n.b. This is being described domestically as 要請, which is “ask” in the sense of “The IRS asks that you not lie on your tax return.”
(source: I live in Japan)
Once we asked if club activity were mandatory at the local school. We specifically asked about the mandatory aspect. The answer was "everybody does it".
(Face saved.)
Answer: Hahaha. :-P
Now: nearly all corporations pay dividends at about 30% of profits as policy.
Japan may not be reactive or proactive, but it does voluntary unity pretty well.
But was this a short-term gimmick to encourage investment? Did it work? My understanding is that high dividend payout represent weak reinvestment and overall lower growth.
IANAL, much less in Japan, so take it with a pinch of salt.
EDIT: Seeing the other replies, I guess it can be interpreted both ways: people "listening to the advice of the government", or "government asking people listen to them". Again, IANAL.
The point is, apparently, that "ask" is a euphemism for something that you are effectively obligated to do.
You're reading much too far into it.
This is especially true when the dialogue is between two people (or entities) of different social status or power, but it's also pretty rude to not oblige when you are close to the person.
The only time it is truly voluntary is when there is no relationship and nothing to lose by declining.