Japan – Guidance to business

By Daniel Morris | 4. June 2021

Chapter 2. Action Plan

2. Areas of the NAP

(1) Cross-cutting areas

E. Equality before the Law (Persons with Disabilities, Women, Persons of Diverse Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, and Other Groups)

(…)

(Future measures planned)

(a) Promote barrier-free and universal design

(…)

Promote accessibility across Japan by preparing and distributing a nationally consistent reception manual and implementing training for transportation, tourism, logistics restaurants and industries, and other industries. [Japan Tourism Agency]

(e) Ensure impartial treatment among employment fields

(…)

As awareness-raising activities on fair recruitment and selection, the Government has created and made available on its website awareness-raising pamphlets for employers stating that opportunities should be opened widely for applicants and recruitment criterion should only be on the basis of suitability and ability for the occupation. Continue to make efforts such as providing explanations during training for employers on fair screening processes for employment held at the Public Employment Security Office. [Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare]

(2) Measures of the Government as an Actor regarding State Duty to Protect Human Rights

D. Human Rights Education and Awareness-Raising

(Existing framework/Measures taken)

The Government has developed the Basic Plan on Human Rights Education and Human Rights Awareness Raising pursuant to the Act on the Promotion of Human Rights Education and Human Rights Awareness-Raising (Act No.147 of 2000), based on which it has been promoting various forms of human rights education and awareness-raising. In particular, human rights education and awareness-raising seminars for SMEs have been organized across Japan to broaden awareness of business and human rights among businesses.

(Future measures planned)

（a）Raise awareness of business and human rights and conduct training on the topics for public employees

Consider, including the topic of business and human rights in lectures for public officials undertaken by the relevant ministries and agencies. [All Ministries]
Raise awareness of various human rights issues, including business and human rights at training on human rights for public officials. [Ministry of Justice]

(b） Implement human rights education and human rights awareness-raising activities based on the Basic Plan on Human Rights Education and Human Rights Awareness-raising

Continue to implement human rights education and human rights awareness-raising activities based on the Basic Plan on Human Rights Education and Human Rights Awareness Raising with the recognition of various human rights issues in the context of business and human rights. [Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, line Ministries]
Engage in human rights awareness-raising activities such as dispatching lecturers to corporate human rights training, and distribution or leasing of human rights awareness-raising booklets and videos. [Ministry of Justice]

(c）Implement human rights awareness-raising activities through cooperation and collaboration with private enterprises

Promote further implementation of human rights awareness-raising activities such as utilization of the Center for Human Rights Education and Training and human rights lecturers in cooperation and collaboration with private enterprises. [Ministry of Justice]

(d）Continue awareness-raising seminars for SMEs

Continue to implement human rights education and awareness-raising seminars for business enterprises especially targeting SMEs as part of the Support for Human Resources Development in SMEs. [Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry]

(e）Award business enterprises tackling social issues, including respect for human rights

From the perspective of the importance of a wide recognition in society that business enterprises have a responsibility to address social issues and can make important contributions in this area, award business enterprises tackling social issues, including respect for human rights. [Consumer Affairs Agency, Ministry of Justice, line Ministries]

(f） Publicize the NAP to educational institutions and other relevant bodies

Continue to promote initiatives to raise awareness of respecting human rights in school education through school education activities reflecting regional circumstances and the different developmental stages of students, while incorporating the purpose of the new Course of Study teaching guidelines, which also envisage the development of creators of a sustainable society. Also, continue to promote initiatives in social education at social education facilities such as community learning centers, which are facilities for regional learning, in accordance with the situation in each region. [Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology]

(g）Cooperate with international organizations on the publication of the NAP and related awareness-raising activities

Make efforts to promote understanding and raise awareness for human rights throughout society through publicizing the NAP and raising awareness of it in cooperation with international organizations. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry]

(3) Measures of the Government Promoting Corporate Responsibility to Respect Human Rights

A. Measures Related to Domestic and Global Supply Chains and Promotion of Human Rights Due Diligence Based on the UNGPs

(Existing framework/Measures taken）

(…)

With increased interest in responsible business conduct, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, which Japan adheres to, added a new chapter on business responsibility on respect for human rights in its 2011 edition. In addition, OECD has launched due diligence guidance specific to sectors such as minerals, agriculture, garments, and footwear. In 2018, the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct was published as a practical tool that businesses can use regardless of the sector. The Government has been engaged in promoting the above Guidelines and Guidance to businesses.

In terms of awareness-raising activities and support, studies and research have been conducted by relevant institutions, including the Institute of Developing Economies of the Japan External Trade Organization (IDE-JETRO) and the Business Policy Forum, Japan. The results have been issued for the benefit of business enterprises.

For Japanese business enterprises engaging in overseas businesses, contact points for Japanese business enterprises (Japanese business support officers) have been established at Japanese embassies and consulates to enhance support for Japanese business enterprises’ overseas expansion.

(…)

In addition to the above, international initiatives, including the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and measures against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing are being implemented, and Japan makes an active contribution to such initiatives.

B. Support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) regarding Business and Human Rights

(Existing framework/Measures taken）

(…)

The Government also recognizes the need to engage in awareness-raising activities to increase understanding and implementation by SMEs, while also being considerate of SMEs’ position in business transactions.

(Future measures planned)

(a) Provide information to SMEs through the portal site on business and human rights

Set up a portal site with centralized information related to business and human rights to promote efforts regarding business and human rights made by SMEs. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

(b) Conduct seminars targeting SMEs in cooperation with economic organizations and civil society

Continue to implement human rights education and awareness-raising seminars for business enterprises targeting SMEs as part of the project called the Support for Human Resources Development in SMEs and enhance understanding for human rights due diligence. [Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry]

Continue to boost efforts to improve transaction terms and practices to prevent main contractors from forcing subcontractors to absorb their expenses. [Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry]