A recent survey of University of Tokyo graduates (aka Todai, most prestigious school in Japan) found that they were lacking when it came to producing creative work:

All the employers gave UT graduates top marks for their ability to work hard on their own. But none of the companies, ranging from electronics manufacturers to banks, thought UT graduates were successful when it came to creative output. UT graduates, said one employer, tended to undertake projects that looked promising or where a solution was in sight, but avoided taking risks. The university reportedly plans to review its liberal arts programmes, taking the survey results into consideration.

This is just a study; undoubtedly many graduates are exceptions. But, the Japanese bureaucracy is made up of a disproportionate amount of Tokyo University grads. New plans and programs require creative thinking. Questioning the old guard and vested interests requires huge risk taking even though a solution may not be clear. Really, the act of creativity itself is taking a risk and putting yourself before the judgement of others. Suprisingly, many students I talk to are critical of the schooling systems focus on rote memorization. Things may change yet.
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