How is globalization affected the world economy?

I believe that globalization promotes development by spreading technology and knowledge to all over the world. It positively enhances the world economy. I’d like to shed light on two aspects. One is for the economy in developing countries and the other is for the economy in developed countries.

First, investment/overseas operations contribute to generate job opportunity for people in host countries. I believe that launching a business in host countries or investment would be effective to increase their incomes. Besides, workers are taught skills and exposed to new technology. As a result, national strength of host countries would be enhanced. I believe that a strong industrial economy has been proved to be the best way to lift people out of poverty. This is significantly beneficial to developing countries. Let’s take semiconductor factory for example. Sony builds one semiconductor assembly factory in Thai land. It is said that establishment of this factory increased employment and boosted Thai land’s economy.

Second, the world economy has been encouraged by franchise system. I believe that one of the symbolic ideas of globalization is franchise system such as Macdonald, Seven-Eleven. Especially this business model has been penetrated in developed countries. We can find franchise chain shops at every corner across the nation. For example, Sushi, bowl of rice topped with beef, Chinese noodle franchise chain are typical in Japan. Launching franchise chain generates employment and vitalizes regional economy. The more workers’ income increases, the more its economy would be improved.

In conclusion, globalization is beneficial to both economy in developing countries and developed countries.

The most important characteristics of entrepreneurship

My answer to this question is management skill. I believe that they already have had ability to compete with their rivals. But to sustain their business, it’s not good enough. Management skill plays an important role. I’ll talk about why I think so by using two points.

First, they need to have strong leadership to manage their teams. More or less, they definitely need to work as team by hiring some employees or large number of employees. For example, Mr. Ibuka who is a founder of Sony corporation. He established electric-appliance maker with just twenty people. After sixty years later, the company had grown into huge company with twenty thousands employees. He issued the basic philosophy related management. He emphasized like this. “Do not pursuit just making profit. But think customer’s benefit over as the first priority”. This idea has been penetrated into every employee. It’s no exaggeration to say that his marvelous leadership led this company to one of the world's largest multinational conglomerate.

Second, they need to have socializing skill. Literally, they are faces of their companies. They need to build a good relationship as representative with their customers. As is often the case of Japanese, when it comes to communication skills, they come up wanting. Japanese are always silent participants in meeting and party. If they fail to enhance their credibility, their business would be also at stake. For example, I’ve accompanied one of the executives of the company I work for on an overseas trip. He handled day and night parties in spite of great age. He was good at harmonizing. Since then, I’ve gotten my perspective that those who lead company need socializing skill.

In conclusion, I believe that management skill such as leadership and socializing is vitally important to entrepreneurs.

Japan's role in the development of third world countries

Developed countries including Japan should contribute to combat poverty in Africa as a member of the world. I’ll talk about how we should support them using following two points.

First, Japan should contribute toward poverty by using food technology. I’d like to define food technology as tecqunique to preserve delicate taste for a long period. I believe that this technology contribute to preservative food. Let’s take instant noodle for example. The founder of Nissin, Momofuku Andou invented instant noodle. It is well suited for preservative food. As evidence, instant noodle was brought to space shuttle discovery. Of course, it contributed to hunger in Africa. Distributing Instant noodle as food aids is one solution. Besides, this technology could be used to preserve crops they cultivate.

Second, to generate job opportunity for people in Africa. I believe that launching a business in Africa or investment would be effective to increase their income. Let’s take semiconductor factory for example. Sony build one semiconductor assembly factory in Thai land. Establishment of this factory increased employment and boosted Thai land’s economy. This is just case for Asia but the analogy of this idea could be applied to the case in Africa. The chance of succeeding depends on environment such as geographical conditions, education, culture and so on. However this strategy would be one of the possible solutions for eliminating poverty in Africa

In conclusion, it’s no exaggeration to say that Developed countries play an important role to tackle with poverty from food aspect and industry aspect.

Should a person be forced to retire at a certain age?

My answer to this question is NO. I am strongly against retirement at a certain age. It is too many to enumerate/list. Due to medical improvement, age to be over the hill is extended. The life expectancy around WW2 was 50 years old. Now it is over 80. Age restriction is old-fashioned system before appearance of demographic imbalance. I believe we can expect huge merits from it. I’d like to shed light on two aspects here.

