Akio Yamaguchi, president of IBM Japan, holds a press conference in Tokyo on December 16 after being appointed as chairman of the Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives).
The Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives) has appointed Akio Yamaguchi as its new chairperson. Yamaguchi (61) is the current president of IBM Japan. Currently the vice chairman of the Kezai Doyukai, he will take his new office on January 1, 2026.
Yamaguchi replaces Takeshi Niinami, the former chairman of beverage maker Suntory Holdings. The post at the influential business group had remained open for two months following Niinami's abrupt resignation on September 30. He did so to take responsibility for the uproar caused by a police raid on his home over the purchase of supplements possibly containing illegal ingredients.
It is unusual for such a major economic organization to be without a top leader for an extended period of time. Undeniably, the gap diminished the group's presence on the public scene. Yamaguchi must move quickly to rebuild the organization and restore trust.
As one of Japan's three major economic organizations, the Keizai Doyukai makes policy recommendations on a wide range of issues. Unlike the Keidanren and other major groups lobbying for the business community, business leaders participate in the Doyukai as individuals. As a public figure, the Doyukai president acts as the face of the group. Therefore, he is naturally expected to adhere to high ethical standards.
Accusations Against Niinami
The Fukuoka Prefectural Police have launched an investigation into Niinami. He is suspected of violating the law since the supplements he allegedly purchased contained ingredients derived from cannabis.
Meanwhile, Niinami continues to maintain his innocence. Furthermore, it is unthinkable that the head of a major business organization should be suspected of drug-related offenses. Nevertheless, no matter how beneficial Doyukai's policy proposals may be, they cannot be persuasive unless its leadership can restore trust.
It is also imperative that Doyukai strengthen its communication capabilities. The group has been known for making bold statements and policy proposals in the past, regardless of its leaders' corporate affiliations. Nevertheless, despite the launching of the new Sanae Takaichi Cabinet in October, Doyukai has not made any notable policy proposals.
Undeniably, lacking a leader, the group has been in disarray. However, might this not also indicate that Doyukai had come to depend too much on Niinami, who was known for his straightforward manner of speaking and ability to communicate?
Reform and Recovery
Yamaguchi is urged to move quickly on reforming the Doyukai so the group may regain its clout on the public stage. Opinion within the organization itself has been divided regarding how to handle the Niinami affair. Some leaders called for his resignation, while others wanted him to stay on. To break this impasse, Niinami himself offered to resign.
Thereafter, considerable time passed before his successor was chosen. That gap also showed how divided against itself the Doyukai had become. Should the divisions continue, it would be difficult for the Doyukai to successfully move credible policy proposals forward.
The Doyukai is more than just a social club for the heads of large corporations. The importance of its existence lies in the free interchange of opinions among its members and its crafting of valuable policy proposals. Its members should not forget that.
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(Read the editorial in Japanese.)
Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun
