In-house lawyers and compliance specialists from various industries attend the seminar
The Japan In-House Lawyers Association (JILA) has hosted its 180th seminar, gathering legal and compliance professionals to examine a new frontier in corporate governance: building culture with evidence, intention and scientific insight in Tokyo.
The session focused on a growing need among Japanese companies: to bridge the gap between their stated corporate philosophies and actual business practices.
In her opening message, Kyoko Fukiya, chairperson of the JILA training committee, encouraged participants to rethink the traditional role of in-house counsel.
The keynote address was delivered by Daisuke Fukamizu, partner at Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu, who introduced the concept of evidence-based governance. He said that for many Japanese companies, recurring compliance failures were symptoms of a deeper issue: a corporate culture that inhibited healthy risk-taking.
The panel discussion was moderated by Jumpei Ishii, legal counsel at YKK AP, a manufacturer of architectural building products.
Joining the discussion were YKK Corporation’s Toshiyuki Komaki, executive chief specialist and legal counsel, and Jessica Kennett Cork, vice president, Global Engagement Office, Corporate Planning Department.
When closing the seminar, Ishii said: “Today’s discussion has reaffirmed that our role as in-house counsel is evolving. We are not just guardians of the rules, but enablers of a culture of integrity that drives sustainable business success.”
