What Japan Management Association does

Japan Management Association (JMA, 一般社団法人日本能率協会) is a Tokyo-based nonprofit general incorporated association founded on March 30, 1942, that serves as one of Japan's oldest and most comprehensive management institutions. It operates across five core service lines: (1) management education and training, delivering approximately 1,500 public seminars per year alongside customized in-company programs; (2) B2B exhibitions, organizing approximately 30 specialized trade shows annually including FOODEX JAPAN, HCJ, TECHNO-FRONTIER, Logis-Tech Tokyo, Japan Home & Building Show, and the co-located Heat Prevention/Occupational Safety/Noise & Vibration cluster, plus a newly launched Odor Control Expo (July 2026); (3) third-party ISO certification and GHG emissions verification through its JMAQA and JMACC centers, covering ISO 9001/14001/27001/45001, Scope 1/2/3 emissions verification, and Japanese carbon credit schemes; (4) awards and recognition programs including GOOD FACTORY, JMAQA, KAIKA, TPM, and PM awards plus professional certifications (CPE, CPP, CPF); and (5) management research and publications including the JMA MANAGEMENT magazine and ongoing corporate management surveys.

JMA's service delivery is supported by a group ecosystem of 8 affiliated business bodies (JIPM, JMAC, JMAR, JiIT, JMAS, JSTC, JMA-HD) employing over 2,000 experts, and the association holds a distinctive historical role in Japanese industrial development, including direct contribution to the Toyota Production System through its 1944 Production Line Project with Toyota Motor Corporation. The organization generates revenue through multiple streams: participant fees from training programs, transaction-based exhibition booth and sponsorship fees, ISO audit and certification fees, GHG verification fees, annual membership dues, award nomination fees, and publication sales. Distribution combines direct enterprise sales (for consulting, customized training, and certification) with online self-service enrollment via school.jma.or.jp and member.jma.or.jp, plus physical exhibition venues in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Kyushu, with international operations in Bangkok and Shanghai.

JMA serves primarily large Japanese corporations and manufacturers, with secondary segments in SMEs, exhibition exhibitors across diverse industries, and organizations requiring third-party certification. The customer base is horizontally diversified across manufacturing, food, hospitality, logistics, infrastructure, and safety verticals. The association holds several regulatory accreditations — ISO 14065 for GHG verification, UNFCCC CDM Operational Entity status, and the first domestic CDP third-party verification partnership — that constitute significant barriers to entry in the climate verification market.

Name

Japan Management Association

Legal name

一般社団法人日本能率協会

Website

https://jma.or.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1942

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Japan Management Association (JMA), founded 1942, is a Tokyo-based nonprofit providing management training (~1,500 seminars/year), B2B exhibitions (~30 shows/year), ISO certification, and GHG verification services to Japanese enterprises, manufacturers, and sustainability-disclosure clients across an 8-affiliate group of 2,000+ experts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Management Consulting and Training Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Management Services (8741)

akta.pro primary industry

Conformity Assessment, Testing, Inspection & Certification Cooperation (BPADANAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Supply Chain (Scope 3) Emissions & Supplier Engagement Platforms (EUABAEAE), Technical Committees, Working Groups & Expert Panels (BPADANAB)

Keywords

• Management training services
• ISO certification services
• Trade exhibition management
• GHG verification services
• Professional certification programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Training and Education Programs: JMA conducts approximately 1,500 public training seminars annually, as well as customized in-company training programs. Training covers executive development, department-specific skills, manufacturing, quality control, procurement, and more. Revenue is generated through participant fees.
2. Exhibition and Trade Show Management: JMA organizes approximately 30 specialized exhibitions per year across diverse industries (manufacturing, food, hospitality, logistics, infrastructure, safety). Revenue is generated from exhibitor booth fees (e.g., 330,000-418,000 JPY per booth), sponsorship, and related services.
3. ISO Certification and GHG Verification Services: JMA offers ISO management system certification (ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO27001, ISO22000, ISO45001, FSSC22000, JFS-C, JGAP/ASIA GAP, etc.) and GHG validation/verification through its JMACC center. Revenue is generated through audit and certification fees.
4. Membership Dues: JMA operates a member system providing exclusive management information, preferential access to training and events, and networking services for member companies. Annual membership fees apply.
5. Awards and Recognition Programs: JMA runs the GOOD FACTORY Award, JMAQA Awards, KAIKA Awards, and other recognition programs recognizing outstanding manufacturing and management practices. Programs include nomination fees and award ceremony participation.
6. Research, Surveys, and Publications: JMA conducts management surveys (e.g., 'Management Challenges Survey', 'Business Person Survey'), publishes research reports, books, and the JMA MANAGEMENT magazine. Revenue from book sales and research commissions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Japan Management Association (JMA) is a general incorporated association that provides corporate training and management education, organizes specialized trade exhibitions, delivers third-party ISO certification and greenhouse gas (GHG) verification services, runs award and recognition programs, and publishes management research and magazines. Its offerings serve Japanese enterprises seeking workforce development, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and B2B networking.

