Challenging the AI Era with "Human Power": IU Consulting's Contrarian Strategy by Professional Grouping a Social Insurance Labor Consultant Firm in Tokyo!
IU Consulting Group announces the grouping of RIMONO Work-Life Design, a social insurance labor consultant firm, and the opening of an integrated tax and labor hub in Shinjuku, Tokyo, in July 2026, with a record-breaking investment of approximately 80 million yen.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 19:10
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 2, 2026 at 12:57 (1481h 47m after Published)
IU Consulting Group (Headquarters: Toshima-ku, Tokyo; Group Representative: Yu Iwanaga / Group Co-Representative: Yuki Degawa; hereinafter "the Group"), which operates consulting services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and asset owners across 16 locations, based on a tax accountant corporation, announces that it will group RIMONO Work-Life Design (Headquarters: Hachioji-shi, Tokyo; Representative: Takeshi Nishishige; hereinafter "RIMONO"), a social insurance labor consultant firm, as of July 2026.
Concurrently, the Group will invest approximately 80 million yen, its largest budget ever (excluding self-built office buildings), to open its second Tokyo office in Shinjuku in July. This Shinjuku office will house the Group's advisor-specialized team "Mirai Base" and RIMONO members, co-creating integrated tax and labor consulting services.
Maximizing "High-Value-Added Services" with Approximately 8,000 Hours Annually Created by AI Utilization
With the advancement of AI, professional services that merely involve "input tasks" such as bookkeeping and declarations are being phased out, and the demand for "consultants" who support management decisions based on deep trust is increasing. In this context, the Group has promoted thorough efficiency through AI utilization, successfully creating over 8,000 hours of surplus time annually across the entire group.
However, our true strategy is not "mere efficiency." It is to reinvest the vast amount of time generated by technology into analysis for deeply understanding client situations, on-site dialogue, and "responsiveness" to build strong trust.
Our aim is not to be "white-collar" professionals who merely state correct theories, but a group of professionals like "blue-collar" workers who stand by business owners and sometimes tackle on-site challenges with grit. Now that knowledge is becoming commoditized, we are convinced that this craftsman's spirit, which AI can never imitate—always taking ownership and supporting management decisions when needed—is our greatest added value.
A Strategic Hub for "Finance x Labor" with the Largest-Ever Budget Investment
In an era where telework and online services are accelerating, leading to the "non-face-to-face" trend in professional services, we are deliberately making our largest-ever investment to open this physical hub. This is because the lonely decisions of business owners are supported not by correct theories presented on a screen, but by "human power" cultivated through face-to-face interaction, sharing even subtle facial expressions.
When a company accelerates its growth, challenges inevitably arise where "investment (finance)" and "people (labor)" are complexly intertwined. It is difficult to propose fundamental solutions if information is fragmented between the tax and labor sides. The Shinjuku office, opening in July 2026, will combine the Group's expertise in tax, finance, and succession with RIMONO's knowledge in labor affairs, aiming to solve management challenges from multiple perspectives.
Furthermore, through subjective, hands-on support that allows us to say, "If I were the president, I would choose this path," we aim to create an environment where business owners can confidently accelerate their growth. We are convinced that this accumulation of challenges will lead to the realization of a "department store for SMEs" that solves all management issues in a one-stop manner, thereby embodying our group vision of "enriching Japan's future" as a unique path.
Comments from Both Representatives
Yu Iwanaga (Group Representative)
"In an era where AI instantly provides answers, the value of professional services is shifting from 'quantity of knowledge' to the human touch of 'being able to empathize with business owners.' When considering the grouping of this social insurance labor consultant firm, only Mr. Nishishige's face came to mind. There is no other partner like him, who possesses professional objectivity yet stands subjectively in the lonely arena of business owners, showing a 'blue-collar' passion for getting hands dirty and working hard. With the Shinjuku strategic hub as our core, we will overcome the barriers between tax and labor, and together create the strongest support team that enables business owners to confidently step on the accelerator."
Takeshi Nishishige (RIMONO Representative)
"I am filled with an indescribable sense of excitement and determination for this environment where I am confident that I can overcome any challenge with Mr. Iwanaga, and where I can take on challenges with trusted members. What is in my heart now is a full-power hungry spirit to overturn the outdated norms of the industry and surprise society. Starting from the Shinjuku office, we will demonstrate the future of professional services with the power of the younger generation."