Firstly, postponing retirement can be one of the resolutions for work shortage. According to the demographic statistics, one in four in 2025 would be over 65 years old. Even now, we suffer from demographic imbalance. To solve this problem, to extend the retirement age can be good solution. The merit system has been installed for the last two decades. I believe the system is not a matter of age. Current 50’s and 60’s are still alive and kicking.　As far as people who are willing to work can bear fruit, they should be allowed to continue their career. Their contribution compensate for the shortage of younger work force.

Secondly, we can secure time to succeed technology and craftsmanship. In some fields, age and accumulated knowledge are strong advantage. Researchers, engineers and professors may very well benefit from their many years of experience. It's very difficult to take over their experiences within a short time. Why is it short? In an extreme case, old tech is simple. The longer time goes by, the more technology is sophisticated. For example, transistor radio uses simple technology; to the contrary, mobile phone with multiple functions is so complicated. Younger engineers need time to master the distinguished knowledge and enhance it.

In conclusion, postponing the retirement age has two significant advantages. We can expect to secure work force and succession of technology and craftsmanship. These two are strongly related to national power.

If we don’t take measures on this issue, we will loose national power and competition in international markets.

How has Western corporate culture changed workers' attitudes in Japan?

I believe that Western corporate culture has a great positive impact on workers' attitudes in Japan. I’d like to talk about why I think so by using two reasons.

First, demarcation between on and off is clear. Flexible working time as a part of performance based system has been installed in our society for the last two decades. The basic idea is to give someone a free hand as long as they can bear fruit. For example, it has been available at my work place. I receive benefit from the system. We are allowed to come to the office around noon. Especially it’s beneficial when I suffer from hang over due to too much drink of previous night. I’m allowed to leave my office earlier than usual when I need to treat bank transaction. This is the moment that I feel I have temporal flexibility.

Second, workers have begun to use logical thinking for the last two decades. In globalize world, logical argument and direct debate are inevitable. Japanese tend to use common phrase such as “We will try to think about this matter positively.” It includes ambiguity and it could cause procrastination in some cases. Even Engineers who need logical thinking, they lack convincing data for argument. For example, some of my subordinates try to design our semiconductor micro chip for cell phone without any reason. I always chastise them. On the contrary, westerners demand clear ground/evidence. They set exact time/due date. I believe that this is good aspect Japanese should follow western’s example.

In conclusion, Western corporate culture has positive influence on workers' attitudes in Japan.

Recent trends amongst young workers

I’d like to focus two aspects about recent trends amongst young workers. One is mental aspect and the other is business manner. I believed that they are influenced by western corporate culture.

First, mentally vulnerable young generation. Performance based system, so called merit system has been installed in our society for the last two decades. As a negative aspect of performance based system, it generated stressful working environment. Employees are driven by the pressure that they need to bear fruits. Some people lack their confidence and they evaluate themselves as looser when they can’t perform well. For example, one of my subordinates who left our office due to mental depression confessed me that he was overwhelmed by excellency of coworkers and he felt inferior. I don’t think he’s looser at all. But he was annoyed by huge gap between his perfect world and real situation. It’s no exaggeration that present-day young generation is mentally vulnerable and they tend to suffer from illness of the soul.

Second, they lack of logical thinking. In globalize world, logical argument and direct debate are inevitable. Japanese tend to use common phrase such as “We will try to think about this matter positively.” It includes ambiguity and it could cause procrastination in some cases. Even Engineers who need logical thinking, they fail to show convincing data for argument. For example, some of my subordinates try to design our semiconductor micro chip for cell phone without any reason. I always chastise them. On the contrary, westerners demand clear ground/evidence. They set exact time/due date. I believe that this is good aspect Japanese should follow western’s example.

In conclusion, recent trends among young worker are characterized by two aspects. One is mental aspect and the other is business manner.

part-time work vs full-time work

I believe that we should increase the number of full-time workers. At first glance, it’s beneficial to corporates to hier part-time worker because labor cost is cheaper than hiering full-time worker. But, I believe we can expect huge merits from full-time work. I’d like to talk about why I think so by using two reasons.

