Amidst ongoing globalization, convoluted socio-economic problems such as climate change, financial crisis, resource scarcity and food shortage have been unfolded across the border. While in Japan, multiple social concerns came to surface, with corroding corporate ethics, product safety, ageing population with fewer children, unstable employment patterns and widening income gaps, among others.

How the business should cope with such a diverse and rapidly changing social environment for the sake of public goods? What is an ideal way of sustainable management? The main objective of this symposium was to address and explore these issues.

The symposium was held on February 23, 2009 at Toranomon Pastoral, Tokyo. About 140 participants heard presentations by six speakers; from business perspective, Japan/US perspectives and consumer perspective, including a presentation on how to fulfill one’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) through improved work-life balance as well as primary business. Vigorous panel discussion was also conducted subsequently.

Speakers’ List:
Koji Sakamoto, Professor, Hosei Graduate School of Regional Policy Design
Arthur M. Mitchell, White & Case Law Offices
Kikuko Tatsumi, Nippon Association of Consumer Specialists
Hiroshi Ishikawa, Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.
Ryuhei Tamamura, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.
Masazumi Takata, Nestlé Japan Ltd.

Moderator of the Panel Discussion:
Tsugio Ide, Professor, Graduate School of Business, Nihon University