Turning Individual Visions into Organizational Growth Engines
A Professional Group with a 95% Retention Rate Challenges "Human-Centered" Organization Building
Since its establishment in 2013, the Group has built a top-class track record in Japan (over 7,500 cumulative cases: 1,802 cases in 2025) based on IU Consulting Tax Accountant Corporation, specializing in asset taxation. In recent years, leveraging the expertise cultivated in asset taxation, the Group has expanded its business domains to include SME growth support and overseas operations, with inheritance and business succession as core businesses.
This rapid growth is supported by a strong human foundation. While hiring approximately 40 people annually, the Group maintains an extremely high retention rate of 95%. This is based on the desire for "members themselves to be mentally and physically enriched first to achieve their vision," leading to 40 diverse welfare benefits and unique initiatives that allow members to feel growth and fulfillment.
In addition, office expansion driven by people is a major feature. The Group incorporates members' visions, such as "I want to become an office manager" or "I want to return to my hometown and contribute," into its management strategy, turning them into reality instead of just dreams. This flexible and dynamic deployment strategy, which transforms members' passion into a driving force for growth, is linked to the Group's expansion. This "HUMAN CENTERED" philosophy deeply resonates with RIMONO, which is now being grouped.
With the opening of the Kumamoto office this month and the Shinjuku office in July, the Group is looking towards further expansion. As the organization expands at an unprecedented pace, important positions such as management layers and office managers are continuously emerging, offering opportunities for individuals to advance to the next stage with their knowledge.
Don't be afraid of change; let's aim for greater heights together.
Why not transform that passion into a "big wave" of organizational growth?
We sincerely look forward to your applications.
Click here for company briefing sessions and recruitment event information
Profiles of Both Representatives
Yu Iwanaga (Representative, IU Consulting Group)
Born in 1983. Graduated from Seinan Gakuin University, Faculty of Economics. Completed the Advanced Management Accounting Professional (EMBA) program at Kyoto University Graduate School of Management. Registered as a tax accountant at age 26. After gaining experience at two tax accountant firms, he became independent in 2013 and incorporated in 2015. He rapidly grew a tax accountant firm specializing in asset taxation to boast the top number of inheritance tax declarations in Western Japan within just a few years.
Currently, under the group mission of "providing high-value-added services as professionals supporting SMEs and asset owners," he is promoting business diversification, including corporate growth support and overseas relocation support, based on inheritance and business succession. As the representative of one of Japan's leading comprehensive consulting groups, which also includes social insurance labor consultant firms and administrative scrivener firms, he is responsible for steering the management.
Takeshi Nishishige (Representative, RIMONO Work-Life Design, Social Insurance Labor Consultant Firm)
Born in 1985. Graduated from Soka University, Faculty of Business Administration. During his studies, he visited ILO (International Labour Organization) and other organizations during overseas training. Achieved Japan's No. 1 title in student kickboxing (team competition). In 2010, he joined a major social insurance labor consultant office in Tokyo. While gaining practical experience, he strongly felt the importance of organizational development where "culture surpasses strategy," and in 2021, he established RIMONO Work-Life Design, a social insurance labor consultant firm.
By introducing a unique recruitment and training model, he rapidly grew the firm to over 250 labor consulting clients and over 25 staff members within four years of its establishment. He is an Everything DiSC certified instructor. He promotes on-site, hands-on support that stands by business owners in their lonely decisions.
Group Overview
General Name: IU Consulting Group
Established: April 1, 2015 (Founded: April 1, 2013)
Group Representatives: Yu Iwanaga (Representative), Yuki Degawa (Co-Representative)
Locations: 15 domestic offices, 1 overseas office (Malaysia local subsidiary)
Employees: 219 people (as of April 1, 2026)
Group Website: https://bs.taxlawyer328.jp/
Recruitment Website: https://iu-recruit.taxlawyer328.jp/
Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iuconsultinggroup
Group Companies: IUCG Co., Ltd.
IU Consulting Tax Accountant Corporation
IUManagement Tax Accountant Corporation
IU Mirai Design Co., Ltd.
IU Management Social Insurance Labor Consultant Firm
IU Consulting Administrative Scrivener Firm
IU INTERNATIONAL SDN. BHD.
Mirai Plus Audit Corporation
Greif Trust Co., Ltd.
