About JMRI, LLC. Board chairperson, JMRI, LLC. Tomonori Tomura

A message from us

We bring to you expertise based on cutting-edge initiatives and patented intellectual property; unique research and development derived from on-site observations and the realities of management, rather than a rehashing of the latest research in Europe or America; and things such as made-in-Japan initiatives that you will not find anywhere else and which are differentiated from others.

When it comes to management, as well as our professional attitudes, we have consistently adopted a tireless approach of valuing norms as norms, while simultaneously re-examining those norms with skepticism from various angles to verify if they are truly appropriate.

Based on a bottom-up management perspective, we take a considerate approach to our clients and those who approach us for consultations on their difficulties, and focus on whether we can be useful to society and to everyone before we think about profit or loss.

We do our very best to contribute what little we can to society. As we receive the difficult and comparatively higher-priced requests made to us by large corporations with gratitude and honor, we use the funds from these requests to handle cases and free consultations for activities that contribute to society or organizations working for the public interest, such as agencies and associations including mother-child welfare centers, the Japan National Council of Social Welfare, and medical welfare organizations. We do so without consideration of profit, even if it takes private contributions on our part.

This is something we have often been asked about by reporters during interviews with the media: rather than adopting a style of management that smells of ulterior motives or the glitter of money, in which higher sales or going public is the objective, we have consistently prioritized tirelessly and carefully tackling what is needed by our clients and by society.

Although our corporate form is that of a for-profit business, we would like to promote publicly beneficial and socially meaningful activities more than even public or administrative agencies, NPOs, or NGOs; we create the funds for these activities through our for-profit work as well as our own private contributions rather than relying on sponsors, donations, or subsidies, thus remaining self-reliant and increasing our financial and mental independence.

From this point forward, we will continue to work together with our partners and with other companies with our core business of solving society's problems and contributing to society as "artisans of wisdom" at our base, while sticking to what is right with neutrality and fairness and adopting a stance of "harmony, not conformity" founded on our cooperativeness, independence, and objectivity as professionals. We look forward to working with you.

Mr. Tomonori Tomura, CEO of JRMI, LLC., is the third-most popular lecturer in Japan (note). He explains things that seem difficult at first glance in a way that makes them digestible and enjoyable, and his ability to expose the depth of things we tend to overlook through his lectures and coaching is popular in many places. (note: from the Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun [Nikkei Business Daily]: "A Selection of Inspiring Lectures")

As an "artisan of wisdom" ([R] Tomura), Mr. Tomura brings new awareness to audiences, from fresh and original strategies and management techniques to adapt to upheavals in the management environment, to new perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches to even standard topics.

He has deployed the three pillars of his work - namely lectures and training (120 lectures per year); writing (33 books as of now, as well as magazines, newspapers, and other submissions and serializations); and his work as a management advisor - on various topics around the country, including in private businesses, government administration offices, self-governing bodies, medical welfare agencies, IT organizations, labor unions, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, police headquarters, the National Tax Agency, audit commissioners and audit commission secretariats, and the Social Welfare Council. He receives many repeat requests.

He is vigorously active in TV and radio appearances and magazine serializations, not to mention as a collaborator in the direction and production of TV programs and a speaker at large-scale panel discussions.

[Our work]
1. Management coaching
2. Planning and organization of lectures, workshops, and exhibitions
3. Publication, editing, and publication support of books and others
4. Implementation of investigation of irregularities, organizational diagnostics, and academic research
5. Production, supervision, and sale of IT software
6. Human resource management work, such as of talents
7. Support and implementation of activities that contribute to society
8. Supervision and production support of TV programs
9. Provision of information to members and services such as case introduction
10. Management of various businesses and organizations
11. Support and implementation of international exchange
12. Production and sale of original products
13. Honoring the achievements and supporting the research of those who have contributed to the public interest
14. Support of activities at international institutions such as the United Nations
15. All work related or incidental to the above

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Detailed profile of Mr. Tomonori Tomura:

Held posts at the United Nations, specializing in UN internal audit services, where he acted as leader of UN strategic planning, special lecturer in UN staff training, and handled public relations and invitation of enterprise for the UN Global Compact (UNGC), a global CSR initiative led by the UN. In these global workplaces, actively incorporated global talent training geared around the SDGs and ESG, as well as diversity and inclusion. In addition, conducted BCP/risk management, crisis management, led audits, and spearheaded approaches to business ethics, human rights, ethics, and counterterrorism measures at non-military organizations.

