Japan Ahead: MPower Partners' Kathy Matsui on ESG

The video discusses the importance of ESG as a growth driver, not just a compliance exercise, and highlights the challenges of integrating ESG in Japan, especially in light of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. It differentiates between sustainability and ethical investing, emphasizing the need for a broad ESG framework. The video also covers Japan's government initiatives in green and gender funding, and analyzes Kushida's new capitalism framework, focusing on growth and innovation.

What is the primary reason for integrating ESG values into startups according to the speaker?

• To comply with international regulations

• To enhance the company's public image

• To increase short-term profits

• To ensure these values become part of the company's core strategy

How does the Russia-Ukraine conflict affect Japan's ESG practices?

• It leads to increased investments in Russia

• It has no impact on Japan's ESG practices

• It forces Japan to reconsider its energy imports and ethical investments

• It results in a complete halt of Japanese businesses in Russia

What is the main confusion between sustainability and ethical investing?

• Sustainability focuses only on environmental aspects

• They are both the same

• Ethical investing is a subset of sustainability

• The lines between them are becoming increasingly blurred

What is the Japanese government's stance on carbon pricing?

• They plan to implement it by 2030

• They have not made any statements about it

• They support it as part of their green investment strategy

• They are against it

What is a significant challenge in redistributing income in Japan according to the speaker?

• Lack of government support

• Insufficient income to redistribute

• High levels of corruption

• Over-reliance on foreign investments

What does the speaker suggest is necessary for Japan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050?

• Reducing imports from other countries

• Increased reliance on fossil fuels

• Investment in innovative technologies

• Focusing solely on domestic technologies

What is the speaker's view on the role of women in Japan's economic growth?

• Women should focus on traditional roles

• There is enough focus on women in leadership

• More efforts are needed to engage women in leadership roles

• Women should only be involved in income redistribution