#Japan #Beppu #Beppu City #Cross-Border Work #Ekkyou Shain

Introduction to Cross-Border Work

In a pioneering collaboration, Beppu's B-biz LINK has partnered with Ekkyou Shain, a company dedicated to supporting diverse career paths and innovative working styles. This partnership aims to create 30 cross-border work opportunities, starting from July, offering external talent the chance to contribute for just one day a week. This initiative not only provides valuable experience to professionals in Tokyo but also stimulates growth in Beppu's local economy by integrating fresh perspectives into local businesses.

Current Social Climate: The Need for Cross-Border Work

Japan faces several structural challenges today, especially in the context of the "100-year lifespan" era. Individuals often struggle to identify how to leverage their experiences and skills socially, as traditional career paths become increasingly unfulfilling and outdated. With local economies, particularly in rural areas, suffering from critical talent shortages, there is an urgent need for innovative models, like cross-border work, that allow skilled professionals to tackle local issues while honing their own capabilities.

Significantly, professionals with rich backgrounds in specific industries possess knowledge that can drive meaningful solutions outside of their traditional workplaces. The urgent call for 'career autonomy' sees individuals actively seeking new avenues to apply their expertise and contribute to community development, thus breaking the traditional organizational boundaries.

Overview of the Partnership: B-biz LINK as the Model for External Talent Utilization

B-biz LINK, at the heart of Beppu's industrial revitalization, recognized the crucial role of incorporating diverse external talent into its operations. Faced with the challenge of effectively incorporating these talents, the organization sought the expertise of Ekkyou Shain. By leveraging Ekkyou Shain's know-how on task visibility and delineation, B-biz LINK has identified approximately 30 suitable tasks for external talent, focusing primarily on remote contributions in areas like marketing support, public relations strategies, and new project planning.

This strategic partnership represents a vital first step, with B-biz LINK committed to learning and accumulating best practices through the integration of external talent, ultimately aiming to spread this model throughout Beppu's businesses.

The Value-Creation Model of "Cross-Border Employees"

The concept of "cross-border employees" fosters a mutually beneficial arrangement for sending companies, the employees who cross over, and the recipient local businesses. Not only do crossing employees gain practical reskill opportunities and a chance to reassess their careers, but they also return to their primary employers with new insights and innovative ideas, an effect known as "cross-border learning."

The host regions benefit significantly: by accessing previously unavailable expertise and knowledge resources, they can expedite their growth and adapt to the evolving market demands.

Testimonials from Leadership

Hiromu Miyakawa, CEO of Ekkyou Shain

“Cross-border work unlocks individual potential and revitalizes society. This partnership with B-biz LINK is a pivotal moment. By becoming a model for using outsourced talents, I believe this will ripple across Beppu, and eventually nationwide, contributing positively to Japan's future.”

Kei Hori, Executive Director of B-biz LINK

“New perspectives and diverse skills are essential to drive our initiatives forward. Collaborating with Ekkyou Shain, we can now concretely envision a future where we work alongside a variety of talented individuals. We aim to lead by example, promoting this fantastic system throughout Beppu.”

Future Vision: Expanding the Beppu Model Nationwide

As the partnership with B-biz LINK flourishes, Ekkyou Shain plans to use it as a successful case study to promote similar initiatives across Japan. By normalizing the concept of cross-border employees, the company aims to enhance diverse career development and contribute towards sustainable local communities.

Local governments and companies interested in revitalizing their regions through cross-border employees, fostering community connections, and promoting dual residency are invited to engage with us. Following the government's recent announcement on regional revitalization, there’s no better time to explore these synergetic opportunities.

Company Overviews

Partner Organization: B-biz LINK

• - Location: 1-3 Suehiro-cho, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture
• - Mission: Industry promotion, entrepreneurship support, talent development, and creating a connected population in Beppu
• - Website: B-biz LINK

Company Overview: Ekkyou Shain

• - Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - Focus: Supporting organizational development and regional problem-solving through talent management and dual employment initiatives.
• - Website: Ekkyou Shain

Conclusion

This collaboration stands to not only invigorate Beppu's local economy but also sets a foundational model for similar initiatives across the nation. The movement towards cross-border work can significantly reshape how professionals engage with their careers and contribute to society, ensuring a more dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship between businesses and their employees.