FEC (The International Friendship and Economic Exchange Council) Secretariat Challenges from my student days are still relevant today.
On August 26, 2025, FEC held a roundtable discussion with the initial members of the "FEC x GNLF Joint Event," which was held over seven years from 2013 to 2019, primarily by FEC and the student organization "GNLF." The attendees were Naosuke Mukaiyama (Associate Professor, University of Tokyo), Keita Ando (Assistant Professor, Rikkyo University), Takuya Ichihara (General Manager, Executive Officer's Office, JAMCO Corporation), and Masahiro Katagishi (Assistant Section Chief, Secretariat, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry). The discussion was moderated by Toshiya Ogata, Executive Director of FEC.
The founding purpose and main activities of GNLF
Moderator (Executive Director Ogata) Thank you for gathering here today. The Global Next Leaders Forum (GNLF), an intercollegiate exchange organization that you all participated in during your student days, has held an annual "Main Conference" where university students from Japan and overseas who aspire to become the next generation of leaders gather together. Please tell us about the activities of this conference.
Naosuke Mukaiyama From its inception, GNLF was strongly focused on differentiating itself from other student organizations. At the time, there were many organizations that engaged in exchanges with Europe, the United States, and China, but GNLF was dedicated to building exchanges with new regions such as Tunisia, Egypt, Bulgaria, Brazil, and India. I decided to join because I was attracted to its unique perspective. The activities were exciting, but I also faced realities that could not be overcome by ideals alone. At the 2012 Tunisia conference, we faced many challenges, including difficulties in preparation due to poor communication with local students and inability to secure funding. I keenly felt that things do not move forward by ideals alone, and that Japanese common sense does not apply. Also, because our policy was to operate on sponsorships without charging participation fees, I learned about the difficulties of fundraising.
Moderator It's impressive that you were communicating directly with the local area without going through a coordinator.
Mukaiyama Back then, I was sending emails directly to university professors in the area. Looking back, I suppose it must have seemed suspicious to contact them out of the blue (laughs).
Moderator It's impressive that they even went so far as to raise funds.
Keita Ando I was in charge of external relations, strategically selecting target countries and considering which channels to use for contact, such as embassies and universities. It was challenging, but along the way, I also met companies that agreed to sponsor us.
Moderator Did you rely on connections, such as senior colleagues, to find sponsoring companies?
Andong Most of our approach was unsolicited, and many companies showed no interest, but we were also able to connect with trading companies and other businesses that supported our activities.
Mukaiyama The support we received from the Japan Foundation was a huge help. I recently reconnected with the person in charge at the time, and it brought back fond memories. We also asked individuals for sponsorship, which was presumptuous of us as students, but it was a challenge born of youthful exuberance.
Moderator Having or not having those kinds of experiences during your student days will be a great asset when you enter the workforce.
Takuya Ichihara I was also in charge of soliciting sponsorships, and I was always thinking about "who would be interested." I explained to English education companies, trading companies, and consulting firms that "there would be benefits to attending the briefing session." In my year, the event was held in Bulgaria, and we prepared a one-week program there, utilizing JICA facilities. With the cooperation of local students and professors, we were also able to recruit students and involve school officials.
Masahiro Katagishi During my time, we held plenary sessions in Bulgaria and Hiroshima. We were able to hold the Hiroshima session in the milestone year of the 70th anniversary of the end of the war, and as we approach the 80th anniversary this year (2025), I recall those times. What struck me was how different the perception of "peace" was from country to country. The subsequent war in Ukraine made me understand the meaning of those differences more deeply. Even now, participants from that time are posting about Ukraine and Gaza on social media, and I truly feel that holding that conference was worthwhile.
The origins and significance of the event with FEC
Satoshi Matsuzawa, Executive Director, FEC The reason we co-hosted the event with GNLF was because we met Ms. Mukaiyama at the Tunisian Embassy and we resonated with their direction. To make it easier for students to participate, we held the event on a Saturday, held a meeting at FEC afterward, and used JICA for the conference. To make it easier for students to participate, we held the event at JICA on a Saturday. FEC arranged the lecturers, and the operation was mainly run by the students.
