attached to the Standing Committee on Industrial,

The House of Representatives, Thailand -Director, Thai Maritime Navigation Co., Ltd. -Specialist in Science of Fuel Control Committee, Ministry of Energy -Chairman, Octahedral Co. ,Ltd.

Education: -Master Degree in Business Administration (MBA.), Chulalongkorn University -Bachelor Degree in Science (B.Sc.), Chulalongkorn University

Laurel REINER (U.S.A.) Founder, Languages Services, Inc. Languages Services, Inc. Formed company to train speakers of other languages in English and Spanish. Clients include Embassy of Japan, the Latin American Inter-Development Bank, the AFL-CIO, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington Hospital Center, 1999-present. Taught English as a Second Language, Montgomery College, Wheaton, MD, 1999-2000. Taught English as a Second Language, Fairfax Country Adult Education Program, Falls Church, VA, 1999-2000. Coordinated public relations campaign for Gray Panthers, one of the nation’s Leading advocacy organizations for seniors, Washington, D.C., 1998-1999. Organized and planned major fund-raising events for candidates running for federal and state office; Dukakis for President, Lynn Woolsey for Congress, Clinton for President, Democratic Central Committee Campaigns, Marin County, CA, 1988-1994. 2001-ESL K-12 Teaching Credential Program, George Mason University. Fairfax, VA 1980 Master’s in Social Work, Boston University School of Social Work, Boston, MA 1975-B.A. History University of Massachusetts, Honors History Program 1973-74 Hebrew University/Brandeis University, Jerusalem, Israel, Junior Year Abroad

Michael ZIELENZIGER (U.S.A.) Visiting Scholar

Institute of East Asian Studies, University of California, Berkeley

Michael Zielenziger, now a visiting scholar at the Institute of East Asian Studies, University of California – Berkeley, was the Tokyo-based bureau chief for Knight Ridder Newspapers, publishers of The Philadelphia Inquirer, The San Jose Mercury News, and more than 30 other U.S. newspapers for seven years, until May, 2003. He has written extensively about social, economic and political trends in Japan, Korea, China and Southeast Asia, and is now completing a book, Shutting Out the Sun, which explains the nature of Japan’s “lost decade” through an in-depth analysis of Japan’s unique social psychology. The work is to be published by Nan A. Talese / Doubleday in 2005. He is a 2003 recipient of an Abe Fellowship from the Social Science Research Council of New York.

COMMENTS FROM THE PARTICIPANTS The following messages are the comments from the participants gathered after the program. These comments show that each participant earned much learnings and insights through joining the Leadership Program. They also give us the indication for building good relationship in the global community.

Georg Michael KARABACZEK (Austria) Japanese Economy and Industry The picture of the Japanese economy we have abroad does not correspond to reality! For a country ten years in recession the economy & economic situation of people still seem very strong & robust. Surely many problems and challenges exist but restructuring seems on the way so we will see a strong Japanese come back soon. While focusing on China in recent years foreign companies should not underestimate Japan. Much more Japan-PR needed. Visit of companies was important. Japanese Politics, Society and Culture Interesting overview, especially because of meeting will opposition politician. A little more time to get to know Japanese food, tradition, etc. would have been fine. 1 or 2 more speakers on these subjects. In any case more information is needed to make a clear picture. So this visit was merely the beginning. Any other aspects It seems that knowledge about Japan is still not as good as it should be in Austria. The reality was very different from our perception from media, book, etc. e.g. Japan as tourism destination should have much more possibilities. The same is about FDI receiving country.

Pierre SAUVE (Canada) Japanese Economy and Industry Very enlightening presentations. Japan is coming back, but still must address its key weaknesses: demography; services; women in the labor force while also dealing with the challenge of migration. Japanese Politics, Society and Culture This programme was invaluable in offering us insights on the complex geometry of Japanese society as it confronts changes in a globalizing context. The program showed used Japan of yesterday, today and tomorrow, a most welcome learning experience. Any other aspects I very much appreciated this opportunity to learn more about this fascinating country. IIST staffs were perfect hosts, attentive to all our needs and preferences, always willing to accommodate our requests. Some minor changes in programme format could strengthen the Leadership programme, but overall this was a very rich experience, with new friendship made in Japan and among participants. A very warm

thank you!!

