Regarding the Feb. 27 article (from Sentaku magazine) "Wanted: world's best minds": The writer evidently believes that Japan is largely unable to attract the best young minds from abroad for studies and employment because politicians and bureaucrats have been unwilling to institute the necessary measures, universities have provided insufficient opportunities, and all concerned parties do not truly understand the stakes involved.
Cultural traits that are evidently unique to the Japanese such as "group-oriented mind-set, prejudices against persons with different thinking and inclinations not to properly evaluate individual capabilities" are also put forth in the article as hampering Japan's efforts to secure top-notch foreign minds in "the scientific and technological fields."
However, in my opinion, the reason Japan is such a laggard in this regard when compared to countries mentioned, such as the United States, Britain and France, can be summed up in one word: xenophobia. No amount of effort by government leaders, bureaucrats and academics -- however sincere and well-intentioned -- will be able to change this.