In Japan, implemented, experienced, and led global initiatives like the SDGs, CSR, diversity & inclusion, work-life balance, compliance and internal control, risk and crisis management, and counterterrorism measures at private sector firms, long before these methods became mainstream in Japan.

Since stepping down from the United Nations, he has gone on to oversee human resources and general affairs and audits at the corporate executive level, as well as serve as a part-time lecturer at Okayama University Graduate School, director of the Japanese Association of Administrative Science (JAAS) and chairman of its Eastern Japan research group, advisor to the Nippon Omni-Management Association's NOMA Research Institute, software advisor and sales and marketing lead for IT firm Ashisuto KK (president: Bill Totten), including giving keynote speeches and field office sales support, advisor to publicly traded IT firm JFE Systems, Inc., advisor to the JA Nagano Chuokai, executive advisor to the human resources subsidiary of a major trading firm, as the first compliance committee chairman of the Japan branch of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), and presided over the Earthquake Reconstruction Support Forum in Tokyo.

Actively promotes, develops, and advocates for world-firsts out of Japan.

Known for his trenchant commentary at keynote speeches and dialogues on a wide range of issues and subjects, and for his broad smile and gracious demeanor, engaging dispassionately in sundry topics and tenaciously striving to bring those engaging in malfeasance toward the road to righteousness, he is widely known as a debater and commentator in the media on subjects of corporate malfeasance and sound business management.

Also held the post of advisor to Universal Aviation KK, Japan's top global networking firm engaged in the operation of private and business jets for state guests, country leaders, and the affluent.

Also acts as an advisor to the Senior Second Career Promoting Association, which has led and vitalized the space for second careers for senior citizens, lifelong work, and effective utilization of senior citizens in the growing era of people living to 100 and beyond.

As director of Noblesse Oblige C&M, an organization promoting social contributions around the SDGs, oversees activities revolving around medical welfare, arts and entertainment, and other programs targeting the ultra-affluent.

Also serves as the chair of the prize selection committee for the Bold Governance Award, Bold Auditing Award, and Bold Whistleblower Award at the Corporate Governance Award (CG Award).

Provides everything from light guidance and coaching to public firms (including utilities providers in the electric and gas spaces, major trading firms, general contractors and construction firms, and other major entities), to intensive training of next-generation business successors and executive candidates, to general consulting for SMEs and startups. In addition, as a "specialist of specialists" who coaches the experts, provides guidance to luminaries like lawyers, CPAs, directors and executives at audit firms, tax attorneys, social insurance and labor attorneys, lecturers in faculties of medicine, doctors, hospital directors, nursing directors (second-level courses for directors at the Japanese Nursing Association), and more. Also provides guidance to taxation bureaus, fire departments, police department headquarters (top level through executive class), government agencies and administrative offices, municipalities (ethics and human rights training, public lectures and keynote speeches, etc.), and everything else he is physically capable of accommodating.

Has also held keynote speeches at forums and events in the public interest, such as those at chambers of commerce and industry groups, and at labor unions, JA agricultural cooperatives, and youth associations, as well as lecturing to specialist consultants at white shoe consulting firms.

Serves as director of the Drone Business Support Center (DBSC), the Government Audit Internal Control Edification Centre (GAICE), the Government ICT Security Edification Centre (GISEC), the Human Rights, Ethics, Diversity, & Inclusion Edification Center (HEDIEC), the Public Disaster Recovery Safety Centre (PDRSC), and the Public Training Centre (PTC).