First, part-time work causes the lack of tax. Part-time workers, nonregular contract employee are a third of the overall workforce. Their incomes are relatively low, if any, unstable. Further more, we are suffering demographic imbalance. Overwhelmingly, labor shortage hits our society. This trend ends up having small net tax. We would not be able to eamark for medical support, revamp of education and so on. It would hamper the enhancement of prosperity in Japan.

Secondly, we can secure time to succeed technology and craftsmanship. In some fields, age and accumulated knowledge are strong advantage. Researchers, engineers and professors may very well benefit from their many years of experience. It's very difficult to take over their experiences within a short time. Why is it short? In an extreme case, old tech is simple. The longer time goes by, the more technology is sophisticated. For example, transistor radio uses simple technology; to the contrary, mobile phone with multiple functions is so complicated. It’s very difficult for part-time worker who work partially to master the distinguished knowledge and enhance it. Full-time workers have advantage because their working condition is stable.

In conclusion, full-time work has two significant advantages. We can expect to secure tax income and succession of technology and craftsmanship. These two are strongly related to national power.

If we don’t take measures on this issue, we will loose national power and competition in international markets.

When is the generation gap most apparent in modern society?

In our society, we have wide differences in culture, experiences, opinions, habits and behavior. Now I’d like to focus two remarkable behaviors. One is for young generation and the other is for the elderly.

First, mentally vulnerable young generation. Performance based system, so called merit system has been installed in our society for the last two decades. As a negative aspect of performance based system, it generated stressful working environment. Employees are driven by the pressure that they need to bear fruits. Some people lack their confidence and they evaluate themselves as looser when they can’t perform well. For example, one of my subordinates who left our office due to mental depression confessed me that he was overwhelmed by excellency of coworkers and he felt inferior. I don’t think he’s looser at all. But he was annoyed by huge gap between his perfect world and real situation. It’s no exaggeration that present-day young generation is mentally vulnerable.

Second, blunt manner of the elderly. A lot of people criticize young generation’s behavior and lament the lack of moral such as bullying at school, eating food on the train and they don’t giving the elderly their seats. However, it seems that the elderly attitude would be more impolite rather than young generation. For example, I’ve ever come across the scene that the elderly orders his dish bluntly. Give me this dish! Bring it as soon as possible. I’ve never seen young people ordering their dishes with such a blunt way. Young people ，they can use polite expression such as “Can I have this dish, please” type. I assume that there is strong correlation between elderly blunt attitude and their military background or right-wing education. They were educated in hierarchical relation. They still maintain its idea even in postwar era. They tend to consider waiter/waitress as their subordinates. This is the moment I feel the generation gap.

In conclusion, it’s not exaggeration to say that mentally vulnerable and rigid attitude is remarkable in our society.

My definition of "Freedom"

In my definition, “Freedom” is consisted of aspects. One is financial freedom and the other is temporal flexibility.

First, financial freedom. I love grilled chicken, Yakitori in Japanese. Yakitori with beer is the best matching. Way back when I was university student, I wanted to eat bunch of Yakitori from the bottom of my heart. But it was impossible just because I didn’t have any income if any, allowance from my parents. Small potatoes never satisfied my young big appetite. I consider that this is financial restriction. Now, I have enough income and all the money at my command to enjoy Yakitori. I feel I got finaicial freedom. However, I’m over the hill anymore. So the limitation is decided by my small appetite.

Second, temporal flexibility. Flexible working time as a part of performance based system has been installed in our society for the last two decades. The basic idea is to give someone a free hand as long as they can bear fruit. For example, it has been available at my work place. I receive benefit from the system. We are allowed to come to the office around noon. Especially it’s beneficial when I suffer from hang over due to too much drink of previous night. I’m allowed to leave my office earlier than usual when I need to treat bank transaction. This is the moment that I feel I have temporal flexibility.

In conclusion, I’m enjoying finaicial freedom and temporal flexibility. I’m significantly satisfied with current situation.

The importance of expressing oneself

Japanese tend to hesitate to express oneself. As proverb goes, the nail that sticks up gets hammered down. I believe that this characteristic is significantly disadvantage. They should aware the importance of expressing oneself. I’d like to talk about why I think so by using two points.

