The world is now entering an era of power politics. At the Davos Conference this past January, I witnessed firsthand an atmosphere of intense competition, with nations vying for a global order advantageous to their own interests amid a complex interplay of economic, technological, and security concerns. Confronted with the reality that market size, resources, and military might dictate negotiating power, Japan's path forward lies in establishing itself as indispensable—ensuring the international community recognizes that it cannot do without Japan. This must be founded on the singular strengths Japan has cultivated and used as a cornerstone to forge strategic partnerships with geopolitically critical countries and regions.

What, then, is the source of Japan's competitiveness—the very key to achieving such indispensability? At its core lies Japan's well-known aptitude for quality, which stems from two fundamental pillars: meticulous, collaborative refinement (suriawase) in product development and a spirit of hospitality (omotenashi) at customer touchpoints. Japan's dedication to painstakingly tailoring every detail to the customer's perspective and to rigorously upholding commitments has built unwavering trust. In the age of AI, these inherently human strengths will become distinctive and invaluable assets. In the financial sector, for instance, while AI can generate plausible answers, it often falls short of addressing genuine needs. This requires the particular human ability to discern what a customer may not be saying and to transform a mere proposal into genuine reassurance through empathy and ethical conduct.

It is imperative that we make Japan indispensable by strategically investing in areas where the government and the private sector can maximize their distinct advantages. At the same time, it is crucial for both corporations and individuals to reassess/redefine their expertise and strengths in our evolving times and find their own ways to become indispensable. As a society, we must bolster our support for the companies and individuals who courageously undertake these challenges.

This spirit is a quintessential Japanese strength. With the government and the private sector working in unison, Japan will undoubtedly continue to stand out on the global stage for years to come.