Developed world-first methodologies and measures, and advocated for and presented at conferences the concept of Key Risk Indicators as an essential measure for risk management and Basel Accords compliance at financial institutions, later going on to obtain the trademark rights to these. Was also the first in the world to promote the idea of cloud-based crisis management well before the Great East Japan Earthquake, suggesting it as a means of leveraging cloud computing to counteract disasters and pursue disaster prevention and IT-BCP/DR. Also appears at regional tours at local municipalities to discuss the subject of cloud computing. The first person in the world to formulate and publish drone disaster rescue guidelines. Additionally, promotes internal control, auditing, and organizational improvements, and acts as an IT evangelist, to firms considering going public with an IPO.

Has held numerous keynote speeches and special lectures at the request of foreign-backed firms, Japanese companies, and major IT enterprises, among them a special lecture on artificial intelligence with the former president of Google, a special lecture with Google on the creation of a sustainable supply chain through business process automation, machine learning, and work-style reforms, and a special lecture at CEATEC, Japan's largest IT expo, on world-first technology business models.

Presently in the midst of a yearlong childcare leave, is actively engaging in childcare, housework, and professional matters, demonstrating the viability of diversity-first management, work-style reforms, and teleworking.

Is currently the most long-standing member actively engaged in supporting companies in internal control, compliance, risk management, BCP, crisis management, and IPOs, having done so from very early on in Japan's history. Given his experience in leading SDGs and ESG initiatives at the United Nations, Tomura is a rare and distinguished expert in Japanese business management.

In addition to the above, Tomura has been a leading UN expert and coach on the subject of ESG (E: environmental protection measures, S: social issues, G: strengthening governance), SDGs (17 global sustainable development goals and 169 targets) since before they became mainstream in Japan. These metrics are a keen point of interest among institutional investors and in terms of human rights.

Acts as the main panel member in discussions at the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations and catering to 2,800 auditors of publicly traded firms at the Japan Audit & Supervisory Board Members Association, and has also been one of the frontrunners in advising leading representatives of audit firms (equivalent to directors and officers), lawyers, CPAs, and other specialists on internal control.

At public firms, conducts workshops and discussions that engage directors of audit firms, CPAs, auditors, and internal control members, and acts as a liaison on subjects like internal control and compliance, helping streamline the process of auditing and corresponding with audit firms in a flexible and cost-efficient manner.

Also worked as an internal control advisor at a major trading firm, handling internal control (with J-SOX matters largely handled by CPAs) in the context of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, internal control systems (with legal risks largely managed by attorneys) vis-a-vis the Companies Act, and internal control with respect to municipal laws and municipalities, offering guidance and practical training to experts. In addition, assisted with candidates for IPOs.

On top of working with major, publicly traded firms on matters of internal control and compliance, among other leading topics, widely lectures on the subject to a mainstream audience and offers coaching to chambers of commerce, startups, and SMEs and assists companies and individuals on a pro bono basis with compliance-related questions.

During major calamities and disasters, has taken the lead to leverage his personal skillset in disaster preparedness, prevention, and reduction, as well as BCP (business continuity planning) and crisis management, offering support free of charge and also making charitable donations.

Also provides guidance to municipal council members and staff on legislative amendments, internal control, implementation guidelines, audit criteria, handling audit-related scandals, risk management, BCP (business continuity planning), council reforms, and digitization, as well as guidance to prefectural governors, municipal heads and officers, auditors, and local communities and municipal councils.

Has published thirty-three books to date. Many serialized publications and columns in magazines, such as "The decline and revival of corporate governance" (Chuo Keizai). Ranked in third place in features in the Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun for most-popular lecturer in Japan on complex subjects.

Numerous television performances include those on NHK's Close Up Gendai, the NHK (E Television) program "Go for it! Company Stars! (Mezase! Kaisha no Hoshi!)," where he appeared as an expert and hosted special intensive disaster preparedness talks, Fuji Television's mid-day program "Viking," where he analyzed corporate scandals, the TBS morning news program Vivid, the TBS day-time news program Hiruobi, where he discussed SDGs and work-style reforms, the BS11 news program Inside Out, where he appeared as a commentator, Tokyo FM radio's One Morning, where he appeared as a commentator on the lockdown crisis, Nippon Broadcasting's "Shinbo Jiro's Zoom!" for a live broadcast discussing COVID-19, as well as comments in various national newspapers, and in Kobunsha's Josei Jishin magazine, among other television, radio, newspaper, and article appearances.

