#Japan #Okayama #JinJib #Sanyo Shimbun #Okayama High School

Experience Fair for High School Students in Okayama

In a significant initiative aimed at supporting job readiness among high school students in Okayama, Jinjib, based in Osaka, partnered with Sanyo Shimbun, a prominent local newspaper in Okayama, to conduct a special career experience event. This marks the third consecutive year of holding what is known as the "Oshigoto Fair" at two key high schools—Kasaoka Technical High School and Okayama Sanyo High School. Such collaboration not only enhances students' understanding of the job market but also bridges the gap between education and local industries.

Event Overview

Kasaoka Technical High School

• - Date: January 28, 2026
• - Location: Gymnasium, Kasaoka Technical High School
• - Participants: Approximately 80 second-year students
• - Participating Companies: 27

Okayama Sanyo High School

• - Date: February 9, 2026
• - Location: Gymnasium, Okayama Sanyo High School
• - Participants: Around 140 first- and second-year students
• - Participating Companies: 19

Day of the Event

The fair featured a wide array of companies, especially from the manufacturing and construction sectors, allowing students to directly engage with industry professionals. Students were divided into small groups, rotating between booths every 15 minutes, where they received firsthand insights about the industry, specific job roles, and workplace culture.

A key highlight of the event was the hands-on experiences – students had the opportunity to manipulate products and simulate job tasks, contributing to a concrete understanding of potential career paths. Positive reactions were noted, with many students displaying smiles as they successfully completed tasks, and the passion displayed by company representatives left a lasting impression. The students’ eagerness to learn was palpable as they diligently took notes and asked questions.

Background of the Career Experience Program

The labor market for high school graduates in Okayama remains competitive, with a job-to-applicant ratio of 2.93 as of March 2024. Despite this high demand, a concerning trend has been noted—many local graduates tend to relocate out of the prefecture for employment. Thus, initiatives aimed at fostering local job retention among youth have become increasingly critical.

Kasaoka Technical High School reports an impressive employment rate, with around 80% of its graduates securing jobs, while Okayama Sanyo High School maintains a rate of over 40%. Engaging students in real-world job scenarios while still in school significantly enhances their understanding of their strengths and career options, promoting informed decision-making for their future.

This initiative was designed not only to enhance students' job perspectives but also to cultivate their sense of belonging to the community by connecting them with local professionals.

Insights from Participants

Kasaoka Technical High School

Tomohiko Nonomura, Career Guidance Counselor
“Our school has a high employment rate, with about 80% of our graduates choosing to enter the workforce. This fair represents a valuable opportunity for students as they engage with numerous companies, broadening their horizons in a region where corporate recruitment fairs are scant. The proactive engagement of our students was commendable, as many explored fields outside their specialization.”

Okayama Sanyo High School

Yoshimi Okazaki, Career Guidance Coordinator
“Since this is our second time hosting the Oshigoto Fair, we have witnessed past participants successfully secure jobs with companies they met here. The enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by students during interactions with former graduates turned professionals were inspiring. This initiative aligns with our mission to prepare students to contribute meaningfully to our community.”

Student Reflections

Kasaoka Technical High School Student

Electrical Engineering Student, Male, Year 2
“I learned about the complexities and challenges of working in various industries. It was enlightening to hear professionals discuss the critical safety measures required in their job roles. The experience not only opened my eyes to my career options but also underscored the importance of responsibility at work.”

Okayama Sanyo High School Student

General Studies, Female, Year 2
“I was surprised by the level of employee benefits and support available in local companies, which I previously thought were scarce. I feel confident about job opportunities now.”

Industry Perspectives

Participating companies expressed satisfaction with the fair's success. Representatives noted that this direct interaction allowed for meaningful exchanges, providing students with valuable insights while helping firms promote their unique strengths to prospective employees.

Through this collaboration, both Jinjib and Sanyo Shimbun aim to strengthen community ties by connecting aspiring young professionals with local businesses. The shared goal is to ensure that Okayama continues to nurture its talent pool and sustain its economic growth for years to come.