Contact for this matter:
IU Consulting Group
Public Relations: Akaji
090-8451-7520
akajim@taxlawyer328.com
Concurrently, the Group will invest approximately 80 million yen, its largest budget ever (excluding self-built office buildings), to open its second Tokyo office in Shinjuku in July. This Shinjuku office will house the Group's advisor-specialized team "Mirai Base" and RIMONO members, co-creating integrated tax and labor consulting services.
Maximizing "High-Value-Added Services" with Approximately 8,000 Hours Annually Created by AI Utilization
With the advancement of AI, professional services that merely involve "input tasks" such as bookkeeping and declarations are being phased out, and the demand for "consultants" who support management decisions based on deep trust is increasing. In this context, the Group has promoted thorough efficiency through AI utilization, successfully creating over 8,000 hours of surplus time annually across the entire group.
However, our true strategy is not "mere efficiency." It is to reinvest the vast amount of time generated by technology into analysis for deeply understanding client situations, on-site dialogue, and "responsiveness" to build strong trust.
Our aim is not to be "white-collar" professionals who merely state correct theories, but a group of professionals like "blue-collar" workers who stand by business owners and sometimes tackle on-site challenges with grit. Now that knowledge is becoming commoditized, we are convinced that this craftsman's spirit, which AI can never imitate—always taking ownership and supporting management decisions when needed—is our greatest added value.
A Strategic Hub for "Finance x Labor" with the Largest-Ever Budget Investment
In an era where telework and online services are accelerating, leading to the "non-face-to-face" trend in professional services, we are deliberately making our largest-ever investment to open this physical hub. This is because the lonely decisions of business owners are supported not by correct theories presented on a screen, but by "human power" cultivated through face-to-face interaction, sharing even subtle facial expressions.
When a company accelerates its growth, challenges inevitably arise where "investment (finance)" and "people (labor)" are complexly intertwined. It is difficult to propose fundamental solutions if information is fragmented between the tax and labor sides. The Shinjuku office, opening in July 2026, will combine the Group's expertise in tax, finance, and succession with RIMONO's knowledge in labor affairs, aiming to solve management challenges from multiple perspectives.
Furthermore, through subjective, hands-on support that allows us to say, "If I were the president, I would choose this path," we aim to create an environment where business owners can confidently accelerate their growth. We are convinced that this accumulation of challenges will lead to the realization of a "department store for SMEs" that solves all management issues in a one-stop manner, thereby embodying our group vision of "enriching Japan's future" as a unique path.
Comments from Both Representatives
Yu Iwanaga (Group Representative)
"In an era where AI instantly provides answers, the value of professional services is shifting from 'quantity of knowledge' to the human touch of 'being able to empathize with business owners.' When considering the grouping of this social insurance labor consultant firm, only Mr. Nishishige's face came to mind. There is no other partner like him, who possesses professional objectivity yet stands subjectively in the lonely arena of business owners, showing a 'blue-collar' passion for getting hands dirty and working hard. With the Shinjuku strategic hub as our core, we will overcome the barriers between tax and labor, and together create the strongest support team that enables business owners to confidently step on the accelerator."
Takeshi Nishishige (RIMONO Representative)
"I am filled with an indescribable sense of excitement and determination for this environment where I am confident that I can overcome any challenge with Mr. Iwanaga, and where I can take on challenges with trusted members. What is in my heart now is a full-power hungry spirit to overturn the outdated norms of the industry and surprise society. Starting from the Shinjuku office, we will demonstrate the future of professional services with the power of the younger generation."
Turning Individual Visions into Organizational Growth Engines
A Professional Group with a 95% Retention Rate Challenges "Human-Centered" Organization Building
Since its establishment in 2013, the Group has built a top-class track record in Japan (over 7,500 cumulative cases: 1,802 cases in 2025) based on IU Consulting Tax Accountant Corporation, specializing in asset taxation. In recent years, leveraging the expertise cultivated in asset taxation, the Group has expanded its business domains to include SME growth support and overseas operations, with inheritance and business succession as core businesses.
This rapid growth is supported by a strong human foundation. While hiring approximately 40 people annually, the Group maintains an extremely high retention rate of 95%. This is based on the desire for "members themselves to be mentally and physically enriched first to achieve their vision," leading to 40 diverse welfare benefits and unique initiatives that allow members to feel growth and fulfillment.
