HR Connecting Japan to the World: Insights from 25GHR Tokyo

2025年12月7日

Envisioning the Future of Human Resources: 25GHR Tokyo

The 3rd Global HR Conference in Japan (25GHR Tokyo) provided a unique opportunity to explore the evolving landscape of human resources, focusing on the “Next Stage” of AI and DE&I. The event, held on November 11, 2025, in Toranomon, Tokyo, included a keynote speech and commemorative banquet attended by the Financial Service Authority of Cambodia, as well as delegations and executives from the Philippines, Malaysia, India, Singapore, Australia, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and other countries. Participants represented a broad spectrum of the public, private, and academic sectors. Japan was represented by HR professionals, executives, members of the Diet, the Bulgarian Ambassador to Japan, entrepreneurs, graduate school professors, and international official delegations. The event also welcomed selected students from Shibuya Women’s International School, embodying the conference’s commitment to “real DE&I” that transcends countries, generations, and cultures.

Japan as a Learning Destination

The question, “Why did you choose Japan as a place to learn?” highlighted global interest in Japan’s approach to human capital development. The Cambodian Financial Services Authority delegation prioritized human capital as a national strategy, choosing Japan as a model. Throughout the event, the importance of Japan’s people-centric values was reinforced, especially as the country transitions to job-based and skill-based systems, manages human capital, promotes DE&I, and implements AI and people analytics. The Global HR Conference in Japan serves as a dynamic forum for sharing Japan’s approach to human resources transformation, aligning it with other countries’ policies, business practices, and educational contexts. Last year’s participation from the Metropolitan Police Department of Korea and this year’s Cambodian delegation deepened discussions on the intersection of human resources, public policy, and financial administration.

Digital Talent Development: From Policy to Workplace

The first panel discussion featured the Bulgarian Ambassador to Japan and members of the Japanese House of Representatives, focusing on digital human resource development and AI strategies. Japanese policies such as the “GIGA School Concept” and the “DX High School Concept” were presented, emphasizing the integration of education, industry, and human resources. Bulgaria shared examples of comprehensive STEM education and programming initiatives as part of its national strategy. Delegates from India raised important questions about recurrent education for seniors, reflecting a shared global concern. The conclusion underscored the responsibility of global human resources not only to develop talent as a policy but also to create environments where individuals can thrive. The future role of HR lies in designing cycles where government guidance, private sector innovation, and policy feedback work together.

AI in HR: Beyond Trends

In his keynote speech, “From Trend to Implementation: The Future of Human Resources Shaped by AI,” Mr. Ted Kataki from Kenja Co., Ltd. explained the possibilities and limitations of generative AI. He described various AI applications including writing assistance, workflow automation, and RAG-type AI integrated with organizational knowledge. Practical examples included automated evaluation comments, HR policy chatbots, and onboarding processes. He emphasized that AI should support decision-making, with humans retaining final authority. Security, privacy, and accuracy were discussed through the lens of “Multiple Brains” information management, zero trust, and multi-location data centers. The Cambodian Financial Services Agency addressed the role of AI in fintech and financial administration, emphasizing that AI literacy is now a necessity for all HR professionals. The conference signaled the beginning of an era in which HR leads AI-powered governance design and literacy education.

DE&I: Designing Workplaces for Five Generations

The second panel, “The Truth About DE&I: The Present and Future of Countries Around the World,” featured speakers from Japan, the Philippines, and Malaysia, representing politics, business, and associations. Discussions included the impact of women’s leadership in Japan and ongoing social changes, challenges in the Philippines regarding LGBTQ+ and minority inclusion, and Malaysia’s struggle to balance fairness with cultural diversity in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society. Moderator Rochelle Cup highlighted recent shifts in DE&I policies in the United States and stressed that DE&I is foundational for organizational sustainability and innovation. The question of how to design workplaces where five generations work together was particularly stimulating. During the Q&A, Shibuya International School’s efforts to nurture Generation Alpha were showcased, advancing the conversation about DE&I across generations.

Banquet: HR Connecting Japan to the World

The banquet following the keynote sessions facilitated cross-border networking among delegations, speakers, and Japan’s HR and management leaders. International participants enjoyed traditional Japanese shamisen performances, symbolizing the fusion of Japanese culture and business. Discussions from the afternoon sessions continued at each table, paving the way for new collaborations and ideas for the coming year. HRAI’s vision of “HR connecting Japan to the World” was not just a slogan but a tangible reality experienced during the banquet.

Insights from the Cambodian Financial Services Authority

Extensive exchanges with the Cambodian Financial Services Agency focused on integrating human resources perspectives into financial administration and governance. The delegation was interested in Japan’s experience of structural change, transitioning from lifelong employment to job-based and skill-based models, fostering autonomous career development, and public sector HR strategies. The shared mission for HR professionals is to believe in people’s potential and co-create the future, regardless of country or industry. If Japan is to serve as a hub for international learning, it is HRAI’s responsibility to share the knowledge gained with Japan’s HR community and the world.

People-First × Data-Driven HR: Key Messages

The conference reaffirmed fundamental messages:

AI literacy is an essential skill for future HR professionals.

DE&I is a source of organizational sustainability and innovation.

AI, HR DX, and people analytics should support people-centric decision-making, not dehumanize management.

Placing human resources at the center of management determines the competitiveness of countries and industries.

These messages reflect HRAI’s ongoing commitment through international HR education programs and GHR-Professional™ qualifications, advocating for “People-First × Data-Driven” approaches.

HRAI’s Ongoing Challenges and Future Direction

25GHR Tokyo extended beyond keynote speeches and banquets, with two days of workshops featuring case studies and group discussions from various countries on AI, DE&I, and human capital management. The outcomes will be published in a forthcoming press release and report. HRAI will continue collaborating with government agencies, HR associations, educational institutions, and companies worldwide. Initiatives include expanding the Global HR Education Program and GHR-Professional™ qualifications, growing the GHR Academy, co-developing AI and human capital management programs, and building a continuous international HR network centered on the Global HR Conference in Japan.

Looking Ahead: Connecting Dialogues to Future Actions

HRAI aims to transform the conversations and encounters from 25GHR Tokyo into concrete future actions. Appreciation is extended to all participants, sponsors, speakers, and contributors who made the conference possible. The 4th World Personnel Conference, 26GHR Tokyo, is scheduled for November 11–13, 2026. Further details will be announced in due course, and HRAI looks forward to welcoming everyone who shares the vision of “connecting Japan and the world through human resources.”