Ichihara In the first year, the theme was "Thinking about Japan," and the content was set for each area in each session.
Moderator I am delighted that you took the time out of your busy schedule at the "Plenary Assembly" to collaborate with FEC on this event. The event's scope expanded thanks to the involvement of other organizations such as the Japan-China Student Conference, Kyoto Forum, and MPJ Youth. It was a nostalgic experience to see MPJ Youth students recently participate in an FEC event.
Mukaiyama Looking back now, I realize how generously FEC accepted our students' unreasonable requests. At the time, I didn't have the capacity to consider the burden or benefits for FEC, but I am truly grateful. I was particularly impressed when Chairman Matsuzawa said, in response to our request to "discuss directly with the instructors," that "it's only natural for students to want to discuss things."
Moderator: The students' willingness to engage in discussion is a testament to their high aspirations. As we get older, our thinking tends to become fixed, but interacting with all of you is a great source of inspiration for us as well.
The subsequent impact of the FEC event
Moderator How did the FEC events you participated in during your student days influence your subsequent work and life?
Ichihara The event was a turning point for me. As a science student, I rarely had the opportunity to engage with social issues, and my interest in energy problems sparked my involvement in research lab activities, an internship at UNIDO, and ultimately, energy-related projects after graduation. It was a valuable experience that allowed me to explore diverse topics and discover the direction of my interests.
Andong One of the distinguishing features of FEC is the opportunity to interact with other student organizations and leading figures in various fields. I learned the importance of accepting diverse perspectives, even on the same topic. Even after entering the workforce, I strongly feel the importance of discussing things from multiple viewpoints. Broadening my horizons through FEC has definitely benefited me today.
Moderator What is Mr. Ando's area of expertise right now?
Andong My specialization is in Japanese historical sociology, and I research historical perceptions and political thought. My experience at FEC has had a significant impact on developing my research perspective.
Moderator What is Mr. Mukaiyama's area of expertise?
Mukaiyama I research political science and international relations, particularly focusing on the role oil played in the process of independence from colonial rule. My work at GNLF and my current research overlap considerably, and the countries I interacted with back then are now attracting attention as the "Global South," so my experiences from that time are proving very useful in my research and event management.
Diverse interactions broadened my perspective.
The "reality" of Japan and the world that I realized after entering society.
Moderator This is a very interesting study. I would be delighted if Mr. Mukaiyama could give a lecture at FEC someday. What has changed for you since your student days through your activities with GNLF?
Mukaiyama What I realized through my interactions and study abroad in Tunisia was the reality that "our common sense doesn't apply." There were many times when we couldn't understand each other due to differences in culture and values, and I learned the importance of maintaining a realistic distance. On the other hand, during my studies at Oxford, I found that many international students shared similar socioeconomic backgrounds, and the differences in values were surprisingly small. While those who will become future leaders share similar sensibilities across national borders, the gap with other groups was significant.
Moderator Have you ever felt a disconnect between shared values in the West and those shared throughout society?
Andong Yes, there are differences when talking to people from other countries. However, if you're in the same profession or position, your way of thinking is similar. I feel that occupation and community have a greater influence than nationality, and that the way we perceive "difference" itself has changed.
Moderator Mr. Ichihara, in the consulting industry, we can discuss things using a common language that transcends national borders, but what about cultural differences?
Ichihara I felt a lot of differences. I was stationed in Bangalore, India, and worked with a team of about 10 people there. I experienced differences in culture and values, such as company events that were like family retreats and decisions being overturned. I felt firsthand the differences from Japan in how discussions are conducted and how relationships are built.
Moderator Mr. Ando, you were also in the consulting industry, weren't you?
Andong Although I primarily worked domestically, I didn't notice a significant difference in short-term projects with overseas clients. However, as relationships deepened, I realized that individual cultural backgrounds influenced how work was done. I think the characteristics of working in a foreign-owned company also play a large role.
Moderator Ms. Katagishi, you are currently in charge of human resources at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, but what kind of work did you do before?