First, it’s important to avoid inconvenience. Indecisive attitude without expressing oneself could cause procrastination or pain in the neck. For example, I often chastise my wife when we go out dining. She tends to keep food serve waiting to order her dish for a long time. She often changes her mind after they come to take our order. I always point out her that she should pick up her dish in advance and never change it. It ends up us giving inconvenience to them. It’s a waste of time. Besides, it’s against public manner as extreme case. Expressing oneself is vitally important to keep mentally healthy condition.

Second, logical thinking. In globalize world, logical argument and direct debate are inevitable. Japanese tend to use common phrase such as “We will try to think about this matter positively.” It includes ambiguity and it could cause procrastination in some cases. Even Engineers who need logical thinking, they lack convincing data for argument. For example, some of my subordinates try to design our semiconductor micro chip for cell phone without any reason. I always chastise them. On the contrary, westerners demand clear ground/evidence. They set exact time/due date. I believe that this is good aspect Japanese should follow western’s example.

In conclusion, it’s not exaggeration to say that expressing oneself enhances efficiency in daily life or business occasion.

Is America's cultural influence positive or negative?

I believe that America's cultural influence plays positive role in our society. I’d like to talk about why I think so by using two points.

First, food culture. Especially fast food or dining out. We can expect to reduce burden for cooking. Recently, women have played important roles in our society and they pursue their own carrier. They don't have leeway to cook after work. In this case, dining out is effective to reduce their burden. For example, my wife has her own job. She is up to her neck. Therefore, I don't want to impose a burden on her to cook dinner after work. We usually go out dining when we have meal together. I believe dining out helps us to generate leeway in our life.

Second, logical thinking. In globalize world, logical argument and direct debate are inevitable. Japanese tend to use common phrase such as “We will try to think about this matter positively.” It includes ambiguity and it could cause procrastination in some cases. Even Engineers who need logical thinking, they lack convincing data for argument. For example, some of my subordinates try to design our semiconductor micro chip for cell phone without any reason. I always chastise them. On the contrary, westerners demand clear ground/evidence. They set exact time/due date. I believe that this is good aspect Japanese should follow western’s example.

In conclusion, America's cultural influence is significant in our society. I believe that it has positive influence.

Is religion important in today's society?

At first glance, we might be living in a secular society. However, I believe that religion plays an important role in today's society. I’ll talk about why I think so by using two reasons.

First, religion tells us the importance of life/the meaning of life through ceremony. For example, 80% of funeral services in Japan are held by Buddhism style, 10% of them are held by Christian style. In both ritual cases, the meaning of death or brevity of life is preached to us. We are living in fast-paced environment. But for this kind of occasion, we would tend to forget the meaning. I believe that religious ceremony could give us the opportunity to look back, reflect brevity of life and root of individual.

Second, influence on education or moral fiber. It’s no exaggeration to say that religion plays a crucial role for personality formation. For example, I can relate to my private experience. I graduated from a Christian University. The subject related to Christianity or the Bible is mandatory for graduation. I used to reluctantly attend the class. But one story significantly impressed me. That is “good Samaritan Law”. This story citing from the Bible implies that we should voluntarily help a victim in distress. Since then, I make it a rule to support those who need help such as physically handicapped people.

In conclusion, religion has great impact on today's society.

Are we too materialistic?

I believe that we are too materialistic as negative aspect of afluence. Let me take too much frequently model change of cell phone as example.

First, what a waste such a frequently model change is. Mobile phone products lineup are frequetly changed every quarter. For example, some young people change their cell phones as if they change their clothes. Their cell pones can be still used and its function is no problem. Is it worth changing it? In Japan, we have boastful idea to all over the world in terms of waste. That’s a “what a waste movement”. This idea originates from Japan with 3R’s reduce, reuse and recycling. However this frequently model change is against the idea. It goes too far beyond environmentaly freiendly spirit.

