Yoshinobu Tsutsui: The Glass Is Half Full

Yoshinobu Tsutsui is the president and a director of Nippon Life Insurance Company. He previously served as senior managing executive officer and managing executive officer.  Nippon Life is one of the biggest institutional investors in the world with around $637 billion in assets.

Tsutsui became the president of Nippon Life the No. 1 life insurance company in Japan in April 2011. This was shortly after the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit Japan. He played an integral role in getting together the insurance industry’s response as chairman of the Life Insurance Association of Japan.  He left the post July 2012.

While the issue of a shrinking population and aging society in Japan has been seen as a negative by many, Tsutsui sees opportunity in coming up with new products and services for senior citizens. He also believes this is something the company can share with the rest of the world.

The same is true with issues regarding instability and regulatory constraints in the Japanese stock market. While others may be pulling out, as a large institutional investor he feels they have a responsibility as a stable shareholder and to also help revitalize the market. Tsutsui also believes it’s an opportunity to talk with regulators with their views on the market.

Moving more slowly in the global arena, Nippon Life is a least assured that it has a leader who sees things from unique and positive perspective. The opportunities he sees can help propel Nippon Life to new heights in the global arena.