As Japan's biggest business lobby, Keidanren represents the interests of more than 1,300 member companies and its executives include some of the nation's top business leaders.
But at the same time, the 72-year-old organization, also known as the Japan Business Federation, reflects the most traditional — and at times outdated — aspects of the country's corporate culture.
In June last year a local daily pointed out that its chairman, Hiroaki Nakanishi, and 18 vice chairmen were all male, Japanese, over 60 and had never switched jobs in their entire career. It was also reported that Nakanishi was the first chairman to use a computer at his office and use email to communicate with staff members.