Matthew TAYLOR (Canada) Japanese Economy and Industry I was impressed by the honesty of the speakers. This was not "propaganda" at all. Indeed, I felt I was exposed the negative and the positive aspects of the Japanese economy. They made the speakers more credible. As a result I have a more positive impression than I would have offered. I will work hard to promote Japanese industry abroad. Japanese Politics, Society and Culture In my opinion Japan is opening to the world. Although Japan has been able to succeed without significant during what it seems that the society is experiencing the importance of international world. Any other aspects Thank you so much for a wonderful program and your generous hospitality. I will always remember this special program.

Christian BECHON (France) Japanese Economy and Industry Lectures and visits were interesting. The visit at the Start up Company "GONZO" was particularly interesting and showed us a "New Japan". Japanese Politics, Society and Culture For me, it was the most interesting part of the program as I knew before the economic figures of Japan. Any other aspects This leadership program has a good balance between lecture and visits. I was honored to be invited in this program and I enjoy a lot the discovery of Japan that it permits. It was most interesting!

Caroline GAILLOCHET (France) Japanese Economy and Industry I was very impress by Tokyo modernism quality of life and high quality services.

Going on Tokyo during Night, 10→12 PM, I was very surprised looking at the young people specially young girls who are very well dressed. (even better than in Paris) Japanese Politics, Society and Culture I always have been impressed by Japanese company and what I have been seeing during the week is the confirmation that most of the companies are very strong and independent from the government.

Any other aspects I have been very impressed by the gentle well coming. We have had even from people walking in the street. Being a tourist in Tokyo must be great -- I'll come back -- and I am sure that doing business in Japan must be safe.

Friederike BOSSE (Germany) Japanese Economy and Industry GDH was a very good example for how Japan's economy is changing, in terms of industry as well as in terms of corporate governance + management. On corporate level Japan is doing well, but what remains to be seen is how the division of labor within Asia (especially towards China) will evolve. I would have liked to discuss more on this question. Japanese Politics, Society and Culture Politics are finally changing in Japan. However it's not clear yet what will change, since the opposition party was not made up clear visions and positions. Aging population + declining birthrate is one of the biggest topics in all society -it came up in every discussion. The analysis and discussion on possible solutions however, have not yet been finished. We heard very different aspects + opinions that did not make up a clear + complete picture. Any other aspects Although I knew Japan quite well before I came the perspectives of the group members (= new comers) and the discussion with them made me think again about some things. The interaction among the international participants definitely is a big aspect of this program.

Alexander Graf LAMBSDORFF (Germany) Japanese Economy and Industry Regarding industry, expectations were confirmed, especially at Toyota. Regarding the economy, we received a very interesting introduction from Mr. Nezu; time will tell whether growth will really come back – let’s hope so! Japanese Politics, Society and Culture To me, the discussion with fellow Parliamentarian Mr. Suto was very interesting. Contrary to expectation, it was very frank and lively. Recommendations to IIST for giving us the chance to discuss with an opposition politician as outspoken as Mr. Suto. Any other aspects Japan is and remains an important partner for the European Union – the IIST program underlined and reinforced this crucial relationship. I am glad that I could participate in the 31st Leadership Program.

Sanjay TREHAN (India) Japanese Economy and Industry I think the Japanese Economy is in the recovery mode and its future is fraught with potential. However, it needs to expand its external trade focus (especially in view of the stagnant domestic consumption) and forge closer ties with Asia. It is on the threshold and strategic focus and vision, openness to FDI, liberalization will ensure that Japan remains one of the most economically advanced nations in the world. Japanese Politics, Society and Culture Japanese politics looks like politics everywhere. Perhaps a more responsive government will help get the attention of the Japanese youth, which is moving away from politics. Japanese society is trying to maintain a balance between tradition and modernity and in the resolution of this challenge will lie its future. Japanese culture is rich and has tremendous depth. Its religiosity and spirituality has made Japan such a powerful country. It’s good to see the youth still flocking to temples and shrines. Any other aspects I think Japan is one of the most fascinating countries in the world and Japanese people are very warm and hospitable. Despite the advances in technology, I am most touched by their simplicity and their belief in nature. It’s wonderful to see nation which is so advanced in so many ways, yet deeply attached to its traditional values and customs. That’s what makes it such an outstanding culture. Thank you.

