Suntory to Raise Wages Above Government Guidelines, CEO Says

The transcript covers the impact of the Omicron variant on consumer trends and business, particularly in Japan. It discusses the role of booster shots, labor market challenges, and wage negotiations. The conversation also touches on macroeconomic issues, job mobility, inflation, and supply chain difficulties. Water sustainability initiatives and the unique sustainability challenges faced by Asian countries are highlighted. Finally, the transcript addresses leadership succession at Santory Holdings.

What is the expected impact of booster shots on business recovery in Japan?

• A moderate negative impact

• A significant positive impact

• A slight negative impact

• No impact at all

What is one of the main labor challenges faced by Japan compared to the US?

• Higher unemployment rates

• More severe labor shortages

• Less pressure to raise wages

• Lower demand for truck drivers

What is a key issue that Japan needs to address to improve its economy?

• Increasing taxes

• Improving labor mobility

• Reducing exports

• Decreasing government spending

What is the expected trend for job mobility in Japan this year?

• Job mobility will remain stagnant

• Decrease in job mobility

• No change in job mobility

• Increase in job mobility

What is a proposed solution for addressing labor shortages in Japan?

• Increasing automation

• Importing foreign workers

• Providing recurrent education and training

• Reducing working hours

How are businesses in Japan planning to handle inflationary pressures?

• By expanding overseas

• By reducing employee wages

• By cutting down on production

• By increasing product prices

What is one of the major concerns for the beverage industry in Japan?

• Lack of consumer interest

• Limited product variety

• Excessive government regulation

• High competition

What is one of the pressures faced by the beverage industry due to supply chain issues?

• Decreasing demand for beverages

• Increasing crude oil prices

• Excessive government taxes

• Lack of skilled labor

What is a significant challenge for Asian countries in implementing sustainability practices?

• High cost of renewable energy

• Lack of technological advancement

• Different climate and geographical conditions

• Insufficient government support

What initiative has been started to address water sustainability?

• Importing water from other countries

• Building more dams

• Reducing water usage in industries

• Replenishing water and educating children