What are some of the activities that the Human Resources and Education Department Board of Councilors is involved in?

The Human Resources and Education Department Board of Councilors is where executives in charge of human resources at different companies gather to discuss on a continuous base how to link the growth of individuals to the growth of the company. In Japan, where management resources are limited, an important topic of discussion is how to balance maximizing the creation of corporate value from human capital, which has a great deal of potential, with, at the same time, ensuring that the individuals who work there continue to grow. At meetings of the Board of Councilors we exchange information on each company�fs policies and challenges in dealing with this issue and hold multifaceted discussions.

I think it is extremely valuable to discuss and share information about the challenges faced, and the corrective measures taken, by human resources managers of companies that support the Japanese economy. What I realize at each discussion is that there are many �gcommon points�h that transcend the boundaries between industries and companies. I think that mutually sharing our best practices with each other will help the Japanese business community as a whole further evolve and lead to general improvement.

Do you think that human capital management should be considered a social issue?
Also, what are your expectations with regard to the JAPAN MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION �iJMA�j?

In order to achieve corporate growth and individual growth at the same time, each company can obviously work independently, but there are limits to this approach. I believe it is necessary for society as a whole to discuss people's attitude towards their jobs, the ideal form of employment as well as the kind of school education that precedes employment. In order to steer society in such a direction, we need cross-sectoral discussions that transcend companies�f boundaries, and I have very high expectations for the Board of Councilors, and for the JMA, as bodies where to raise issues and make proposals that lead to reforms.

I would like for the Human Resources and Education Department Board of Councilors to continue to create opportunities for coming into contact with different information and initiatives, and to serve as a �gplace of learning�h where participating companies can share common issues, exchange opinions openly and learn from different views.