The 21st Century constitutes a period of ongoing globalization. Barriers restraining the international flow of people, money, and information are gradually dissolving. Corporations continue to ship their employees, products, and factories overseas at astonishing rates. Each day, millions of people explore the Internet's vast reservoir of high-speed communication, commerce, and information. In virtually every respect, the world is becoming a smaller, more intricately connected place.

Japan must recognize the world's changing landscape and adapt accordingly. Despite our country's recent economic woes, we cannot afford to focus solely on finding short-term domestic solutions. Rather, we should simultaneously work to ensure our nation's future international success. Yesterday's economic barriers must give way to today's open markets. Through methods such as privatization and deregulation, we can facilitate a competitive marketplace that enables our businesses to thrive at home and abroad.

In order to compete on the global scene, Japan must educate a multi-lingual, internationally savvy workforce capable of tackling complex issues. Rather than striving for equal results among all students, we should begin promoting healthy competition within the school system. Exceptional students should receive the tools necessary to excel, and failing students should receive the support and inspiration necessary for a second chance. In addition to providing students with traditional classroom learning, the curriculum needs to facilitate hands-on experience through internship programs and community service projects. Also, English instruction must begin in first grade and teachers should start emphasizing practical conversation skills over the rote memorization of grammar points.

The environment comprises one of this century's most pressing international issues. Considering that Japan relies almost exclusively on imported natural resources, we must take special care to conserve and recycle. Traditionally, our country has viewed stricter environmental legislation and economic growth as conflicting goals. If instituted properly, however, stronger environmental laws can prompt private businesses to develop innovative products that not only protect the environment, but also pave the way for new markets. Additionally, we should introduce various economic incentives - such as tax and regulatory breaks - that encourage businesses and individuals to improve their environmental practices.

On the domestic front, Japan's rapidly ageing population poses significant challenges. Current projections indicate Japan's population will begin shrinking in 2007. By 2020, approximately 23-percent of Japanese will be 65-years-old or older. Consequently, we run the risk of eventually lacking the government funds necessary to meet our senior citizens' basic needs. Before such a crisis transpires, we must chart a new course for pension provision. Rather than relying solely on public funds, we should empower citizens to supplement their government pensions with affordable private insurance plans. Such a blending of public and private resources would not only help ensure the well being of Japan's elderly, but would also limit government bureaucracy and waste.

Public works projects represent another area where government inefficiency must end. For roughly a decade, Japan's once booming economy has endured a protracted slump. Unfortunately, the government's past economic stimulus efforts have focused on channeling people's hard-earned tax dollars into unneeded roads and unused airports. The time has come to privatize or abolish the quasi-governmental corporations responsible for constructing such unnecessary public works projects. Furthermore, we must subject future government-subsidized projects to a rigorous evaluation process that ensures efficiency and necessity.

Finally, Japan desperately needs to move its public policy-making powers out of the hands of bureaucrats and into those of the people. Un-elected and unaccountable ministerial officials currently draft and introduce the vast majority of our nation's legislation. In order to make Japan's government more responsive to the electorate, we should enable politicians to become the driving force behind legislative proposals. Politicians deserve the financial resources necessary to increase their staff sizes and, consequently, improve their effectiveness. Through curbing bureaucrats' immense powers, we can create a more democratic political system capable of meeting the 21st Century's myriad challenges.