1. Under the objective of increasing volume, the current economic society of Japan which puts what was an extremely favorable Japanese-style management for pressing ahead with standardized mass production as the base now stands at a large crossroad particularly since the 1990s due to the following intensified internal and external changes. •The Development of Globalization Economic globalization has developed at a rapid pace since the conclusion of the Cold War. Under these circumstances, Japan has undertaken activities based on our own systems and customs to the extent that the issue of aligning with the US lead 'global standard' is now severely questioned. Furthermore, due to the rapid industrialization in many Asian countries, a horizontal international specialization between Japan and these countries has developed. The important issue Japan faces how to secure the ability to compete globally of our country's industry in answer to the intensification of international competition

Changes in World Trade and Investment Amounts (Dollar basis)

	Changes in World Trade and Investment Amounts (Dollar basis) After the end of the Cold War, in particular from 1990 onward, unification of markets on a global scale has progressed at an accelerated pace. International business transactions have surpassed GDP growth and continue to increase. One particular trend to be seen is the growth of investment surpassing that of trade.
	Remarks: 1980=1. Regarding trade, export and investment are external investment. Source: Created by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry from material from IMF "BOP", World Bank "WORLD TABLES" and THE CENTRAL BANK OF CHINA "BALANCE OF PAYMENT"

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Changes in the Number of International Conferences Held in Tokyo

	Source: US business magazine "Fortune" (1995)		Source: Japan National Tourist Organization material

•Rapid aging of the population resulting from the decline in the birthrate Japan now faces the arrival of population decreasing society never experienced to this extent before. The ratio of elderly people in society is rising at an unprecedented rate internationally. To that end, this phenomenon is not only creating concern related to the maintenance of social activity, but is also changing the nation's economic society of Japan in many areas including the imbalance of labor supply and demand.

	Future Population Projections for Japan
	Source: Data from the "Declining Birthrate Information Homepage" of the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research

	Changes in the rate of aging of advanced nations populations
	Source: Management and Coordination Agency "Aged Society Measures Office Homepage"

	Population Composition of Japan Now & in the Future
	Source: Data from the "Declining Birthrate Information Homepage" of the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research

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