As a professional dedicated to globalization, I've always focused on maximizing work efficiency through learning lessons and encouraging standardization. This has been the cornerstone of my life's work.
Two decades ago, during my stay in a foreign country, everything seemed new and uniquely designed to local tastes and needs - from phones and toilets to baths, irons, and trains. The distinctiveness of each city was a source of fascination for me, a young twenty-something then. This uniqueness in industrialization and development was, in a way, a delightful part of my overseas experience.
However, over time, I've observed a significant reduction in this uniqueness. Now, wherever you go, you see global models like iPhones and Android phones, and cities often have stores like ZARA, GAP, and Uniqlo offering global line-ups. The spread of IKEA furniture, streaming music services, and even the intangibles like lifestyle influenced by social media platforms like SNS, YouTube, and Instagram, as well as mentality and culture, seem to have converged towards a 'global best practice.' This franchising and homogenization of global culture is a key aspect of globalization.
Recently, living in Setagaya, I've noticed changes even in the Soshigaya shopping street. What used to be unique, independent shops have been replaced by franchise stores, a trend that's been ongoing for decades.
The word 'autonomy' is fundamental, but I realize my role in globalization might inadvertently be diminishing the very uniqueness that sprang from autonomous spirits. This realization has led me to a new insight: how can I contribute to an autonomous society and organization while respecting their unique identities?
This is the question I now reflect upon and aim to address through my life's work in business. How can I redeem the loss of local uniqueness and autonomy that globalization might have caused? This is a challenge I am eager to tackle.
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