12月23日の日経朝刊等の報道にある通り、文部科学省の発表によれば、海外の大学や大学院に留学する日本人は4年連続で減少し、2008年は66,833人で前年に比べ11%落ち込み、過去最大の減少となったと言われている。又、新入社員たちは海外勤務を嫌がるといったことも聞かれる。しかし、このような日本人留学生の減少、若者の内向き志向に対するマスコミや識者の一連の報道、コメントを見聞きしていると、非常に違和感を覚える。
そもそも発言者たちに、留学や海外勤務経験がないように見えるからである。自分はこの分野に興味があったので、米国留学したとか、海外在住経験でどのような経験をしたとか、海外勤務で苦労したとか、そういった具体的な話が聞こえないし、見えないのである。つまり、グローバル人材を声高に叫んでいるものの、今の日本経済の閉塞感を打破するための解決策として、打ち出の小槌のように安易に考えているように感じられるのだ。
留学生数の減少は、数字として提示されている以上、事実として受け止めるしかない。しかし、もし喧伝されているような、若者の内向き志向が事実だとするなら、その責任は政府、企業、メディアに少なからずあるはずだ。
日本の首相が国際会議の場で、議論をリードし、イニシアチブを発揮したことがここ数年あっただろうか。1年も経たずにコロコロ替わる為、そうもいかない事情もあるだろうが、そのような場面は記憶にない。又、政府はEPA、TPPの推進でも遅れを取り、海外人材の受入についても最近まで積極的な動きは見られなかった。
企業にもその責任の一端があろう。日本での就職活動が3年生から始まるということが何かと問題にされている。これは後に遅らせることができればそれに越したことはない。卒業後でも良い。しかし、実際は、1年間の交換留学生を含め、企業は何年も前から海外の日本人留学生の採用活動はしている。少なくとも10年前からボストン・キャリア・フォーラムはあった。もちろん、最近でも。夏休みに一時帰国した日本人留学生向けのキャリア・フェアもある。むしろ問題なのは、入社後の留学生や外国籍の社員の処遇だと思う。日本人の場合、採用の仕方だけ別で、入社後の扱いは同じ。一方、外国籍と日本国籍の人材の処遇にも差があることが少なくない。海外在住経験者には、「国際的」日系企業に就職しても、あまりにもドメスティックな制度、文化に幻滅した人も少なくないと思う。これらは、最近になってようやく改善されつつあるが、英語の社内公用語化も含め今更の感が拭えない。
又、企業の場合、長引いたリストラ、選択と集中により、海外の実務研修や駐在員の人数が縮小されたことも大きい。コストの高い日本人駐在員を海外に派遣するよりも、現地のスタッフを雇用した方がコストパフォーマンスが良いからだ。大卒の日本人駐在員に対しては住宅、ハードシップ手当等も含めお金がかかるのに対し、現地でMBAホルダーを雇った方が安く済むからだ。こうしたローカライゼーションは2000年以降に特に推し進められたように思う。しかし、この施策は結果として、本社と海外現地法人のスタッフに埋め難いコミュニケーション・ギャップを生んだのではないだろうか。又、日本人社員の海外勤務経験の機会も大幅に縮小することとなった。
メディアも海外の情報発信が非常に少ない。テレビ、新聞は国内問題ばかり。海外ニュースの報道にも大きな時間差がある。国内にいると海外に目を向ける機会が非常に少ない。
今年ノーベル化学賞を受賞した根岸教授は、国内に第一人者がいれば別だが、海外にいるのならその教授の下に行って学べというようなメッセージを日本の若者に対し言っていた。しかし、事業仕分けで、「1番じゃなきゃいけないんですか。2番じゃダメなんですか」という発言は、日本のメンタリティをよく表しているように思う。ゆとり教育の弊害とよく指摘されるが、1番を目指すという競争意識が植えつけられていないからだ。教育の現場だけでなく、例えば輪番制のように交代する首相のポスト、淘汰されずに生き永らえる業界内で横並びの企業、そしてメディアも同様だろう。30人31脚をやっているのは学校だけでなく、政治もビジネスも同じだ。もっと言うと、留学生減少や内向き志向という報道も、業界横並びで、物事の一面しか報じないマスコミの刷り込みかもしれない。又、高度成長期は、米国に追いつけ追い越せとばかりに海外に目を向けていたが、結局日本全体として2番で満足してしまったのではないか。バブルが崩壊し、停滞が長く続く中で、今まさにその2番の座さえ取られ、没落の一途を辿っているように見える。
テレビ、ネット、旅行等で手軽に海外を体験できる時代になった。しかし、その多くは日本語に限定された環境。海外に住んでも日本人社会にどっぷり浸かって何不自由しない。しかし、人口で見ても日本は世界の1/60に過ぎない。東京に出ず、国内の片田舎で満足しているようなものだ。
実際に何年もそこに住み、現地の人と同じ新聞を読み、同じものを食べて、一緒に生活して初めて日本を客観視できるようになるし、真の海外経験と言える。旅行は所詮お客さんに過ぎない。周りの日本人の友人たちと同じ道を歩む必要がなぜあるのだろう。自分が迎合しようとしているマジョリティは、じつはマイノリティなのだ。よりエキサイティングな活躍の舞台があるのに、片田舎の平凡な人生で満足して良いのですか。
12/24/2010
12/05/2010
International Monetary Football
On Dec 2, FIFA's executive committee voted to decide World Cup host countries in 2018 and 2022. As a result, Russia won the host in 2018, and Qatar in 2022. The committee must have assessed so many factors of each candidate: vision, stadiums, transportation, concept, security and more. Yet, reportedly, it is said that strong government support did contribute to the awards for Russia and Qatar.