Katagishi I previously worked on policy in the energy and environmental sectors. Although I haven't yet had the opportunity to participate in international negotiations, when faced with a choice between prioritizing "international interests" and "national interests," I inevitably have to choose national interests. However, true negotiation and cooperation are impossible without understanding the positions and backgrounds of other countries. Behind every action there is a historical background and political context, and different perspectives exist depending on one's position—government, industry, ministries, etc. Bridging these differences has always been a challenging task.
Moderator Now that you have gained experience as a working professional, have your feelings about the FEC Forum from that time changed at all?
Katagishi When I visited Bulgaria, I learned that its GDP was roughly the same as that of Aomori Prefecture in Japan, and I became very interested in how a country of that size could function. That question still lingers and has given me a chance to think about the sustainability of a nation. Looking back now, I feel that my perspective has broadened since then. In my work, I need both a "macro" perspective to see the big picture and a "micro" perspective to look at individual issues. I believe that the FEC Forum helped me hone both of these perspectives.
Andong At GNLF, the focus was primarily on the student perspective through interaction with students from different countries. However, at FEC, I had the opportunity to hear from people active on the front lines of the real world, which gave me a sense of having my perspective "stretched." Now, I have more opportunities to be conscious of my position and role within a company, and that experience is definitely proving useful.
Mukaiyama Back then, I was very conscious of "what should be done with Japan," but now I've distanced myself a bit from the concept of a nation. The intangible concept of a "nation" gives rise to the awareness of "what should I do as a Japanese person?" I've become academically interested in this very "sense of national identity." Looking back, it seems strange now to me that I was so seriously thinking about "the future of Japan" back then.
Ichihara I've come to realize that overseas events are much closer and more influential than I imagined. The Russia-Ukraine War initially seemed like a distant event, but I've come to understand how closely it connects to our lives in Japan through its impact on natural gas imports and semiconductor production. The "economic disparity" that we discussed at the Bulgarian plenary session is now a real issue, with Filipino factory workers migrating to Eastern Europe, for example.
Moderator At the time, Japan's "lost decade" had extended to "20 years," and concerns about a declining birthrate and weakening national power were growing. Now, it's sometimes called the "lost 30 years," and challenges such as accepting foreigners are becoming more apparent. From this perspective, how do you see the future of Japan?
Katagishi While Japan earns approximately 28 trillion yen from automobiles and industrial machinery, it spends almost the same amount on importing fossil fuels. I feel a sense of crisis about this imbalance. In the midst of a rapidly changing international situation, Japan needs to seriously consider "how to earn money" and "how to design and systematize how to earn money." Redesigning the industrial structure is an urgent task.
Moderator In the energy sector, where do you see potential?
Katagishi Renewable energy is attracting attention, but Japan has a small land area and limited habitable space. Therefore, realistically, I believe we have no choice but to utilize nuclear power to a certain extent while gaining public understanding.
Moderator Japan is often described as a "declining developed country," but the idea of "creating something new and developing again" is also important.
Mukaiyama Population decline, energy issues, and climate change are all long-term challenges, and taking action now may be too late in some respects. Many young people are pessimistic about the future, which may be a sentiment unique to a generation that lived through the "lost 30 years." In the short term, accepting foreign workers is necessary, and investment in innovative technologies is essential for addressing climate change. If we cannot cope, we may have to give up a certain level of economic growth and consider the option of "degrowth." From an academic perspective, the growth of the past 200 years has been an exception, and population decline may become a global trend in the future.
Katagishi I don't have a very pessimistic view of things. Population decline is inevitable, but what's important is not the "number" but the "substance" and "quality." Climate change and population problems can't be solved immediately, but I feel it's important to accept reality and keep thinking about how to continue to approach them.
Mukaiyama I also hold a certain degree of optimism. Historically, a strong sense of crisis has led to breakthroughs that transform society. Regarding climate change, I believe we are not yet truly "cornered," and the real test lies ahead.
Ichihara Mr. Katagishi's point that "Japan needs to redesign its industrial structure" is spot on. During the high-growth period and the bubble economy, many companies were established with the purchasing power of the public as a backdrop, which was a symbol of the "abundance" of that time. In the future, mergers and acquisitions will progress, and the industrial structure will be reorganized into a more efficient one. The infrastructure and the beauty of the cities are also legacies of that era. I feel that the cultural industries that were nurtured at that time, such as manga and anime, still have great potential, and that they can develop again by investing resources in them.
