#Japan #Student Experience #Okayama #Hajime Construction #Wood Housing

Building Insights for Future Generations

On October 20, 2025, Hajime Construction Co., Ltd., a core company of the Iida Group Holdings, conducted a highly informative site visit and housing design experience day for 40 first-year architecture students from Okayama Prefectural Mizushima Technical High School. This initiative aimed to provide students with a firsthand look at the construction processes involved in wooden houses, aligning with the industry's evolving practices.

A Growing Need in the Construction Industry

According to Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the workforce in the construction industry has seen a significant decline of about 30% compared to its peak in 1997. The sector anticipates more severe labor shortages as many workers, mainly from the baby boomer generation, approach retirement age in 2025. This shortage, often referred to as the “2025 Problem”, poses critical challenges such as passing on skills amidst an aging workforce, and clarifying career paths and compensations to attract younger talent.

Hajime Construction organized this event to expose students, considered part of Generation Z, to contemporary construction practices and the role of digital tools in site management. Through hands-on experiences, students gained insights into the industry's gradual transformation and became more aware of career opportunities within architecture and construction.

Highlights of the Event

Building Site Tour

As the event commenced, representatives from Hajime Construction introduced safety measures against heat stress, including the provision of cooling vests, salt tablets, and oral rehydration solutions. Afterward, students explored an active construction site where they received explanations on foundational and structural work. One of the skilled carpenters, who is an employee at Hajime Construction, demonstrated the safe use of power tools like electric saws and allowed a few students to engage in hands-on activities like driving screws into materials.

Additionally, students learned about the app ‘ANDPAD’, which is used to enhance on-site digital management processes.

Housing Design Experience

Following the site tour, students participated in a housing design workshop facilitated by Hajime employees. They first received an overview of the housing design process and observed a demonstration using 3D CAD technology. One student had the opportunity to operate the program, showcasing the integration of digital technology in modern architectural practices. Subsequently, all students engaged in designing their envisioned single-story homes on graph paper, culminating in presentations of their unique designs.

Responses from the students were overwhelmingly positive. Many reported that visiting the wooden housing construction site for the first time helped them comprehend how plans transform into tangible structures. They expressed astonishment at witnessing the teamwork involved in the construction process and appreciated the safety protocols and digital advancements in the industry.

Experiences Shared by Participants

Students shared various reflections post-event. One participant noted, “It was enlightening to finally see how the structures we studied in class are built step by step. The emphasis on teamwork in carpentry was more pronounced than I imagined.” Another student highlighted the thrilling experience of using power tools under supervision, stating, “Learning how to safely handle electric tools was a significant takeaway. I was also impressed by how digital innovations are reshaping today’s construction sites.”

The housing design session was equally engaging, with one student remarking, “Using 3D CAD felt futuristic and essential for modern building design. While creating my layout was challenging, it was a delightful experience that sparked my interest in pursuing a career in architecture.”

Event Details

• - Date: October 20, 2025
• - Locations:

- Building Site Tour: Hajime Construction’s wooden housing site (Sōja City, Okayama)
- Housing Design Workshop: Mizushima Technical High School classroom (Kurashiki City, Okayama)

• - Participants: 40 first-year architecture students from Okayama Prefectural Mizushima Technical High School
• - Key Speakers:

- Executive Officer, General Manager of Western Japan Construction Division, Makoto Tsuchiya
- Human Resource Development Department Manager, Shuichi Kikuchi
- Design Department Manager, Kazushi Tada

This initiative is part of Hajime Construction’s broader strategy to address the pressing labor shortages in the construction industry through proactive engagement and education of young potential entrants to the field.

About Hajime Construction Co., Ltd.

• - CEO: Tadami Horiguchi
• - Headquarters: 171-0022, Tokyo, Toshima, Minami Ikebukuro 2-25-5, Fujikyu Building, East 5th
• - Established: February 13, 1967
• - Capital: 3.298 billion yen
• - Services: Develops condominiums, custom-built houses, renovations, and provides asset solutions.

For more information about their offerings, please visit Hajime Construction Official Website to explore their various services in residential construction.