In the autumn of 2012 the new leadership of the Communist Party in China was appointed. In Japan the political leaders are busy dealing with the challenges that have arisen from the catastrophes of March 2011 and the recent divisions in the party landscapes. Japan and China are competing for the leadership position in innovation and technology in Asia. The issue of leadership roles and concepts in Asia will be dealt with at various workshops, including China and its regional environment. Is there a Chinese leadership role in Asia? Are there different concepts of leadership?