People First – Developing Strategic HR Leaders (HRBP: Human Resource Business Partner)

Japan’s First! GHR-HRBP™ (Global Human Resource Business Partner) Certification Program Launching September 2025

The Origins of HRBP and Global Trends

The concept of the Human Resource Business Partner (HRBP) was introduced in the late 1990s by Professor Dave Ulrich of the University of Michigan.
Until then, HR departments primarily focused on administrative tasks such as recruitment and labor management. Ulrich’s model redefined HR as a strategic partner to management, directly linking HR to organizational growth and competitive advantage.

In Western countries, HRBPs are already embedded in each business unit, serving as a bridge between management and the field. In recent years, their role has expanded further due to trends such as Human Capital Management, DE&I, the rise of remote work, and the integration of AI.

Why Japan Needs GHR-HRBP Now

As organizations grow, HR functions such as recruitment, talent development, evaluation, rewards, labor relations, organizational development, and business analysis often become siloed, leading to sub-optimization.
This disconnect between HR initiatives and corporate strategy prevents organizations from fully leveraging their human capital.

GHR-HRBP integrates these functions and serves as a “strategy execution engine”, connecting corporate goals with on-the-ground execution. More than just HR administrators, GHR-HRBPs act as strategic partners to management, linking HR functions with business outcomes and driving sustainable growth.

Value of Certification

The GHR-HRBP certification demonstrates globally recognized knowledge and skills as an HRBP. Certified professionals are equipped to:

• Strategic Thinking – Integrate business strategy with HR initiatives to drive results
• Analytical Skills – Conduct business analysis by combining financial metrics, market trends, and HR data
• Influence – Deliver persuasive, data-driven proposals to executives
• Global Competence – Apply international HRBP practices and manage across cultures

This program develops strategic HR leaders who meet global standards, with internationally recognized credentials.

A Program Designed to Achieve “People First”

The core philosophy of this program—People First—is the belief that people are the greatest source of sustainable growth for any organization.
Participants will learn not only how to design HR systems, but also how to foster individual growth and link it to organizational results. The program places particular emphasis on business analysis skills, integrating financial, market, and HR data to support decision-making.

Japan Launch – September 2025

Offered by HRAI (Human Resource Accreditation Institute), the GHR-HRBP Certification Program combines global trends with Japan’s HR challenges in a unique curriculum.
Upon completion of the program and passing the exam, participants will be awarded the GHR-HRBP certification.
Graduates will also gain access to the GHR-CONNECTION network, enabling them to continually update their knowledge and stay connected with international HR professionals.

Curriculum Overview

Chapter 1｜The Role and Strategic Value of Global HRBPs
– Who are the bridge builders between management and HR in the global arena?

Chapter 2｜Fundamentals of Human Capital Management for Global HRBPs
– How to contribute to management by sharing the common language of finance, strategy, and HR

Chapter 3｜Designing and Executing Talent Strategy as a Global HRBP
– Shaping people strategies to mobilize talent and envision the organization’s future

Chapter 4｜Communication Strategy for Global HRBPs in Cross-Cultural Environments
– Leveraging diversity to build trust and influence across the organization

Chapter 5｜First Steps into People Analytics
– Building data literacy: Transforming HRBP thinking and actions

Chapter 6｜Conclusion and Future Directions
– Your first step toward practicing as a Global HRBP

✍️ HRBP Business Proposal Workshop

Learning that goes beyond theory – creating HR proposals that reach management.
Through each chapter, participants will deepen their analysis based on their own workplace realities and interests, transforming these insights into strategic proposals from a Global HRBP perspective.

Toward the Future of HR Professionals

By mastering the three pillars—Human Capital Management, Global HR Strategy, and Business Analysis—this program cultivates leaders who embody People First.
Take the first step toward evolving Japan’s HR into a true strategic partner to management.

More details: https://www.ghrjapan.org/en/hrbp

Certification: GHR-HRBP™ (Digital Badge issued upon completion)

2025 Schedule – 2-Day Intensive Program (Japanese, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)

• September 27 (Sat) & September 28 (Sun)
• November 26 (Wed) & November 27 (Thu)