G1 Global Podcast

Japan's historical strengths in foundational research, precision manufacturing, and engineering uniquely position it for leadership in the global deeptech landscape, especially in areas like advanced hardware and physical AI. This panel will explore how the nation can leverage these capabilities to commercialize groundbreaking innovations and compete on a global scale. Bringing together top minds from venture capital, academia, and...

Beyond the influence of major powers, smaller yet distinctive nations in the Middle East and Far East — guided by their own philosophies, values, and political stances — are navigating complex regional dynamics. Having faced turbulence yet shown resilience, these countries demonstrate how they can contribute to regional and global stability in ways that superpowers cannot. This panel explores how political behavior and leadership i...

This panel examines how Japanese companies are choosing an "aggregate niche strategy" to compete in new global settings. Based on research from Prof. Schaede's book, "The Kaisha: The Business Reinvention of Japan," panelists will explore how Japanese firms move upstream into critical deep-tech materials to compete against and profit from the activities of Northeast Asian and other manufacturers. How have they made the strategic piv...

Japan's collectivist society was once criticized as a barrier to innovation, stifling diversity of thought. However, as many Western nations now grapple with deepening social divisions, political polarization, and a crisis of loneliness, the Japanese model is being reexamined. In contrast to societies where individualism clashes with social cohesion, Japan's focus on harmony and collective responsibility is beginning to look like a...

This panel explores the rapid evolution of Generative AI and its implications for business strategy. It will cover key developments including the shrinking of large language models (LLMs), the increasing use of AI agents for complete automation of tasks, and the move toward running AI on edge devices. Attendees will learn about the transition from basic AI agents to truly agentic AI, which can autonomously plan and execute complex,...

How can immigration shape a brighter, more dynamic Japan? Already, there are 2.5 million foreign workers in Japan, in everything from high-tech startups to cabbage farms. As the Japanese labor force falls from 66 million today to 47 million 2050, how much of the gap can be filled by foreign workers? In what occupations and in what industries? How will law and politics handle the challenges of assimilating foreigners and backlash by...

This panel explores how traditional Japanese management philosophies can be a strategic asset in the modern global economy. Discussion will focus on practices like Kaizen (continuous improvement) and Nemawashi (consensus-building). However, these approaches face challenges such as slow decision-making and a resistance to radical innovation, which can be a liability in fast-paced global markets. We will analyze how Japanese companie...

The accelerating advances in artificial intelligence are reshaping global power and security. While AI promises extraordinary gains in productivity and innovation, it also introduces new vulnerabilities such as disinformation and autonomous weapons. These shifts directly impact great power competition and alliance structures. This panel will explore the nexus of AI and geopolitics, bringing together thought leaders from the United ...

In today’s complex global environment, companies worldwide are navigating challenges such as geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and evolving expectations around DEI and ESG. Often characterized by a more reserved and measured communication style, Japanese firms contrast with the typically direct and proactive approach common in the West. This panel will explore these differing corporate communication styles, debate which approach is m...

This panel will delve into the turbulent landscape of US domestic politics. The discussion focuses on key internal pressures, including intensifying political polarization, the rise of economic nationalism, and the contentious debate over federal spending and immigration. Panelists will examine how these domestic factors are now the primary drivers of US foreign policy decisions, often leading to a more transactional approach to in...

In today’s complex global environment, companies worldwide are navigating challenges such as geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and evolving expectations around DEI and ESG. Often characterized by a more reserved and measured communication style, Japanese firms contrast with the typically direct and proactive approach common in the West. This panel will explore these differing corporate communication styles, debate which approach is m...

Today, we address a world defined by geopolitical friction and economic uncertainty. As a response to recent developments in AI and shifting global power dynamics, Japan's model of political and economic stability is being re-examined. How did we get to this point? How have Trump’s tariffs, US-China decoupling, and recent developments in the Middle East and Ukraine/Russia contributed to where we are now? What about the lingering ef...

Human capital forms an essential pillar of economic growth. What does it take to produce globally minded leaders with skills to match in competitive business environments? Is Japan lagging behind in the globalization of human resources? What are the current hiring trends of Asia-based companies? Three Deans from leading business schools in Asia discuss challenges and opportunities as providers of skills training and leadership educ...

Entrepreneurship and innovation have long been considered to be a crucial component of economic growth. The “third arrow” of Abenomics includes policies intended to restore Japan’s venture spirit, although its true effects may only become visible in the long term. What are the driving forces behind entrepreneurship, and what strategies should be pursued to create an environment that can maximize prospects for dynamic growth? Paneli...

Japan’s cuisine, fashion, and anime subcultures have already earned some faithful followers in different places of the world. But the multifaceted nature of Japan often seems to go overlooked – while being steeped in deep traditions and customs, Japanese culture is in a continual state of flux, with rapidly shifting fads and trends. How can Japan’s culture, lifestyles and values be effectively communicated on the global stage? This...

Gone are the days when the phrase “Japan passing” was used to imply the lack of outside attention paid to Japan. The international media now seems to embrace all the hype of Abenomics, although it still remains to be seen whether Japan can add substance to the hype and regain its global significance. How are Abe’s leadership and policies viewed by the foreign media, and how should the priorities of changing Japan be communicated to...

Japan has been suffering from a very low level of social trust since the aftermath of the 3/11 disaster. Although the decades-long deflation and underlying structural problems pose immense challenges, the Japanese economy is beginning to improve, and there is a general sense that Japan may finally be changing for the better. What can be done to restore public trust in the government and businesses? How can Japan improve its stature...

Japan has not adopted a new national energy policy after the 3/11 disaster that caused the Fukushima nuclear accidents. What short and long-term strategies should the resource-poor country adopt? How can Japan achieve energy security in the face of changing global supply demand? G1 Global Conference panelists, including a former foreign minister and a former executive director of the IAEA, discuss these topics. G1 Global Conference...

Policies that spur growth through entrepreneurship and innovation are an important part of Abenomics’ ”third arrow.' What are the driving forces behind entrepreneurship, and how can we maximize prospects for innovations in business? What policies should governments pursue to create an environment conducive to innovative ventures? Panelists from China, the US, South Korea, and Japan look at these crucial topics and discuss keys for ...