インタビュー・対談シリーズ『私の哲学』
Presented by "My Philosophy®︎"
Vol.11　Seiichi Shimada

I interviewed Mr. Shimada, who has extensive experience working overseas in countries such as the United States, Italy, and Mexico, and has demonstrated his business acumen both domestically and internationally. Our conversation focused on the keyword "global".

Japanese

Profile

Vol.11 Seiichi Shimada

Special Advisor at Nihon Unisys Ltd. | Former Chairman of the Japan Housing Finance Agency | Former Vice President of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. | Former President of Nihon Unisys Ltd.

Seiichi Shimada graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Tokyo and completed the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at Harvard Business School. After graduating from university, he joined Mitsui & Co., Ltd. During his tenure as Director and Head of the Information Industry Division, he turned around a department that was losing several billion yen annually. Despite the immense pressure that led him to the brink of refusing to go to work, his inherent positivity helped stabilize the department and eventually led it to profitability. In 2000, he was appointed as the Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. In 2001, he became the President of Nihon Unisys Ltd., where over four years, he transformed the company's culture from passive to one that actively makes proposals. Recognized for his leadership, he was appointed President of the Japan Housing Finance Agency in 2005. From 2007 to March 2011, he served as the Chairman of the Japan Housing Finance Agency. He is also known as an aficionado of Italy and was awarded the Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 2007.

*Titles and positions are as of the time of the interview in October 2011.

The Importance of Having a Sense of Belonging

Over the past 30 years, everything from what we eat to what we wear has become globalized, creating an environment where nothing can be accomplished solely within Japan. Not only large corporations but also small and medium-sized enterprises that excel have already expanded overseas. This is also true for individuals who excel in fields like design and music. In such times, it is necessary to have overseas experience in your 20s and acquire skills to thrive globally. Why is it too late after entering your 30s? It’s because the brain is more flexible when young, making it easier to learn languages and to understand and accept different cultures and values. Personally, I slightly regret not going abroad in my late teens.

To succeed overseas, it is not enough just to speak a foreign language. It is crucial to speak and write Japanese correctly, understand Japanese history and culture—essentially, to maintain a Japanese identity. Without a sense of belonging, people can become like rootless weeds. Those who have a firm grounding in their own culture and can engage and innovate with people from other countries with different perspectives are truly global talents.

Japan Facing Its Third National Crisis

Japan is currently facing an increasingly severe issue of population decline due to an aging society and low birth rates. Currently, the population stands at 126 million, but projections suggest that if trends continue, the population could decrease to 95 million by 2050, assuming a birth rate of 1.3 children per woman. Some estimate that in a few hundred years the birth rate will be one. Internationally, some countries have addressed population decline through immigration. While the merits of accepting immigrants can be debated, I believe it is a necessary step. Despite various social issues, Japan must more effectively implement measures against an aging population to prevent it from falling to 95 or 60 million.

Forty years ago, France was in a similar demographic position to Japan but managed to increase its birth rate to 2 through comprehensive policies, which it maintains today. A declining population will also lead to fewer job opportunities, forcing reliance on overseas labor or driving more Japanese to seek work abroad. Even if the birth rate were to suddenly increase to 2 today, the impact would only be felt 20 or 30 years from now.

Having already overcome two major crises— the Meiji Restoration and the post-war reconstruction—Japan now faces its third significant challenge. This includes the aging population issue, compounded by the Great East Japan Earthquake and nuclear power issues. Japan is at a critical juncture, requiring profound national changes to address these challenges.

Studying Abroad can only Be a Positive Experience, Never a Negative One.

The unique Japanese employment practices of lifetime employment, seniority-based wage systems, and the emphasis on hiring new graduates have long defined the labor market. However, the systems of lifetime employment and seniority-based advancement have largely eroded in recent years, although the focus on hiring new graduates remains strong. In Europe and America, it is not uncommon for individuals to stay with one company for their entire career, but on average, people change employers three or four times. Japan is gradually adapting to this trend; at the trading company where I previously worked, many in their 20s and 30s left partway through their careers to start successful businesses, and the company itself has embraced mid-career hiring.

In this context, studying abroad should be seen unequivocally as a positive. It is nonsensical to view it as detrimental, such as by causing one to miss employment opportunities. Additionally, Japan’s academic year starting in April is increasingly out of step with the global standard. Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) is finally considering a shift to a September hiring schedule, and Keio University has already implemented a September entry for some programs, with movements at Tokyo University to follow suit. Similar to Harvard Business School, where several years of work experience are required before entry, I believe that the relationship between enterprises and universities in Japan is rapidly changing and must continue to evolve.

Things I Want to Tell Young Professionals in their 20s

In the workplace, it’s crucial to adopt a positive, proactive attitude—don’t run from challenges, and don’t pretend to know more than you do. Work is a series of failures; you will inevitably encounter obstacles and sometimes, your efforts won’t seem to pay off. Repeated failures are actually essential for future success and growth. No one wants to fail, but your twenties are a time when failure is more acceptable. Whether you can face challenges without fleeing will largely determine your future self.

Many people get discouraged by failure and give up. Therefore, it’s incredibly important to cultivate resilience. To keep your spirits up and not break under pressure, it’s beneficial to have confidants or friends who will listen to your frustrations. Additionally, engage in hobbies like reading or listening to music. Personally, I enjoy a variety of hobbies including listening to music, enjoying rakugo (traditional Japanese comedic storytelling), reading, and having conversations over a beer with younger people. Physical activity is also beneficial; exercising can naturally boost your positivity from within.

By maintaining these practices, you can better handle the inevitable setbacks in your career and continue to grow both personally and professionally.

Initiate Communication

I often tell young people, “Never turn down an invitation from someone older, and always be proactive in speaking to your superiors.” Communicating with people who have more experience than you or who have experienced things that you haven’t can provide various stimuli and clues that contribute to your own growth. You won’t progress by only talking to people at the same level or with similar mindsets. The word “communication” originates from the Latin “communis,” meaning “to share.” Although the internet has spread and email has become a mainstream form of communication, relying solely on it is not advisable. It’s important to engage in direct conversations, sharing knowledge and time. Always be open to learning from those who are more accomplished and create opportunities to listen to them.

Society is built on connections with various people and is closely related to your own actions. By taking initiative, you build relationships, which in turn mobilize the people around you and society at large, paving new paths forward.

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I was impressed by Mr. Shimada’s energetic presence during the interview, and found myself unable to interject. I will keep in mind the importance of being “positive, courageous, and honest,” as these are essential in work and life. It is truly a joy to have a role model in business and life like Mr. Shimada close at hand. Inspired by him, I aim to be a person of charm and straightforward power, and hope to continue passing on the valuable lessons I’ve learned to the next generation.

Editor-in-Chief of “My Philosophy,” DK Sugiyama

October 2011, at Nihon Unisys Ltd., Edited by Naomi Kusuda, Photography by Daiki Ayuzawa