The Convention is the supreme decision making body, consisting of delegates and central executive committee members.  It convenes once a year usually in June.  The Convention agenda includes activity and financial reports, action programmes, and budgets, as well as the election of executives.  (The service period for executives is 2 years.)

The Central Committee is the decision making body immediately subordinate to the Convention, and consists of delegates and central executive committee members.  It meets once a year.  It discusses and votes on basic principles for spring negotiations for better working conditions and other important items to be pursued between Conventions.  Trade Sections hold their respective general meetings during the Central Committee meeting. 

The Central Executive Committee is JSD’s executive organ, and it is responsible for the administration and implementation of programmes and policies set by the Convention and the Central Committee.  It meets eight times a year.  It is composed of 51 officials of whom 7 are women.  This term it has nominated one standing adviser also.

Trade Sections are the nodes in the organisational management of JSD.  There are three Trade Sections today: Department Stores, Chain Stores, and General Services.  They debate and implement policies, follow up on decisions made by the Central Executive Committee, provide assistance and guidance to the affiliates, and generally strive for effective communication across the organisation.  They plan and carry out their activities.  They study issues that are common and specific to their respective industry sections and try to build and enhance labour management relations at the industry level.  The three elements--the Central Executive Committee, Trade Sections, and affiliates--form an axis around which the organisational structure of JSD revolves. 

Prefectural Locals have been established to strengthen trade union capability to assure the implementation of policies.  Their responsibilities include participation in local Rengo activities and lobbying for policies at local governments.  Also, Prefectural Locals are the units of JSD’s engagement in the “Community Building” initiative, which is based on the belief that the prosperity of the retailing industry depends on the prosperity of the local community.