#Japan #Tokyo #Childcare Leave #Psychological Safety #Communication Training

Introducing a Special Course on Effective Communication Post-Law Reform

The Education Communication Association, based in Suginami, Tokyo, is launching a special course named "Enhancing Psychological Safety Through Language Communication Training" starting on July 1, 2025. This initiative comes in response to the amendments in the Childcare and Caregiver Leave Law that will be enacted in stages from April 2025. As these reforms promise to enhance workplace conditions, the course seeks to address the critical gap between legislative measures and real-world implementation — fostering a work environment that is not just compliant but genuinely supports employees.

Background of the Reform

The upcoming law changes will introduce significant modifications, notably increasing the age limit for childcare leave related to child's health, allowing employees to take leave for attending school events, and expanding the mandate for companies to disclose childcare leave statistics, particularly aimed at companies with over 300 employees. These progressions are expected to bolster support for working parents and make workplaces more accommodating.

However, the Education Communication Association highlights a stark contrast in the uptake of these benefits. While 2023 figures show men's participation in childcare leave reached a record high of 30.1%, the rate for women stands significantly higher at 85.7%. This discrepancy underscores an existing challenge: having a system in place does not guarantee equitable access or ease of use for all employees.

Further complicating this situation is the ongoing labor shortage in Japan, which has reached a staggering 51.4% among permanent employees, as reported by Teikoku Databank. In environments where staff resources are constrained, the perception that taking leave will inconvenience co-workers or disrupt operations creates psychological barriers that discourage employees from utilizing their legal rights. This often results in well-intended policies becoming ineffective, existing merely as intangible legalities rather than practical support systems.

Understanding the Communication Barrier

Taichi Kogure, a language communication consultant and author of 67 books, points to the quality of communication as a fundamental issue that companies will face following the law change. He argues that despite the law reform being beneficial in principle, its success hinges on the work culture fostering open and effective communication. Employees may hesitate to use benefits if they fear their professional standing will suffer or that they will impose on their colleagues.

In remote work settings, where casual, non-verbal communication is often absent, the need for clear and specific verbal communication becomes even more vital. For instance, when an employee wishes to take sick leave for a child's health issue, it is critical that the impacts on workload and expectations are clearly articulated and understood within the team. Failing to establish a shared understanding can lead to workplace confusion and perceptions of unfairness.

Moreover, it is essential for management to communicate a supportive stance toward leave-taking. If leaders do not actively cultivate a sense of psychological safety around using these benefits, policies remain merely superficial. To transform these regulations into meaningful support, organizations must leverage clear, constructive communication to build trust among staff.

Objectives of the Training Course

The upcoming training course is meticulously designed to bridge the disconnect between the policies introduced by law reforms and the realities employees face at work. Conducted by Taichi Kogure, the course aims to equip participants with the necessary language skills to make effective use of the revised Childcare and Caregiver Leave Law.

Participants will engage in practical exercises that hone their ability to communicate expectations effectively within teams. The training will cover:

• - Understanding and promoting a shared vision of childcare and caregiver support among employees to align with the law’s intentions.
• - Developing communication skills that address specific leave scenarios, such as sick child leave and overtime exemptions, facilitating smooth discussions between managers and staff.
• - Building mechanisms for information sharing that help returning employees reintegrate into their roles comfortably.
• - Strategies for eliminating psychological barriers, encouraging employees to voice their needs freely and constructively.
• - Methods to visualize job responsibilities and communicate instructions clearly, allowing diverse working styles to thrive while maintaining productivity.

This course promises to not only uplift individual competencies but also to enhance organizational communication, stimulating employee engagement and transforming the legal obligations into a competitive advantage for companies.

Course Details

Course Title: Enhancing Psychological Safety Through Language Communication Training
Instructor: Taichi Kogure (Language Communication Consultant)
Duration: July 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Format: Online / Hybrid in some locations (tentative)
Target Audience: Company managers, HR professionals, team leaders
Registration and More Info: Education Communication Association

Due to anticipated high demand, those interested are encouraged to register early. For media inquiries, interviews with Taichi Kogure, or collaborative ventures, please reach out through the same contact page.

About Taichi Kogure

Taichi Kogure is a renowned language communication consultant and the representative director of the Education Communication Association. With over 65 published works and more than 1.95 million copies in circulation, he is dedicated to making complex concepts accessible. His efforts have supported numerous business leaders through workshops and consultations.

As we look towards the future, upcoming courses will include skills for 1-on-1 meetings, DE&I acceleration, logical thinking combined with language skills, and more, tailored to advance organizational communication and effectiveness.