#Japan #Tokyo #Career Development #Reskilling #Women in Work

Reskilling Survey: Insights into the Ambitions of Working Women

In 2025, Sankei Living News conducted a significant survey among its urban female readers, culminating in revealing insights about reskilling ambitions. This survey highlighted that a staggering 87.4% of working women express a desire to pursue further education and skill acquisition to enhance their careers.

Context of the Survey

The survey was designed to explore the growing interest in reskilling among women in the workforce amidst evolving employment landscapes and uncertainties about the future. Conducted over a week from June 1st to June 8th, 2025, it garnered 788 responses, all from women aged 20 and above who are currently employed. Notably, the average age of respondents was approximately 44.18, with most being full-time employees.

Key Findings

About 90% of respondents indicated a positive attitude toward reskilling. Specifically, 27.3% are actively learning, 38.6% have pursued learning in the past, and 21.6% are eager to begin.

Employment Transition Considerations

When asked about future career transitions, such as changing jobs or engaging in freelance work, 61.3% of women expressed interest. Diverse motivations were highlighted, with 55.5% aiming for higher income and 39.3% concerned about financial security. This indicates a significant shift from mere skill enhancement to a broader consideration of career restructuring.

Areas of Interest for Learning

The survey identified key areas of learning interest among participants:

• - Qualifications: 45.3% are interested in pursuing certifications.
• - Language Skills: 41.1%, primarily in English and other languages.
• - IT Skills: 37.4% seek to improve their proficiency in areas such as Excel and programming.

These figures underscore that the respondents are not just looking for general development but are also seeking specific, marketable skills to enhance their value in the job market.

Preferences in Course Selection

Respondents emphasized cost and content relevance when selecting courses:

• - 78.1% prioritized the course fees.
• - 69.7% focused on the thematic content of the courses.
• - 66.0% highlighted the importance of accessibility, reflecting a strong preference for online learning options, with 47% favoring them over traditional classroom settings.

Expectations and Concerns

When envisioning the outcomes of their reskilling efforts, 62.7% anticipate increased income while 49.1% hope for enhanced job satisfaction. Conversely, concerns also emerged, with 59.2% fearing whether new skills would be applicable in real-world contexts, and 56% worried about whether the investment in courses would yield adequate returns.

Concluding Thoughts

The findings from this survey demonstrate a tangible desire among working women to engage in continuous learning and professional development, acknowledging the volatile job market and their personal career goals.

By offering a feature in their August edition, Sankei Living aims to shed light on the value of reskilling, promoting a mindset where women can navigate and thrive in their professional journeys.

For further details about the advertising campaign related to this initiative, visit Sankei Living.