Revolutionizing JA Back Office Operations with Online Archive Videos

The Japan Agricultural News, headquartered in Taito, Tokyo, recently held a digital seminar titled "Online Seminar: Back Office DX for JA" on May 22, 2026. This free webinar aimed to tackle challenges in the management departments of JA organizations by showcasing successful cases of digitalization in HR and labor management. Attendees learned how these advancements can streamline operations and foster better communication with union members. Approximately 200 staff members from the JA Group participated online.

As part of this initiative, the seminar's archived video is now available for free. On June 18, a special report titled "Back Office DX for JA Event Summary" will also be published, offering further insights into the seminar's activities.

Archive Video Access:

- Overview: An edited recording of the seminar held on May 22, 2026.
- Format: Exclusively available on YouTube (free access).
- Watch & Download Materials: Watch Here

Keynote Talks:

1. "Redefining Back Office Personnel in JA through Digital Reconstruction" – Speaker: Hidenori Kakiuchi, CEO of Persol Research Institute Reskilling Camp.
2. "Tips for Achieving DX through Supporting Over 100 Companies Annually" – Speaker: Hideo Kataoka, CEO of Persol Innovation TECH PLAY Company.

Case Studies Presented:

1. "Reforming HR and Labor Management through Centralized Data Management"
- Speaker: Yukihiro Naotomi, Senior Sales Executive at SmartHR High Enterprise Sales Department.
- Speaker: Jun Itsukida, Manager of the Planning Department at JA Ichikawa.

2. "Understanding Organizational Risks of Employee Commuting with Personal Cars in JAs"
- Speaker: Yuki Yoshida, Sales Manager at SmartDrive New Business Discussion Office.
- Speaker: Mayu Inaki, BPO Promotion Team at JA Mitsui Lease Auto.
- Facilitator: Hideaki Takahashi, Deputy Director of Food and Agriculture Innovation Bureau, Japan Agricultural News.

Special Campaign for Archive Viewers:

To celebrate the release of the archive video, those who view it and participate in the associated survey will be entered into a draw to win a copy of "Reskilling Creates Strong Teams" by Hidenori Kakiuchi, presented in the keynote lecture. The deadline for this offer is June 30.

Background of the Online Seminar:

As digital transformations permeate various sectors, the operational methodologies within JA's HR and general affairs departments remain predominantly paper-based, requiring substantial time and effort. Furthermore, this traditional approach can deter the younger, tech-savvy workforce, leading to serious recruitment challenges. This seminar seeks to clearly outline the current realities and issues within the JA framework and propose solutions that enhance the efficiency and automation of HR operations through cloud-based tools and paperless management methods, thereby fostering sustainable organizational practices.

About Japan Agricultural News:

Founded in 1928, Japan Agricultural News serves as the only national paper dedicated to agriculture and rural issues in Japan, providing valuable insights to farmers and JA staff. In recent years, it has expanded its efforts beyond media to actively support the digital transformation (DX) initiatives within the JA Group and cultivate digital talent.

For further inquiries, please contact:
Japan Agricultural News
Food and Agriculture Innovation Bureau Media Promotion Department
Contact: Fujikawa
Phone: 03-6281-5810
Fax: 03-6281-5852
Email: [email protected]