Aqsa Azhar,  IMBA Class of 2026 (Cohort 2024)

Thanks to Business School @ Renmin University of China, I had the privilege to participate in the Global Network for Advanced Management (GNAM) Global Network Week (GNW) 2025 module hosted by Hitotsubashi University, Tokyo, Japan.

Over 8 enriching days in Japan, I joined students from all over the world to attend a 5-day course on: “Managing Human Resources in a Super-Low Fertility, Super-Aging Society”.

This module provided timely insights into how Japan — a country facing some of the most intense demographic shifts globally — is reimagining HR in response to labor shortages, aging citizens, and evolving workplace needs.

Cultural Exploration & Personal Growth

Beyond academics, this experience was deeply personal. I explored Japan’s:

• Art & Tradition: Practiced Ikebana, and admired Japan’s calm, minimalist beauty.

• Work Culture: Noticed the strong societal value on punctuality, discipline, and responsibility.

• Cuisine: Tried authentic Japanese dishes — where food is not just taste, but art and etiquette.

• Society: Witnessed how Japan harmonizes deep tradition with high-tech innovation — a true model for sustainable modern living.

Key Takeaways:

• How AI, automation, and reskilling are being used to support Japan’s elderly workforce

• The role of foreign talent in filling labor gaps.

• The shift from traditional, rigid employment models to more inclusive and flexible HR systems.

• The challenge of balancing productivity, wellbeing, and intergenerational cooperation in the workplace.

Final Reflection

This GNAM journey opened my mind to the global challenges of aging, digitalization, and inclusion — and how HR leadership must evolve in response.

I'm incredibly grateful to Business School @ Renmin University of China for nominating me and to Hitotsubashi University for hosting such a thought-provoking and immersive module. It was more than a course — it was a personal and professional transformation.