Japan Telework Association President : 　Keiji Tachikawa

Keiji Tachikawa
President, Japan Telework Association

President's Greetings

I am Keiji Tachikawa, who has assumed the president of the Japan Telework Association. As the former president Koji Ohboshi does, I would appreciate your support and help.

As you know, we have entered the era of an aging society with fewer children. To deal with this, a variety of working styles according to ability and eagerness are demanded which aim to achieve gender-equal society and maintain a balance between work and life regardless of sex or age. There are still plenty of challenges: strengthening of the business structure considering social obligations of business enterprises such as development of a variety of working patterns (e.g. business process reform and adoption of working at home) for companies; actualization of a working style with feelings of comfort and balance between life and work for individuals; and countermeasures against environmental issues and regional revitalization for the society.

To respond to such challenges, telework, a flexible working style which makes free use of places and time is generating a lot of attention. In the e-Japan Strategy II which is a national strategy established in July 2003, concrete goals of telework are set, including increase of the number of telewoker population from 6.1% (as of 2002) to 20% (in 2010).

Our association started as the Japan Satellite Office Association, a private organization in 1991 and became an incorporated association in 1993. Under the supervision of the administration (current Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications; Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare; Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation), we have continued various activities with regard to diffusion and progress of the satellite office and telework together with our members. In 2000, we changed the name to the Japan Telework Association, becoming the only public-interest corporation promoting telework both in name and reality in Japan.

I plan to continue to pursue multifaceted activities on telework to achieve a sustainable society through telework utilization promotion. Your understanding of our association’s objectives and active participation and cooperation in our activities are much appreciated.