[Discussion] J-Stories Editorial Board Roundtable: Reflecting on a tumultuous 2024

Finish-of-12 months Sequence: Outlook for 2025

J-Tales, a world information service originating in Japan, is devoted to sharing the progressive efforts of Japanese startups and different initiatives throughout varied fields with the world. In 2024, the platform took important strides, stepping past its conventional print format to host pitch occasions and evolving from bilingual (Japanese and English) to trilingual (including Chinese language). It was a 12 months of progress for J-Tales.

Nonetheless, globally, challenges endured. Ongoing points corresponding to warfare, battle, catastrophe, local weather change, and rising costs remained unresolved. Furthermore, new challenges emerged, together with the speedy unfold of AI, the decline of media affect attributable to social media’s info dissemination, and disruptions in logistics brought on by labor shortages.

As a media outlet specializing in options, J-Tales should take into account what function it will possibly play in addressing these societal challenges. What ought to its tasks be as a media entity on this turbulent panorama?

The editorial board (Govt Editor Toshi Maeda, Chief Editorial Adviser Katsuro Kitamatsu, and Editorial Adviser Sayuri Daimon) seems to be again on the tumultuous 12 months of 2024 to debate the important thing points that demand consideration right now, potential options, and the very important function J-Tales can play transferring ahead. (Half 1 of two)

(Interviewer: J-Tales Deputy Govt Editor Takanori Isshiki)

J-Tales: To start, let’s mirror on the 12 months. What was 2024 like from a political perspective?

Sayuri Daimon (J-Tales Editorial Adviser, known as Daimon under): I feel 2024 was a 12 months of great change. Domestically, Japan noticed a shift from the Kishida administration to the Ishiba administration. In the US, former President Donald Trump received the presidential election. Alongside these developments — whether or not as a consequence or an indication of the broader shift — the Assad regime in Syria collapsed, France’s ruling celebration suffered a crushing defeat within the elections, and South Korea skilled a political upheaval. Amid these main political transitions, an increase in nationalism and the emergence of right-wing governments appear to be unfolding globally. It is fascinating to think about how these adjustments will influence the 12 months forward.

Sayuri Daimon: Editorial Adviser. A former managing editor/govt working officer at The Japan Occasions and a Nieman fellow at Harvard College, Daimon served as World Financial Discussion board media chief between 2015 and 2020. She is at present a visiting professor at Showa Girls’s College.

Katsuro Kitamatsu (J-Tales Chief Editorial Adviser, known as Kitamatsu under): I share an analogous impression. Globally, geopolitical dangers have elevated, and evidently nations advocating for authoritarianism are gaining energy, maybe extra so than democratic nations. Having been raised with the idea that democracy is true and authoritarianism is fallacious, I discover myself bewildered by this shift.

Whereas the precise insurance policies of the Trump administration stay to be seen, he has already overtly acknowledged that “tariffs are a really stunning coverage.” This indicators that the development towards free commerce, which has pushed the worldwide financial system, could face important constraints transferring ahead. Japan, which has lengthy championed free commerce, as an illustration by main the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), now faces the problem of balancing this with the protectionist, bilateral (two-country) method favored by the Trump administration. I imagine it will create appreciable friction, in the end affecting the lives of strange individuals.

Katsuro Kitamatsu: J-Stories' Chief Editorial Adviser. Kitamatsu worked for Japan's leading business daily, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, as Toronto bureau chief and then as deputy director of its European editorial bureau in London before joining Reuters, where he held the position of managing editor in Japan among other executive roles. — Katsuro Kitamatsu: J-Tales’ Chief Editorial Adviser. Kitamatsu labored for Japan’s main enterprise day by day, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, as Toronto bureau chief after which as deputy director of its European editorial bureau in London earlier than becoming a member of Reuters, the place he held the place of managing editor in Japan amongst different govt roles.

Toshi Maeda (J-Tales Govt Editor, known as Maeda under): Sure, I imagine the most important development this 12 months has been the deepening world divisions, largely influenced by elections all over the world. For example, within the Americas, after Donald Trump’s victory, the primary overseas chief he met was Argentina’s President Javier Milei, who has been referred to as “Argentina’s Trump” attributable to his radical rhetoric. Their partnership has since develop into official, and now figures like Elon Musk are additionally turning into concerned. In the meantime, in a area lengthy known as “America’s yard,” Latin America, China has been steadily increasing its affect. In Peru, a large port constructed with Chinese language capital was accomplished in November, and it’s anticipated to develop into a key hub for commerce with China in Latin America. This is only one instance, however it reveals how the worldwide panorama is shifting considerably, even inside the Americas.

