Nobuko Kobayashi

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Nobuko Kobayashi

Nobuko Kobayashi

Nobuko Kobayashi is a partner with EY-Parthenon, the strategic consulting arm of EY Strategy and Transactions. Based in Tokyo, she specializes in the consumer sector with a special focus on multinational corporations operating in Japan.

The hidden potential of Japan's older workers

Investment in experienced staff can revitalize industry in unexpected ways

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

Can Japan's trading companies remake themselves?

Only if they diversify management to boost global competitive advantages

Super-customization -- a lifeline for Japan Inc?

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

Heisei Japan -- the center cannot hold

Beneath a stagnant surface, profound social change is taking place

Rethink METI's role in Japanese innovation

Forget about the government picking winners. Foster entrepreneurs

Japan must get a better grip on tourism

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

Technology is the key to reforming the inefficient Japanese office

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

How to revive Japanese innovation

Companies must cut middle management layers that block entrepreneurial ideas

Employers must help cut Japan's suicide rate

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

Walmart's exit would not spell doom for Japan's bricks-and-mortar retail

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

Revitalizing the stagnant Japanese office

Companies can boost dismal productivity rates by boosting labor mobility and rewarding talent

Japan's regions must bypass Tokyo and go global

The tech revolution offers a chance to revive declining local economies

Profits and pitfalls -- taking over a Japanese company

Private equity investors should look to boost growth

#MeToo finally comes to Japan

High-profile sexual harassment scandal raises hard questions about men and women at work

Japanese companies cannot ignore advance of activist shareholders

Groups need to reshape before the arrival of hostile investors

Japan must boost inward investment, or lose global clout

Companies and regions should increase ties with the rest of the world

Japan -- almost silent over #MeToo

Sexual harassment is widespread but rarely discussed in public. This must change

Let's get real about female equality in corporate Japan

The government must push companies to set aside stereotypes and promote women

The bright side of Japan's population decline

Older childless singles have much to offer society

Celebrate our next chapter Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30