It has been a long time since the feeling of stagnation in Japanese society has been mentioned. The phrase “Lost 30 years” is often used. In 1995, Japan’s GDP was far greater than the combined GDP of the UK, France, and Italy. By 2024, the third place of GDP of Japan was overtaken by Germany, which has population of two-thirds that of Japan.

Why is this? I believe one reason is that Japan has not diversified enough. In a homogenized Japanese social structure, the aesthetic of “not rocking the boat” has been cherished. For instance, if neighboring companies do not raise salaries, there is a mindset that our company does not have to either (even if there is capacity to increase salaries, this issue has started to be raised due to external pressures like wars in other countries around 2023).

In a climate of strong social pressure to conform, it is very difficult to have the courage to challenge “new things.” Foreigners, who cannot perceive this “invisible” pressure, have the potential to break it. Moreover, when Japanese people observe these foreigners, realizing that this invisible constraint is just a figment of their imagination, it could be a significant opportunity to break the current sense of stagnation.

Before thinking “foreigners are troublesome because they are different,” it is important for us as Japanese to reassess the fixed notions we take for granted by experiencing those “troublesome” aspects. This is the essence of innovation. The lack of this innovation has led to today’s stagnation. The presence of foreigners can help diversify our way of thinking.