Empowering Young Women: Tokyo Office Tours for Teens to Explore STEM Careers

Tokyo is on a mission to enhance the role of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Since the 2022 academic year, the city has organized office tours aimed specifically at young women in middle and high schools. Marking its fifth year, this summer's initiative will unfold across more than 50 participating companies and institutions.

To kick off the 2028 academic year's program, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government hosted its first-ever technical office tour on June 8, allowing students to witness the daily functions of city government employees in technical roles. The event featured Deputy Governor Akiko Matsumoto, who engaged in a panel discussion alongside female technical staff working in civil engineering, construction, machinery, and electric fields. The students had the unique opportunity to explore usually restricted areas of the Tokyo Transport Bureau and the wastewater department, gaining insights into the reality of these professions.

In her opening remarks, Deputy Governor Matsumoto emphasized the importance of fostering an environment where everyone can freely choose their paths, regardless of gender. She pointed out that while Japanese female students excel in STEM subjects, there is a stark underrepresentation of women in technical careers. "This initiative is part of our effort to change that narrative by allowing young women to experience STEM workplaces firsthand. We hope you take away valuable insights from this event which will aid you in your future endeavors," she stated.

Insights into Technical Careers

During the panel discussion, several female employees shared their experiences and motivations for pursuing careers in Tokyo's technical departments.

1. Job Satisfaction and Challenges: One participant highlighted her role in overseeing the basic planning of Tokyo's subway facilities. "While coordinating with multiple stakeholders often presents challenges, witnessing the completion of a project that serves the daily lives of 14 million residents brings immense satisfaction. Supporting the vital infrastructure that helps keep the city running is incredibly rewarding,” she shared.

2. Decision to Join the Municipal Office: Another panelist expressed her attraction to the diverse range of infrastructure projects handled by the Tokyo government. "Working on subway systems and large-scale developments in unique urban settings was appealing. The chance to collaborate with various experts allowed for a well-rounded growth experience as an engineer,” she noted.

3. Skills from Schooling: When asked about the skills that benefited them from their school days, the women identified logical thinking and problem-solving abilities fostered in mathematics and science courses. They underlined how teamwork and communication skills developed through extracurricular activities continue to be relevant in their professional lives.

4. Work Environment for Women: The panelists also addressed the workplace environment, highlighting policies such as flexible working hours and support systems for working mothers. "The city fosters an inclusive workplace, facilitating a balance between responsibilities at home and in the office," they shared, noting improved facilities to accommodate all employees.

As the event concluded, Deputy Governor Matsumoto left the students with words of encouragement, urging them to pursue various challenges in their future careers. She noted, "The city has made tremendous strides in ensuring safe and efficient urban living, but facing future trials like climate change and population decline requires collective effort, particularly from women who constitute half of our population. Your potential is invaluable to shaping our future society!"

Exploring the Engineering Realm

The tour included visits to significant infrastructure facilities.

- Magome Vehicle Maintenance Facility: This site is responsible for inspecting and maintaining the vehicles of Tokyo's public transport. Students marveled at the extensive plant dedicated to ensuring safe operations and even participated in a hands-on experience with operational equipment like pantographs, observing how light rail systems function.

- Ariake Water Recycling Center: At this state-of-the-art facility, students learned about wastewater treatment processes, observing experiments that illustrate sedimentation and microbial interactions in water purification. They watched female technicians execute water quality evaluations, gaining a constructive understanding of their critical roles.

Student Testimonials

Students expressed their fascination and newfound understanding about career possibilities:

- Many shared that getting an inside look at the workings of railways and wastewater management piqued their interest in technical professions.
- Participants found the presence of women in roles traditionally dominated by men inspiring and recognized the need to challenge unconscious biases within themselves.
- Overall, the experience broadened their perspectives on how vital technical roles are in supporting community infrastructure in Tokyo, enhancing their appreciation for those behind the scenes.

Future Office Tours

This initiative will continue this summer, with plans for new tours across over 50 popular corporations including All Nippon Airways and Nomura Holdings. Applications will open for students in mid-July 2028, welcoming young women from local schools to explore and apply for spots in these valuable experiences.

For more details on the registration and upcoming events, students can visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government website. This summer is set to ignite passions and pave pathways for the next generation of women leaders in STEM, allowing them to bring their views and talents to the forefront of urban development and innovation.