Albert MUMMA ODUOR (Kenya) Japanese Economy and Industry I got the impression for a very strong and dynamic economy which is at the cutting edge of technological innovation in many ways. Japanese Politics, Society and Culture I got a strong impression of a society in the process of change. However the change is rooted strongly in Japanese culture. This is an important example for African countries who also grapple with change in the context of a non-Western culture. Any other aspects The courtesy and friendship shown to us was impressive.

Irina GORBULINA (Russia) Japanese Economy and Industry I have always regarded the achievements of Japanese in the fields of science, economy and culture with admiration. And everything seen during this week, has served to strengthen me in my opinion, that there is a large future in store for Japan.

Japanese Politics, Society and Culture In the epoch of universal unification it would be great to see Japan reserve its culture Any other aspects I want to thank the Institute for International Studies and Training and the Mr. Tamagara and his brilliance team for the given opportunity to learn more about your great country. I will publish in an article in our magazine "Business-Review" the impressions about everything seen by me during my visit.

Martin HERB (Switzerland) Japanese Economy and Industry The program confirms the powerful and successful economy and industry of Japan and shows positive changes at present. Japanese Politics, Society and Culture The program shows interesting changes going on in politics and society as well as in culture. Such information is hardly to find in European and American newspaper of TV. Any other aspects The gained overall view is very positive a Japan. The given information shows that Japan is communicating evenly on economy, industry, politics and culture.

Techa BOONYACHAI (Thailand) Japanese Economy and Industry Japan has stared a new higher economic growth from last decade. I believe that the “internal strength” (ingenious, efficient and hard working country) of Japan will help positive economic momentum together with FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) policy. But Japan has not taken yet all the measures to attract FDI, especially fiscal and regulatory side for business point of view. The tax incentives need to be considered to compensate with high cost of living comparing with other countries in Asia. From investment promotion package should be set up as soon as possible in order to give some attention to investors around the world. The target industries should be clear definition also. Japanese Politics, Society and Culture In order to support the new high economic growth, some social problems especially teenage level need to be solve and pay attention by all stakeholders and government. This group of population will be the driving force of Japanese economy. Any other aspects

Thank you very much for very efficient program management and design as well as all effective and friendly staffs lead by Mr. Ojimi.

Laurel REINER (U.S.A.) Japanese Economy and Industry The economy was well represented by the visits we have. I was particularly struck by the visit to GHD K.K. which represents a whole new way of doing business for Japan. I think it is a new way for the youth of Japan to see alternative options to corporate or government service. Japanese Politics, Society and Culture I think it would have bee valuable to hear more from the youth of the society and possibly a visit to a school or youth center would have been useful to grasp the views of youth toward society. Any other aspects I think that it would have been valuable to have women represented at the reception in Tokyo. I am sure there must be women in government, at METI or in the private sector, who would have provided a valuable presence.

Michael ZIELENZIGER (U.S.A.) Japanese Economy and Industry Japan’s is a modern economy attending to go through transition. It was good to have some comments from real experts from how article the government to explain the situation. It would be nice however to meet corporate executives and not just PR spokesman Japanese Politics, Society and Culture Japan’s culture is unusual and often difficult for outsiders to understand. The more exposure foreigners get, the better. Perhaps a conversation with a foreign manager of a Japanese company could be helpful to help encourage more foreign interest and investment in Japan. Any other aspects The composition of the group and the nature of the inquiry by the group was excellent. In addition the organization of the trip was excellent. You should not put foreigners with hotels that do not have broadband Internet connectors!!

GDH K.K.

Sony Media World

Ms. Fumie KUMAGAI “Socio-Cultural Characteristics of

Japanese Society”

Ms. Françoise

MORÉCHAND-NAGATAKI “ Japanese Society”

Meeting with Senior METI Officials Mr. Kazumasa KUSAKA “Progress of Japan’s Structural Reform and

Challenges for the Future”

Reception in Nagoya

The Site of the 2005 World Exposition Aichi

Presentation in ROHM CO., LTD

The discussion in Toyota Motor Corporation

Mr. Shohei OTAKI “Greater Nagoya Initiative”

Participants in Session

“Greater Nagoya Initiative”

This booklet was subsidized by the Japan Keirin Association through its Promotion funds from KEIRIN RACE.

IIST Institute for International Studies and Training

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