Toshi Maeda: Executive Editor. Maeda worked as a producer and correspondent for Reuters TV in Tokyo after stints as a reporter at The Japan Times, The Associated Press in San Francisco, Newsday in New York, and The Desert Sun in Palm Springs, Calif. — Toshi Maeda: Govt Editor. Maeda labored as a producer and correspondent for Reuters TV in Tokyo after stints as a reporter at The Japan Occasions, The Related Press in San Francisco, Newsday in New York, and The Desert Solar in Palm Springs, Calif.

J-Tales: Certainly, as governments all over the world change, the dynamics of the U.S.-China battle have solely intensified.

Maeda: Yearly, a Singapore-based assume tank conducts a survey amongst ASEAN consultants and authorities officers, asking them, “If compelled to decide on between China and the US as an ally, which aspect would you are taking?” For the primary time this 12 months, extra respondents selected China over the U.S. The variety of nations siding with the U.S. has develop into a minority, with solely Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines standing firmly with Washington in Southeast Asia. The first motive for this shift is that China has develop into the area’s largest buying and selling associate — a development additionally seen in Latin America. A living proof is the large port constructed with Chinese language capital in Peru, positioning it as a regional hub for commerce with China. This rising financial interconnection underscores the rising prominence of China on the worldwide stage.

“For the first time this year, more respondents chose China over the U.S. The number of countries siding with the U.S. has become a minority, with only Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines standing firmly with Washington in Southeast Asia. The primary reason for this shift is that China has become the region's largest trading partner — a trend also seen in Latin America” — “For the primary time this 12 months, extra respondents selected China over the U.S. The variety of nations siding with the U.S. has develop into a minority, with solely Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines standing firmly with Washington in Southeast Asia. The first motive for this shift is that China has develop into the area’s largest buying and selling associate — a development additionally seen in Latin America”

J-Tales: How about exterior of politics and the financial system?

Daimon: One factor that personally issues me is the speedy evolution of AI (synthetic intelligence). AI has superior to the purpose the place it will possibly now carry out duties that have been as soon as regarded as uniquely human. In Hollywood, for instance, actors went on strike to protest these adjustments. The query we now face is: The place can we draw the road between work that ought to stay human and duties that AI ought to take over? Finally, I feel this 12 months has raised the elemental query: What does it imply to be human?

This evolution of AI is intently tied to broader points, together with debates over the accuracy of knowledge in election protection and different media discussions. In some ways, I imagine this has been a 12 months the place the very existence and function of the media have been questioned. We’re witnessing a major shift from conventional media to new platforms like YouTube, and this transformation is turning into extra obvious on daily basis.

“Ultimately, I think this year has raised the fundamental question: What does it mean to be human?” — “Finally, I feel this 12 months has raised the elemental query: What does it imply to be human?”

Kitamatsu: Historically, the mission of the media has been to convey correct info to society, which in flip invigorates democracy. Nonetheless, with the emergence of highly effective applied sciences like generative AI, and the widespread use of social media, individuals have began to query whether or not the media is actually delivering appropriate info. In reality, there was a surge in unchecked and typically deceptive info, not simply from media shops however throughout the board. It gives the look that democracy itself is being corrupted. I can’t shake the sensation that it is a drawback that has solely worsened, and whether or not it may be fastened stays unsure. This 12 months has handed with none clear route on methods to resolve it.

Maeda: The problem of media was one I spent a substantial amount of time reflecting on this 12 months. However maybe much more placing was the prominence of pure disasters. In Japan, the 12 months started with the Noto earthquake on Jan. 1. In the meantime, in Spain’s Valencia, the town confronted its worst flooding in historical past attributable to a devastating flash storm. The USA additionally skilled extreme harm from hurricanes. These occasions spotlight the pressing want for applied sciences aimed toward catastrophe prevention and response. It was a 12 months by which the function of such applied sciences turned much more essential and must be given renewed consideration.

Kitamatsu: Precisely. I stay hopeful in regards to the potential of know-how to deal with these urgent points. The rising world financial disparity is a serious reason behind conflicts, and plenty of nations, Japan included, are grappling with the challenges of an getting older and declining inhabitants. Because the working-age inhabitants shrinks, we see distortions in industries, and in the end, this impacts our on a regular basis lives. This case appears to have intensified over the course of the 12 months. For startups, nonetheless, this problem additionally presents a enterprise alternative, and I imagine we are going to see new options emerge in response.

"As the working-age population shrinks, we see distortions in industries, and ultimately, this affects our everyday lives. This situation seems to have intensified over the course of the year. For startups, however, this challenge also presents a business opportunity, and I believe we will see new solutions emerge in response.” — “Because the working-age inhabitants shrinks, we see distortions in industries, and in the end, this impacts our on a regular basis lives. This case appears to have intensified over the course of the 12 months. For startups, nonetheless, this problem additionally presents a enterprise alternative, and I imagine we are going to see new options emerge in response.”