Second, immoderate pursuit of convinience. It’s no doubt that convinience store is literally convienient. We can get any food, drink, magazines and so on at the moment that we want to get for 24hours. It’s beneficial to all of us. But is it truly necessary to open 24 hours? I believe that is’s against the scence of power saving. It could prompt night owl type life style. For example. an international franchiser 7-Eleven. Initially, these stores were open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. I believe that its operation hour is decent. Let’s take rest at night. As other aspect, they are also frequently converged in densely-populated urban area. In the vicinity of my living place, there are 4 convinience stores 50min radius.I believe that it goes to far beyond decency.

In conclusion, let’s stop immoderately pursuing wealth and luxury.

How has nature influenced Japanese art and culture?

I believe that nature significantly influenced Japanese art and culture. I’d like to talk about how deeply nature has an impact on forming Japanese culture with using two points.

First, the most popular artistic work is graffiti/wall painting of Mt. Fuji at public bath. Mt. Fuji is a symbol of Japan a lot of foreingners can image. This is one of the greatest mountains in the wolrd. It’s often taken up as subject of art work. Especially, wall painting of Mt. Fuji at public bath is brilliant. It has been said that public bath has function as a place for social interaction. It’s similar to pub in the U.K. I believe that Mt. Fuji and public bath is the best matching. When I enjoy this combination, I feel this is the moment I’m Japanese.

Second, influence to family name/city name. In western culture, it’s common to name someone after Christian saint such as Paul, John, Michael and so on. Same as city name such as San Jose, San Francisco and so on. On the contrary, Japanese includes text related to nature such as mountain, liver, wind, rain, Mt. Fuji and so on. For example, my family name includes letter of mountain. This is good evidence that nature has played crucial role forming Japanese culture.

In conclusion, nature deeply penetrates Japanese art and culture. I belive that this is few and far between case in the world.

Do entry checks stop terrorists?

I’m afraid that it’s impossible to stop terrorist. Some insist that a new immigration procedure obliging most foreigners to be fingerprinted and photographed works as detterrence. However it’s impractical to eradicate terrorism.

First, difficult to crack down on terrorists who pose general residents.

Now, we are living in so-called high tech age. It might not be necessary for potential terrorist to enter Japan. They can procede their activity as remote operation without entering to Japan. In this case, immigration procedure is useless. Way back when, North Korea used Radio signal on air to send message or direction to espionage agents who pose general residents in Japan. I believe that more sophisticated technology would be used in high tech age.

Second, full of inaccurate data. The lists are believed to include one compiled by the U.S. government and contain the names of 750,000 “suspected” terrorists. I’d like to express concern about how much we can trust its accuracy. The hostile structures are different between U.S and Islamic terrorist or between Japan and North Korea. Does the list contain “suspected” terrorists Japan intends to refuse from entering the country? How often is the list updated? I believe that this procedure heavyly rely on the inaccurate data.

In conclusion, I doubt whether it will stop potential terrorist from entering the country.

They can operate remotely. Besides, the lists are not trustworthy.

high income of sports player

I believe that they deserve high income. Some criticize that it goes too far beyond decency. But it’ s worth paying.

First, reward for artistic play.

The world’s tennis top-ranked player-- Roger Federer.

His technical skill can be role model. He achieved ten Grand Slam men's singles titles. It is said that Federer may become the greatest player in history. His artistic play is beautiful. It’s no wonder that it fascinates young players and enhances technical improvement. Huge money is paid for artistic work. Let’s take art for example. $40 million for Gauguin, $90 million for Picasso. This sense against fine work should be applied to sports player.

Second, evaluated by the sponsor.

Let’s take Japanese baseball player – Daisuke Matsuzaka for example. The baseball club – Red Socks offered him $60 million. Obviously this price is based up on their own evaluation. The club is willing to pay for him to strengthen the team. As long as the clubs can afford to pay, it’s not big issue.

In conclusion, paying huge money is not vice at all.

Commercialization of sports(Olympic games)

Whether professionalism or Amateurism doesn’t matter in Olympic Games.

First, this is where athletes purely compete. This is where we can enjoy artistic performance. This is where physical leap of mankind is enhanced.

In ancient Greece, Olympic game was sports festival in honor of Zeus. Festival in general should be enjoyable event. This is where all walks of life can enjoy. In this sense, we should not draw the line between professionalism or Amateurism. Why not enjoy artistic play. For example, I was so impressed by the American Dream Team, composed of well-paid NBA stars in 1992 Summer Olympics.

