#Japan #Gamification #Corporate Culture #Itami #Shigoroku

Experience Work through a Game: The Launch of Shigoroku

In the ever-evolving job market, a new player is stepping onto the field. On February 19, 2026, Shigoroku Co. Ltd. will unveil its innovative service, "Shigoroku", designed to provide a unique and engaging way for new graduates to experience the intricacies of the workplace in a game format.

Based in Itami, Hyogo Prefecture, Shigoroku aims to bridge the gap between abstract corporate culture and tangible experiences. By utilizing a gamified approach to onboarding and recruitment, participants—up to 20 at a time—can navigate through scenarios typical of real workplace challenges. Each turn in the game is crafted to simulate workplace decision-making events, allowing new hires and students alike to make choices and see their consequences in real-time. This hands-on experience fosters a deeper understanding of not only job functions but also the unique workplace culture of the organization.

Understanding the Concept of Shigoroku

At its core, Shigoroku is about demystifying corporate environments that can often feel daunting to new employees. It offers a customized "work experience board game" that represents the specific nuances and vibe of a company. Traditional hiring processes often rely heavily on vague terms like "friendly” or “open communication” to describe workplace dynamics, which, understandably, lack specificity. Shigoroku converts these abstract concepts into concrete experiences through gamification and real case studies, thus providing insight into what working at a particular company might really feel like.

Player Engagement and Real-world Interaction

The game is divided into teams that engage in discussions and strategic decision-making centered around everyday work situations, termed as “situations, choices, and outcomes.” This team-based format not only promotes camaraderie but also allows participants to discuss and make decisions collectively. Importantly, Shigoroku highlights the critical yet often unexplored aspects of company culture, enabling potential hires to better understand how their values align with the organization.

The impetus for developing Shigoroku originated from challenges within the current new graduate recruitment landscape. With students often holding multiple job offers, keeping them engaged and interested in a single company is increasingly complex. As candidates weigh their options, insights from past employees often dominate their decision-making process, with many experiencing alignment issues post-hire. These factors prompted Shigoroku Co. Ltd. to craft a system that accurately conveys the nuances of workplace culture, including its less glamorous truths, to prevent future mismatches.

Why Choose Shigoroku?

1. Concrete Experiences Over Abstract Descriptions: Instead of relying on vague descriptors, Shigoroku provides firsthand experiences reflective of the unique culture specific to a company. It stages situations directly drawn from the work environment, allowing students to interact with scenarios they might face once employed.

2. Proven Impact on Recruitment: Early beta tests revealed that 96% of participants felt a deeper understanding of the company culture post-event. Additionally, there was a 30% decrease in unnecessary job offer declines, showcasing that student engagement leads to informed hiring decisions.

3. Cost-Effective Access: Shigoroku offers its services at an affordable rate starting from 100,000 yen per month, making it accessible across various recruitment phases without prior limitations. This is significantly more economical than typical external hiring solutions, which may average around 300,000 yen per engagement.

How Shigoroku Works

The process for engaging with Shigoroku is straightforward. Teams are formed, dice are rolled to navigate through the game, and discussions around themes are facilitated, all while aligning with the company’s specific context. After answering the posed challenges, teams review their choices, learning the underlying values that drive those decisions. This intimate environment cultivates a rich understanding of both the workplace and its expectations.

Looking Ahead

Shigoroku doesn’t just stop at recruitment; plans are in place for future expansions into educational programs for high school students as part of a long-term vision. Aiming to become the most credible platform for realistic career information in Japan, Shigoroku aspires to help individuals discover their passions through engaging, interactive experiences. By allowing users to play the Shigoroku game online, active engagement and self-discovery become feasible for aspiring candidates.

Contact Us

If you’re interested in learning more about Shigoroku, further details can be found on their official website or through direct inquiries at [email protected]. Join the journey to redefine workplace understanding through innovative gamified experiences.

Through Shigoroku, companies and candidates can work hand in hand to build futures that foster both personal and organizational growth, paving way for a healthier recruiting process and workplace environment.