[Other qualifications]

Master of Business Administration (MBA)
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified private pilot
Drone disaster rescue pilot
Unmanned aerial operation skills certificate and unmanned aerial safety management certificate (JUIDA)
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport: i-Construction Promotion Consortium expert panel member
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Smart IoT Promotion Consortium expert panel member
Regional SDGs public-private platform member

Grand prize selection committee chairman, Corporate Governance Award

Emergency response certifications in BLS and HCP by the American Heart Association (AHA)
Small ship pilot license, first class
Maritime, land, and aeronautical radio technician
Radioactive materials handler's license, class 3
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
Disaster prevention technician certificate
International license in counterterrorism (TacMed Essentials combat trauma rescue)

Director, Drone Business Support Center (DBSC)
Director, Government Audit Internal Control Edification Centre (GAICEC)
Director, Government ICT Security Edification Centre (GISEC)
Director, Human Rights, Ethics, Diversity & Inclusion Edification Center (HEDIEC)
Director, Public Disaster Recovery Safety Centre (PDRSC)
Director, Public Training Centre (PTC)
...and other accolades

[A word from Tomonori Tomura]

I engage in unique forms of research and development and promote original and innovative concepts out of Japan unlike those found anywhere else, primarily focusing on elaborating the countless patented intellectual property and cutting-edge solutions I possess, bringing novel viewpoints to the business climate, rather than rehashed solutions of prior work from other countries.

While emphasizing the importance of maintaining the status quo in terms of everyday corporate management, I also interrogate the question of whether the status quo is truly valid, doing so from a range of vectors and driving constructive criticism and discussion towards practicable outcomes.

I take an on-the-ground, practical approach to real management issues, working closely with clients to address their sundry needs and concerns and strive to be their best partner in a neutral, rational way.

Much of my work involves engaging in a professional capacity with major firms that bring highly complex, high-value projects to the table. I utilize those funds to then pursue social contributions and support those engaging in work in the public interest (such as maternal and child welfare centers, medical welfare centers, and other organizations), being unstinting in spending my own funds dispassionately in order to assist even those who come with requests but cannot afford the service. In this way, I wish to do my part, however small, to give back to society.

When giving keynote speeches and training talent through workshops and talks on various subjects, my aim is not simply a top-down discussion of a single subject, but rather taking a holistic viewpoint to look cross-sectionally at the issues in a specialized manner and bring deeper insights.

For example, management coaches should also make remarks on human rights infringement, and those discussing cutting-edge technology and IT should also incorporate comments about ethics, person-to-person management, and legal dimensions. However, many tend to focus on a single subject to the exclusion of these other domains.

These single-subject experts are at great risk of optimizing only for a single factor, causing companies relying on them to become more biased and homogeneous, and ultimately driving their talent down the wrong path.

I believe that lectures, workshops, and talent training must center on how to incorporate both management perspectives and on-the-ground insights at the same time and develop this feedback to a wider pool of talent, driving towards integrated and comprehensive approaches that foster learning and growth.

One thing I am often asked by reporters in interviews is what is the right ethical approach to management. I believe it is not about showy, questionable deals geared at maximizing revenue or going public, but about focusing first and foremost on what clients and society need, and that is what I have emphasized over the course of my career.

While corporate clients take a for-profit approach, those at public organs, the government administration, and NPOs and NGOs engage in the public interest and perform work of a social dimension. Here it is crucial to secure standalone budgets that are not reliant on sponsors, donations, or subsidies, allowing for a truly independent form of activity that is free of outside interests or influence.

Going forward, I will continue upholding the ideal of fairness and neutrality as a professional, working by clients' side while maintaining a critical remove as a professional and pointing out flaws where needed. I aim to critically solve clients' diverse issues and contribute to society through my own blend of "Knowledge Craftsmanship (R) Tomura." Thank you for your ongoing support an encouragement.

