Strong Independent Individual

The idea of the strong and resilient individual, though diversified, is important. New directions and personal characteristics of individuals needed in order to release people from conforming pressure of social institutions and group systems in Japan are discussed. Recognizing the capability of each individual, based on A. Sen’s Capability Approach is introduced. Respecting the capability of each is to respect and honor individuals. It is an alternative way to evaluating well-being of the people, not the traditional ways through money, consumption, utility, satisfaction, desire-fulfillment, and financial assets and world fame. New leadership idea based on Zenger and Folkman’s Tent Floor model is presented for Japanese society. Three key characteristics that individual must have for self-confident individual, individual prospects for the future, communication ability and quality data, and alternatives for choice are vitally important for individuals to be independent from the conformity pressure.