#Japan #Tokyo #Purpose Branding #SMO #Corporate Purpose

Increasing Adoption of Purpose Statements in Japanese Corporations

The corporate landscape in Japan is witnessing a remarkable transformation, with an increasing number of companies formally establishing their purpose (or in English, 'Purpose') statements. This trend reflects a significant shift in how organizations define their existence and align their operational strategies with a deeper, more meaningful mission. According to recent findings from SMO, a leader in purpose branding consultancy, a total of 337 companies listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Prime section have officially adopted purpose statements, representing approximately 20.6% of the surveyed 1,634 firms.

Overview of the Purpose Statement List 2025

Since 2022, SMO has undertaken an annual analysis of corporate philosophies among all listed firms, compiling an extensive Purpose Statement List 2025. This report highlights the growing recognition of the importance of purpose within organizational frameworks. SMO’s research showcases not only the increasing number of companies adopting purpose statements but also sheds light on the evolution of corporate philosophies in Japan.

Historical Trends of Purpose Statement Adoption

The data reveal a striking increase in the number of companies embracing purpose statements over the years:

• - 2022: 91 companies (4.9% of 1,836 surveyed)
• - 2023: 164 companies (8.8% of 1,836 surveyed)
• - 2024: 236 companies (14.3% of 1,650 surveyed)
• - 2025: 337 companies (20.6% of 1,634 surveyed)

The numbers clearly illustrate a growing trend toward the formalization of purpose as a core component of corporate identity.

Purpose Statement Adoption – Who Benefits?

The increasing interest in establishing purpose statements invites organizations across various sectors to rethink their operational strategies. This movement is particularly advantageous for:

• - Companies looking to revise their corporate philosophies or develop a clear purpose statement.
• - Executives and planning departments involved in the development and dissemination of organizational philosophies.
• - Business leaders aiming to clarify their organization’s existence and leverage it as a catalyst for transformational change.

For a comprehensive look at the adopted purpose statements, interested parties can access the Purpose Statement List 2025 available on SMO's resources page: SMO Resources.

From Discovery to Implementation of Purpose

SMO has been pioneering purpose branding in Japan long before the concept gained traction in the corporate world. Over the past decade, their advocacy for purpose-driven strategies involves unveiling an organization's core reason for existence and guiding all business activities around it. Their method encompasses discovering, permeating, and realizing the purpose, establishing a comprehensive process that equips businesses to transform into resilient brands.

Consulting Services by SMO

For organizations considering revising their purpose or implementing a purpose strategy, SMO offers a wealth of experience and proven methodologies tailored to drive transformational change. With over 14 years of expertise, they assist in shaping corporate identities that resonate with their core purpose.

Contact Information for SMO:
SMO Inc.
1-17-1, Toranomon, Minato-ku,
Tokyo 105-6415, Japan
Phone: 03-6807-3949
Email: info@smo-inc.com

About SMO

SMO Inc. is dedicated to the mission of "transmitting authenticity into the future." As a trailblazer in purpose branding in Japan, they have been transforming companies for over 14 years through purpose-driven strategies, helping clients identify and clarify their purpose, and steering them toward achieving substantial organizational change and growth.