Webinar on “Business and Human Rights”, featuring practical examples from small and medium-sized enterprises

Companies are increasingly expected to respect human rights and ensure decent work throughout their supply chains. Japan’s revised National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights also highlights the promotion of human rights due diligence (HRDD) among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as a key priority.

This webinar will present the following content to provide practical insights into how “business and human rights” can be integrated into daily operations:

• Real-life examples and motivations from three SME executives who have implemented BHR initiatives.
• Initiatives in collaboration with the SMEs by the Japan Federation of Labor and Social Security Attorney’s Associations and the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA).
• Introduction of two case study booklets on Business and Human Rights and Responsible Business Conduct by the SMEs.

Webinar is free of charge and open for all participants.
Please register from here by Friday, 20 March 2026.
We look forward to your participation.

Key Information

Event title: Business and Human Rights: Real Cases and Lessons from SMEs

Date & Time: Tuesday, March 24 2026 | 11:45 am–1:00 pm (Japan Standard Time, JST)

Venue: Online

Participation Fee: Free of charge

Language: Japanese

Registration deadline: Friday, 20 March 2026

Programme

11:45-11:55 (JST) Introduction to the Case study booklets on Responsible Business Conduct and Business and Human Rights in SMEs

• ILO Office for Japan

11:55-12:05 (JST) Initiatives with the SMEs by Industry Associations and Experts

• Mr. Masakiyo Wakabayashi, President, Japan Federation of Labor and Social Security Attorney’s Associations
• Mr. Taira Akiyama, Leader, Sustainable Procurement Partnership Task Force, CSR Committee, Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA) (NEC Corporation)

12:05-12:50 (JST) BHR practices by SMEs

• Mr. Kazuo Yamanaka, President, Nikko Denki Tsushin Co., Ltd. (NDTC)
• Mr. Makoto Sakaguchi, Executive Vice-President and Director, Motomura Confectionery Co.,Ltd.
• Mr. Kenji Tanaka, COO, Managing Director, Head of Operations, Withceed Hospitality Management Inc.

12:50-1:00 (JST) Q&A Session