Wait a minute. A strong government support? Hey, sovereign debt crisis is a huge concern around the globe right now. Ever since the global financial crisis hit here and there, the IMF has been busy with providing its financial packages to many countries. Also, still others are concerned for sovereign risks: The United Arab Emirates (or Dubai to be precise), Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Italy.
Without doubt, to host a FIFA World Cup costs a lot. A host country (or its football association) needs fundraise a lot of money. As taking a look at Moody's sovereign credit ratings (as of today) for the countries which bid for the World Cup host, however, FIFA seems a risk-taker.
The World Cup 2018
England: Aaa (the United Kingdom)
Belgium & Netherlands: Aa1, Aaa
Spain & Portugal: Aa1, A1
Russia: Baa1
The World Cup 2022
USA: Aaa
Australia: Aaa
Japan: Aa2
Qatar: Aa2
Korea: A1
Now you can see Russia and Qatar are the lowest credit ratings among the bidders. Well, South Korea is lower than Qatar, but the country did host in 2002! I can't check the credit ratings for South Africa and Brazil when the two were awarded. Still, today's ratings are A3 and Baa3 respectively. In other words, a BBB country like Russia had a fairly good chance to win it.
Among BRICs, now Brazil is hosting in 2014 and Russia in 2018. Seems like China (Aa3) and India (Baa3) have a good chance to be a host in 2026 or later games. As for India, however, the nation perhaps needs give up cricket. The 11 billion's passion. And that's not a easy thing to happen in the near future.
Wait a minute. A strong government support? Hey, sovereign debt crisis is a huge concern around the globe right now. Ever since the global financial crisis hit here and there, the IMF has been busy with providing its financial packages to many countries. Also, still others are concerned for sovereign risks: The United Arab Emirates (or Dubai to be precise), Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Italy.
Without doubt, to host a FIFA World Cup costs a lot. A host country (or its football association) needs fundraise a lot of money. As taking a look at Moody's sovereign credit ratings (as of today) for the countries which bid for the World Cup host, however, FIFA seems a risk-taker.
The World Cup 2018
England: Aaa (the United Kingdom)
Belgium & Netherlands: Aa1, Aaa
Spain & Portugal: Aa1, A1
Russia: Baa1
The World Cup 2022
USA: Aaa
Australia: Aaa
Japan: Aa2
Qatar: Aa2
Korea: A1
Now you can see Russia and Qatar are the lowest credit ratings among the bidders. Well, South Korea is lower than Qatar, but the country did host in 2002! I can't check the credit ratings for South Africa and Brazil when the two were awarded. Still, today's ratings are A3 and Baa3 respectively. In other words, a BBB country like Russia had a fairly good chance to win it.
Among BRICs, now Brazil is hosting in 2014 and Russia in 2018. Seems like China (Aa3) and India (Baa3) have a good chance to be a host in 2026 or later games. As for India, however, the nation perhaps needs give up cricket. The 11 billion's passion. And that's not a easy thing to happen in the near future.
11/14/2010
Best Songs of the Year
Although some new albums such as Kanye West's "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" and the BEP's "The Beginning" are yet to come, it's time for announcing Best Songs of the Year. Because everywhere on the earh has started to play Christmas songs all the time!!
