Komon means adviser. In a Japanese company it is most often the title given to a former president, director or senior executive who has stepped down but remains attached to the company, sometimes with an office, a car and a salary. The related title sodanyaku, often translated as counsellor or senior adviser, is usually reserved for former presidents or chairs.
The influence varies enormously. Some komon are genuinely retired. Others remain the person the current leadership checks with before any major decision. Because that influence sits outside formal governance, investors pushed for transparency, and since 2018 the Tokyo Stock Exchange's corporate governance reports have included a section where listed companies disclose former presidents and CEOs serving as komon or sodanyaku.
The title is also used much more widely: outside experts, lawyers and consultants on retainer, and retired executives who advise other companies, are often called komon too.
What it means for a foreign employer
- Find out who the komon are when you deal with a Japanese company. In a partnership, acquisition or major sale, the formal decision-maker may not be the real one.
- A komon on a candidate's CV needs explaining. It can mean a senior, paid advisory role or a courtesy title. Ask what they actually do, how often and for whom.
- It can be a hiring channel. Retired executives who advise as komon are often well placed to make introductions to senior candidates.
Sources
- Tokyo Stock Exchange, corporate governance report: disclosure of former presidents and CEOs serving as advisers, introduced January 2018.