Legislation on business and human rights initiatives is progressing in Europe and other countries. In particular, the issue of forced labor has emerged as a business risk due to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in the U.S., regulations banning the intra-regional distribution of forced labor products in Europe, and human rights violations of migrant workers in the supply chains of Japanese companies in Southeast Asia. Japanese companies subject to regulations or connected in their supply chains are required to conduct human rights due diligence and develop a grievance system at an early stage, as well as to accept migrant workers responsibly, eliminating forced labor.
In Japan, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) have established guidelines and guidance, and through industry associations and associations of company labor unionists, etc., are promoting the spread of this system among small and medium-sized enterprises. In addition, although foreign countries have pointed out problems such as restrictions on foreign workers changing jobs and large pre-visit fees, preparations are underway to abolish the current technical internship system and shift to a training and employment system in 2027, and a competent ministerial ordinance is scheduled to be issued in the near future. Under the new system, in addition to career, Japanese language education, and support for living and settling in Japan, companies are also required to address the issue of pre-visit commissions, which are regarded as debt labor by foreign countries.
JP-MIRAI will hold a seminar for companies in the Kansai region to learn about examples of “Business and Human Rights” initiatives and the efforts required of companies accepting foreign personnel.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025, 14:00-16:45 (business card exchange afterwards)
■Format: Face-to-face (first 50 participants)
■ Location: Meeting Space AP Osaka Ekimae AP Hall II
1-12-12 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Tokyo Tatemono Umeda Building B1F and B2F (Reception B1F)
■Participation fee: Free of charge
■Cooperation: National Federation of Social Insurance and Labor Consultants Associations, Crean Co.
Supported by: Global Compact Network Japan
■Program:
*The detailed program is currently being adjusted and is subject to change.
| Human Rights Due Diligence on Migrant Workers in Their Own and Supply Chains.” | Ms. Eimi Akiyama, Crean Corporation |
| Training and employment system and measures required of host companies | General Incorporated Association JP-MIRAI Yozo Nakao |
| Examples of Efforts by Companies in Kansai ●”Human Rights Audit Requirements and Evaluation Standards in the Textile Industry “JASTI”” ●”Examples of Efforts to be Closer to Foreign Technical Intern Trainees” | Sanki Shoko K.K. (Miki House) Mr. Taizo Ueda, Product Safety Management Department Mr. Junro Nakayama, Human Resources Development Office, Human Resources Department, Daihatsu Motor Co. |
| Initiatives of the Japan Federation of Laborers’ Associations | Yoshihiko Ono, Director, National Federation of Social Insurance and Labor Consultants Associations |
| Introduction of services provided by JP-MIRAI (dialogue with rights holders, support for human rights DD by infiltrating the supply chain with video materials, support for establishing a system to reduce the cost burden of recruiting foreign workers) | General Incorporated Association JP-MIRAI Yozo Nakao |
| question and answer session |