Tomonori Tomura

Tomonori Tomonori's World Firsts

- Advocates and promotes "SDGs Economics (C) Tomonori Tomura"

- First person in the world to advocate the concept of a drone rescue team (DDAT)

- First person in the world to advocate the concept of a drone airport used to secure logistics by drones in the event of disasters, and to contribute to regional development and use of recreational facilities

- First person in the world to advocate, announce at a conference, and publish a "4th Generation Balanced Score Card" used to evaluate corporate governance in terms of balancing both revenue strategies and risk management. His paper was published in US magazine BP Trend.

- First person in the world to advocate, announce at a conference, and publish a proposal for a cloud-based crisis management system leveraging cloud computing prior to the Great East Japan Earthquake.

- First person in the world to develop an IFRS impact map and publish the concept of IFRS literacy to clarify what transformative changes International Financial Reporting Standards can have on business.

- First person to develop and advocate the use of big data impact maps and big data strategic mapping from the vantage point of utilization in business management, and presented these findings in a keynote speech at CEATEC JAPAN 2014.

- Developed the world's first Japanese version of a fully-compliant COSO model for internal control awareness and tools for practical investigations. This development was featured in the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper.

- First person in the world to develop an integrated company-wide risk management (iERM) methodology and system in use by the Bank of Japan and financial organs, and holds the registered trademarks and intellectual property to the KRI (Key Risk Indicator) and KCI (Key Control Indicator) concepts utilized by major IT firms and Deloitte Tohmatsu. Long before the concept of company-wide risk management became mainstream, Tomura was involved in coaching using a BSC (balanced scorecard) system, and promoting milestone management utilizing a PDCA cycle and KPIs for revenue strategy. He was one of the first to point out that accelerating the decision-making process through revenue strategy nevertheless led to an "unbalanced scorecard" that failed to take into account risk management decisions. He leads practical coaching, advocacy, and lectures on the concept of using Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) and Key Control Indicators (KCIs) as a metric of those KRIs when configuring initial risk management KPIs in the context of BSC.

- First person in the world to advocate and present, prior to the Great East Japan Earthquake, findings indicating the viability of use of big data for risk management in the cloud for disaster prevention and reduction, risk management, crisis management, and DR, and was invited to give a talk on these findings at an International Academy of CIO conference. Following the disaster, numerous Japanese IT vendors released cloud-based solutions closely following Tomura's proposed cloud-driven crisis management system, and he became a global opinion leader on the subject.

- Developed a shuffling card training system used for practical development of disaster preparedness and crisis management skills, and appeared on the NHK (E Television) "Go for it! Company Stars! (Mezase! Kaisha no Hoshi!)" program, where an entire building was rented for the purposes of conducting moment-to-moment disaster response skills. In addition, also appeared for panel discussions at the broadcaster in a special featurette entitled "Tomura-style intensive disaster preparedness lectures," where he engaged mainstream viewers in awareness of the issues. Since before the Great East Japan Earthquake, he has striven to promote practical, on-the-ground responses, rather than formalized, theoretical disaster prevention and crisis management.

- First person in the world to develop, advocate, and publish the concept of "Auditing Communication Techniques."

- First person in the world to develop, advocate, and publish the concept of "Auditing Management."

- First person in the world to advocate and publish the concept of "Auditoria Psychology."

- First founder and recipient in the world of the Bold Auditor Award. Given that auditors can fall prone to overlooking important issues, he trains auditors to maintain a fair and reasonable balance as outside parties responsible for seriously improving internal control at corporations.

- First person in the world to advocate, publish, and provide coaching on the concept of Integrated Internal Governance as a comprehensive and unified approach to corporate governance and interior control.

- Advocates for the use of cutting-edge drone disaster response teams (DDAT) for disaster recovery, local revitalization, and other beneficial uses.

- Announced the cutting-edge concept of drone accident investigation committees which use drones for safety management, and to prevent the recurrence of accidents.

*Also possesses countless other intellectual property rights, such as world-first and Japan-first recommendations and advocacy.

