#Japan #Tokyo #HR Tech #Reskilling #Advanced Education

Insight into Global Reskilling Trends

The latest edition of "Monthly Advanced Education" for June 2025 presents an in-depth exploration of reskilling by examining international trends alongside societal shifts in Japan. This issue highlights how rapidly evolving technologies and changing employment landscapes necessitate a re-evaluation of human resource practices and organizational development. The key to transforming these changes into opportunities lies in the growth of individuals within organizations.

Special Feature 1: Global Reskilling Perspectives

With a focus on the necessity of adapting to global trends in human resources, this special feature discusses how skill-based organizations and job-specific human resources are emerging as essential strategies.

Skill-Based Organizations as a New Strategy

Sho Koide, CEO of Gronexus, explains: "A skill-based organization matches jobs with talent using skills as a common language, aiming for flexible placements and optimal outcomes. While job-specific employment is gaining traction in Europe and America, Japan must also embrace skill-first human resource management."

This statement emphasizes the importance of aligning workforce capabilities with the needs of the market, paving the way for more agile and effective organizational structures.

Technological Innovations in HR

Manabu Kanauchi, representative director of Singulate, highlights the crucial role that data plays in transforming employee behavior. He remarks, "Services leveraging data to reshape worker habits are emerging rapidly overseas. Japanese firms must advance with data-driven human resource management to remain competitive."

Kanauchi's insights point to a future where technology and human resource management increasingly intertwine, fostering innovation and responsiveness.

The Advent of AI Agents

Yūshi Yamakawa, Chief AI Officer at Givery, and Haruki Koizumi from Givery’s Generative AI Reskilling Solutions division, express the importance of collaborating with AI in shaping the future workplace where AI is an integral partner, facilitating a more harmonious integration of human and artificial intelligence.

Promoting Job-Type HR Systems

Toshiko Suda, a professor at Aoyama Gakuin University's Graduate School of International Management, articulates how adopting global job-type HR standards can incentivize a culture of reskilling among employees, encouraging lifelong learning and adaptability.

Educating for Coexistence with AI

The initiative from Tokyo University of Science emphasizes the need for educational frameworks that cultivate unique skills aligned with advancing technologies while ensuring social compatibility.

Special Feature 2: School Reform in the Era of Declining Birth Rates

In juxtaposition to the reskilling narrative, this June issue addresses the urgent need for school reform in Japan as the number of 15-year-olds is projected to drop below one million by 2029, reaching approximately 740,000 by 2038. This demographic decline compels an examination of educational structures and reforms necessary to adapt to these changes. Various concepts such as remote learning, team teaching systems, local community transition of extracurricular activities, and reforms in entrance examination systems are scrutinized.

Changing Admission Systems

Toshiya Noda, a lecturer at the University of Tokyo, proposes the introduction of a receiving hold algorithm to replace the unfair single-choice admission system. This innovative approach aims to level the playing field for aspiring students.

Enhancing Extracurriculars Through Technology

Kaito Katō from Aerial Design implements a sports database to support the regional transitions of extracurricular activities, fostering a more connected and engaged community.

Rethinking Team Teaching

Fukimitsu Ando, associate professor at Hyogo University, reviews case studies of the team teaching system and its outcomes, identifying both successes and challenges in this educational model.

Customized Curriculum in Remote High Schools

Innovators at the Kagoshima Prefectural Remote Learning Center highlight their initiatives to provide diverse subject choices for small, remote high schools away from urban centers.

Regional Focus: Educational Innovation in Gifu Prefecture

Known for its rich natural beauty and traditional local industries, Gifu Prefecture is poised for educational innovation. The prefecture's educational administration is committed to nurturing "rich humanity" among students, while Gifu University actively creates competent individuals equipped to learn, master, and contribute to society.

Planned projects, such as the Co-Innovation University, signal a commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation among students and local entrepreneurs.

Cultivating Local Identity Through Education

Takahiro Hori, head of the Gifu Prefectural Education Committee, advocates for experiential learning projects like art workshops that connect students with their local heritage, helping to develop communication skills and self-expression.

Research Driving Innovation

Kazuhiro Yoshida from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology emphasizes the center’s role in research collaboration that fosters innovation.

Co-Creating the Future

Professor Akamitsu Takagi promotes the Co-Innovation University project, which transforms local spaces into educational hubs fostering hands-on experiences.

Building Community Spaces

Nobuo Yoshinari, former producer at Gifu Media Cosmos, discusses the importance of creating public libraries as community interaction centers for knowledge exchanges.

Fostering Talent

Satoshi Kawaguchi from Reepie shares insights on establishing environments where exceptional talent can thrive, ensuring valuable contributions to society.

Conclusion

As we navigate through diverse educational landscapes and human resource challenges presented in this issue, the underlying message is clear: adapting to change through reskilling and educational reform is essential. The articles reflect the need for continuous growth and collaborative efforts in nurturing a versatile and competent workforce, capable of thriving in an ever-evolving world.