Episode #206: Japan Still Scared Of Its Own Shadow

Despite being the world’s third-largest economy, Japan continues to underperform on the global stage. This contradiction was highlighted during a recent event featuring Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, a fluent English and Arabic speaker and one of Japan’s most internationally capable leaders. Yet, in front of a global audience, she chose to deliver her remarks in Japanese — missing a crucial opportunity to demonstrate Tokyo’s internationalism.

Summary: Japan’s hesitation to communicate globally reflects a deeper cultural resistance to risk — even when opportunity knocks.

The event, carefully scripted and attended by a full house of foreign business leaders, was designed to showcase Tokyo’s leadership. Koike began in flawless English, even joking about the translation channels, but then switched to Japanese for the main session. While the move appealed to local media, it undercut Tokyo’s chance to connect with the international community.

Summary: The shift from English to Japanese prioritized safety over impact, limiting Tokyo’s global brand appeal.

Japan’s famed attention to detail and perfectionism has a hidden cost — an aversion to risk that undermines its soft power. Speaking in English carried minimal downside and significant upside, yet bureaucratic caution won out. This mirrors how many Japanese organizations avoid innovation to prevent mistakes, even at the expense of global relevance.

Summary: Fear of mistakes prevents Japan from leveraging its global influence and creativity.

To thrive internationally, Japanese leaders and companies must embrace change — allowing for learning through failure and setting BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals). Leaders like Koike have the charisma and capability to model this transformation, but action is required. Japan’s future as a true global player depends on cultivating bold, outward-facing leadership.

Summary: Growth requires courage — Japan must trade perfectionism for progress.

• Japan’s international influence lags despite its economic power.

• Cultural risk aversion hinders effective global communication.

• Governor Koike’s choice symbolizes Japan’s hesitation to lead globally.

• True leadership requires embracing imperfection to achieve impact.

Founded in the U.S. in 1912, Dale Carnegie Training has supported professionals worldwide in leadership, sales, presentation, executive coaching, and DEI. Our Tokyo office, established in 1963, continues to empower both Japanese and multinational companies with transformational leadership training, sales training, and executive coaching that build global confidence and performance.