Decent Work and the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) in Japan

This ILO report, authored by Kentaro Itami (Hosei University), provides an overview of the SSE landscape in Japan, offering diverse perspectives from key stakeholders, including from government, social partners, the SSE, and academia. It explores the implications of the ILO resolution concerning decent work and the SSE and how the international tripartite definition of the SSE has been received in Japan. It highlights the country’s long-standing traditions of cooperation, mutual aid, and community-driven initiatives, identifying key actors and entities aligned with SSE values and principles. 

Despite these well-established practices and growing interest in alternative economic models, the SSE itself remains relatively under-recognized in Japan’s policy discourse, the enterprise landscape and the world of work. In drawing on expert interviews, the report presents perspectives on the structural and institutional challenges affecting SSE development in Japan, including fragmented legal and policy frameworks, limited public awareness, and weak coordination among SSE actors. It also highlights strategies identified by interviewees to strengthen and expand the SSE’s role, exploring how different stakeholders might contribute to its advancement. 

By bridging theoretical discussions with practical realities, the report underscores the SSE’s potential to address contemporary societal challenges, from job creation and social inclusion to sustainable local development.