J-Tales: Thanks. All through this 12 months, J-Tales has featured startups and corporations offering progressive options to world challenges. You’ve raised many vital points, however from the angle of options, have been there any specific insights or challenges you observed this 12 months?

Kitamatsu: As I discussed earlier, the problem of methods to overcome the problems of an getting older inhabitants and low beginning charges, and methods to stimulate the financial system, has develop into a vital coverage problem in lots of nations, not simply Japan. Among the many corporations we have featured in J-Tales, there have been noticeable efforts to sort out these challenges with distinctive views, applied sciences, and concepts. For example, one firm we just lately lined, Culta, is engaged on what is commonly referred to as “good agriculture.” With a declining agricultural workforce and the challenges posed by local weather change, they’re utilizing AI and IT know-how to create extra environment friendly and efficient methods of farming. It is a very attention-grabbing instance. Particularly, they’re creating crop varieties that may face up to local weather change, and so they’ve developed a know-how that hastens the breeding course of 5 occasions sooner than conventional strategies. They’ve already begun making use of this in observe, enhancing home manufacturing effectivity. On the similar time, they’re increasing their enterprise by enabling the cultivation of Japan’s scrumptious vegatables and fruits, corresponding to strawberries, in nations with totally different climate situations than Japan’s. It is a new mind-set, the place agriculture, which was historically restricted to home manufacturing, is now increasing abroad. I feel it is a nice instance of startup innovation.

Daimon: One article that left a robust impression on me was a couple of younger entrepreneur from Uzbekistan who began an organization in Japan. This firm is utilizing AI to resolve issues in Japan’s trucking logistics trade. Their formidable objective is to create a extra environment friendly supply system and understand joint deliveries with out waste. The truth that a foreigner learning in Japan is working to convey innovation to Japan’s logistics trade is actually inspiring. Innovation isn’t one thing that solely Japan wants. Lots of the issues we face listed here are widespread world challenges, and we should always wholeheartedly welcome abroad people bringing innovation to Japan. Considered one of J-Tales’ strengths is appearing as a bridge between Japan and the remainder of the world. By connecting inbound and outbound innovation, we are able to foster even larger breakthroughs. I imagine it’s vital to broaden initiatives like his each domestically and internationally.

"One of J-Stories’ strengths is acting as a bridge between Japan and the rest of the world. By connecting inbound and outbound innovation, we can foster even greater breakthroughs. I believe it’s important to expand initiatives like his both domestically and internationally.” — “Considered one of J-Tales’ strengths is appearing as a bridge between Japan and the remainder of the world. By connecting inbound and outbound innovation, we are able to foster even larger breakthroughs. I imagine it’s vital to broaden initiatives like his each domestically and internationally.”

Maeda: This 12 months, J-Tales has continued to spotlight improvements rising from Japan, however I imagine it additionally marked a major 12 months for startups from throughout Asia coming into Japan’s startup ecosystem.

As govt editor, I had the chance to collaborate as a media associate for the Japan-Taiwan Innovation Summit in September, organized by Startup Island Taiwan, a government-backed initiative to assist startups. This partnership led to my appointment as co-representative of their Tokyo workplace. Via these experiences, I gained a deeper understanding of the robust enterprise curiosity that Taiwan and Southeast Asia have in Japan. These nations are desperate to enter the Japanese market, pushed by a real sense of alternative and want.

"This year, J-Stories has continued to highlight innovations emerging from Japan, but I believe it also marked a significant year for startups from across Asia entering Japan's startup ecosystem.” — “This 12 months, J-Tales has continued to spotlight improvements rising from Japan, however I imagine it additionally marked a major 12 months for startups from throughout Asia coming into Japan’s startup ecosystem.”

J-Tales: Why are nations like Taiwan and different Asian nations desperate to broaden into Japan? Is that this a phenomenon distinctive to this 12 months?

Maeda: There are a number of causes for this shift. First, many nations in Asia, together with Taiwan and South Korea, have comparatively small home markets. Taiwan’s inhabitants is about 23 million, and South Korea’s is roughly half of Japan’s, at round 50 million. With such small markets, these nations have little alternative however to look overseas for progress. Japan, with a single market of over 100 million individuals and one unified language, presents a lovely possibility.

Southeast Asia, whereas a collective market of over 600 million individuals, poses extra challenges. Every nation has its personal language and distinct shopper preferences, requiring important adaptation of merchandise, which provides complexity for companies seeking to broaden.