Second, more or less armatures also have a hand in money activity.

So called corporate amateur has been common. Amateur athletes gain from better training facilities, equipment and stadium. In return, they are used as billboards for the sponsor. For example, Kousei Inoue, He won the gold medal in Judo at the 2000 Summer Olympics. He serves for security company. We can see him on TV CF.

Amateurism is disappearing. This became hypocritical illusion.

In conclusion, demarcation between professionalism and Amateurism is blurring.

Learning Asian language and culture

Learning Asian language and culture is significantly important for mutual understanding.

First, to promote interpersonal communication.

One of my subordinates is Chinese. His Japanese is brilliant regardless just 6 months staying in Japan. We don’t need to use English as common language. But I believe that it’s unfair to him to use only one side language – Japanese. I made my mind learning basic Chinese. I’m very happy that I’m in environment I can use Chinese if I wish. Simple Chinese such as greetings is good enough. This trivial effort makes our relationship close each other.

Second, cultural bridge. One of my neighbors is Chinese Tai Chi master. I had known that he has Tai Chi classes for the community. One day, I dropped in at the city gymnastic hall to learn his activity. I was so impressed by the huge number of people from the elderly to kids. He teaches 1000 citizens in total. What I was surprised most is his ambition. According to his explanation, he came to Japan as the cultural bridge between China and Japan. Both nations has bitter past. He wants to mitigate emotional conflict through Tai Chi. His young Japanese followers would play an important role to solve the antagonism through culture exchange.

In conclusion, learning Asian language and culture is effective to improve mutual understanding.

The biggest threat disease for mankin

Economic point of view, there are two worlds – developed country and developing country. I’ll talk about the biggest threat disease for each world.

First, AIDS in developing country. More than 64% of HIV infected patients are in sub-Saharan Africa. I believe that AIDS is the biggest threat disease for developing countries. Medical point of view, the majority of third world countries would be unable to afford the drugs even at a breakeven price. Drug companies would have to sell their medications at a loss to make them affordable to most developing nations. I’d like to point out that education is also vitally important. Needless to say, education for safe-sex is important. But let me add basic academic skill. Let's take Literacy for example. The literacy in Niger is around 17%. They can not read the text and understand the warning. To the contrary, it’s over 90% and over. Especially, 99.8% in Japan. Apparently there is strong correlation between academic basic skill and infection rate. I believe it's important to maintain high level education.

Second, life style related disease in developed country. As negative aspect of affluence, life style related disease including obesity and diabetes hit our society. We are living in fact-paced environment. Our working time is increasingly longer than ever before. They tend to take high calorie food such as fast-food or not to eat lunch. Chronically improper eating habit causes serious disease.

For example, I developed gout a couple years ago. Gout is arthritis which causes pain. Usually, the joints in the big toe are affected. It is believed to be the result of gluttony and inherited. My case is diagnosed as inherited case.

In conclusion, AIDS and life style-related disease are our threat for mankind.

How does the declining number of student affect education

From the quality point of view, we can expect huge merits through the declining number of student.

Firstly, teachers can spend much time for each student. It could bring high quality of education.

Education at ease has been hot potato in our society for the last decade. The number of classes was cut and the education system was changed from six day school week to five. But some criticize that education level has been exacerbated since the policy was installed. Academic skill was not learnt well by students due to less classes. This is the matter of the number of classes. But we can extend this analogy to the number of students. If the number of students is small, the contents of classes would be also sophisticated.

Second, generate teacher’s leeway. Teacher’s leeway is also important factor to maintain high level education. Currently, it’s no exaggeration to say that teachers are up to neck for handling various duties and problems. Those are caused by the large number of students. My wife is school nurse in junior high school. She transferred to the current school which has 200 students. One year ago, she served the other school which had 400 students. Physically, her assignment such as medical check up was enormous. At the moment, she has leeway to take care of students from mental and physical point of view. Now she can spent time to consult student. It leads better education.

In conclusion, the declining number of student has some advantages. Trough the improvement of the quality, we can expect to strengthen national power at the end.