Leaders&Readers

We aim to increase the network of Leaders & Readers through interviews with key people at top international companies and with ambassadors to Japan.
We seek to promote mutual understanding, exchanges and commercial connections between Japan and the rest of the world by appreciating the outlooks of people outside such careers.

David Malone, rector of the United Nations University

David Malone

U.N.’s No. 3 heads global think tank focused on needs of developing countries

Building a global Panasonic compliance network

Laurence Bates

Patient and persistent, Laurence Bates navigates complex laws and policies

Persevering at the junction of trade and climate

Jan Adams

Australian envoy Jan Adams oversaw FTAs, international climate partnership

Mark Choon, general manager of The Peninsula Tokyo, learns from unexpected

Mark Choon

From small town to big city to new age of clean tourism

Tourism expert balances people, planet and profit

Joy Jarman-Walsh

Joy Jarman-Walsh showcases people’s efforts on live talk show

Taking long-distance view of Japan’s global future

Christopher J. LaFleur

German ambassador lives out childhood dream

Ina Lepel

Ina Lepel, first female envoy, keeps up diplomacy throughout pandemic

Tokyo alternative school TIPS builds avenues to success

Lyn Sato

Businessman ambassador opens Panama connections

Carlos Pere

Shaped by U.S. life and military school, Pere once had nation’s ‘coolest job’

Mixing love of numbers and the personal touch

Balazs Krizsanyik

Desigual manager focuses on promoting fashion brand’s sustainability

Envoy hopes Cuba studies Japan’s development path

Miguel A. Ramirez

Japanese culture had a strong influence on Ramirez and his generation

Move to Japan proves opportune for law partner

Michael Mroczek

European Business Council’s Michael Mroczek on living childhood dream

SJAward2025 SJAward2025

Subscribe to our newsletter