At the dawn of 2025, leading companies across Japan are extending their New Year’s greetings, reflecting on the lessons and challenges of 2024 as they set their aspirations for the new year.
WalkMe, recognized as the leading company for Digital Adoption Platforms (DAP), highlights significant milestones as it celebrates the fifth anniversary of its Japanese subsidiary. Masahiro Ono, the company’s CEO, expressed heartfelt greetings at the start of the new year. "Last year was pivotal for WalkMe, marked by the successful hosting of 'DAP Summit 2024,' where we shared the potential of DAP with many.”
Ono emphasizes WalkMe's new beginning as part of the SAP family, anticipating greater value offerings through integration with various SAP solutions and support for businesses striving for digital transformation (DX). He reassures clients, stating, "We will continue to deliver value and support digital adoption across various industries and company sizes, encouraging best practices through shared knowledge." He mentions plans for the upcoming 'DAP Summit 2025,' aiming to provide concrete learning opportunities for Japanese businesses.
On the other hand, J-Oil Mills, led by CEO Tatsuya Sato, reflected on the challenges and successes of 2024. Addressing rising costs and supply chain issues, Sato acknowledged the year saw both difficulties and bright signs, such as increased inbound demand. “2024 demanded we respond wisely, adjusting our strategies to improve product value amid skyrocketing olive oil prices,” he recounted.
J-Oil Mills will focus on sustainable growth, enhancing existing operations, and promoting its innovative products such as "Smart Green Pack®" and cooking oil solutions, along with plans to expand internationally. “To thrive beyond traditional margins,” Sato stated, “we must diversify and strengthen our foothold not just locally but globally.”
Meanwhile, Allied Architects are celebrating their 20th anniversary, with their President expressing gratitude to stakeholders during this significant time. "2024 was filled with difficult decisions, but it taught us the importance of restructuring our business portfolio to achieve sustainable growth for the future," he noted.
Underlining the impact of AI and digital transformation on business, the CEO emphasized their commitment to fostering creativity and innovation during this period of rapid industry change. “We are dedicated to supporting companies to assert their value proposition amid these transformations,” he stated, promising more contributions to business growth.
Tokyo Shoko Research has compiled data on businesses celebrating anniversaries in 2025, showcasing over 2,000 companies achieving their centennial. The report noted leading firms from various sectors like Mitsubishi Foods and NHK marking these milestones amid significant economic changes, indicating stability even during turbulent times.
For many of these companies, 2025 serves as not just the start of the new year, but as they embrace new visions and strategies. CEOs are focused on fortifying resilience, leading their organizations with insights gained over challenges faced. With reflections on the trials of 2024 and resolute plans for the new year, Japanese businesses are poised to navigate the uncertainties of 2025 with renewed vigor.
Looking forward, corporations plan to address contemporary challenges with innovative solutions. WalkMe's Ono has stated,”Our goal is to maximize the value of digital investments, guiding companies through their DX journeys.” J-Oil Mills echoes this, aiming to merge flavors with sustainability going forward.
Allied Architects, with optimism, remarked on their drive to transform challenges posed by digital labor and competitive landscapes. They articulated the need to redefine value and are poised to offer innovative approaches to their clients moving forward.
New Year’s resolutions now fuel aspirations as businesses articulate their objectives for growth and adaptation, showing their commitment to employees, clients, and wider society.
These messages exemplify unity and perseverance, encouraging audiences across Japan as they leap forward together, tackling uncertainties with faith and innovation. Each company's unique perspective offers insights reflecting broader industry trends, representing hope and resilience as the world enters 2025.