He gives about 120 keynote speeches, lectures and training courses a year

- Training for board members and management at an electrical company
- Per-level training at an electricity-related company
- Training for board members and management, as well as a special lecture at an anniversary event, for a listed gas company
- Per-level training and training for board members, management, and new staff members at a listed major general trading company
- Company-wide training, training for board members and directors, and opinion surveying for a listed major pharmaceutical company
- Company-wide as well as management training for a listed major manufacturing company
- Per-level training and keynote speeches for government administrative offices and organs, self-governing bodies, local government heads and Diet members
- Ethics and human rights training, keynote speeches at a human rights lecture meeting, and special lectures regarding employment support at self-governing bodies

[A message from the chairman of the Corporate Governance Awards]

Towards the development of a healthy corporate governance and societal landscape for Japanese businesses, I created the Corporate Governance Award to honor those who have taken steps down the path to better corporate governance, so that Japanese businesses can take sure steps towards higher corporate value and adapt to global and societal demands, including through healthy corporate governance, internal controls, and risk management.

In 2012, I gave out the Courageous Auditor Award and the Courageous Whistleblower Award (both trademarks of Mr. Tomonori Tomura) for the first time in Japan, and hosted a special panel discussion at the 2012 Corporate Governance Forum.

In 2013, I created the Courageous Governance Award for those who have made proactive steps towards corporate governance, and have been honored with widespread participation and support. It is my hope that I can play a role in the creation of an atmosphere that supports and encourages those who take steps towards corporate governance that is beneficial to society.

As large businesses once recognized as superior went through one scandal after the other, auditors take the countermeasures that must be taken, and internal complainants and whistleblowers attempt to put wrongs right; yet sometimes those who have done what is right experience retaliation from organizations and businesses and are cast out from society.

There are cases when those who have done wrong experience what is known in audit psychology as "the reversal of victims and offenders" with regards to those who have done right. They treat those who have identified problems in audits or made internal reports to rectify wrongs as "traitors", and act as though these people were the true offenders and the ones who have done wrong were the true victims.

A system such as that of the US regarding whistleblowing in the public interest, in which a monetary reward is given to whistleblowers, means that a certain reward exists for correct behaviour, and the person will probably not need to worry about his or her livelihood. However, Japan does not have such a system, and it is feared that whistleblowers will be cast out from both their companies and from society, and an environment that encourages doing the right thing will not develop.

Therefore, although this project may not offer tangible gains such as reward money, I planned and organized it in the hope that it could send a message of societal support to individuals and businesses who persist with what is right in the face of personal danger and risks to their livelihood, and thus become the trigger for changes in the societal environment, no matter how slight.

This award does not guarantee that individuals or organizations selected for it have no hidden facts in their past, or will continue to act in a healthy manner in the future.

[Reference guide for selection for the award]

・Was the action, report, or complaint a courageous one that was not made from self-interest?
・To whom was the action helpful, such as to victims or society?
・Was the action, report, or complaint not a publicity stunt or an act of revenge?
・Was the method an appropriate one to achieve justice? ...and other criteria

Based on information from recommendations by advisors as well as through voting, we select individuals and organizations whom we think would be most appropriate to provide societal support - from our company, although this may be presumptuous - to those who have had courage in their pursuit of what is right.

The awards are not necessarily decided by the scale of reporting on the event, or by the size of the impact. We also do not intend to instigate abuse of the right to make reports or of the rights of auditors.

These awards do not have an exhaustive grasp of the activities of every manager, auditor, and whistleblower in Japan, and in order to avoid bringing unnecessary anxiety or suspicion to those involved, they are primarily based on information that has been made public. Therefore, it is our wish as well to recognize and to send support to the "nameless warriors" who are involved in disputes that are not publicly known, but in which they are pursuing what is right.

The hope of Mr. Tomura, the supervisor and chairman of the award committee, is that this award will be evaluated correctly by society, neither as a prize that curries favor with businesses and organizations nor as one that mischievously instigates trouble, but as an important initiative that strengthens the self-cleansing abilities of governing and internal self-governing bodies.

Board chairperson, Japan Management Research Institute, LLC.
Award committee chairman of the Corporate Governance Awards
Governance Code Officer
Tomonori Tomura

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