Of the 86 organizations that submitted reports on their activities for the first half of 2025, four members gave presentations on their challenges and initiatives from their respective perspectives. Participants asked questions about specific ways to address practical issues and the possibility of future development, which were answered by the speakers.
■Click here for Part I report.
■Video
■Summary of the Announcement
(1) Sugawara Kogyo Co.
Ms. Saki Kobiga, Human Resources Department
To cope with the shortage of human resources and declining population in Kesennuma City, we are accepting foreign human resources and developing business in Indonesia. They solve local issues through business and also set up exchange centers that respect food and religious culture. They aim to create a multicultural and sustainable community.
(2) Global Business Alliance Cooperative
Mr. Nobuhiko Matsumoto, Representative Director
Through on-site checks and the development of a consultation system based on the system, the company is working to create a safe environment for foreign workers. Through cooperation with other organizations, support for Japanese language study and qualification acquisition, and interaction with the local community, the foundation for acceptance and coexistence is being built.
(3) UACJ Inc.
Mr. Masaru Kozaki, Legal Department, Business Support Division
The company is working to create a safe working environment for foreign workers, including those at domestic and overseas group companies. Emphasizing consideration for language barriers and the working environment, the company provides information in multiple languages and promotes understanding of regulations, while expanding the concept of respect for human rights to affiliated and cooperating companies. Furthermore, the company continues its efforts to fulfill its corporate social responsibility through annual Code of Conduct education and disseminating the guidelines to its suppliers.
4) GMT Cooperative
Mr. Hiromitsu Shimamaki
Based in Gokimura, Kumamoto Prefecture, the company is working to reduce the pre-arrival burden on foreign workers. The “Zero-Rupee Scheme” was introduced for Nepalese technical intern trainees to reduce their expenses to practically zero. The cost is shared by the management organization and the company receiving the trainee, making it possible for the trainee to bear zero cost. Furthermore, a sister village affiliation between Jamul Village, where the trainees are from, and Itsuki Village is underway, and efforts are also being made to promote international regional cooperation through human resource exchange.
JP-MIRAI Latest Trends
JP-MIRAI celebrated its 5th anniversary this November, with membership reaching 845. We are deepening cooperation with companies and local governments by strengthening information sharing with foreign workers, creating multilingual tools, and conducting study tours to Indonesia, India, and other countries. In particular, we see the local settlement of foreign nationals as an issue and plan to launch new projects including baseline surveys and training programs for small and medium-sized enterprises. We plan to focus on this initiative in the second half of the year.
■Group Discussion
Following the presentations in Parts 1 and 2, group discussions were held among the participants in Part 3. Based on themes that were relevant to the issues and initiatives at each site, opinions and experiences were shared from a variety of perspectives, including companies, local governments, and organizations. Participants engaged in a lively exchange of opinions on hints for solving problems in accepting and retaining foreign workers, as well as on possibilities for future collaboration.