Another excuse is the shared demographic problem dealing with each Japan and plenty of East Asian nations: the getting older inhabitants and declining beginning charges. Japan’s whole fertility fee for 2023 was simply 1.20. Nonetheless, nations like Singapore have an excellent decrease fee of 0.97, Taiwan is at 0.87, and South Korea has the bottom at 0.72. The problems Japan faces with its getting older society are shortly turning into the challenges of all the area.

The third issue is geographical and cultural proximity. Japan shouldn’t be solely shut geographically to its neighbors like South Korea and Taiwan — the place the time distinction is minimal — however it additionally shares important cultural similarities. There are authorized system similarities as effectively, making the enterprise setting comparatively acquainted in comparison with areas like Europe or North America.

As for China, regardless of being a a lot bigger market than Japan, the nation has develop into much less of a viable possibility for worldwide companies this 12 months. Many world corporations not take into account China a precedence for enlargement. Hong Kong, for related causes, can be not seen as a gateway. With Taiwan and South Korea nonetheless having comparatively smaller markets, Japan stands out as a logical various. This makes Japan an more and more engaging possibility by technique of elimination.

“As for China, despite being a much larger market than Japan, the country has become less of a viable option for international businesses this year. Many global companies no longer consider China a priority for expansion. Hong Kong, for similar reasons, is also no longer viewed as a gateway. With Taiwan and South Korea still having relatively smaller markets, Japan stands out as a logical alternative. This makes Japan an increasingly attractive option by process of elimination.” — “As for China, regardless of being a a lot bigger market than Japan, the nation has develop into much less of a viable possibility for worldwide companies this 12 months. Many world corporations not take into account China a precedence for enlargement. Hong Kong, for related causes, can be not seen as a gateway. With Taiwan and South Korea nonetheless having comparatively smaller markets, Japan stands out as a logical various. This makes Japan an more and more engaging possibility by technique of elimination.”

J-Tales: I see. On the flip aspect, are extra Japanese corporations increasing overseas as effectively?

Daimon: On the Japan-Taiwan Innovation Summit 2024 and related occasions, we’ve seen an rising variety of worldwide startups seeking to enter the Japanese market. However with a shift in perspective, we hosted the Japan International Innovators’ Discussion board (JGIF) in March, a pioneering occasion the place Japanese corporations — significantly these featured by J-Tales — had the possibility to fulfill with worldwide enterprise capitalists (VCs) for matchmaking and suggestions. This was a primary for us, and I discovered it to be a extremely attention-grabbing and priceless initiative.

Among the many corporations presenting on the occasion was a startup that creates water from air. What’s much more exceptional is that a few of the startups we’ve lined at J-Tales have additionally used such progressive applied sciences for real-world functions. For example, in the course of the Noto earthquake, one in all these corporations deployed their know-how in catastrophe restoration efforts. To see so many corporations with new applied sciences and a real drive to sort out world challenges is actually encouraging. It’s been extremely rewarding for J-Tales to uncover and spotlight these sorts of impactful innovators.

"To see so many companies with new technologies and a genuine drive to tackle global challenges is truly encouraging. It’s been incredibly rewarding for J-Stories to uncover and highlight these kinds of impactful innovators.” — “To see so many corporations with new applied sciences and a real drive to sort out world challenges is actually encouraging. It’s been extremely rewarding for J-Tales to uncover and spotlight these sorts of impactful innovators.”

Kitamatsu: Sure, it’s true. Whether or not these corporations will in the end succeed stays to be seen, however lots of the corporations we’ve featured appear to have a robust want to take their applied sciences overseas. After all, there are challenges, however it’s clear that many of those corporations possess the eagerness and drive to push ahead regardless of the hurdles.

Daimon: And whereas they will not be startups, I feel the innovation that comes from Japan’s meticulous tradition — its capacity to deal with even the smallest particulars — is actually exceptional. If I needed to spotlight one instance, it could be Japan’s stationery. After seeing the merchandise displayed at this 12 months’s stationery expo, I believed to myself, “I doubt you could find something like this anyplace else on this planet.”

Maeda: For example, the way in which the eraser shavings accumulate right into a neat pile — that sort of high quality element is actually spectacular.

Daimon: Sure, precisely. It is the finer particulars. For example, with glue, you apply it and it leaves a coloration, however over time it turns into clear. Or, typically the applicator isn’t spherical however sq. — there are all these little issues to think about. There are pens designed to be simpler to put in writing with, and plenty of merchandise that even have nice design and have received design awards. These sorts of stationery gadgets appear to be particularly fashionable with individuals in Asia, and we have seen YouTubers and different influencers from Taiwan and Hong Kong coming to Japan to showcase Japanese stationery.

I imagine Japan’s energy lies in its craftsmanship, significantly in its meticulous and detailed method to manufacturing. If we are able to harness this energy extra sooner or later, I feel it might result in even greater enterprise alternatives.