At the root of the Kishida Cabinet’s “resignation domino” is a curse that everyone from the prime minister to job hunters cannot escape. The curse of a “sense of balance” that inhibits innovation and ruins Japan | JBpress

The curse of a “sense of balance” that obstructs innovation and ruins Japan

Japanese people value harmony and value a sense of balance. For business people, this is essential for smooth business operations such as adjusting interests. However, in an era where change and innovation are urgently needed, a sense of balance is becoming an impediment. The “recruitment of personnel according to factions” underlying the Kishida Cabinet’s “resignation domino” is a typical example, but the curse of a sense of balance is entwined in every corner of Japan.

(Takaaki Okabe: Employment consultant, former HR manager of TV Asahi)

Prime Minister Kishida’s plating has peeled off

The Kishida Cabinet’s approval rating is declining. Public opinion polls conducted by news companies in November showed support ratings in the 20% range across the board, the lowest level since the administration took office in October 2021. A survey by the Mainichi Shimbun found that 21% supported the idea, while 74% disapproved.

In his statement of policy in October, Prime Minister Kishida repeated the phrase “economy, economy, economy,” and appealed that he would “place emphasis on the economy.” However, there is a noticeable discrepancy between the public’s expectations and the policy, which seems to be causing a decline in support. There is a sense of emptiness in the Prime Minister’s words, as if he is only concerned about “appearance” and not “the economy.”

Mr. Kishida cited his “ability to listen” as one of his strengths. The reason he promoted himself as the type of person who listens to a wide variety of opinions and then makes decisions is probably because he wanted to show that he is a person with a sense of balance. Among the Japanese people, Prince Shotoku’s spirit of “harmony and respect” is alive and well, and they tend to feel more secure in leaders who are more accommodating than those who are solely independent. I thought it was a clever tactic by Mr. Kishida to portray himself as a “good person” who values ​​a sense of balance.

But now, the plating that appeals to people as “ability to listen,” “sense of balance,” and “a good person” has been peeled off. As the approval ratings show, expectations at the time of its launch have fallen significantly. I feel that Mr. Kishida, who is said to be an adjustment type, embodies Japan’s sense of stagnation.

The same goes for companies. Although it is said that metabolism and creative destruction are necessary for the revival of Japanese companies, they are only immersed in memories of past successes and are having a hard time getting back on a growth track.

Metabolism and creative destruction can be expressed in simple terms as “transformation” and “innovation.” Unfortunately, however, this has not been possible, and the Japanese economy has not emerged from a long-term slump.

So why has the “transformation” and “innovation” that the public and private sectors are supposed to be taking on together been ineffective and ended up being nothing more than a cakewalk?