Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Japanese Minister's Remarks Spark Debate on South Asian Business Practices
A former Japanese minister said India's delays in building a bullet train were due to 'recklessness.'
This sparked a bigger discussion about how businesses in different parts of the world operate.
In Japan and some other places, businesses like to plan everything carefully and avoid changes.
But in India and other South Asian countries, businesses often have to adapt quickly to changes.
British Asians working in global companies often help bridge this gap by understanding both ways of working.
The debate shows that both approaches have value, especially in a world where things change quickly.
Former Japanese minister Hideki Makihara blamed India's bullet train delays on 'sheer recklessness' and 'inconsistent decision-making.'
India's Ministry of External Affairs issued a sharp rebuttal to Makihara's comments.
British Asian corporate leaders see the remarks as a reflection of a common stereotype about South Asian business practices.
The debate highlights the clash between hyper-planned Japanese business culture and adaptable South Asian business culture.
British Asian professionals often act as cultural translators, bridging the gap between rigid global planning and localized adaptability.
- Who
- Former Japanese Justice Minister Hideki Makihara and British Asian corporate leaders
- What
- A debate on business practices sparked by Makihara's remarks on India's bullet train delays
- When
- Earlier this week
- Where
- Global business context, with a focus on India and the UK
- Why
- Makihara's comments highlighted cultural differences in business approaches between Japan and South Asia
Japanese/East Asian Business Culture
South Asian Business Culture
Project Management
Japanese/East Asian Business Culture
Prefers hyper-planned, process-heavy, and zero-defect approaches, viewing deviation as systemic failure.
South Asian Business Culture
Embraces adaptability and agility, often referred to as 'Jugaad,' to navigate unpredictable environments.
Decision-Making
Japanese/East Asian Business Culture
Values consistent, long-term planning and control of variables.
South Asian Business Culture
Values quick pivoting and innovative problem-solving in response to changing circumstances.
Cultural Perception
Japanese/East Asian Business Culture
May perceive South Asian agility as 'chaos' or 'inconsistency.'
South Asian Business Culture
Views adaptability as a necessary skill for success in dynamic markets.
- Key Figure
- Hideki Makihara, former Japanese Justice Minister
- Project
- Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project
- British Asian Role
- Cultural translators bridging Western/East Asian and South Asian business cultures
- Cultural Concepts
- Shinkansen (Japanese) vs. Jugaad (South Asian)
- Global Business Lesson
- Adaptability is crucial in a post-2020 world with frequent economic shocks