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Conference on Joint Employment for Persons with Disabilities

On July 1, 2026, the WithDiversity cooperative, located in Shibuya, Tokyo, will host a significant report meeting focused on expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This gathering will bring together small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the country to share insights and learn from each other about effective employment practices.

WithDiversity aims to highlight the opportunities available for SMEs to collaborate with disability welfare organizations for better employment strategies. The focus is to inform more businesses that there is an innovative model to support people with disabilities in the workplace. We invite business owners, HR representatives, and members of the press interested in advancing disability employment to participate in this important discussion.

Event Details

The conference, a hallmark event of WithDiversity, will cover the unique collaborative structures that allow SMEs to work alongside disability welfare organizations effectively. Participants will learn from the organization’s experiences, as it was the first in Japan to receive official recognition for its joint employment model in 2019.

During the meeting, there will be a panel discussion featuring voices of individuals directly involved in the employment initiatives. Participants will receive insights into what it means to create an inspiring work environment for people with disabilities, making it a fulfilling experience for both the employee and employer.

Current Social Context

Despite the national push for disability employment, with the legal employment rate increasing, many SMEs lag behind in meeting these standards. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, the employment rate across private sectors stands at only 2.41%, notably below the legal target of 2.5%. Furthermore, a staggering 57.6% of companies not meeting these benchmarks have no employees with disabilities. This trend highlights the additional challenges that smaller businesses face regarding recruitment, training, and supporting employees with disabilities. For companies with 40-100 employees, the employment rate of individuals with disabilities drops to only 0.94%.

Conference Agenda

• - Date & Time: July 1, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM (Registration for non-member companies starts at 11:00 AM)
• - Location: SCC Sendagaya Community Center, 3rd Floor, 1-1-10 Jingu-mae, Shibuya, Tokyo
• - Target Audience:

- Business owners and HR personnel addressing disability employment challenges
- Companies interested in disability employment practices
- Members of the media

Agenda Overview

1. Morning Session (9:30 - 11:00): Report meeting for cooperative member companies (exclusively for members)
2. Afternoon Session (11:15 - 3:30): Joint employment report meeting, featuring:
- Opening Remarks
- Presentation on the current state of disability employment (by Mizuki Fukuzu, founder of WithDiversity)
- Panel discussion featuring stories from employed individuals with disabilities
- Networking lunch
- Site visit to LORANS Harajuku and Bloom Factory
- Individual consultations (limited to 6 companies)

About WithDiversity

WithDiversity is a limited liability partnership that helps promote joint employment of people with disabilities by facilitating collaboration among SMEs and disability welfare organizations. Established in 2019, it is recognized as the first such organization in Japan to receive government approval. By harnessing collective efforts, member companies collectively provide meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, achieving an impressive employment rate of 5.43% as of April 2026. Through joint efforts, WithDiversity aims to transform the employment landscape for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have access to professional roles and a vibrant work environment.

This conference is a chance for every participant to engage in fruitful discussions and explore how SMEs can advance their practices towards inclusive employment. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive workforce for everyone.