Although I don’t believe to be directly affected by this shambles referred to as Brexit, I am concerned about it. Despite occasionally taking the piss out of my British friends, I am preoccupied by Brexit because on a regular basis I bear witness to its adverse impact on the UK’s perception abroad.

For reasons I have evoked many times on this blog, I’m a believer of the European project. Maximum diversity in minimum space is how I like to think of one of Europe’s greatest strengths. (I think it was Milan Kundera who crafted that expression; feel free to correct me).

In Japan, a country whose stagnating corporate sector is desperately hungry for innovation, I regularly extol the fruits that Europe has to offer. Even still today, Europe’s most innovative companies often command a discount relative to their US. peers.

Japanese companies by nature are more reflective. Rigorous analysis is favored before leaping into foreign markets. Plans for expansion, acquisition, investment, and even partnership for Europe have been almost universally tabled for the moment, pending clarity on Brexit.

London was once the default choice among many Japanese firms for their European headquarters. Now, confusion and uncertainty reign, leading to this present paralysis.

For the sake of the rest of the world, it sure would be nice if the UK would “just get on with it.” Good luck.