A New Era of Inclusive Employment in Japan
Wiz-Diversity LLP, located in Shibuya, Tokyo, proudly announces the addition of two new members: Career Consulting Co., Ltd. and Shiba-En Development Co., Ltd., effective April 1, 2026. This partnership not only expands the membership of Wiz-Diversity to 20 companies but also recognizes it as the largest organization of its kind, with a total workforce of 4053.5 individuals. Overall, the employment rate of people with disabilities within the organization is reported at 5.43%, equating to approximately 219.5 employed individuals.
Companies Making a Difference
Both Career Consulting and Shiba-En Development have successfully achieved the legally mandated employment rate for individuals with disabilities. However, they also face challenges regarding the future recruitment of individuals with disabilities and the complexities of developing job opportunities that cater to diverse disability characteristics. They understand that meeting the legal requirements is not synonymous with achieving sustainable employment for individuals with disabilities. Therefore, they chose to join Wiz-Diversity to explore a more future-oriented approach towards disability employment.
About Career Consulting Co., Ltd.
Founded in December 2003, Career Consulting embodies the principle of fostering refined human talent, offering support in recruitment, human resource consulting, and training. Their educational program, Presta Plus, allows approximately 5,000 university students per year to acquire essential job-hunting skills at no cost, making a tangible impact on the next generation of workers.
Interestingly, Career Consulting is also responsible for the initiative called 'Koreii Wa,' which focuses on the planning and sale of traditional Japanese crafts. Their commitment to innovation was recognized in 2023, when they received the Encouragement Prize at the Tokyo Management Innovation Excellence Awards. An original product, the tabletop lantern, won the grand prize at the 73rd International Premium Incentive Show for the Sustainable Selection Award.
With strategic community involvement, Career Consulting is further engaged in local development through its group company, THT Management, which operates the professional basketball team, Tokyo Hachioji Beaters, showcasing its dedication to sports as a means of regional revitalization.
Order Procurement and Future Initiatives
Following their participation in Wiz-Diversity, Career Consulting plans to create job opportunities by ordering services predominantly focused on flower arrangements (including celebratory flowers) and employee welfare items like lunch boxes and coffee drip bags.
Words from President Isao Muradate
As the company's president, Isao Muradate emphasizes the long-term sustainability of their employment practices. His initial introduction to Wiz-Diversity occurred during the opening game of the basketball team, where celebratory flower arrangements were crafted by the organization’s founding member, Fukuju-san, at Roland. Although the company had reached the legal employment quota, they recognized the need for sustainable practices for the future. He believes Wiz-Diversity’s slogan, “Employment for people with disabilities is not done alone; it’s done together!” is indicative of their shared mission to create a robust ecosystem for inclusive employment.
Insights on Shiba-En Development Co., Ltd.
Established in July 1986, Shiba-En Development operates under the motto, “Like is the Next Standard,” with a commitment to continually create new standards through its services, which include bicycle strategy management and parking solutions. Notably, in 1998, they introduced Japan’s first unmanned mechanical bicycle parking system. Their innovation has earned accolades, including the Grand Prize at the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry’s SME IT Management Awards in 2014.
Shiba-En Development is also exploring ways to enhance job opportunities for individuals with disabilities through strategic collaborations with disability welfare organizations. For instance, they have ordered services related to the placement of QR code stickers on bicycles, which provides new, manageable indoor work for their employees, ensuring they create opportunities while facing environmental challenges.
Words from President Kaoru Miyamoto
Kaoru Miyamoto, Shiba-En's second-generation president, acknowledges that while they have met the legal employment standards, they are eager to expand their job domains and solidify sustainable employment practices fully. Miyamoto learned about Wiz-Diversity through its recognition as a case study by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. He appreciates that through this partnership, employees can concentrate on essential tasks while simultaneously contributing to the employment of people with disabilities.
Wiz-Diversity’s Mission for the Future
Founded in April 2019 in Tokyo, Wiz-Diversity, the first LLP to be recognized under Japan's special exception cooperative system, focuses on creating sustainable employment opportunities for people with disabilities by facilitating collaboration between small businesses and disability welfare organizations. Currently, the cooperative offers around 60 job categories, including floral arrangements, office work, catering, and logistics.
Each member’s contribution has a vital role in enhancing the overall community. Fukuju Maki from Roland, a founding member of Wiz-Diversity, highlights the importance of providing diverse job options for those living with disabilities and facilitating access for companies to join this shared mission.
With the recent addition of Career Consulting and Shiba-En Development, as well as many existing members, the cooperative now boasts a total of 20 member companies contributing to joint employment efforts, making waves in Japan’s accessibility landscape and putting emphasis on collaborative enterprise, fostering a more promising future for all.
Conclusion
The collaboration exemplified by Wiz-Diversity is setting a new precedent in Japan's employment landscape, demonstrating that teamwork and community involvement lead to a more inclusive world. Through their individual and collective efforts, Career Consulting, Shiba-En Development, and all member organizations are embracing the challenge of creating sustainable job opportunities for individuals with disabilities—not only meeting regulatory expectations but embodying a true commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workforce.