Andong I'm not entirely pessimistic either. As a researcher, stepping back to consider the origins of the very concept of "the lost 30 years." I question whether a comparison based on economic growth was truly shared by everyone. While there are social circumstances that make this phrase persuasive, we also need to look at the process by which the underlying values were formed. From the perspective of subjective well-being, the relativization of values is actually important, and I believe that the flexibility to make this possible is one of the hallmarks of developed countries. I find it fascinating to explore these perspectives from multiple angles, drawing on historical context.
Embrace your curiosity and give it your all in every challenge.
What should we be thinking about for the next 10 years?
Moderator: How do you envision the next 10 years?
Mukaiyama: As a researcher, I intend to continue my research, but I don't know where I'll be in 10 years. For the past 10 years, I've focused on training and research, but now there are calls from society to "put research knowledge to good use," so I would like to get involved in work that connects me with society. I've returned to my alma mater and have had more opportunities to interact with students and organizations like GNLF. I would like to be involved in nurturing the next generation through education.
Ando: I'm currently moving back and forth between practical work and research, and it's still undecided whether I'll pursue a career as a researcher in the future. However, I'm exploring the possibility of balancing both in a hybrid way. I don't have a clear path yet, but I want to take on new challenges.
Katagishi: The core of my career is the question, "How can we make this country function properly?" I will continue to hold onto that perspective, think, and act accordingly for the next 10 years.
Ichihara: I would like to continue to be involved in manufacturing and production for some time to come. I believe that I can best utilize my abilities within a company of a certain size. In the manufacturing industry, many people are involved, and I would like to work hard in a position where I can improve performance through my work and where those results contribute to the happiness of those around me.
A message to today's students
Moderator Finally, could you please give a message to today's students and the younger generation?
Mukaiyama First and foremost, I want you to study hard. Updating your knowledge after entering the workforce is more difficult than you might think. If you don't build a certain level of "basic strength" while you're a student, you'll likely face difficulties later on. We live in a rapidly changing era, and what was right five years ago may not be valid five years from now. Even in such times, essential knowledge and critical thinking skills will always be useful. I urge you to acquire the foundational skills that will allow you to adapt even if the surface changes, while you are still a student.
Andong As a teacher, I've noticed that many students are anxious about their future and job hunting. However, once you actually enter society, you'll find that "people are surprisingly kind" and "they're surprisingly accepting." It's important to worry, but there's no need to stop in your tracks because you're overwhelmed. Society is full of more open-minded people than you might think. I believe that showing respect to others while staying true to yourself will surely open up new paths for you.
Katagishi When you first enter the workforce or are still a student, you might feel anxious about pushing yourself or taking on challenges. But even if you fail, it's not like you'll lose your life. So please, go ahead and try! Also, having curiosity is very important. If there are many things you don't know, your life choices will inevitably become narrower. But if you approach various things with curiosity, you may find clues in unexpected places. Cherish your attitude towards learning.
Ichihara Trust in what you think is best at the time and just try it. When I joined a consulting firm seven years ago, I never imagined I would end up at my current company. But now I truly feel that joining this company was the right decision. It's important to think deeply about the future in the long term, but you don't need to be overly cautious. If you put your all into what's in front of you, the path will gradually open up for you.
Moderator Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedules to meet with me today. I am so happy to have been able to reunite with you all and hear about your experiences and thoughts.
What is GNLF?
Global Next Leaders Forum (GW) is an abbreviation for Global Next Leaders Forum. Established in 2010, it held its first general conference in September 2011. It is a student organization run primarily by University of Tokyo students, aiming to promote international exchange and leadership development. Every year, it invites students from around the world to a conference to discuss global issues. Through its activities, the organization provides opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas and gain new perspectives.
Philosophy: Starting with an international conference where university students with the potential and will to shape the future of the world gather, we aim to create a space where each individual can autonomously grow into a global leader through their involvement in the program over several years to several decades, and where they can deepen their human connections.