#Japan #Tokyo #Construction Industry #Hajime Kensetsu #Nara high school

Engaging the Next Generation in Construction

On June 16, 2026, Hajime Kensetsu Co., Ltd., a leading player in the housing industry based in Tokyo, arranged an enriching experience for 36 second-year students from Nara Commercial High School's Construction Engineering program. This initiative, which included a tour of wooden house construction sites and a residential design workshop, aimed to deepen students' understanding of the construction industry.

Addressing Industry Challenges

According to Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the number of employed individuals in the construction sector is projected to drop to 4.78 million by 2025, a significant decrease of approximately 30% from its peak in 1997, when it hit 6.85 million. Factors contributing to this decline include the massive retirement of Baby Boomer workers and the introduction of regulations limiting overtime hours in the industry, known as the 2024 construction problem. This scenario has led to significant concerns regarding productivity, workforce retention, and overall sustainability in construction.

In a job market characterized by a high ratio of applicants, high school graduates face fierce competition, particularly in specialized fields like construction. The 2024 hiring rates highlight that high school graduates face a staggering 4.10 times job availability, scaling significantly for those from technical high schools at a ratio of 31.90 times.

In light of these challenges, Hajime Kensetsu launched the construction site visit and design workshop to offer high school students a firsthand look into the realm of building homes and engaging with professionals in the field, nurturing their interest in pursuing careers in this vital industry.

Details of the Event

The day began with an opening address by Executive Officer Tsuchiya, followed by a briefing on heatstroke prevention measures undertaken by Hajime Kensetsu, which included distributing cooling vests and salt tablets. The students toured an active construction site, where they received explanations on fundamental construction processes, such as groundwork and structural framing. Mokuno, a graduate of Nara Commercial High School now working at Hajime Kensetsu, elaborated on the critical role of foundations in home construction. Additionally, a company carpenter provided a demonstration on the safe use of power tools, allowing eight eager students to experience screwing firsthand.

Participants were also introduced to the project management app, ANDPAD, showcasing modern methodologies in construction management. They learned about the roles and responsibilities of site supervisors and carpenters, along with the impact of digital transformation in the workplace.

The residential design workshop involved introductions to the various responsibilities within home design, followed by a live demonstration using 3D CAD software. One selected student operated the software, while all participants crafted their own plans for their dream homes using graph paper, culminating in presentations where four students shared their innovative designs and thought processes with the group.

Student Reactions

Feedback from the students highlighted the valuable insights gained during the events. They expressed enthusiasm and a newfound understanding of the intricacies involved in building design and construction. One student remarked, “Seeing the structure of wooden houses in person allowed for a deeper comprehension of what we study in school, and hearing from a graduate sparked even more interest in the field.” Another noted, “Presenting my housing plan and seeing it come to life in 3D was an eye-opening experience. I now appreciate both the complexity and the joy of home design.”

Event Summary

• - Date: June 16, 2026
• - Location: Construction Site Visit in Yamato-Koriyama City, Nara Prefecture; Residential Design Workshop at Hajime Kensetsu Osaka Office, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture
• - Participants: 36 students from Nara Commercial High School’s Construction Engineering program
• - Executives Present: Tsuchiya and Mokuno from Hajime Kensetsu, as well as department heads from the design team

Through this initiative, Hajime Kensetsu continues to play an essential role in cultivating the next generation of architects and builders, providing them with the support and knowledge to succeed in an evolving industry.