1. "Best I Ever Had" (Drake)
2. "Runaway" (Kanye West feat. Pusha T)
3. "Good Friday" (Kanye West feat. Common, Pusha T, Kid Cudi, Big Sean & Charlie Wilson)
4. "No Plan B" (Manafest)
5. "Waiting for the End" (Linkin Park)
6. "Don't Look Now" (Far East Movement Feat. Keri Hilson)
7. "Broken Heels"(Alexandra Burke)
8. "Now or Never" (The Roots Feat. Phonte & Dice Raw)
9. "Wake Up Everybody" (John Legend & the Roots feat. Common & Melanie Fiona)
10. "Forget You" (Cee Lo Green)
And I won't rank this in my Top10 above, but have to admit Kara's "Mr." is really good :p
1. "Best I Ever Had" (Drake)
2. "Runaway" (Kanye West feat. Pusha T)
3. "Good Friday" (Kanye West feat. Common, Pusha T, Kid Cudi, Big Sean & Charlie Wilson)
4. "No Plan B" (Manafest)
5. "Waiting for the End" (Linkin Park)
6. "Don't Look Now" (Far East Movement Feat. Keri Hilson)
7. "Broken Heels"(Alexandra Burke)
8. "Now or Never" (The Roots Feat. Phonte & Dice Raw)
9. "Wake Up Everybody" (John Legend & the Roots feat. Common & Melanie Fiona)
10. "Forget You" (Cee Lo Green)
And I won't rank this in my Top10 above, but have to admit Kara's "Mr." is really good :p
11/06/2010
A Hectic Korean Wedding
Even after the wedding party started, the long line of visitors never ended. When the line ended at last (!! in two hours or so?) and I took a sigh of relief, the party was over.
This is what happened about 3 years ago when I attended the wedding party of my brother-in-law in Seoul. With his cousins and brother, I was one of receptionists welcoming all the visiting guests. It wasn't supposed to be like that. When I took a flight from Tokyo, had never dreamed of it. Just imagined myself having a gorgeous meal and seeing the couple with smile. But, another cousin didn't show up and I took his part.
Later I heard that the visitors exceeded 800 (!!) on that day. (Not sure if this is normal in Korea, but 50 to 100 maybe in Japan?) The groom is a very nice guy, but not that famous like an actor or musician. He is an ordinary businessperson. And his wife a school teacher. They hadn't estimated how many people were coming. The hall wasn't big enough to have all the guests, so many guests were guided to other rooms, and watched the ceremony through TVs. Still other visitors just showed up, passed a tip, and were gone.
Japan, on the other hand, has a perfectly planned wedding party. A bride and a groom takes months to prepare their wedding. Time schedules are arranged. Tables and seats are allocated by the ages and relationships with the bride and groom. All the (invited) guests show up before the ceremony starts. Receptionists (generally friends of the bride and groom) are able to enjoy the party (By the way, I had a good meal with other receptionists after the party in Seoul).
As having attended my old colleague's wedding party in Yokohama last month, it reminded me of the Korean wedding. And differences between the two countries.
This is what happened about 3 years ago when I attended the wedding party of my brother-in-law in Seoul. With his cousins and brother, I was one of receptionists welcoming all the visiting guests. It wasn't supposed to be like that. When I took a flight from Tokyo, had never dreamed of it. Just imagined myself having a gorgeous meal and seeing the couple with smile. But, another cousin didn't show up and I took his part.
Later I heard that the visitors exceeded 800 (!!) on that day. (Not sure if this is normal in Korea, but 50 to 100 maybe in Japan?) The groom is a very nice guy, but not that famous like an actor or musician. He is an ordinary businessperson. And his wife a school teacher. They hadn't estimated how many people were coming. The hall wasn't big enough to have all the guests, so many guests were guided to other rooms, and watched the ceremony through TVs. Still other visitors just showed up, passed a tip, and were gone.
Japan, on the other hand, has a perfectly planned wedding party. A bride and a groom takes months to prepare their wedding. Time schedules are arranged. Tables and seats are allocated by the ages and relationships with the bride and groom. All the (invited) guests show up before the ceremony starts. Receptionists (generally friends of the bride and groom) are able to enjoy the party (By the way, I had a good meal with other receptionists after the party in Seoul).
As having attended my old colleague's wedding party in Yokohama last month, it reminded me of the Korean wedding. And differences between the two countries.
11/04/2010
Yes You Can
In his speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2004, Mr. Obama said "there's not a liberal America and a conservative America; there's the United States of America."
It's a great, moving statement. Not only Americans but also people around the globe were impressed by the young senator from Illinois.
Like many others, however, I had some doubt on his points. Perhaps because I lived in Missouri: the state known as "Show Me" state. Or because I received a "critical thinking" education at a US college. Or as a risk analyst, I've been trained to assume the worst scenarios for every single case. (I'd like to strongly deny the last possibility, though.)
It's easier to be said than done.
Yesterday's Mid-term election results are discouraging for Obama administration. Reportedly Democrats retained its majority in Senate, but House was overtaken by GOP. President Obama took the responsibility for "shellacking".
Still, as far as I know, he hasn't given up his 2nd term in the oval office, and above all his presidential term has 2 more years. It's not over. Given the worst recession since the Great Depression and the mid-term election results, his task is harder than ever. As Alan, a French philosopher, said, "Pessimism comes from our passions, optimism from the will." Now is the time for Mr. Obama to put his words into action. A show time has just started.
Yes, You Can, Mr. Obama.
