Did one’s ability to run meetings effectively (or at least perceived as effectively run meetings) factor significantly in promotion opportunities?

Probably. I was a Yank, and not in the main food chain.

But they run their meetings in a very organized fashion. Everyone has their marching orders, when the meeting is done.

Japanese corporations tend to use a consensus-based system, where meetings are confirmation of consensus. Being at a meeting, meant that you were part of the stakeholders, and also part of the accountable parties.

Many times, people sleep in meetings. Their presence is all that is required.