#Japan #Tokyo #Human Capital #SPI #SP Research Institute

SP Research Institute Kicks Off Practical Workshop on Human Capital Evaluation Standards

SP Research Institute, led by CEO Yoshitaka Minooka, has officially launched a practical workshop centered around the new human capital disclosure standard known as SPI (Sustainable Performance Index). This initiative was highlighted during the recent international HR technology conference, 'HR Tech 2025@Las Vegas', held on September 26, 2025, which served as a platform for sharing the latest trends in human capital management.

The event attracted approximately 80 attendees, including business leaders, HR professionals, and HR technology vendors. The discussions covered a range of topics such as 'Implementing Human Capital Management through AI Agents,' 'Visualizing ROI Focused on Skills,' and 'Evaluation of Human Capital Disclosure using SPI.' These conversations aimed to foster an environment of knowledge sharing regarding both local and global advancements in the field.

Insights from the Conference

The opening remarks were delivered by Hirofumi Udagawa, a visiting professor at Chuo University Business School and a strategic advisor to both SP Research Institute and entomo. He emphasized the transformative potential of AI in human capital management, stating:

"The emergence of AI agents presents a unique opportunity to shift from the American-style HR tech paradigm to a more bespoke approach suited for Japanese companies. However, state-of-the-art AI must be nurtured by the thoughts and aspirations of CEOs and HR leaders, the company’s data, and the voices of employees. This collaboration aims to develop AI rooted in the realities of Japanese businesses."

Udagawa categorizes AI-driven human capital management as a fusion of data, philosophy, and practical knowledge from the workplace. He highlighted that the practical insights provided by SP Research Institute are crucial for supporting corporate transformation.

Recognizing Excellence in Human Capital Disclosure

During the event, SP Research Institute recognized PHONE APPLI as a leading organization in the sphere of human capital disclosure, awarding them based on the distinctive evaluation criteria of SPI. The company achieved a SPI aggregate score of +71 (equivalent to 85.5 out of 100). The criteria for this recognition included:
1. A forward-thinking approach to employee experience and the operational use of behavioral data.
2. Implementation of skill-based one-on-one sessions supported by a reliable skill taxonomy.
3. Integrated use of HR technology tools such as PA 1on1, PA PEOPLE, and THANKS in daily business operations.
4. Quantitative disclosures related to succession planning and the linking of human capital ROI to financial indicators.

President Haruhiko Obayashi from PHONE APPLI remarked on the accolade, stating:

"At our company, we utilize human capital through the lens of employee experience, skills, and data, thereby strengthening the connection to our business KPIs. This award motivates us to further visualize human capital ROI and accelerate its integration into our management strategy, pursuing our purpose of creating a society where people can thrive at work."

Meanwhile, Yoshitaka Minooka, CEO of SP Research Institute, has acknowledged the exceptional qualities of PHONE APPLI's human capital disclosure practices, stating:

"As reflected in the evaluation results, the company's approach to human capital disclosure stands out significantly in our country. Their commitment to practical implementation enriches the disclosure, ensuring it is both profound and persuasive."

Launching the SPI-Based Disclosure Workshops

Starting this autumn, SP Research Institute will formally roll out a practical program utilizing the SPI framework designed for fostering a deeper understanding of human capital disclosure. This program, titled 'Understanding Human Capital Disclosure Workshop,' will aid participants in experiencing self-assessment across SPI's 17 dimensions and assist in developing ROI narratives on human capital management.

The program consists of three steps:
1. Developing interpretative skills for disclosure information.
2. Experiencing self-evaluation based on the 17 SPI criteria.
3. Building a compelling story around human capital ROI.

The overarching goal is to facilitate conversational support focused on the implementation of human capital management.

Minooka articulated a fundamental principle behind the initiative:

"The aim of human capital disclosure is not merely to disclose but to catalyze change within organizations. SPI acts as a mirror reflecting structural realities, and we strive to create a society where HR, management, and investors can engage in dialogue using the language of ROI."

Moving forward, SP Research Institute plans to enhance the quality of human capital disclosures through the development of scoring reports based on SPI and collaborative advancements with AI agents, aiming to establish a common language between companies and investors.

For more details or to register for the workshops, please visit here.

Company Overview

SP Research Institute (Sustainable Performance Institute) is headquartered in Nihonbashi Hakozakicho, Chuo City, Tokyo, and specializes in consulting for human capital management and the strategic use of HR technology.