Global Leadership Monitor— Japan

Explore the top external business threats leaders in Japan face today—and how prepared they feel they are to manage them in our bi-annual survey.

 

In the rapidly shifting leadership landscape, what external business threats are Japan's leaders most concerned with today? And how are they prioritizing their efforts to navigate these challenges?

 

Our bi-annual Global Leadership Monitor reveals the top five external factors that leaders in Japan believe will impact the health of their organizations over the next 12-18 months, and how well-prepared these leaders feel they are to address these impending challenges.

 

Availability of talent and skills is a top concern for leaders in Japan

In Japan, 59% of leaders identify the availability of key talent and skills as a critical challenge, but only 21% of leaders believe their executive teams are prepared to tackle this challenge, a 15 percentage point decline over the past six months.

 

APAC GLM - Japan

THREATS

% of leaders selecting as top 5 issue

L6M Change

% of leaders prepared or very prepared

L6M Change

1. Availability of key talent/skills

59%

21%

2. Technological change

52%

44%

3. Workforce transformation

45%

27%

4. Uncertain economic growth

42%

15%

5. Exchange rate volatility

41%

29%

 

Leaders in Japan are increasingly unprepared to face technological change and workforce transformation

Technological changes and workforce transformation are growing concerns for leaders in Japan. According to our Global Leadership Monitor 52% of leaders consider technological change, and 45% view workforce transformation—including the emergence or decline of jobs, reskilling, changing work expectations, and new employment models—as top-five threats to organizational health. The rapid advancements in generative AI and the ensuing overload of information have notably exacerbated this unpreparedness. To remain competitive and adaptable, organizations must prioritize strategic responses to these evolving challenges

 

Economy remains a significant threat

Against the backdrop of a potential global recession and escalating trade tensions, uncertain economic growth is a prominent concern for leaders worldwide—42% of Japanese leaders rate it as a top concern, yet only 15% feel prepared to address this challenge. In uncertain and tumultuous environments, decisive leadership actions are crucial in setting examples for the organization, distinguishing those who thrive from those who falter, and defining competitive success.

 

How our leadership advisors can help


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We’re well-versed in guiding organizations through change. If your leaders are concerned about weathering economic uncertainty, navigating technological change, or looking for guidance on how to engage and retain your leadership team, our advisors are here to help.


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Explore global findings and the data in your region, industry, and role

Did you know that policy uncertainty is more of a concern for leaders in the Americas than other regions? Or that geopolitical uncertainty is more of a concern for European leaders than other parts of the world?

 

Find out what the top threats are for your region, country, industry, and role—and leaders' preparedness to face them.

 

Global Leadership Monitor H1 2025 - Key global findings

 

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