JMA Launches 'Next-Generation CFO / Business Management Personnel Training Course' in Tokyo This October, Supervised by 16 Active CFOs from Major Companies

The Japan Management Association (JMA, Chairman: Masami Nakamura) will newly launch the 'Next-generation CFO / Business Management Personnel Training Course' targeted at young to mid-level corporate employees in October 2026, at 'AP Tokyo Marunouchi' (1-1-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku) in Tokyo, with the aim of developing core personnel responsible for future business management from an early stage. The course consists of a 2-day in-person program and will be held a total of 4 times: this October, November, January 2027, and February (Note: same content each time). A distinguishing feature of this course is that 16 active CFOs and business managers from major companies participate as planning committee members to supervise the program, led by Tetsuji Yamanishi, Representative Director, Executive Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer of TDK Corporation, who serves as the chairman of the program's planning committee. The instructors are Masanori Orihara, Associate Professor of the Financial Strategy and Corporate Finance Program at Hitotsubashi University Business School, and Masayoshi Miyanaga, Specially Appointed Professor at Chuo University Business School. Additionally, one of the active CFOs/business managers serving on the planning committee will take the stage at each session to directly convey their 'perspective and resolve' based on their real-life experiences. Recently, attention toward 'human capital management' has been rapidly increasing among Japanese companies. We have entered an era where investors demand concrete and logical explanations of how investment in people leads to corporate value. In the uncertain era often referred to as VUCA*, building a robust business management structure that supports strategic decision-making is essential to achieving a sustainable increase in corporate value. However, excellent business managers do not emerge naturally as a mere extension of daily operations. Besides deep expertise in finance and accounting, personnel possessing 'strategic thinking,' 'business resolution capability,' 'insight into non-financial areas,' and above all, 'the dialogue skills to interact as equals with top management,' must be intentionally and systematically cultivated; otherwise, they will not develop. Personnel involved in business management are now required to step out of the confines of the back office and evolve into leaders of transformation as the ultimate business partners to top management. This course is aimed not only at those in finance and accounting departments but at all next-generation leaders wishing to elevate their organizational perspective, including corporate planning, business promotion, and management layers. This program's true essence is providing a place to acquire the 'strategic and practical skills' needed to lead transformation as the CEO's best partner. JMA is currently accepting applications. Those wishing to attend should apply via the JMA Management School website below. https://school.jma.or.jp/products/detail.php?product_id=152938 *VUCA is a concept representing the four elements characterizing the modern business environment: Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity, signifying an era where prediction is difficult and change is rapid. JMA contributes to creating new management and organizational structures by maximizing the power of 'people,' the cornerstone of corporate management. JMA holds over 2,000 public training sessions annually, ranging from programs for presidents and executives to long-term training for next-generation leaders and management candidates, role-based competency development, and specialized skill upgrades in HR, marketing, sales, R&D, design, technology, production, and procurement. JMA also provides tailored problem-solving support for companies, municipalities, and schools. ■ Course Features 1. 'Management Lectures' by Active CFOs/Business Managers Representing Japan As the highlight of this course, on the second day of each session, one active CFO/business manager from a leading Japanese company—serving as a planning committee member—will give a lecture. They will directly impart to attendees their 'perspective and resolve' based on real-life experiences, touching upon their career trajectory, critical insights suited to their roles, and expectations for the next generation. - October 23 (Fri): Eiichi Mizutani, Executive Officer & Senior Vice President, Ajinomoto Co., Inc. - November 25 (Wed): Kaoru Sakita, Director, Executive Officer & CFO, Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. - January 27 (Wed): Masayuki Higuchi, Director, Executive Officer & CFO, FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation - February 24 (Wed): Tatsuya Nishida, Senior Managing Executive Officer, Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. 2. Ultra-Practical Curriculum: Condensing the 'Knowledge Truly Needed Now' by Active CFOs This course is a practical program where active CFOs/business managers, acting as planning committee members, have rigorously identified the 'qualities truly needed for the next generation.' It goes beyond the mere acquisition of textbook knowledge and theory, condensing the 'practical wisdom' required to solve real-world challenges faced on the front lines.