#Japan #Tokyo #Organizational Change #People Innovation Awards

Introduction

The People Innovation Awards Executive Committee, backed by the Japan Digital Transformation Promotion Association, is excited to announce its upcoming event: the People Innovation Awards 2026 Final. Scheduled for February 26, 2026, at SHIBUYA QWS Scramble Hall, this event will honor outstanding practices in organizational transformation and talent development.

Finalists Revealed

After a rigorous selection process, eight finalists have been announced, representing a diverse array of sectors and company sizes. The finalists include renowned names such as Asahi Kasei, Hakuhodo DY Holdings, and the Panasonic Group, each set to present their journeys toward successful transformation. The event will feature a keynote address by Katsura Ito, an official from the National Personnel Authority, alongside presentations from the practitioners themselves, sharing their strategies that connect individual and organizational growth.

Event Background: Focus on Process Over Results

In an era where AI is drastically changing the business landscape, companies are increasingly focusing on digital transformation (DX) and organizational change. However, practitioners often encounter barriers such as a divide between overall approval and specific opposition, coupled with psychological resistance. This awards event aims not merely to celebrate success stories but to shine a light on the conflicts and challenges faced during the transformation process. By sharing authentic narratives from practitioners, the event aspires to accelerate organizational change across Japan.

The Eight Finalists and Their Themes

A mix of large corporations and startups will take the stage as finalists. The themes they will present are:

1. Asahi Kasei Corporation
Theme: Why Design Thinking? – The Three Phases of Transformation That Changed People and Organizations

2. Hakuhodo DY Holdings / Hakuhodo DY Corporate Initiative
Theme: What Melted the “Cold Wall” was Management Decisions and the “Heat” from Headquarters. – A Consciousness Change Initiated by AI Reverse Mentoring

3. Panasonic Group Volunteer Community
Theme: Culture Transformation Built by Volunteer Communities – Making Sunday Nights Something to Look Forward To

4. Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT)
Theme: Curious-Driven Transformation Initiated by the IT Group – Supporting Talent Growth That Fosters Autonomy

5. Human Group Inc.
Theme: Humanity-Centered Management – A Model Where People Shine Without Management, Driven by Systems

6. WMATCHA & CO. LLC
Theme: Organizational Reform in Direct Trade Initiatives Helping Small-Scale Tea Producers

7. Yanmar Green System Co., Ltd.
Theme: A Challenge Where No One is Left Behind, Towards Inclusive DX for All

8. Goonies Group Inc.
Theme: The First-Year PR’s Challenge in Upgrading Organizational OS

Judges and Their Expertise

The jury panel includes experts such as:

• - Naoko Ishihara (Director, Working AI & DX Research Institute)
• - Takashi Ishikawa (Executive Director, Work Design Lab)
• - Yuka Fujiwara (Partner, EY ShinNihon LLP)

A Unique Feature of the Event: Turning Experiences into Realities

Beyond the presentations, the event will facilitate Q&A sessions with judges to delve deep into discussions about the choices made and how opposition was addressed. Furthermore, a networking opportunity will be available for participants, fostering connections among speakers and like-minded individuals tackling similar challenges in management, HR, and DX promotion. Valuable insights to empower future transformations will be shared in this setting.

Advisory Board and Partners

The advisory board consists of notable individuals such as:

• - Sadaaki Maekawa (CEO & CWO, Dear Wonder Inc.)
• - Shizuka Shimizu (CEO, Funleash Inc.)
• - Yoshiko Nakamura (CIO Associate Officer of Izu City / Advisor to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications for Local Informationization)
• - Akiki Nishida (Representative, Yohak Design)

In collaboration with various sponsors:

• - Silver Sponsor: Achievement Inc.
• - Media Partners: HR Zine, HR NOTE
• - Partners include various associations focused on AI and HR technology.

Looking Forward

The insights derived from this awards initiative will be archived and widely disseminated to the community, contributing to the establishment of a practitioner-community across different organizations. This aims to enhance the competitiveness of Japanese enterprises.

Event Details

• - Event Name: People Innovation Awards 2026 FINAL
• - Date & Time: February 26, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Doors open at 12:30 PM)
• - Venue: SHIBUYA QWS Scramble Hall, 15th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square, 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
• - Participation Fee: Free (Pre-registration required)
• - Capacity: In-person attendance: 100 / Online streaming available
• - Target Audience: Executives, DX promoters, HR managers, and personnel
• - Organizer: People Innovation Awards Executive Committee
• - Application & Details: Visit Our Website