#Japan #Shibuya, Tokyo #NOMA #KAIZEN #Improvement

Upcoming Online Conference: The 49th Chubu Conference on Kaizen Activities

On September 25, 2026, the Japan Management Association (JMA) will host the 49th Chubu Conference on Kaizen initiatives online. This event aims to invigorate proposal activities and is open to anyone involved in improvement initiatives.

Who Should Attend?

The conference is recommended for:

• - Those managing and promoting in-house proposal systems.
• - Professionals responsible for enhancing productivity and safety in manufacturing settings.
• - Individuals seeking strategies to boost the number of proposals and participants.
• - Companies looking to learn from practical improvement examples in other firms.
• - Organizations wanting to embed improvement activities into their workplace culture rather than treating them as temporary changes.

Event Program Highlights

Special Lecture: Transforming the Workplace: Amazing Kaizen in Small Factories

Speaker: Yukihiro Kawajima
Role: CEO of Daishin Daisukoubou, CEO of Daiyo Alloy, CEO of MigLift, and Educational Advisor at Kaetsu University Graduate School
Born in 1988 in Kashiwara, Osaka, Kawajima started his career in a Toyota-related dealership, gaining valuable frontline experience. After joining his family's business following his grandfather's passing in 2015, he became CEO at the age of 29. By implementing front-line improvement techniques in management, he transformed the company’s revenues, tripling them over eight years. Currently, Kawajima supports the rejuvenation and growth of small factories using M&A and DX strategies. He is also the author of Amazing Kaizen in Small Factories, set to be published in 2025.

Presentation of Outstanding Improvement Case Studies

1. JR East Technology Co., Ltd.
Presentation: Development of tooling for door lock switch replacement
2. Ricoh Industry Co., Ltd.
Presentation: Design of auxiliary tool for AGV power connector removal
3. Tohoku Epson Co., Ltd.
Presentation: Digital determination of contact between transfer arms and wafers
4. Toyota Boshoku Shiga Co., Ltd.
Presentation: Development of a material peeling device for carpets
(Presentations are in the order they were given.)

Closing Lecture: What Makes a Workplace’s Improvement Continuous? — How Teamwork Fosters a Culture of Improvement

Speaker: Hiroyuki Suda
Role: Representative of Asuka Management Office / Registered Expert at Aichi Industrial Promotion Organization
With approximately 20 years in the manufacturing industry, Suda has experience in development, on-site improvement, and management. He has trained around 1,500 individuals in personnel development departments. His focus is on conveying methods for on-site and organizational improvements while nurturing capable in-house leaders who can drive change. His approach prioritizes practical outcomes over theoretical discussions, serving as a lecturer at JMA.

Event Details and Registration

• - Date: September 25, 2026
• - Time: 1:00 PM to 4:35 PM
• - Target Participants: Anyone involved in improvement proposal activities
• - Format: Online via Zoom
• - Participation Fees (including tax):

- NOMA Members: 12,650 JPY
- General Public: 18,150 JPY
- Improvement and Proposal Research Group Members: 8,800 JPY
- Discounts available for groups of 4 or more from the same company (please refer to the attached PDF for details).

About the Improvement and Proposal Research Group

Founded in 1958 (original name: Japan Proposal Activities Research Association), this group aims to enhance and promote improvement proposal activities that support corporate management through labor-saving, rationalization, safety improvements, and cost reductions. This conference marks the 49th edition of the event focusing on proposal activities, which serves as a platform for collecting and sharing ideas to invigorate future activities.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding the event, please contact the Japan Management Association, Improvement and Proposal Research Group office at:

• - Email: [email protected]
• - Phone: 052-957-4172

About the Japan Management Association

Since its establishment in 1949 as the Japan Office Efficiency Association, the JMA has focused on enhancing and modernizing management practices in Japan.

Core Philosophy

The NOMA aims to contribute to the sustainable development of society by promoting harmony among management, humanity, and science.

Purpose

Continuously innovate Japanese management alongside our clients for a better tomorrow.

For more information, visit the Japan Management Association’s website.