Corporate Philosophy
Through consulting-driven problem solving,
we enhance the quality of life for people and organizations, achieving sustainable growth.
Vision based Activities
Achievement Oriented
Long-Term Relationships
Useful Work
Essential Solution
We do not aim to introduce efficiency or systems for their own sake. Instead, we approach challenges from a strategic and organizational perspective, grounded in a holistic view of management.
We focus on changing employees’ mindsets and behaviors, providing realistic and convincing solutions that lead to real transformation.
SMD’s consulting emphasizes proof over theory — rather than excessive analysis, we prioritize the minimum necessary analysis and actionable plans to achieve tangible results together with our clients.
Walking alongside our clients, SMD continues to be a true partner in shaping the future of their organizations.
Message from the President
When I was a university student, Japanese corporate culture, labor relations, and HR systems were attracting global attention as the key to Japan’s business success.
After entering the workforce and gaining firsthand experience with labor relations in many Japanese companies, I began to question this so-called “Japanese model of success.”
Motivated to explore Western approaches to HR and labor relations, I moved to the United States, earned my MBA, and joined an organizational consulting firm there.
Upon returning to Tokyo after working overseas, I realized once again that the HR systems of Japan, the U.S., and Europe remained fundamentally disconnected.
Determining the best HR system requires integrating each company’s strategy, business environment, and organizational culture—it cannot be reduced to the stereotypical distinction between “Japanese” and “Western” models.
I wanted to provide consulting based on my own beliefs, not the policies of a large firm.
Rather than charging clients for unnecessary expenses, excessive analysis, lengthy reports, or unproductive meetings, I aimed to offer consulting that is close to the client—agile, practical, and truly value-creating for both people and organizations.
With that vision, I founded SMD in 1997.
In 2017, we celebrated our 30th anniversary.
Throughout these years, we have been fortunate to work with many clients and partners, gaining invaluable experience and insights.
For the past three decades, we have continuously refined the perspectives and methodologies needed to deliver outstanding consulting in the fields of organization and people.
Some of our clients have worked with us for over 20 years, and we are deeply grateful for their continued trust.
Many consulting firms simply sell off-the-shelf HR systems that follow the latest trends.
However, the ideal structure of “organization” and “people” differs for every company—the answer always lies in customization.
Through diverse experiences, we have learned to move forward every day—improving step by step, never standing still.
Today’s business environment is increasingly complex, diverse, and rapidly changing for all organizations.
“The growth of human resources cannot keep up.” This is not just about new employees—it applies even more to managers and executives.
We work hand in hand with our clients to address these human and organizational challenges that lie at the heart of management.
SMD will continue to evolve, connecting people, technology, and organizations—linking Japan and the world, especially bridging developing countries and regional businesses in Japan—to create new forms of consulting for the future.
Even if your challenges are not yet clearly defined, please feel free to reach out to us.
Your time with SMD will surely be worthwhile.
We look forward to building new relationships with you.
October 2025
Koichi Sugiyama
President & CEO, Sugiyama Management Development Co., Ltd.
Company Profile
| Company Name | Sugiyama Management Development Ltd.（SMD） |
| Established | June 1997 |
| Representative Director | Koichi Sugiyama, President & CEO |
| Phone Number | 090-8511-1018 |
| Address | City Court Sakuragaoka #408, 23-17 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0031, Japan |
Company History
■Resigned from Towers Perrin (now Towers Watson), a global consulting firm specializing in organization and human resources, and established Sugiyama Management Development in Shin-Urayasu.
■Began serving as a lecturer at GLOBIS University Graduate School of Management and International University of Japan (IUJ) MBA programs.
■Served as an international cooperation lecturer in Iran and Thailand.
■Participated in the Chiyoda Life Insurance Post-Turnaround Due Diligence Team.
■Authored the correspondence course material “100 Practical Approaches to Cost Reduction” (IEC).
■Co-authored “MBA Human Resource Management” (GLOBIS Institute / Diamond, Inc.).
■Relocated the office to Ichibancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.
■Conducted a seminar at the Technology Promotion Association (Thailand-Japan) [TPA] in Bangkok and published the Thai edition of “100 Practical Approaches to Cost Reduction.”
■Contributed a regular column to the Japan-Thailand Economic Cooperation Society (JTECS) journal.
■Authored three business books, including “An Illustrated Guide to Human Resource and Organizational Management” (Shuwa System).
■Relocated the office to Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.
■Established Cedar Side Co., Ltd., a company providing preventive care training services for the elderly, and began operations in collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology.
■Under commission from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), developed operational models for “Skill Matrices” and “Career Paths” in a corporate project.
■Co-authored and published “Whistleblowing: Companies That Survive and Companies That Fail” (Tatsumi Publishing) to raise awareness of increasing illegal labor practices.
■Relocated the office to Ikejiri, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo.
■Appointed as an MBA lecturer at Rikkyo University.
■Appointed as Auditor of Chiyoda Co., Ltd.
Subsequently served as Outside Director until 2022, acting as Lead Independent Director and Chairperson of the Nomination and Compensation Committee.
■Began serving as an MBA lecturer at Doshisha University.
■Served as a lecturer in Environmental Economics at the Faculty of Agriculture, Tamagawa University.
■Relocated the office to Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
■Appointed as an Outside Director of Lightworks Co., Ltd..
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