【第86回】竹中平蔵が徹底解説！日本経済の闇と未来（竹中平蔵×森永康平）

Summary

The video script features a discussion with Keio University's emeritus professor, Takekuro Takeuchi, who shares his insights on the current state of the Japanese economy. He highlights the challenges of a society too reliant on past successes and the need for innovation in a rapidly globalizing world. The conversation touches on corporate governance, labor market rigidity, and the importance of establishing a basic income to support those unable to climb the economic ladder, all while maintaining incentives for hard work and innovation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The guest of the video is Keizō Takenaka, a professor emeritus at Keio University, who discusses the current state of the Japanese economy.
• 🌐 The video is a collaboration with Takenaka's channel, and viewers are encouraged to watch the video on his channel for a more detailed discussion.
• 📉 The Japanese economy is perceived as being stuck in the past, relying too heavily on its previous success, which has led to a lack of innovation and adaptability.
• 🏢 Despite its economic challenges, Japan benefits from strong socio-economic capital and a stable society, which has allowed it to muddle through without drastic changes.
• 🔄 The script mentions a shift in economic and social mechanisms since the 1990s, moving from an era with limited frontiers to one with vast opportunities, which Japan has struggled to keep up with.
• 🌐 Globalization and technological advancements are highlighted as significant factors that have changed the economic landscape, requiring Japan to adapt its strategies.
• 🏛 The corporate governance in Japan is criticized for being outdated, with a lack of mechanisms to remove ineffective leaders and a hierarchical structure that hinders innovation.
• 👥 The rigidity of the labor market in Japan is discussed, with the lifetime employment system making it difficult for companies to adjust their workforce in response to economic changes.
• 💼 The script touches on the issue of non-regular employment and how it has been used by companies to circumvent the rigidities of the labor market, contributing to economic disparities.
• 💬 There is a call for a Basic Income scheme to provide a safety net for those unable to work or facing economic hardships, while also encouraging those who can work to strive for more.
• 📚 The importance of re-education and training is emphasized to help individuals adapt to the changing job market and to provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Q & A

Who is the guest in the video script discussing the Japanese economy?

The guest is Dr. Takeo Bessho, a former professor at Keio University.

What is the main topic of discussion in the video script?

The main topic of discussion is the current state and challenges of the Japanese economy.

What does Dr. Bessho suggest about the Japanese economy's reliance on past success?

Dr. Bessho suggests that the Japanese economy has been overly reliant on past successes, which may not be sustainable in the long term.

How does Dr. Bessho describe the impact of globalization on the Japanese economy?

Dr. Bessho describes the impact of globalization as a significant change that has opened up new frontiers for the market, requiring Japan to adapt with a more expansive approach rather than its traditional focus on deepening existing industries.

What is the role of 'sociocapital' in Japan's economy according to the script?

According to the script, 'sociocapital' refers to the social stability that has been a safeguard for Japan's economy, allowing it to continue growing despite challenges.

What is the term used in the script to describe the period of economic stagnation in Japan?

The term used is 'the lost 30 years'.

What changes in the economic and social mechanisms does Dr. Bessho mention starting around 1990?

Dr. Bessho mentions that around 1990, there was a fundamental change in the economic and social mechanisms, moving from an era with no frontiers to an era where new frontiers opened up.

What does the script suggest about the Japanese government's response to technological advancements and globalization?

The script suggests that the Japanese government's response to technological advancements and globalization has been slow and inadequate compared to other countries.

What is the issue with corporate governance in Japanese companies as discussed in the script?

The issue with corporate governance in Japanese companies is the lack of a mechanism to remove ineffective CEOs, which is particularly weak in Japan.

How does the script address the problem of the rigid labor market in Japan?

The script addresses the problem of the rigid labor market by discussing the difficulty for company managers to adjust their workforce, especially when it comes to dismissing permanent employees.

What is the concept of 'Basic Income' as mentioned in the script?

The concept of 'Basic Income' mentioned in the script refers to a policy where a fixed amount of money is provided to individuals, regardless of their income or employment status, to ensure a minimum standard of living.