Following the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011, Japanese politicians were slow in making decisions, failed to respond to the crisis, and showed a lack of communicative competence. The foreign media described this situation as one in which “a people of high civic standards is being led by incompetent leaders.” Our politicians, as those responsible for leading the nation, must now more than ever before (1) act based on a positive and bright vision for the future of Japan, (2) communicate effectively with persons both inside and outside the country, and (3) build a good and sound Japan. To do so, we expect them to perform the following tasks.

Japan has many things to be proud of: a highly sophisticated history and culture, legal systems that allow its people to enjoy freedom, strong social bonds (that were amply demonstrated after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and highly regarded internationally), technology and industry with high standards, and many others. It is a responsibility of our generation to maintain these advantages that have been passed down by our forbears, to address any issues, and in turn pass them on to future generations.

“100 Actions” is a project to create a vision for Japan while generating nationwide policy debate. Any troubled company can recover if it accomplishes the ten things it needs to do. Japan, which is pervaded by a sense of stagnation, should be able to break free of its impasse if it accomplishes 100 goals. When the vision has been accomplished and 100 boxes for specific actions have been checked, this silent revolution will be finished. It is my aim to become personally involved in creating a Japan that holds out bright hope for the next generation.