Meaning: This quote by Joichi Ito, a Japanese entrepreneur and former director of the MIT Media Lab, reflects his observations and experiences with democracy. In this quote, Ito acknowledges the brokenness of democracy, not just in Japan but also in various other parts of the world. The quote encapsulates his journey of recognizing the flaws in democratic systems and his subsequent efforts to work towards addressing those issues on a broader scale.

The first part of the quote, "I noticed that democracy was broken and tried to work on fixing that in Japan," suggests that Ito initially focused on the specific challenges and shortcomings within the democratic framework of Japan. This could be interpreted as a localized approach to understanding and improving the democratic process within his own country. Japan, like many other countries, has its unique political and social dynamics that impact the functioning of its democratic institutions. Ito's efforts to address the brokenness of democracy in Japan may have involved advocating for reforms, promoting civic engagement, or supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic principles within the Japanese context.

The second part of the quote, "Then I realized that it was broken all over the place and decided to work on that too," indicates a shift in Ito's perspective. His realization that the challenges within democracy were not confined to Japan but were pervasive across different regions and nations prompted him to broaden his focus. This broader perspective suggests an awareness of the interconnectedness of global political systems and the recognition that issues within democracy are not isolated to a single country. It also reflects a sense of responsibility and a commitment to addressing democratic deficiencies on a more expansive scale.

Ito's decision to expand his efforts beyond Japan and work on addressing the brokenness of democracy "all over the place" signifies a commitment to promoting democratic values and practices beyond national borders. This could involve engaging in international advocacy, participating in global forums on democracy, supporting transnational initiatives, or collaborating with individuals and organizations from diverse backgrounds to advance the cause of democratic reform and renewal.

Overall, Joichi Ito's quote captures a journey of awareness, action, and a growing sense of responsibility towards addressing the challenges within democratic systems. It reflects an evolution from a localized focus on Japan to a more encompassing commitment to contribute to the improvement of democracy on a broader, global scale. It also highlights the importance of recognizing and engaging with the interconnected nature of democratic challenges in today's world.

In summary, Joichi Ito's quote encapsulates his recognition of the brokenness of democracy, his initial efforts to address it within Japan, and his subsequent decision to expand his focus to work on addressing democratic issues globally. This quote reflects a profound understanding of the complexities and interconnectedness of democratic challenges, as well as a commitment to contributing to the improvement of democratic systems beyond national boundaries.

Ito's journey serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to strengthen and uphold democratic principles and institutions, both at the national and global levels. It also underscores the significance of individuals and leaders recognizing their role in promoting positive change within democratic systems, and the need for collective efforts to address the complexities and deficiencies within democracy.