Japan Without Ambition

In his 2016 article for The Diplomat, Robert Dujarric critiques Japan’s lack of ambition in addressing its demographic and economic challenges. He highlights the government’s passive acceptance of population decline and insufficient efforts to empower women or embrace immigration. Dujarric contrasts this with Japan’s historical capacity for rapid transformation, suggesting that current leadership lacks the vision and drive of past reformers.

Dujarric argues that Japan’s stagnation stems from a rigid elite selection process that favors conformity over innovation. He warns that without bold leadership and a willingness to challenge the status quo, Japan risks continued decline. The article serves as a call to action for Japan to rediscover its historical dynamism and address pressing societal issues proactively.