Hajime Construction Conducts Innovative House Building Tour for Students

Future of Construction: Hands-On Learning Experience for High School Students

Hajime Construction Co., Ltd., a prominent company within the Iida Group Holdings, recently hosted an engaging site tour specifically designed for 13 second-year architecture students from Gunma Prefectural Tatebayashi Trade High School. The event took place on January 28, 2026, marking the first time such a building site tour has been arranged in Gunma Prefecture. This initiative aims to provide students with practical insights into the home building process, particularly focusing on wooden houses, and to showcase the modern tools and technologies used in the industry.

Addressing the Labor Shortage in the Construction Industry

As reported by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the number of workers in the construction sector has significantly declined by about 30% compared to its peak in 1997. Concerns are growing about the looming labor shortage as a large portion of the workforce, predominantly from the baby boomer generation, approaches retirement age around 2025. This situation, often referred to as the "2025 Problem," highlights the urgency for the construction industry to address workforce sustainability.

The tour serves a dual purpose: to educate future generations about the evolving landscape of construction careers and to encourage students to consider entering the field. Students gained exposure to various aspects of the home construction process, enhancing their understanding of the industry's future and the emerging trends that will shape their careers.

Experiencing Construction First-Hand

The day began with an opening address from Fujikawa, an executive officer at Hajime Construction, followed by an informative walkthrough of an active wooden house construction site. Students learned about foundational work and the structural construction processes involved. One standout feature of the tour was a demonstration on the safe usage of power tools, conducted by skilled carpenters working with Hajime Construction. Two selected students even had the opportunity to handle electric tools themselves, driving screws as part of the hands-on experience.

To further enhance their understanding, students also explored a construction management application called "ANDPAD," which is revolutionizing site management through digital means. The app allows for real-time updates on project statuses, facilitating faster communication and increased efficiency in construction practices. Students were impressed by how technology is reshaping traditional perceptions of the industry, which they often viewed as largely manual and analog.

Insights from Participating Students

Feedback from the students was overwhelmingly positive. One participant noted, "I was surprised to see how digital tools like the ANDPAD app are utilized in managing construction projects. I always imagined construction sites to be quite analog, but using tablets allows for easy access to work details, photos, and blueprints on-site. This experience helped me visualize a future career in the construction industry more clearly."

Other students echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how the tour ignited their interest in pursuing careers in construction and architecture. They appreciated the chance to interact with industry professionals and gain practical knowledge that complements their academic studies.

Event Overview

Date:

January 28, 2026

Location:

Hajime Construction's Wooden House Construction Site, Gunma Prefecture

Program Highlights:

- Opening remarks and overview of the project
- Guided tour through the construction site
- Safety training for power tools with live demonstrations
- Hands-on experience using the ANDPAD management app
- Discussions on modern carpentry and career pathways

Participants:

- 13 second-year architecture students from Tatebayashi Trade High School
- Hajime Construction executives and staff, including Fujikawa (Head of Eastern Japan Construction Headquarters) and Kikuchi (Director of Human Resources Development)

About Hajime Construction Co., Ltd.

Founded on February 13, 1967, Hajime Construction Co., Ltd. has established a strong reputation in the housing sector. The company is dedicated to residential developments, including single-family homes, condominiums, and custom-built residences. Additionally, they offer renovation and asset solution services for real estate investments.