Strategic Goals and Optimism

Mar 2

I am excited and honored to serve as president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) this year, although the start of 2021 has not been what many of us had expected.

On January 7, the Japanese government declared a state of emergency for Tokyo as well as Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama Prefectures, prolonging the business challenges and virtual fatigue that many are facing due to the pandemic. One week later, the declaration was extended to seven more prefectures, including Aichi and Hyogo, where our Kansai and Chubu chapters are located.

But there are reasons for optimism. On the pandemic front, the vaccine rollout—globally and inJapan—is proceeding more quickly than anticipated and improvements in testing are encouraging. The government also remains optimistic that the Olympic and Paralympic Games will proceed this summer.

Key Points

On the business front, the adoption of telework has changed the mindset of Japanese companies regarding the viability of remote work, with many indicating they will continue after the pandemic. The crisis has also ac- celerated the use of digitization as the key tool allowing businesses to continue operations. The chamber has continued its policy of remote work for staff and the use of virtual programs, with hybrid meetings allowed where security protocols are followed.

In this year of transition, my strategic goals center on three points: transformation, agility, and resilience. In January, I began to work with the board of governors to create the strategy for 2021 and review the results of 2020. As chamber leaders during the pandemic, we need to continue to evaluate how best to support the core ACCJ pillars of networking, information, advocacy, and community in a predominately virtual world.

Advocacy in Motion

There are key chamber initiatives already underway in areas of sustainability, healthcare, and digitaliza- tion. On sustainability, the Japanese government announced in January its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The ACCJ issued a statement supporting the goal and outlining recommendations to mitigate climate change that can help Japan move towards more sustainable business practices.

On healthcare, pharmaceutical companies have worked tirelessly to produce a vaccine in record time, and multiple vaccines are already being rolled out. Our member companies in the healthcare sector have been part of that evolution, providing reliable platforms and tools by which businesses could remain open and deliver their services without interruption.

“As chamber leaders during the pandemic, we need to continue to evaluate how best to support the core ACCJ pillars."

In December, the Health and Retirement pillar also released its white paper Post Covid-19: Recommendations to Realize a Social Security System for All Generations, which outlines key actions to ensure the long-term sustainability of Japan’s social security system.

Another key focus this year is digital transforma- tion. It is timely due to our increased dependence on digitalization to do business during the pandemic, a long history of active engagement and dialogue between the US and Japan on digital cooperation, and the pro- posed creation of a digital agency in Japan.

To propel Japan into the digital era, the chamber plans to publish a research paper entitled Japan Digital Agenda 2030 this month. The report, produced in partnership with McKinsey & Company, provides actionable guidance on how Japan should prioritize digitalization to improve efficiency and productiv- ity in the private sector and government. It profiles the unique role that the ACCJ plays in bringing the right parties together to shape the future of the US and Japanese business environments, as well as to strengthen the US–Japan economic partnership.

Considering all these developments, I believe the chamber is well positioned this year to embrace these opportunities and advocate for ways in which we can continue to improve the business environment for our members.

With a new administration in the United States and a recent change of prime minister and cabinet in Japan, the chamber will continue to engage proactively with government to advocate on key member issues.

I welcome your feedback and ideas as we work to continue the success and growth of the ACCJ at this critical time.