Following a series of three Program Committee meetings, preparations for the Asian Regional Congress 2026 are progressing well. The Congress will be jointly hosted by JILPT (Japan Institute for Labour Policy and Training) and JIRRA (Japan Industrial Relations Research Association), at Hosei University, Ichigaya Campus.
Tokyo, a global hub combining rich tradition with cutting-edge innovation, will provide an outstanding backdrop for the Congress. Delegates will be able to enjoy Japan’s cultural heritage, vibrant urban life, and exceptional hospitality, with convenient access to the dining, and cultural attractions.
The Congress will take place from 3–5 September 2026. The Program Committee has discussed the overarching theme:
“Challenges for the New World of Work – How Should We Respond to New Technologies? (tentative)”
In an era of rapid technological innovation, work is undergoing a historic transformation. Advances in information technology and artificial intelligence are fundamentally reshaping the way we work, raising profound questions about the future of employment, the organisation of work, and the role of institutions. The Congress will explore these issues from multiple perspectives, aiming to provide a platform for discussion, knowledge sharing, and practical recommendations to help build sustainable and better working environments.
The Congress program will be organised into five thematic tracks:
Theme 1: Work and Institutions Reshaped by AI and technology
Theme 2: Demographic Change and Work
Theme 3: Globalisation and International Labour Migration
Theme 4: Overcoming Inequality
Theme 5: Welfare State – The Role of the State in Market Competition
Key stakeholders from academia, labour, and employer organisations are actively involved in the planning process. The Organising Committee is chaired by:
Professor Atsushi Sato, Hosei University (President, JIRRA), and Co-Chaired by Dr. Hiroyuki Fujimura, President, Japan Institute for Labour Policy and Training (Former President, JIRRA)
The Organising Committee also includes senior representatives from the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren, the largest Employer Association), the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (Rengo, the largest national centre), and other prominent institutions.
The Program Committee, chaired by Dr. Hiroyuki Fujimura, consists of the following members.
Yumiko Kuwamura, Tohoku University
Hisashi Takeuchi, Waseda University,
Hirokuni Ikezoe, JILPT
Katsuyuki Kubo, Waseda University
Tomohiko Noda, Osaka Metropolitan University
Yoko Takahashi, JILPT
Sumiko Ebisuno, Rissho University
Hideki S. Tanaka Doshisha University
Makoto Fujimoto, JILPT
Osamu Umezaki, Hosei University
Wakana Shuto, Rikkyo University
Shinya Iwatsuki, JILPT
Yoshihide Sano, Hosei University
Mitsuru Yamashita, Meiji University
Shingou Ikeda, JILPT
Save the Date
Congress Dates: 3–5 September 2026
Deadline for Session Proposals: February 2026
Deadline for Abstract Submissions: March 2026
Further details, including the call for papers and registration information, will be announced in due course.
We look forward to welcoming ILERA members and colleagues from around the world to Tokyo for what promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking Congress.
