14/02/2025
Our Japanese partner Makaira hosted a public policy workshop entitled ‘Good Lobbying Now: Issues and Challenges in Japan’. The event provided an excellent opportunity to deepen the ongoing debate about whether and how lobbying practices can be democratised in Japan through inter alia the introduction of a lobbying regulation as required by the OECD, and promoted by The Good Lobby and the OGP over the years. Yet is Japan’s political culture ready for that or is there a risk that such regulation may favour incumbents over new comers and nonprofits?
Professor Alberto Alemanno, founder of The Good Lobby, was the keynote speaker and delivered a speech on the crucial role of bottom up political engagement in democratic societies.
A Partnership to Improve Transparency and Governance in Corporate Political Engagement
The Good Lobby and Makaira initiated their partnership in June 2024. Makaira, a company engaged in lobbying and public relations activities in Japan, aims to contribute to a holistic and continuously evolving society. Through this partnership, both organisations aspire to enhance the understanding of public affairs and the significance of governance in lobbying among Japanese businesses and society at large.
Political Engagement and Corporate Responsibility
During the event, Professor Alemanno, highlighted the crucial role of political engagement in democratic societies, stressing the responsibility of companies to engage transparently and ethically. A key aspect of this is a company’s political footprint—the total impact of its lobbying, advocacy, and campaign contributions.
To support Corporate Political Responsibility (CPR), The Good Lobby developed The Good Lobby Diagnostic, helping companies assess and align their political engagement with ethical standards. In collaboration with The Good Lobby, Makaira is working to introduce this concept in Japan, encouraging businesses to evaluate their political influence and adopt responsible lobbying practices.
Watch the video of Professor Alberto Alemanno’s keynote speech at the event, providing further insights into the key discussions and recommendations for promoting responsible corporate political engagement in Japan.