Product overview

The Japan Management Association (JMA) is a broad management association operating approximately 30 specialized exhibitions per year, over 1,500 public training programs, ISO certification/verification services, award programs, and management research. Its exhibition portfolio includes flagship events such as FOODEX JAPAN and HCJ (Hoteles & Cleaning), logistics exhibitions (Logis-Tech Tokyo), technology exhibitions (TECHNO-FRONTIER, INCHEM, Maintenance & Resilience), home/building shows (Japan Home & Building Show, Kyushu Home & Building Show), and the co-located Heat Prevention/Heat Solution Expo, Occupational Safety & Health Exhibition, Noise & Vibration Countermeasures Exhibition, and the inaugural Odor Solutions Expo. JMA also operates professional certification programs (CPE, CPP, CPF), ISO audit and GHG verification services via JMACC, award programs (GOOD FACTORY Award, JMAQA Awards, First-line Supervisor Gathering), and publishes the monthly JMA Management magazine, all supported by a group of 8 affiliated companies covering consulting, IT, and research.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• JMA MANAGEMENT: Management information magazine featuring interviews with executives, activity reports, and industry insights
• JMACC (Japan Management Association Climate Change Center)
• JMA Group
• JMA QA Center (JMAQA)

Products and services

• FOODEX JAPAN Japan's largest international food and beverage exhibition, authorized by UFI, showcasing food processing, packaging, and ingredients across the food and service industries.
• HCJ (Hoteres, Cleaning & Hygiene) Combined exhibition of the Hotel & Restaurant Show and cleaning/hygiene-related products for the hospitality industry.
• Logis-Tech Tokyo (International Logistics Exhibition) Japan's leading international logistics exhibition covering logistics, supply chain, and distribution technology.
• TECHNO-FRONTIER Exhibition covering elemental technology and industrial equipment including motion engineering, environmental/energy, and electronics.
• Heat Prevention / Occupational Safety / Noise & Vibration / Odor Control Expo series Co-located specialized exhibitions focused on heatstroke prevention, workplace safety, noise/vibration countermeasures, and odor management solutions.
• Japan Home & Building Show Major exhibition for residential, office, stores, and construction industries featuring housing equipment, building materials, and renovation solutions.
• CPE (Certified Production Engineer) Program Professional certification program for production engineers to validate manufacturing and production management skills.
• CPP (Certified Procurement Professional) Program Professional certification program for procurement professionals.
• CPF (Certified Production Foreman) Program Professional certification program for frontline production supervisors.
• ISO Certification and Audit Services Third-party ISO certification and audit services covering ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO 22000, ISO 45001, FSSC 22000, JGAP/ASIA GAP, JFS-C, and ISO 22716.
• JMACC GHG Verification Services Third-party verification and validation services for greenhouse gas emissions and absorption, including Scope 1, 2, 3 verification, J-Credit Scheme, JCM, and CDP verification partner services. ISO 14065 accredited.
• GOOD FACTORY Award Award program recognizing outstanding plants and offices of manufacturing companies in Japan and Asia that have succeeded in improving productivity and quality.
• Manufacturing Training Programs Seminars and training programs covering production technologies, production control, procurement/SCM, quality, R&D, and product planning, including CPE/CPP/CPF certification tracks.
• Management Training Programs Executive training programs including the JMA Top Management Training Program, new director programs, and over 1,000 public training sessions covering department-specific, level-specific, and customized training for companies, schools, and local governments.
• JMA Management Magazine Monthly management magazine featuring executive interviews, thought leadership content, activity reports, and business surveys including the 'Business Persons Survey' and 'Corporate Management Challenges Survey'.
• First-line Supervisor Gathering (第一線監督者の集い) Conference and award program commending the roles and actions of front-line supervisors in various initiatives and on-site management.

