🌍 Africa HR Masterclass Lecture Report 

 “HR Connecting HR – Japan and Africa” 

Fumie Hanazono, Chair, Human Resource Accreditation Institute (HRAI) 

On July 11, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. Japan time (12:00 noon local time), I had the honor of delivering a lecture to about 100 HR professionals from across Africa—including Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria, and Congo—at the HR Masterclass hosted by GCHRA (Global Conference on Human Resources in Africa). 

The session was titled “Overcoming HR Challenges & Driving Global HR Transformation – Insights from Japan.” 

Throughout this session, I shared Japan’s evolving HR practices and engaged in rich knowledge exchange across borders. 

🇯🇵 Japanese HR Practices: The Need for Reform 

I began by introducing Japan’s post-war employment practices, including lifetime employment and seniority-based promotion systems, which once fueled economic growth but now pose challenges in today’s global context. 

Through case studies of global companies like KAO and Takeda, I demonstrated that Japanese firms, facing a shrinking domestic market and demographic decline, are increasingly expanding overseas. This shift demands a fundamental transformation of HR systems, including digital transformation (DX) and global standardization. 

💬 Key Questions from African HR Professionals 

One powerful question came from the audience: “How do young, motivated individuals stay engaged within Japan’s rigid seniority-based systems?” 

In response, I explained how cultural values like empathy, teamwork, and harmony help support and retain employees. 

I also touched on the significance of “心技体Shin-Gi-Tai (Spirit, Skills, and Action)”, emphasizing that this concept goes beyond mere service — it embodies respect for others, compassion, and meticulous attention to detail. These values are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and underpin Japanese corporate practices, serving as a source of strength in Japan’s human capital. This message resonated strongly with the audience. 

As an example, I shared a story about Japan’s spirit of hospitality, illustrated by a personal experience at Hotel Okura—a hotel known for hosting U.S. Presidents—that reflected the nation’s strong service ethic. 

🌍 The Role of HR in Connecting Economies 

Africa is projected to be one of the fastest-growing regions in the global economy. Strengthening Japan-Africa economic ties will require deeper understanding and collaboration in the field of HR. 

That is why I believe human resource exchange and professional development will play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable and inclusive global future. 

華園ふみ江

一般社団法人 人事資格認定機構
代表理事
米国公認会計士
ASTAR LLP 代表