#Japan #SDGs #Matchbox Technologies #Fujinomiya

Fujinomiya City Introduces a New Job Matching Platform

On August 1st, Fujinomiya City in Shizuoka Prefecture officially launched its job matching site, Fujinomiya Matchbox. This innovative platform aims to enhance local employment opportunities while simultaneously addressing the pressing issues of talent acquisition faced by businesses in the region.

The initiative, part of the Fujisan SDGs Human Resource Matching Site Management Project, allows businesses within Fujinomiya to post short-term job listings at no cost. Job seekers from across the nation are empowered to apply for these offers for as little as one day or a few hours, thus providing them with tremendous flexibility.

Management and Support
The platform is managed by Fujinomiya City, while Matchbox Technologies, located in Niigata Prefecture, has been responsible for its development, maintenance, and operational support. This collaboration ensures that the site is user-friendly and effective in matching workers to employment opportunities.

Addressing Local Challenges
Fujinomiya City faces significant socio-economic challenges, including population decline, an aging demographic, and a youth exodus to urban areas. These factors have exacerbated issues such as a lack of successors in agriculture, insufficient labor in tourism and service sectors, and a shortage of professionals to drive digital transformations. The new matching platform addresses these challenges by creating flexible work opportunities that cater to diverse job seekers, including parents, students, and retirees.

User-Friendly Features
Fujinomiya Matchbox allows job seekers to easily search for and apply to listings through smartphones or other devices. The platform’s design supports flexible work arrangements, which are appealing to a wide array of demographics. The reliability of the site is bolstered by its municipal backing, which also ensures worker protections like automatic assessments for unpaid leave and resolution support in cases of disputes.

Local businesses can effortlessly post one-off job offers and internships, allowing them to respond to temporary labor demands effectively. By addressing workforce shortages and stimulating local employment, the initiative aims to create a cycle of recruitment that enhances the local economy.

Anticipated Growth
In advance of the launch, a briefing for local businesses drew participation from 96 companies, majority from manufacturing, along with representatives from healthcare, caregiving, and hospitality sectors. Many voiced their appreciation for the support from the city, citing reduced financial burdens on businesses and an easy-to-use system.

The expectation is to see around 35 businesses and over 350 job postings by August 2025 across various sectors including manufacturing, retail, and services.

Fujinomiya City’s Vision
Nestled at the foot of Mount Fuji, Fujinomiya City boasts a rich natural environment characterized by picturesque views throughout the year. The city has diverse industrial structures primarily focused on manufacturing, healthcare, and services. The decline in population has intensified labor shortages, and Fujinomiya City aims to tap into its potential workforce through innovative job models. The project aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to empower all residents to participate in the workforce, especially those who have experienced barriers to employment.

Conclusion
Fujinomiya Matchbox seeks to provide a flexible working framework that can adapt to the varying needs of a diverse workforce, while by removing hurdles that prevent active participation in community life. As Matchbox Technologies continues to drive technological advancements in employment solutions, they remain committed to making flexible and reliable job opportunities accessible to all.