The Expansion of Global HR Functions and Human Capital Management Among Leading Japanese Corporations — Global Trends and the Next Responsibility of Japanese HR — 

President’s Message: Aspirations for 2026 

Elevating HR as a Profession that Drives Management and Society 

As we enter 2026, the environment surrounding Global Human Resources has reached a clear inflection point. This is not a temporary shift driven by new regulations or management trends, but a fundamental redefinition of HR as a profession. 

For many years, HRAI has pursued its mission of “HR Connecting, Japan to the World.” 
continuously questioning and advancing the professional value of HR through global-standard education, certification, and international dialogue. 

Today, we move into the next phase. 

Our aspiration is clear: Positioning HR as the executor of Human Capital Management and as a true business partner that shares responsibility for management decision-making. 

The initiatives scheduled for early 2026— 
Keynote speech in Malaysia, the Japan–Hong Kong co-hosted webinar, 
and the launch of GHR-ProAdvance™, the Advanced Global HR Education Program— 
represent both our declaration of intent and our first step toward execution. 

Through these dialogues and learning opportunities, we hope to foward our mission— 
“HR Connecting, Japan to the World”—into its next stage, together with professionals around the globe. 

Fumie Hanazono 
Founder & Chair of Executive Board 
Human Resource Accreditation Institute (HRAI) 

The Formalization of Global HR Functions in Japanese Corporations 

In recent years, leading Japanese corporations have begun to formally establish and strategically expand Global HR functions. 

This is no longer an exception.  It has become a defining movement among large Japanese enterprises. 

Notably, among participants in HRAI’s Global HR Education Programs in 2025, the most frequently cited objectives included: 

• Establishing a dedicated Global HR Department or Global HR Section 

• Assuming leadership roles in global HR management 

• Managing overseas subsidiaries with direct responsibility for people and governance 

Many Japanese organizations now recognize a critical reality: 
Traditional Japanese HR frameworks alone are no longer sufficient to support global business operations. 

HR is therefore being called upon to evolve from an administrative function into a core strategic capability that connects management, business operations, and the creation of human capital value. 

Global Trends: HR as the Executor of Human Capital Management 

This transformation is not unique to Japan. 
Globally, the role of HR has already advanced to a new stage. 

Across regions, HR is increasingly expected to: 

• Design and implement Human Capital Management frameworks that align business strategy with talent strategy 

• Translate organizational culture, leadership capability, and workforce data into management-level decision-making 

• Take meaningful responsibility for business outcomes and profit-and-loss (P&L) performance 

In this context, HR is no longer viewed as a support function. 
It is expected to act as a management partner responsible for the execution of human capital strategy. 

Key Questions to Be Raised in the Malaysia University Lecture (January 22) 

On January 22, 2026, HRAI will deliver a keynote speech at 
Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) in Malaysia, focusing on Japanese HR systems. 

This session is not intended to showcase success stories. 

Instead, it will address fundamental questions: 

• Why is Japan’s HR system often described as “unique” in the global context? 

• To what extent do its strengths translate into global competitiveness? 

• Where do its limitations become apparent in global management environments? 

By sharing these questions with HR and business leaders across Asia, the lecture aims to explore 
how Japanese companies should evolve their Global HR functions and Human Capital Management practices going forward. 

Japan–Hong Kong Co-Hosted Webinar: 

“The Current State of Global HR in 2026” (January 29) 

On January 29, HRAI will co-host its first Japan–Hong Kong webinar with MP HR Community, a leading HR network in Hong Kong. 

Drawing on frontline practices from both regions, the session will explore: 

• How far the role of Global HR has expanded in practice 

• Key challenges and emerging trends shaping HR in 2026 

• The evolving KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) required of global HR professionals 

The objective is not to present definitive answers. 
Rather, the webinar seeks to frame a critical question: 

How must HR evolve to function as a true business partner in a global context? 

https://www.ghrjapan.org/en/event-details/20260129

Moving into the Execution Phase of Human Capital Management 

GHR-ProAdvance™ (Launching February 2026) 

To translate these global insights into practice, HRAI will launch 
GHR-ProAdvance™, the Advanced Global HR Education and Certification Program, in February 2026. 

This program is designed to develop Global HR Catalysts—professionals capable of leading Human Capital Management at a strategic level. 

Participants will pursue the GHR-ProAdvance™ (Advanced Global HR Certification) and strengthen their ability to: 

• Engage directly in management decision-making 

• Integrate human capital strategy with business and financial perspectives 

• Drive execution in complex, global organizational environments 

While positioned as the next step for GHR-Professional™ certification holders, 
the program is also open to experienced managers who meet the required leadership and management criteria. 

Creating Value at the Front Line: The HRBP Program 

For professionals working closely with business units, HRAI also recommends the HR Business Partner (HRBP) Program. 

An HRBP is not an administrator of HR systems. 
Rather, an HRBP is a professional who: 

• Understands the business context 

• Shares responsibility for P&L outcomes 

• Connects management intent with people strategy at the operational level 

Through this program, participants learn how to maximize human capital value by bridging management and the front line, supported by foundational financial literacy and a strong People First perspective. 

Deepening Global Dialogue—Starting Now 

The Malaysia lecture, the Japan–Hong Kong webinar, and the GHR-ProAdvance™ and HRBP programs all share a common purpose: 

Elevating HR into a business partner responsible for executing Human Capital Management. 

From next month onward, HRAI will share implementation reports and insights from these initiatives. 
For now, we invite you to take part in this dialogue that is just beginning.