SPONSOR’S WELCOME LETTERTHE FATE OF THE WORLD IS
KENGO
SAKURADA
Group CEO
Sompo Holdings, Inc.EVERYONE’S BUSINESS
healthy ageing where people stay vital and happy to the
end; the Japanese concept called “pin koro.”Through digital technology, data and co-creation with
various partners SOMPO is generating new solutions
in many fields. SOMPO does not reap large short-term
financial returns from the nursing care business. But its
actions are as “Seikatsusha,” contributing to a sustainable
future and people’s well-being. SOMPO is trying to prove
that solving problems and providing value to society are
profitable and sustainable.Today, stakeholders are demanding that business leaders
commit to solving social issues by leveraging the strengths
of their enterprises. We should heed their calls. Business
leaders must act to realize a better future for all through
their work and their companies. Because the fate of the
world is everyone’s business.Despite all our efforts to build a better world, global
instability is on the rise. The pandemic persists. Russia has
invaded Ukraine. The tests we are facing include dealing
with unknown viruses, fostering cooperation among
nations with different values, and acting to halt climate
change. However, many of the tools we used to overcome
problems in the past are falling short today. With this
“history at a turning point,” the most critical mission of
business leaders is to address social challenges. We must
change the world for the better through our businesses.My country Japan is a country contending with serious
issues: an aging and declining population, lack of diversity,
and a paucity of innovation, among others. Its public
debt is ballooning, and its economy has been stagnant.
Considering our difficulties, one might question what advice
or wisdom a Japanese business leader could offer the world.
Yet, Japan has also achieved much to be proud of. It remains
the world’s third-largest economy, and its strengths include
hi-tech manufacturing, and soft power such as animation,
culture, and, cuisine.This mix of challenges and achievements makes it all the
more necessary for business leaders to think deeply about
the future. We can play a crucial role in charting our direction,
in solving social issues and in creating values.As a key to concrete action, I would like to offer the Japanese
concept of “Seikatsusha.” Essentially, “Seikatsusha” means
that as individuals we are all multifaceted. If asked, “what
kind of person are you?” what would you say? I am a CEO of
a company, and a member of the Japanese Prime Minister’s
advisory board. But I am also a citizen who loves Kendo and
a consumer who buys gifts for my lovely grandchildren.
We are more than our job titles. We can’t be defined by
demographics alone.As an individual “Seikatsusha,” business leaders should
pursue traditional economic growth, but also growth
that enhances people’s security, health, and well-being.
They must strive for the sustainability of the earth and
human society. The fruits of growth must be available to
all. This aligns with another Japanese concept: Bushido.
As described in my book Bushido Capitalism, Bushido is
a code of conduct that prioritizes the common good, and
emphasizes the balance between self-interest and altruism.I believe that Japan, where Bushido is deeply
rooted, can be a unique, sustainable model of
a society that achieves total optimization if each
individual acts as “Seikatsusha,”.In Japan, SOMPO is working to address a global social
issue: an ageing population. We are doing this through
our nursing care business. Nursing care places a heavy
burden on the elderly, and on the caregivers. Elder care
is a challenge for society as a whole. My goal is to create
sustainable nursing care and, more than that, fosterTHE JAPANESE CONCEPT OF “SEIKATSUSHA” CAN HELP BUSINESS
LEADERS BALANCE PROFITABILITY AND THE COMMON GOOD