#Japan #Tokyo #Disability Employment #IROHA #HR EXPO

Transforming Disability Employment: Iroha at HR EXPO 2026

As September marks the Disability Employment Support Month, the home-based employment support service "Iroha," operated by HR Innovation, led by CEO Hiroshi Mitani, is set to showcase its remarkable approach at the upcoming 19th HR EXPO Tokyo, scheduled from September 16 to 18, 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight, booth number 17-13. This year's theme focuses on transitioning to the next phase of disability employment, beyond merely meeting legally mandated employment ratios, emphasizing the need for genuine quality in employment.

"Iroha" aims to initiate employment of disabled individuals through art and design tasks while gradually expanding to various corporate operations within a three-year framework. This innovative service not only provides a structured roadmap for companies but also highlights the integration of artistic contributions in enhancing corporate value.

Key Objectives at HR EXPO 2026

During HR EXPO, Iroha will present:

• - Concrete tasks that art employees can undertake, showcasing how their skills add value to companies.
• - Collaborations with ParaCanvas to effectively communicate corporate values through artistic creations.
• - A detailed 3-year roadmap for transitioning to self-operated employment of disabled individuals by companies.

Individual Consultations

Furthermore, individual consultations will be available for HR representatives looking to explore strategies for implementing and managing disability employment effectively. Certain companies will also have access to limited VIP invitations to attend the event.

Shifting to Quality in Employment

The importance of not just quantity but also quality in disability employment is more pressing than ever. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has emphasized the need for organizations to encourage individual capabilities, ensure meaningful participation in corporate activities, and maintain proper employment management.

The Role of Iroha in Quality Employment

By utilizing external support for initiating disability employment, Iroha guides companies in preserving knowledge and expertise internally while fostering an environment where disabled individuals can thrive. The transition involves three main phases:

• - Year 1: Foundation Building - Establishing a solid base through art and design tasks, accommodating individual capabilities, and maintaining effective communication.
• - Year 2: Expanding Roles - Broadening the employment scope to include new tasks aligned with corporate functions while building operational expertise.
• - Year 3: Transitioning to Self-Operation - Gradually moving operational responsibilities from external support to internal management, focused on creating a self-sufficient employment structure.

Contributions of Art and Design

Iroha highlights that the focus lies not on producing art but on leveraging the artistic capabilities of disabled individuals as a meaningful contribution to corporate environments. The areas of work may include:

• - Corporate branding and communication materials.
• - Design for safety training and internal education.
• - Enhancements for internal communications through creative materials.
• - Contributions to web and graphic design tasks.

Showcasing Results at HR EXPO

HR EXPO will exhibit not only the framework of Iroha's services but also tangible outcomes from employing art and design personnel:

• - Examples of artistic contributions to corporate functions.
• - The potential of using these creations for internal and external branding.
• - Ways to nurture and expand tasks based on a company's unique operational needs.

Online Exhibition for Broader Access

For those unable to attend the event in person, an online exhibition will be held on September 18, 2026, starting at 15:00, allowing nationwide participation.

In conclusion, Iroha is committed to not only pioneering innovative employment strategies for disabled individuals but also contributing to broader societal goals such as SDGs through responsible corporate practices. With an ever-growing community of 150 registered artists, Iroha continues to reshape the landscape of disability employment and demonstrates its commitment at HR EXPO 2026, paving the way for a more inclusive future in the workforce.