Constructing the Future: Insights from the First Working Style Research Meeting in the Construction Industry

On November 26, 2025, the Suke Dachi Research Institute organized the inaugural "Working Style Research Meeting in the Construction Industry" at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo. Inviting representatives from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, as well as leading construction companies, this closed meeting was designed for in-depth discussions regarding significant upcoming changes in the construction sector.

Background and Objectives of the Meeting

The meeting aimed to address the urgent need for labor force recruitment in the construction industry by introducing standards for labor costs, a topic of vital importance as it promises to transform the industry's structure. With the full implementation of the revised Construction Business Act and the introduction of standard labor costs expected in December 2025, this meeting provided a platform for candid exchanges of opinions between Ministry officials and construction leaders.

The Suke Dachi Research Institute focused on fostering an environment where participants could engage in “open and honest discussion” to ensure the effective implementation of these new standards. A total of 20 industry leaders gathered to deliberate on how to achieve this goal.

Overview of the Meeting

Date:

November 26, 2025

Venue:

Keio Plaza Hotel

Organizer:

Suke Dachi Research Institute

Participants:

31 (Invitation-only)

Keynote Speaker:

Mr. Naofumi Ise, Director-General of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

Key Discussions

During the meeting, the keynote presentation by Mr. Ise focused on the “Labor Cost Standards System.” He discussed the pivotal points and considerations that emerged during the discussions in the working group responsible for its formulation. Specifically, he emphasized the importance of not only establishing a standard but also ensuring its effectiveness and the fair distribution of wages.

Highlights of the Presentation:

- The Ministry's recognition of the complexity surrounding the implementation of these standards.
- New regulations to ensure that parties involved, including contractors and subcontractors, preserve estimation documents for a prolonged period, enabling better scrutiny of pricing negotiations.
- Strategies to prevent labor cost dumping by investigating companies that pay below the defined CCUS level salary.

Q&A Session Highlights with Participant Companies:

- Long-term Goals and Timelines: Questions arose about the realistic timeframes for achieving the goals set by the revised standards.
- Initial Effectiveness of the System: Concerns were expressed regarding the risk that emphasizing “consideration” or “efforts” in the initial phase may lead to delays in the proper adjustment of labor costs.
- Adaptation Challenges: Discussions included concerns about the significant system modifications needed to comply with new detailed estimation requirements and whether support or grace periods would be provided by the government.
- Expectations of Specialized Contractors: Specialized contractors expressed a desire for fair competition criteria to transcend price, focusing on technical skills and workforce quality.

Closing Remarks:

In the closing segment, Mr. Minoru Kimura, an external director of Suke Dachi, emphasized the primary aim of the newly established standards. The focus should be on securing quality talent and improving working conditions, rather than merely competing on minimum wages. He urged for a supportive environment for subcontractors that facilitates negotiations for appropriate labor costs.

He concluded by highlighting the importance of promoting these new standards widely within the industry, assuring skilled workers that the government and the sector are committed to meaningful improvements in their working conditions. This advocacy is deemed crucial for preventing workforce outflow and encouraging young professionals to join the industry.

Participating Companies and Organizations:

A diverse group of organizations participated, including the Japan Construction Economic Institute, major construction firms like Obayashi Corporation, Taisei Corporation, and Shimizu Corporation, among others, reflecting the wide-ranging impact of these new labor standards across the industry.

About Suke Dachi Research Institute

The Suke Dachi Research Institute aspires to reshape the construction industry into an attractive career choice. Through collaboration with external experts and data-driven insights, Suke Dachi studies trends and possibilities in the construction industry, highlighting the importance of improving work environments for construction workers. Their services encompass market research, seminars, and dialogues aimed at fostering a more appealing and sustainable construction industry in the future.

For more information about Suke Dachi Research Institute, visit their website at Suke Dachi.

Company Overview

Name: Suke Dachi, Inc.
CEO: Yoichi Agatsuma
Address: 14th Floor Sumitomo Real Estate Shinjuku Central Park Tower, 6-18-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Established: March 30, 2017
Capital: 80 million yen
Business: Planning, production, and operation of internet-based services
URL: Company Profile