Abstract

This paper explores the evolving landscape of business ethics in Japan, with a particular focus on recent research trends and methodologies. It begins by examining historical influences on Japanese corporate governance and business ethics, but places greater emphasis on findings from a survey of Japanese business ethics scholars. Conducted as part of the Global Survey for Business Ethics (GSBE), the survey targeted researchers affiliated with the Japan Society for Business Ethics (JABES) from 1994 to 2022. This paper discusses how business ethics research has developed in Japan, largely conducted in Japanese, and highlights key areas of focus such as compliance, CSR, and corporate governance. Using text analysis of research paper titles, it identifies trends across different decades, noting a shift toward more empirical studies and topics like AI ethics, human rights, and sustainability in recent years. The survey also reveals the broader roles of Japanese business ethics researchers, ranging from academic teaching to consulting and policy development. Looking ahead, the chapter highlights emerging research themes, including the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, transparency, and supply chain management, while acknowledging that Japan’s unique corporate context adds distinct dimensions to these global issues.