Nobuko Kobayashi

Reiwa era yen bills -- a speed bump on the road to the cashless future

Japan's big chains lead on digital payment but many shoppers stick to notes and coins

Only if they diversify management to boost global competitive advantages

While companies elsewhere are also targeting 'only for you,' Japan has big advantages

Beneath a stagnant surface, profound social change is taking place

Forget about the government picking winners. Foster entrepreneurs

Manage the industry actively, instead of just reacting passively to surging inflows

Labor shortages will finally force companies to automate white-collar jobs and dismantle hierarchies

Companies must cut middle management layers that block entrepreneurial ideas

Companies should tackle overwork and boost in-house mental health care

Faced with the e-commerce challenge, operators must innovate to make shopping exciting again