Quantifiable outcome

• Exhibitor satisfaction rate over 95% at Heat Prevention/Occupational Safety Expo series
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance (JIPM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJIPM is one of 8 affiliated companies in the JMA Group. JIPM focuses on R&D and diffusion of production management technology, human resources development, qualification certification, and TPM Award programs. A core member of the JMA Group ecosystem.
• JMA Consultants Inc. (JMAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJMAC is a JMA Group company providing management consulting, management diagnosis, performance training, TPM consulting, seminars, distance learning, publishing, and video educational materials for manufacturing businesses.
• JMA Research Institute Inc. (JMAR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJMAR is a JMA Group company conducting commissioned surveying and research for administrative offices and private enterprises, and providing membership business information services.
• JMA Systems Corporation (JMAS)coreTechnology or IntegrationJMAS is a JMA Group company providing system integration, software development, infrastructure and network building, and smart device development for corporations.
• Japan Institute of Information Technology (JiIT)coreTechnology or IntegrationJiIT is a JMA Group company conducting surveys and research on enterprise computerization and dissemination activities in Japan.
• Japan Society for Technical Communication (JSTC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJSTC is a JMA Group entity promoting technical English communication and administering the English Technical Writing Tests sponsored by Japan's Ministry of Education.
• JMA Holdings Inc. (JMA-HD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJMA-HD is the holding company that oversees the overall business and promotes the business of the JMA Holdings Group.
• CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJMACC (JMA's GHG verification center) was the first domestic third-party verification body certified by CDP as a climate change verification partner, validating corporate GHG reports submitted to CDP's global disclosure system.
• Japan Blue Economy Technology Research Association (JBE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJMACC participates as a committee member in JBE's J-Blu Credit certification system, supporting the establishment of blue carbon credit programs in Japan.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• SGS: Global leader in testing, inspection and certification (TIC), operating across 100+ countries with a comparable ISO certification, GHG verification, and audit services portfolio. Comparable as a direct competitor to JMAQA and JMACC in third-party certification/verification.
• RX Global (Reed Exhibitions): One of the world's largest exhibition organizers, operating flagship trade shows across multiple sectors (food, hospitality, logistics, manufacturing). Closely comparable to JMA's 30 specialized exhibitions spanning FOODEX JAPAN-equivalent food shows, HCJ hospitality, and Logis-Tech Tokyo.
• TÜV Rheinland: German-headquartered global TIC provider offering ISO certification, industry testing, and sustainability verification. Direct overlap with JMAQA's ISO certification and JMACC's emissions verification services, especially for Japanese multinational clients.
• Messe Frankfurt: Global trade fair organizer with extensive consumer goods, textile, and industrial exhibitions (e.g., Ambiente, Heimtextil). Comparable to JMA's exhibition portfolio in scale and in the co-location strategy used to maximize visitor overlap and exhibitor ROI.
• Bureau Veritas: Major global TIC company with ISO management system certification, ESG verification, and industry-specific audit services. Overlaps directly with JMAQA's ISO 9001/14001/22000/45001/27001 portfolio and JMACC's GHG verification services.
• Informa (Informa Markets / Informa Connect): Global B2B events and exhibitions operator (Informa Markets) and professional training provider (Informa Connect). Highly comparable to JMA's ~30 exhibitions/year portfolio and ~1,500 training seminars; Informa's scale provides a public-market benchmark for JMA's exhibition business.

Direct peers

• ASQ (American Society for Quality): U.S.-based professional association providing quality management training, certifications (CQE, CQA, Six Sigma), and publications. Direct peer to JMA in offering professional certification programs (comparable to JMA's CPE/CPF/CPP), executive training, and quality-themed publications.
• APICS / ASCM (Association for Supply Chain Management): Global association for supply chain and operations management offering CPIM, CSCP, and CLTD certifications plus training programs. Direct peer to JMA in production/procurement professional certification (CPE/CPF/CPP) and manufacturing-focused training.
• Japan Productivity Center: 公益財団法人日本生産性本部 is Japan's other major nonprofit management association, providing productivity training, consulting, surveys and corporate education. Directly comparable to JMA in mission, structure (nonprofit foundation), and Japanese enterprise/SME customer base.

Regional players

• JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization): Japan-focused government-related trade promotion organization that supports Japanese companies internationally and provides trade-related research and events. Comparable to JMA's mission of supporting Japanese enterprise competitiveness and its international footprint in Bangkok and Shanghai.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCPFl1mkNQzXGWrcdT88ZUUg

Compliance11 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Japan Management Association