In addition, office expansion driven by people is a major feature. The Group incorporates members' visions, such as "I want to become an office manager" or "I want to return to my hometown and contribute," into its management strategy, turning them into reality instead of just dreams. This flexible and dynamic deployment strategy, which transforms members' passion into a driving force for growth, is linked to the Group's expansion. This "HUMAN CENTERED" philosophy deeply resonates with RIMONO, which is now being grouped.
With the opening of the Kumamoto office this month and the Shinjuku office in July, the Group is looking towards further expansion. As the organization expands at an unprecedented pace, important positions such as management layers and office managers are continuously emerging, offering opportunities for individuals to advance to the next stage with their knowledge.
Don't be afraid of change; let's aim for greater heights together.
Why not transform that passion into a "big wave" of organizational growth?
We sincerely look forward to your applications.
Click here for company briefing sessions and recruitment event information
Profiles of Both Representatives
Yu Iwanaga (Representative, IU Consulting Group)
Born in 1983. Graduated from Seinan Gakuin University, Faculty of Economics. Completed the Advanced Management Accounting Professional (EMBA) program at Kyoto University Graduate School of Management. Registered as a tax accountant at age 26. After gaining experience at two tax accountant firms, he became independent in 2013 and incorporated in 2015. He rapidly grew a tax accountant firm specializing in asset taxation to boast the top number of inheritance tax declarations in Western Japan within just a few years.
Currently, under the group mission of "providing high-value-added services as professionals supporting SMEs and asset owners," he is promoting business diversification, including corporate growth support and overseas relocation support, based on inheritance and business succession. As the representative of one of Japan's leading comprehensive consulting groups, which also includes social insurance labor consultant firms and administrative scrivener firms, he is responsible for steering the management.
Takeshi Nishishige (Representative, RIMONO Work-Life Design, Social Insurance Labor Consultant Firm)
Born in 1985. Graduated from Soka University, Faculty of Business Administration. During his studies, he visited ILO (International Labour Organization) and other organizations during overseas training. Achieved Japan's No. 1 title in student kickboxing (team competition). In 2010, he joined a major social insurance labor consultant office in Tokyo. While gaining practical experience, he strongly felt the importance of organizational development where "culture surpasses strategy," and in 2021, he established RIMONO Work-Life Design, a social insurance labor consultant firm.
By introducing a unique recruitment and training model, he rapidly grew the firm to over 250 labor consulting clients and over 25 staff members within four years of its establishment. He is an Everything DiSC certified instructor. He promotes on-site, hands-on support that stands by business owners in their lonely decisions.
Group Overview
General Name: IU Consulting Group
Established: April 1, 2015 (Founded: April 1, 2013)
Group Representatives: Yu Iwanaga (Representative), Yuki Degawa (Co-Representative)
Locations: 15 domestic offices, 1 overseas office (Malaysia local subsidiary)
Employees: 219 people (as of April 1, 2026)
Group Website: https://bs.taxlawyer328.jp/
Recruitment Website: https://iu-recruit.taxlawyer328.jp/
Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iuconsultinggroup
Group Companies: IUCG Co., Ltd.
IU Consulting Tax Accountant Corporation
IUManagement Tax Accountant Corporation
IU Mirai Design Co., Ltd.
IU Management Social Insurance Labor Consultant Firm
IU Consulting Administrative Scrivener Firm
IU INTERNATIONAL SDN. BHD.
Mirai Plus Audit Corporation
Greif Trust Co., Ltd.
Contact for this matter:
IU Consulting Group
Public Relations: Akaji
090-8451-7520
akajim@taxlawyer328.com
FAQ
What is the purpose of IU Consulting Group's latest announcement?
The purpose is to strengthen comprehensive support for SMEs by integrating RIMONO Work-Life Design, a social insurance labor consultant firm, and establishing a strategic hub in Shinjuku for integrated tax and labor services, emphasizing "human power" in the AI era.
What specifically does the strategy emphasizing "human power" entail?
It involves reinvesting time saved through AI-driven operational efficiency into deep client understanding, on-site dialogue, and building strong trust. The goal is to become a "blue-collar" professional group that stands by business owners and tackles challenges hands-on.
What services will be offered at the Shinjuku office?
The Shinjuku office will offer integrated tax and labor consulting, combining the group's expertise in tax, finance, and succession with RIMONO's knowledge in labor affairs, aiming to solve management challenges from multiple perspectives.