#Japan #Tokushima #Matchbox Technologies #Digital Employment

Matchbox Technologies Selected for Employment Promotion in Tokushima

Matchbox Technologies, based in Niigata City, has been chosen to participate in Tokushima's initiative aimed at promoting employment through digital technology. This initiative focuses on the development of a job matching platform named "Tokushima Matchbox." The company aims to collaborate with the prefecture to enhance local employment opportunities and encourage flexible work practices.

Starting from July 7, 2025, the company will hold briefings for local businesses in Tokushima, marking the first instance of a comprehensive spot work platform rollout across all administrative areas within the prefecture.

The Need for a Spot Work Platform

Tokushima is facing a declining population, mainly due to young people migrating out of the prefecture and a low birth rate leading to a significantly aging population. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications projects that by 2024, Tokushima will have the sixth-highest population decline rate in Japan, with approximately 36% of its population aged 65 and above. This brings urgent challenges to key local industries, including manufacturing, services, and healthcare, where a significant workforce shortage is evident.

Furthermore, job seekers seeking flexible or part-time positions, particularly seniors or those involved in caregiving roles, have limited opportunities in the current labor market. Often, job advertisements are found in print or local postings, making it difficult for potential candidates to engage with them effectively.

Launching Tokushima Matchbox

In response to these challenges, Matchbox Technologies, in collaboration with Tokushima Prefecture, is launching "Tokushima Matchbox" to connect local companies with diverse job seekers. The platform allows businesses to post job listings at no cost, effectively streamlining the recruitment process. Users can access job opportunities through a user-friendly website and app, making it easier to connect with potential candidates not only from Tokushima but nationwide.

The goal of the Tokushima Matchbox platform is not only to support the workforce needs of local businesses through diversified employment opportunities but also to provide flexibility to job seekers. This includes those who may find full-time roles unsuitable due to various personal commitments, such as parenting or eldercare.

Potential Impact of the Initiative

The introduction of the Tokushima Matchbox is expected to lead to an increase in available labor hours. If only 3% of the senior demographic, for instance, were to engage in ten hours of work monthly, this could equate to over 71,000 work hours, adding an equivalent of 900 non-regular positions. Similarly, creating environments conducive to engagement for part-time workers can potentially yield around 119,000 hours of labor each month.

Moreover, the ability to increase working hours for existing non-regular employees indicates a possible monthly addition of approximately 77,000 hours. This can significantly alleviate the workforce shortage in various crucial sectors, including healthcare and social services.

More than Just Job Listings

Beyond just job postings, Tokushima Matchbox is designed to facilitate longer-term employment pathways through a self-sourcing feature, allowing companies to build their candidate databases for future opportunities. This capability enhances trust and stability by enabling firms to attract familiar and skilled workers repeatedly.

Additionally, the initiative is reinforced through partnerships with local businesses, ensuring a deep-rooted operational structure. Collaborations with companies like Work Staff and Excellent Care System enhance outreach and promote the platform's visibility to local businesses, potentially increasing the number of participating companies and job seekers.

Moving Forward Together

The launch of the Tokushima Matchbox initiative represents a proactive step towards addressing the labor shortage in Tokushima by fostering an environment where flexible work arrangements are accessible. The prefectural government, alongside local businesses, is committed to advocating for the effective implementation of this initiative, ensuring it reaches the intended audience.

In a world where labor markets continue to evolve rapidly, initiatives such as Tokushima Matchbox serve as important gateways to connect diverse talent pools with local employment opportunities. As Tokushima seeks to improve its workforce dynamics, the collaboration between Matchbox Technologies and local authorities brings hope for a more resilient employment landscape in the region.