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The Outsider CEOs Japan Inc Can’t Afford to Ignore

Rei Saito's avatar
Rei Saito
Aug 08, 2025
∙ Paid

I’ve long argued that Japan’s corporate problem isn’t a lack of talent; it’s a lack of outside air.

When boards finally crack a window and hire a foreign chief, headlines swing between “savior” and “scandal.” So: are foreign leaders good for Japan Inc, or just good copy? Let’s look at results:

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