#Japan #Tokyo #Minato City #Career Strategy #Work Design Lab

Work Design Lab Partners with Minato City Industrial Promotion Center

The general incorporated association Work Design Lab, headquartered in Chuo, Tokyo, has officially established a co-creation partnership with the Minato City Industrial Promotion Center, a key industrial promotion hub in the Minato area.

Objectives of the Partnership

This collaboration aims not only to increase the center’s capacity to aggregate the strengths of companies, people, and communities but also to utilize Work Design Lab's diverse network, including professionals engaged in multiple jobs and collaborating regions, to promote open innovation. Together, they will work towards creating a future business community that accommodates the dynamics of modern work cultures.

Initial Collaborative Event

In line with this partnership, Work Design Lab and the Minato City Industrial Promotion Center will co-host their first joint event titled “Career Strategies in the 100-Year Life Era.” This event focuses on participation in new communities, starting side businesses, and re-skilling—encouraging attendees to build a strategic portfolio career even while employed.

Event Details

• - Date & Time: August 17, 2026, from 19:00 to 20:30 (main session) and 20:30 to 21:00 (networking)
• - Location: Minato City Industrial Promotion Center, 9F Free Space, 5-36-4 Shiba, Minato, Tokyo
• - Registration: Free of charge with a maximum of 30 participants onsite and 30 online Register here

Shifting Perspectives on Career Development

The backdrop of this initiative is the evolving view of career paths in what is often termed the 100-Year Life Era. The traditional belief that once someone enters a job, their career is secure until retirement is rapidly becoming outdated. As life expectancies increase and career trajectories extend into the mid-70s, individuals find themselves in a multi-stage life cycle, engaging in learning, work, and challenges continuously throughout their lifespan.

For the generation currently in their 40s and 50s, this shift presents unique challenges. Those who previously planned to remain with one company are now faced with the realities of working long past retirement age, requiring a reevaluation of career strategies in light of the changing landscape between employees, entrepreneurs, and freelancers.

Event Overview

During this event, four practitioners who have successfully transitioned from roles in large corporations to startups, academia, or entrepreneurship will share insights on:

• - When they began their transition
• - What preparations were necessary
• - Specific actions taken in their journey

The discussions will also encompass how companies can effectively leverage talent from this age group for mutual benefit.

The goal for participants is to leave the event equipped with practical tips to take their first steps towards a fulfilling post-career journey.

Who Should Attend?

This event is recommended for:

• - Individuals in their 40s and 50s preparing for a second career
• - Employees interested in side jobs, entrepreneurship, or further education
• - Those seeking to establish personal identity beyond their corporate affiliation
• - Anyone considering involvement in new communities or projects
• - People who want to concretize their next career moves

Event Essentials

Time Schedule:
1. Opening (10 minutes)
2. Short Pitches (30 minutes)
3. Panel Discussion (40 minutes)
4. Closing Remarks (10 minutes)
5. Networking (optional) (30 minutes)

*Please note that the schedule may vary slightly depending on the event flow.

Meet the Presenters

• - Sakoko Abe, SDGs Coordinator from Fukui (Formerly of Itochu Corporation)
• - Toshiaki Nonaka, Chief Producer of ANA Human Capital University at All Nippon Airways Transport Co., Ltd.
• - Hirotaka Fujimaki, Lecturer at Kochi University of Technology and Advisor to Small and Medium Enterprise Agency (Formerly of Toshiba, former Managing Director of a trading company)
• - Yusuke Ohashi, CEO of Career Edit Co., Ltd. (Formerly of Recruit)

Moderator: Takashi Ishikawa, Representative Director of Work Design Lab and Advisor for Regional Vitalization at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

About Work Design Lab

With the vision of creating a society where adults can work enthusiastically, inspiring children to dream about the future, Work Design Lab is dedicated to various projects for businesses and local governments across the country. They facilitate a community for cross-company new business promoters and support multi-job practitioners through learning workshops. Over 270 members are actively engaged in diverse employment practices, primarily in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding this partnership or event, please contact:
Organization: Work Design Lab
Representative: Public Relations
Email: [email protected]

Explore more about us at Work Design Lab.