The August 1 edition of Nihon Keizai Shimbun, the main business newspaper of Japan, included an op-ed supporting employee ownership. The article, by Art Hosokawa of the Japan Employee Ownership Association, first examines the research data and policies of the United States and the United Kingdom, and then concludes:

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In Japan, employee ownership is in its pioneer stage. According to studies by Japan Employee Ownership Association, there are no legislative or taxation obstacles blocking Japanese companies from turning into employee owned. Japan Laser, the first employee-owned company is making a significant progress in its performance and culture, and Pia, a listed company in Tokyo Stock Exchange, has made the first step into employee ownership by granting restricted stocks to all its employees.

We look forward to witnessing the business arena full of smiles shared among employees, managers and founders.

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The original Japanese-language edition is available here.