From G7 to Business Innovation: How Will Japan Navigate Global Divisions?
Yasuo Naito, Editor in Chief 
The 51st G7 summit is being held from June 16 to 17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada. (Inside image ©Reuters via Kyodo)
The Group of Seven Summit opened in Canada on June 16, with Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in attendance. The meeting comes at a time of deep global divisions that may be the most serious since the end of the Cold War. Tensions have emerged even within the G7, where unity is usually expected. A key source of friction is the high tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump of the United States.
Earlier in June, I spoke with a senior official from the Trump administration. When I asked what outcomes could be expected from the summit, the response was blunt: "Honestly, we expect nothing." The official said they were simply hoping that negotiations on tariffs might lead to an agreement just before or during the event.
Despite the hard work of officials behind the scenes, no deal will be finalized without President Trump's direct approval.
"Even we can't predict the outcome," the official added.
Japan-US Relations
In a recent interview with The Sankei Shimbun, former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida warned that "China and Russia are hoping for a rift in G7 unity." That concern seems well-founded.
Despite this, the US official stressed that, regardless of G7 dynamics, Japan and the United States have areas where they can continue to cooperate.
One such area is regional security. The Japan Institute for National Fundamentals, a private think tank, citing the Japan Coast Guard, has reported a rise in Chinese incursions near the Senkaku Islands in Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture. These include maritime violations and a recent airspace intrusion by a helicopter. The institute believes China's ultimate goal is to land on the islands. It has urged the Japanese government to respond proactively.
The US official said Japan should enhance its bases and runways in the surrounding area. This would allow for rapid deployment of Japanese and American forces. It would also help deter China's expansionist ambitions. Even in a divided world, tangible steps like these can make a difference.
Trump's Drug Pricing Pressure
Meanwhile, some Japanese companies are turning crisis into opportunity. This is especially true in the pharmaceutical industry.
The COVID-19 pandemic reminded the world of the critical importance of drug development. However, creating new drugs requires enormous investment.
President Trump's decision to push for lower drug prices has caused a stir in the industry. In the search for innovative, cost-saving solutions, one promising avenue is artificial intelligence.
Japanese AI company FRONTEO, led by President Masahiro Morimoto, has developed a cutting-edge AI engine called "KIBIT." It can analyze vast volumes of medical and pharmaceutical literature. The system proposes new drug candidates based on this data.
The following article contributed by FRONTEO to JAPAN Forward quickly became one of the most-read pieces on the site.
According to the article, even experienced researchers are often influenced by unconscious bias, which can limit their ability to discover new treatment targets. KIBIT helps address this issue by offering an unbiased, data-driven perspective.
If AI can make drug development more efficient, we may move closer to a future where patients have access to affordable, life-saving medications. That future would not rely on political pressure. And if those drugs are made in Japan and sold globally, the impact would be significant.
Optimism and Domestic Innovation
A renowned sake brewery is also evolving to thrive both in Japan and globally. Asahi Shuzo, the maker of the Dassai brand, officially changed its name to Dassai Inc on June 1.
In an interview with JAPAN Forward, company president Kazuhiro Sakurai shared a powerful message: "Tradition has to evolve. Culture only survives if it changes. That involves risk."
His words reflect the spirit of innovation and resilience that Japan continues to demonstrate.
At JAPAN Forward, we are committed to growing in a divided world, guided by hope and a desire to move forward with like-minded partners.
Watch for the next issue on July 21.
JAPAN Forward is a small media outlet driven by an unparalleled passion to advance the future of Japan and its role in the world. To join us in shaping our vision together or for inquiries, please call 0570-033-433 (Sankei iD) or email us at info@japan-forward.com.
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Author: Editor in Chief, Yasuo Naito
