Japan’s long-standing approach of prioritizing harmony and coexistence over polarization may offer a valuable model in this next stage. For example, Japan’s approach to disaster preparedness and response emphasizes community involvement and cooperation. The country has developed comprehensive disaster management plans that involve local communities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations working together to ensure effective response and recovery. For Kudo, “Japan’s strength in building systems based on coordination and collaboration among stakeholders can provide a viable alternative in an increasingly divided international landscape.” 27 She explains, “Rather than striving to resolve differences or enforce coherence, Japan must cultivate the ability to express its unique approach in ways that are understandable to a global audience: embracing ambiguity, accepting coexisting perspectives, and staying true to the cultural DNA embedded in Japanese society.” Kudo and Aoyagi close, “We hope that through this case series, we may also have an opportunity to engage with a global audience to learn together and embark on this journey with a shared vision.” 28 Final Closing Ten Years in the Making is intended to capture highlights of Japan’s impact community as it builds an Impact Economy. Much has been accomplished—new cross-sector relationships forged, policies created, concepts tested, and lives improved. Systems change requires significant private, public, nonprofit, and philanthropic financial, social, and political commitment. Whether SIIF, in its role as a catalyst with limited resources,can spur this broader, deeper change movement is unknown. It will be important for SIIF to monitor and capture ongoing lessons and strategy iterations as it seeks to shift Japan’s Impact Economy to a larger, long-term national and global change leader.
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Ten Years in the Making
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