Son, Sawada and Nambu have all profited by - or perhaps despite - bucking the system.

CNN: LEADERS FOR THE MILLENNIUM

According to Kiyoaki Sawada, a senior finance manager leading one team, these are not like ordinary project teams.

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"If we didn't have them, it would be tough figuring out what to wear each day, " says 16-year-old Sawada Mizuki.

CNN: A SOCK TO THE SYSTEM

"What Sawada is doing has served as a wake-up call for Japan because it challenges the old system, " says one airline executive.

CNN: LEADERS FOR THE MILLENNIUM

The trio's views on where Japan should be headed are reflected in their respective fields: information technology (Son), service (Sawada) and human resources (Nambu).

CNN: LEADERS FOR THE MILLENNIUM

Meet Japan's Three Musketeers: Son Masayoshi, Sawada Hideo and Nambu Yasuyuki.

CNN: LEADERS FOR THE MILLENNIUM

There is of course no need to tell that to Sawada.

CNN: LEADERS FOR THE MILLENNIUM

Just as Sakamoto helped bring about a social revolution that set Japan on the road to modernization, Son, Sawada and Nambu are calling for another revolution - one that will replace what they believe is an inefficient, outdated business culture with a new paradigm that will prepare Japan for the next century.

CNN: LEADERS FOR THE MILLENNIUM