#Japan #Education Initiative #Sendai #Hajime Kensetsu #Construction Experience

Exploring Wood Housing: A Hands-on Experience for Students

On June 22, 2026, Hajime Kensetsu Co., Ltd., a key player in the housing construction industry, hosted a unique site visit for 59 first and second-year architecture students from Sendai Technical High School. This event aimed to provide students with a hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the construction and housing sectors. The initiative comes at a critical time when the construction industry in Japan faces significant challenges, such as an aging workforce and a competitive job market for new graduates.

Context of the Event

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the number of workers in the construction industry is projected to drop by about 30% from its peak in 1997. Additionally, recent labor regulations have posed challenges to productivity and workforce retention, making it crucial for companies like Hajime Kensetsu to attract young talent into the field. The job market for high school graduates remains competitive, with a considerable difference in application ratios between university and high school graduates. The visit aimed to bridge this gap by fostering interest in the construction field among young students.

Agenda of the Visit

The day commenced with a welcoming speech by Executive Officer Fujikawa, who introduced the students to important safety measures against heatstroke. The students were then divided into three groups to explore the construction site hands-on. During the tour, they learned about foundational work necessary for supporting houses, along with the various materials used in residential construction, such as timber, fasteners, and wiring systems.

One of the highlights was the introduction of the construction management application, ANDPAD, which illustrates the evolving nature of construction site operations through digital transformation (DX). The students were amazed by how technology facilitates modern construction practices.

Furthermore, Hajime Kensetsu's employed carpenters demonstrated safe uses of electric tools. Six students participated in a practical experience, fastening screws, which received enthusiastic acclaim. The students also learned about the difference between subcontracted and in-house carpenters, their respective roles, and how to interpret job listings to understand various career paths within the sector.

Learning from Real Experiences

Completing the tour involved experiencing an already constructed home, where the students could visualize the domestic environment with real furniture and fixtures in place. This immersive experience allowed them to better grasp the practical aspects of housing development and the end-user living conditions once construction is completed.

What the Students Said

Participating students shared remarkable insights after the event:

• - “I had always been interested in architectural design, but this visit made me appreciate the craftsmanship involved in carpentry too. Hearing from professionals and using tools broadened my perspective on future career paths.”
• - “Seeing the actual construction process was invaluable. It allowed me to visualize the workflow from start to finish in a way that textbooks cannot. Speaking directly with professionals offered a unique and enriching experience.”

Their positive feedback underscores the importance of such educational experiences, bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.

Event Overview

• - Date: June 22, 2026
• - Location: Wood housing construction site, Shibata, Miyagi Prefecture
• - Participants: 59 students from Sendai Technical High School, Executive Officers and carpenters from Hajime Kensetsu

The event exemplifies Hajime Kensetsu’s commitment to fostering the next generation of skilled professionals in the construction industry. By providing students with firsthand experiences, the company not only supports educational initiatives but also safeguards the future of the industry itself.