Existing systems that cannot utilize technology will be swallowed by the times.

Once, while on a business trip abroad, I tried to contact a client via Skype. Most companies readily agreed to a Skype call, but several replied that they had no intention of communicating via Skype. It wasn't as if they had particularly strict security measures, nor did they seem to handle much personal information as data. Overall, the atmosphere was that the president didn't understand IT well. Therefore, without much thought, they refused communication via Skype. At the time, I had no choice but to contact the Japanese representative and have them attend the meeting instead, but looking back now, it was an experience that made me feel anxious, wondering, "Is this company really okay?"

Today, the world is driven by technological progress. With the advancement of IT technology, existing role models are being successively dismantled, and society is moving towards establishing new systems that leverage technology as quickly as possible. Unaware of such an era, some cling to existing analog models, believing they are "the best no matter what," and try to reach for past success patterns. Or, they make no effort to deepen their understanding of the arrival of a new era, relying solely on past experiences. They may have pride in what they have built so far, but will they be able to say the same when they are swallowed by the very change in models brought about by technological evolution?

At the very least, from the perspective of a forward-looking manager, one would have to say it's naive.

For today's managers, phrases like "Are there still such companies?" might come to mind, but in fact, many still exist. If one cannot foresee further ahead, it will not benefit those who remain. For example, for an elderly manager who is about to retire, it might be acceptable. However, what awaits after handing over to the next generation is undoubtedly a dark future where they will be driven out by IT-driven models.

In particular, calls using Skype and the internet can be said to be essential for Japanese companies that need to expand their business into Asia and the world in the future. Current managers might be fine for now. The problem is the future. Japan will increasingly try to bring in immigrants and foreigners. Support for foreigners will also become more generous. Probably, for both simple labor and higher-level jobs, they will eventually be replaced by cheaper labor costs in Asia. If you underestimate this, thinking it won't happen, you will face harsh consequences. As Japan gradually needs to broaden its horizons to overseas markets, communication with foreign countries will become indispensable. Especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, they probably can't afford to use international calls for every contact, so wouldn't it be a natural decision to utilize free calling tools?

The same applies domestically. Simply put, it's natural that free calls are better than paid calls. iPhones have FaceTime, an innovative tool that enables free calls over the internet, and with LINE and Facebook, there's already a robust infrastructure for free calls. However, some refuse to update from existing methodologies, not utilizing them for reasons like "I don't understand" or "it's too much trouble." There's no room to call any part of this rational. Yet, university students and today's young people master these tools, enjoying a phone life without call charges, even from the other side of the world.

Between companies that fully utilize free technology to reduce costs and streamline organizations, and companies that refuse to break away from existing analog models, which one has the advantage? The former, of course. Recently, Phil Libin, CEO of Evernote, left the famous quote, "Most companies that last over 100 years are Japanese companies," but one should not rest on the laurels of this quote. It's not an excuse not to adopt IT and technology. Evernote is a leading IT startup. The important thing is to adopt Japanese methodologies that have lasted over 100 years, not to say that those methodologies are 100% correct.

What I feel every day is that while Japanese companies with a long history have traditions, a soil that makes it difficult to accept new things has taken root. And now, Japanese companies, once admired as the forefront of innovation, are being left behind by the world. However, recently, many interesting companies are emerging among Japanese startups, and numerous experiments are being advanced. Companies founded within the last 10 years are, of course, actively undertaking interesting initiatives.

But it's still not enough. Such movements should not only be carried out by startups but also by companies with history and financial strength. And there are many companies in Japan that can enable experimentation. Precisely because Japanese companies have cultivated a wealth of experience, if they actively engage with the cutting edge, absorb it, and advance experiments, a more exciting world will surely unfold. I believe that a more thrilling future awaits Japan.