It's a great, moving statement. Not only Americans but also people around the globe were impressed by the young senator from Illinois.
Like many others, however, I had some doubt on his points. Perhaps because I lived in Missouri: the state known as "Show Me" state. Or because I received a "critical thinking" education at a US college. Or as a risk analyst, I've been trained to assume the worst scenarios for every single case. (I'd like to strongly deny the last possibility, though.)
It's easier to be said than done.
Yesterday's Mid-term election results are discouraging for Obama administration. Reportedly Democrats retained its majority in Senate, but House was overtaken by GOP. President Obama took the responsibility for "shellacking".
Still, as far as I know, he hasn't given up his 2nd term in the oval office, and above all his presidential term has 2 more years. It's not over. Given the worst recession since the Great Depression and the mid-term election results, his task is harder than ever. As Alan, a French philosopher, said, "Pessimism comes from our passions, optimism from the will." Now is the time for Mr. Obama to put his words into action. A show time has just started.
Yes, You Can, Mr. Obama.
10/31/2010
Good Morning!
A musician, esp. HipHop/R&B artist, seems one of the most unlikely people to wake up early in the morning.
Well, maybe not. They have morning's songs. Some.
"Good Morning" (Kanye West)
"When the Sunshine Comes" (Kero One)
"Wake Up Everybody" (John Legend & the Roots feat. Common & Melanie Fiona)
"Shine" (Laura Izibor)
"In the Morning" (Mary J. Blige)
"Wake Up" (Alicia Keys)
"Wake Up Alone" (Amy Winehouse)
"Morning in Rio" (Sergio Mendes)
OK, now I'm going to bed. Good night. ;)
Well, maybe not. They have morning's songs. Some.
"Good Morning" (Kanye West)
"When the Sunshine Comes" (Kero One)
"Wake Up Everybody" (John Legend & the Roots feat. Common & Melanie Fiona)
"Shine" (Laura Izibor)
"In the Morning" (Mary J. Blige)
"Wake Up" (Alicia Keys)
"Wake Up Alone" (Amy Winehouse)
"Morning in Rio" (Sergio Mendes)
OK, now I'm going to bed. Good night. ;)
10/17/2010
Rivalry between Japan and Korea - Economy
In early 1990s when I had lived in Seoul, Korea's per capita GDP was approx. US$10,000 and Japan some US$30,000. Korea looked desperate to catch up with Japan in terms of economy. But, as many said, it seemed the peninsula country seemed 10 years behind of Japan at least. It was just unimaginable back then that the things turned out to be like today.
In 2009 Korea's per capita GDP is at US$28,100 while Japan's figure still staying at US$32,700. Strong yen might help this year's figure in US$ though, but the trend is obvious. According to Nikkei last month, Japan will be overtaken by S. Korea in 2018 in terms of per capita GDP. But now the forecast looks too optimistic. Korea might catch up even earlier.
When I have visited US, China and India in the past years, Hyundai, Samsung and LG are more visible on the streets. In a hotel room I stayed in New Delhi, a Samsung LCD TV was on the wall. Hyundai has 2nd (or 3rd?) largest share in India's automobile market (Forget Maruti Suzuki). In Beijing there were huge LG billboards, but couldn't find a single Japanese one.
Korean government has been aggressively signing the Free Trade Agreements or Economic Partnership Agreements with many countries and regions. Even in entertainment like movies and music, Korean pop culture is now so popular in many Asian countries and even in Japan.
I see these phenomena with a mixed feeling. On the one hand, I feel so proud and happy to see Korea's rise. On the other hand, I've been so irritated by Japan's (both government and corporate) inaction. Where has samurai spirit gone? Will the Sun rise ever again?
In 2009 Korea's per capita GDP is at US$28,100 while Japan's figure still staying at US$32,700. Strong yen might help this year's figure in US$ though, but the trend is obvious. According to Nikkei last month, Japan will be overtaken by S. Korea in 2018 in terms of per capita GDP. But now the forecast looks too optimistic. Korea might catch up even earlier.
When I have visited US, China and India in the past years, Hyundai, Samsung and LG are more visible on the streets. In a hotel room I stayed in New Delhi, a Samsung LCD TV was on the wall. Hyundai has 2nd (or 3rd?) largest share in India's automobile market (Forget Maruti Suzuki). In Beijing there were huge LG billboards, but couldn't find a single Japanese one.
Korean government has been aggressively signing the Free Trade Agreements or Economic Partnership Agreements with many countries and regions. Even in entertainment like movies and music, Korean pop culture is now so popular in many Asian countries and even in Japan.
I see these phenomena with a mixed feeling. On the one hand, I feel so proud and happy to see Korea's rise. On the other hand, I've been so irritated by Japan's (both government and corporate) inaction. Where has samurai spirit gone? Will the Sun rise ever again?
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