Get Ready for "the New"

I've discussed about some of problems that Japan faces on this blog. Hiring process, economics, politics... But, I think what lies at the bottom of these issues is the fear of change.

This is nothing new. Human are made to be afraid of change. Even in the U.S. you see it quite often, most recently debate over the health care system. Even though they know this reform aims at stopping hiking of the health care costs, some people refuse to believe it, despite many cases that universal healthcare has actually reduced the cost. They think the U.S. is different. Well, I think this country is very unique, but as for the context behind the healthcare, it's not much different other than the fact that it lacks universal access to health insurance.

Japan is no exception. Even though they have been stuck in deflation and unsuccessful in generating economic growth, they are very reluctant in taking drastic change. I argued that the job market should be more open and fair to all. Current budget relying on bonds for over half of its revenue and running huge deficit is not sustainable. Yet, they are reluctant on raising sales tax from current 5%. They are slow in participating TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) negotiation.

Huge external impact has been required to change direction of Japan as a nation. It took showoff of strong Western fleets and a civil war to open the country to international trade, get out feudal system under shogunate, and form an modern and unified nation. It took World War II and countless deaths to install democratic government.

Now, Japan has been yet to fully recover from the burst of bubble economy and Great Recession. What does it take to get out of this struggle this time?

While Japan made several attempts to turn around its economy for past two decades, the world has shrunk and become more competitive. I don't think it is ridiculous that many countries step forward to join TPP negotiations. Domestic market is not enough. They want to export.

Japan is playing very conservatively on this negotiation, especially because of agricultural market. They are afraid of eliminating tariff on the products severely hit Japanese farmers. And I understand. But at the same time, I'm sad about not seeing Japanese products in grocery stores in the U.S. Japan imports a lot of beef from the U.S., and it is quality meat usually. But, Japanese beef, like Kobe beef, is a well-established brand. Japanese products can be expensive, but I believe it has strength to compete in international market as well.

This is why Japan needs to make changes in many things. Change the traditional simultaneous recruitment to a hiring system that is fair to different job seekers and encourages continuous career growth. Change the education, so that it push kids from bottom to up. It shouldn't need expensive cram school to be successful. Encourage global education, so that they are ready to compete with other countries and see Japan through outside views.

Change can be tough, but not changing can be even thougher.