On May 24 the Keidanren started anew under the leadership of Canon Inc. Chairman Fujio Mitarai, who has declared his goals to be the "innovation of Japan" and the continuation of the organization's drive for structural reforms under his predecessor Hiroshi Okuda.
Years of structural reform efforts have finally allowed the Japanese economy -- after a decade in the doldrums -- to regain its vigor.
The economy continues to be strong in real terms, with gross domestic product marking an annualized 3.1 percent growth in the January-March quarter, led by brisk private-sector demand, including capital investments.