#Japan #Tokyo #Aoba-BBT #Kenichi Ohmae #Japan Agriculture

Aoba-BBT Offers Compelling Insights into Japan's Agricultural Challenges

Aoba-BBT, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is making waves in educational efforts by offering a limited-time free online lecture titled "Japan's Agriculture and Food Issues". This special lecture is delivered by Kenichi Ohmae, a legendary business consultant and current president of Business Breakthrough University (BBT). Ohmae, who is a prominent figure in the fields of economics, business strategy, and geopolitical studies, has made this educational content available in light of Japan's pressing agricultural and food security challenges.

In the lecture, Ohmae argues that it's critical to redefine agriculture not merely as a primary industry but as a vital industry policy that should be integrated with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry for more effective policy design. He emphasizes the importance of looking at food security through a comprehensive lens that transcends just rice and other staple crops.

The format begins with an international comparison of Japan's agriculture and fisheries, addressing structural issues such as the aging farming workforce, increasing abandoned farmland, and stagnating productivity. Ohmae critiques the underlying causes—including institutional fatigue and entrenched interests within Japan's "agricultural policy triangle" involving politicians, bureaucrats, and agricultural cooperatives (JA). He highlights Japan’s low food self-sufficiency rate, the chaos symbolized by the recent Reiwa rice crisis, and the dysfunction of JA as evidence of the limitations and contradictions within current agricultural policies.

To counter these challenges, Ohmae introduces successful models from advanced agricultural nations like the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Denmark. He calls for innovative strategies that could foster sustainable and competitive agriculture in Japan, urging policymakers to rethink existing paradigms.

During the lecture, he raises a pertinent alarm: “Current agricultural policies prioritize protecting agricultural votes over ensuring the food security of the populace. This misdirection will prevent us from establishing a sustainable food strategy.” He further articulates that many Japanese agricultural products possess capabilities that can compete in the global market. Therefore, Japan should transcend traditional limitations and adopt a global perspective, moving towards producing safe and reliable food in optimal locations both domestically and internationally, utilizing technology and capital to support this initiative.

In essence, the lecture serves as a call to action for reimagining agriculture as not only a productive activity but as an integral part of national security and diplomacy. The insights presented offer a foundational perspective on how Japan can navigate its agricultural and food landscape strategically.

Lecture Details:

Title: Kenichi Ohmae Hour: "Japan's Agriculture and Food Issues"
Speaker: Kenichi Ohmae (President, Business Breakthrough University)

Ohmae holds a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from MIT and has had a distinguished career, including serving as the Japan branch head of McKinsey & Company and as a professor at Stanford Business School and UCLA. His current focus is on nurturing the next generation of leaders through BBT.

This lecture is not only informative but also deeply critical of Japan’s current agricultural and food policies and offers a pathway for the future. To access this compelling resource, you can view the lecture here: Watch the Lecture - available for a limited time.

Aoba-BBT's Commitment to Education

Aoba-BBT is dedicated to tackling social issues including food, agriculture, and environmental challenges worldwide. The institution emphasizes developing individuals who can understand these issues structurally from an economic perspective and act on them.

The BBT educational platform includes online undergraduate and graduate programs that focus on practical leadership across various fields, including agriculture and food security. The comprehensive approach encompasses various innovative educational methods to ensure sustainable growth for students and business professionals.

Key Programs:

• - BBT University and Graduate School: Fully online programs offering degrees in management, economics, international relations, and technology.
• - BOND-BBT MBA Program: A collaboration with Bond University, focusing on international business strategies and negotiations, particularly in agribusiness.
• - Corporate Training & Local Government Support: Customized training programs for organizations to enhance local economies and the agricultural sector.

Aoba-BBT continues to evolve as a leading institution in education, striving to contribute positively to the future of society through innovative and responsive learning experiences.