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.

Path paved by languages, inspirational interactions

Roxane de Bilderling

Roxane de Bilderling plays a role in furthering lively diplomatic exchanges

New opportunities sown from the need to evolve

Nicolas Floquet

CEO Nicolas Floquet on the changes, trends in Japan’s publishing industry

Steadfast commitment to hard work, cultural roots

Inga Nyhamar

Norway’s Inga Nyhamar on almost 30 years of diverse diplomatic work

Asset management in an age of long life expectancy

John Moore

Russell Investments CEO John Moore on retirees, financial diversification

Offbeat career driven by desire to continue learning

Paul Chapman

Moneytree’s Paul Chapman on rejecting complacency in business pursuits

Vision for automotive tech merges safety, creativity

James Kuffner

James Kuffner draws on past experiences to create an inspiring workplace

Lifestyle and nature as a basis for global relations

Pekka Orpana
Title: Ambassador of Finland

Finnish Ambassador Pekka Orpana shares thoughts on cultural affinities

Setting the pace: Career diplomat tackles latest role

Peter van der Vliet

Dutch Ambassador Peter van der Vliet on historical ties and marathons

Encouraging innovation among Japanese startups

Tom Kelley

Tom Kelley of D4V and IDEO on unlocking the country’s creative potential

Expanding the narrative of adjusting to life abroad

Ben Jennings

Ben Jennings on creative forays and his role in NHK’s ‘Home Sweet Tokyo’

Eye for architecture meets luxury hotel management

Matthias Sutter

Life abroad characterized by gratitude and diligence

Alison Beale

University of Oxford’s Alison Beale on community and cultural relations

SJAward2025 SJAward2025

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