• Outline
• Message
• Program

“What to Keep, Change, and Create for the Future”

It was a while ago that the term “Lost Decade” turned into the “Two Lost Decades.” Japan is likely to remain adrift unless its leaders demonstrate a clear vision that is backed by willpower and action.

Now is the time for our generation to take upon ourselves the task to help shape the future of Japan. We must take the initiative to bridge yesterday, today and tomorrow. I believe it is essential for every individual to recognize their role as responsible Japanese citizens, setting aside sectarian interests or the pursuit of personal wealth and fame.

First held in 2009 at Mt. Bandai, the G1 Summit will be held for the third time this year. With the venue being close to Tokyo, this meeting will enjoy the participation of a number of senior speakers. Representing the generation taking over the leadership mantle from our predecessors, we will explore the theme of “What to Keep, Change and Create for the Future” with leaders from different fields.

This year’s G1 Summit will introduce a series of workshops called “G1 Initiatives for a Better Japan.” An idea discussed at the section meeting on sports during last year’s G1 Summit has materialized in the form of the “Athlete Society.” The upcoming workshops will mark the start of ten new initiatives that address various issues. I believe that small steps accumulate over time and will eventually give rise to a big wave of change.

In each session of the G1 Summit, the focus will be on how to transform ideas into concrete actions on an individual level. The topics to be dealt with include politics and the economy, local communities, information technology, business ventures, science and technology, justice, social welfare, and “Cool Japan.”

The G1 Summit was launched with a commitment to hold at least 10 annual meetings until the year 2019. This will be a crucial decade during which Japan must set its course. We cannot afford to neglect the responsibility of our generation to steer Japan on the right path. I quote again the principles of the G1 Summit:

(I) Make proposals rather than mere criticism
(II) Take actions, do not just form ideas
(III) Foster awareness as the next generation of leaders

Note: The name G1 is derived from our aspirations that the Globe will become as one, that we can become No. 1 if we have a Global mindset, and that our Generation will unite as one.

We are hoping to turn this event into something that in years to come can be looked back upon as a defining moment in history.

Let’s enjoy our discussions to the fullest and deepen our solidarity at the G1 Summit. Let’s take a step forward for Japan and its future.