The Japan Federation of Economic Organizations (Keidanren) and the Japan Federation of Employers' Associations (Nikkeiren) are putting the final touches on mandatory procedures for their much ballyhooed integration, scheduled for May 28.
The consolidation plan, formally approved by Keidanren at its extraordinary general meeting Monday afternoon and by Nikkeiren earlier this month, would mark the first merger of major business groups in postwar Japan.
Keidanren Chairman Takashi Imai told a news conference after the meeting Monday that the new group should try to wield more political influence so the nation can establish taxation and legal systems in step with global standards.