Representative director (Japan)
{{short description|Most senior executive of a Japanese company}}
{{nihongo|Representative director|代表取締役|daihyō-torishimariyaku}} is the position of the most senior executive in charge of managing a corporation which is registered in Japan. As regulated by the Companies Act of Japan, joint-stock companies incorporated in Japan must have a representative director.{{Cite web|url=http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?file_id=338223|title=Japan: Companies Act (Act No. 86 of July 26, 2005)|website=www.wipo.int|language=en|access-date=2017-07-09}} The representative director typically reports to the company's board of directors and is responsible for maximizing the value of the business.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jurists.co.jp/sites/default/files/tractate_pdf/ja/Corporate_Governance_Review2.pdf|title=Corporate Governance Review}}
Responsibilities
Corporations registered in Japan have multiple directors. The representative director is a type of director with the company's highest authority and possesses the right to enter into business and sign legal contracts on behalf of the corporation in Japan. The person holding this position is registered publicly on the official corporate register.{{Cite web|url=http://shiodome.or.jp/who-can-be-a-representative-director-and-what-are-the-residency-requirements/|title=Who can be a representative director and what are the residency requirements|website=shiodome.or.jp|language=en-US|access-date=2017-07-09}} His or her statements legally bind the corporation.{{Cite web|url=http://www.globallegalpost.com/blogs/commentary/japans-moj-moves-to-make-business-easier-for-foreigners-48309018/|title=Japan's MoJ moves to make business easier for foreigners|website=www.globallegalpost.com|access-date=2017-07-09}}
Limitations
In Japan, a representative director is not considered to be an employee of that company and is unable to receive certain benefits which are accorded to employees.{{Cite web|url=http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=71099274-1c69-4fb8-bfc3-ce594d149405|title=Ten questions on Japanese employment law {{!}} Lexology|last=Latham & Watkins LLP - Hiroki Kobayashi|date=30 June 2010 |access-date=2017-07-09}}