Visiting other Asian countries makes me more and more convinced that Japan has a major role to play in the region. It's no use to say "Japan is great!" by comparing it with the rest of Asia. Seeking to answer the meaningless question of which to choose between Japan and other Asian nations is also futile.
The problems that both Japan and its neighbors face are complementary. Each needs the other to solve them. The chances are high that helping each other solve their own problems will improve the situation for all. This sums up all the things Japan and its neighbors must do. It is the role of both business and political leaders to take action with this in mind.
Various opportunities abound, but I would highlight the importance of the manufacturing industry. It is Japan that created and implemented Asia's model for success. South Korea, Taiwan and China — and Singapore to a certain degree — followed the model and succeeded in getting out of the middle-advanced country status. The key to their success was industrialization.