The Past 70 Years in Retrospect and Outlook for the Coming 30 YearsKeidanren (Japan Business Federation) is marking

The 1980’s to the 90’s was the period during which theCreation of a More Affluent and Vibrant Japan” in whichradically modifying the way an economic society

its 70th anniversary since its foundation. It is also 15Japanese economy caught up with those of theit outlined its vision for Japan in the year 2030. The

functions. It does so by applying technologies such as

years since the merger with Nikkeiren (Japanadvanced economies and became one of the front

document first describes what kind of attributes Japan

Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Big Data andFederation of Employers’ Associations).

runners of the international economic society. Thisin 2030 should possess as a nation and then lists

robots. Its aim is to let each person enjoy an affluent

meant on the one hand that, conversion from as pe c ific is s u e s t h a t n e e d t o be t a c kle d by t h eliving and to eliminate the structural gap between the70 years in retrospect:
As a standard-bearer ofJapanese economic developmentgovernment-led to a private-sector-led economy

government, business and the people. It also identifies

rich and the poor. Keidanren will work both nationallybecame necessary in the economic area, and on theglobalization and innovation as the two pillars of sourcesand globally toward bringing Society 5.0 to reality.

other hand, the need for a strong political leadershipof economic dynamism.

Immediately after the war ended in 1945, thein order to pursue reform, broad support from theWhile a quarter of a century has passed since the endof the development of post-war Japanese economy for

Government requested an advisory opinion on how to

general public became indispensable. Faced with thisof the cold war and economic globalization started tothe last 70 years, and they will continue to bereconstruct and develop the post-war economy.

situation, we have successively established institutions

take firmly hold, currently the world political andindispensable pillars looking toward to the next 30 years

Responding to this request, Nihon Keizai Renmeikaisuch as Keizai Koho Center (Japan Institute for Social

economic situation is in a state of turmoil.

of our economy and the Keidanren.

played a central role in establishing “Keizaidantai Rengo

and Economic Affairs), Business People Political Forum

Protectionism and anti-globalization tendencies areIinkai.” The “Iinkai” became the parent body ofand The 21st Century Public Policy Institute, in order tobecoming conspicuous not only in developing andKeidanren will, building on the remarkable achievements

Keidanren which was subsequently founded in Augustenhance our capacity to make recommendations on

emerging countries but also in developed countries. Inof our elders, make additional effort to build an affluent

1946 as a new comprehensive organization. Its aim waspolicies and ways to implement them and to strengthen

a number of them, social and political divide due inand vibrant private-sector led Japan. To the member

to “sound out opinions of the business circles oncollaboration with policy makers.

part to economic disparity among the population is

corporations and groups as well as people working in all

becoming a problem.

sectors, I would like to ask for your unwavering support

was sorely felt in the policy making area. Furthermore,

economic problems both domestic and international

Globalization and innovation constituted the foundationand to endeavor to obtain practical solutions to these

The merger in 2002 with Nikkeiren made us a more

problems, thereby to promote the self-sustenance andinfluential “comprehensive economic organization.” The

Post-war Japan has achieved rapid growth thanks tosound development of the national economy.” Thebackground for this move was twofold: thefree trade and innovation as the driving forces.

present day “Policy and Action” of the Keidanren

administrative reform—including the re-organization ofPresently, free and open international economic orderinherits this spirit.

the central government—which was under way and thehas become an indispensable international public goodand cooperation for Keidanren.

emerging realization that social security reform andfor countries around the world to develop theirKeidanren, as a comprehensive and action oriented

labor policy were both critical issues for the Japanese

economies and achieve better living conditions. We

economic organization that places itself constantlyeconomy. Joining the forces of the two organizations

shall never forget that protectionism and the trading

ahead of the change of times, has focused its efforts on

was deemed necessary to make substantial progress inblocs that ensued were important factors which led thethe development of the Japanese economy and thethese matters. This decision was a discerning one evenworld to the terrible ravages of war.

betterment of the well-being of its people throughout its

from today’s perspective and I would like to pay tribute70 years’ existence. After the war, thanks to theto the then Chairmen of both organizations and all those

Safeguarding and developing free and open

strenuous efforts on the part of all our countrymen,

who were involved.

international economic order is of crucial importance toJapanese industry and enterprises have risen powerfully

our national interest and that is why Keidanren will, infrom the ashes, bringing about rapid growth which

The biggest challenge facing us today is to achieve acoordination with the Government, intensify its efforts inpropelled our economy to the world number two

GDP 600 trillion Yen economy in 2020 by puttingthat direction. For that purpose, we will further cementposition in terms of GDP in 1968. This feat was called

deflation completely behind us and achieving sustained

our economic relationship with our ally the United States

the “East Asian Miracle” at that time. Thereafter, theeconomic growth. For that purpose, players in theand actively promote our economic dialogue withJapanese economy was confronted with numerous

economic and political spheres have to work hand inEurope, China and Korea, Southeast Asian countries,

serious problems such as the oil crisis, trade and capital

hand while fulfilling conscientiously their respective roles.

India, Russia and others.

Aspiring to build an“Affluent and Vibrant Japan”—toward the next 30 years

At the same time, it is clear that no society can develop

formulating proposals in a wide range of policy areas

In January of 2015, the year after I became Chairman,

gatherer, agrarian, industrial, and information societies.

and devoting efforts for their implementation.

Keidanren published a document entitled “Toward theSociety 5.0 is an unprecedented, major innovation

liberalization, administrative and fiscal reform, trade
frictions, abrupt appreciation of Yen following the Plaza
Accord and recovery from the so-called bursting of theeconomic bubble. In each instance, Keidanren has
assumed the role of standard-bearer of reform,without innovation. Today, the world is on the thresholdof “Society 5.0 (Super Smart Society).” This society is to
be of a completely new type, coming after hunter-Chairman
SAK AKIBARA Sadayuki