#Japan #Tokyo #Rikkyo University #Off-Site Construction

Addressing Japan's Labor Shortage in Construction

As Japan faces a critical labor shortage in the construction sector due to its declining population, a notable event is set to take place on October 3, 2026. The Off-Site Construction: The Future of Building Supply in a Declining Population Society symposium, organized by Rikkyo University's Social Design Research Institute, will delve into innovative solutions for overcoming challenges in the industry. This event is vital as the construction sector grapples with the dual issues of an aging workforce and a lack of new talent entering the field.

Background: The Need for Change

Currently, the construction industry in Japan is experiencing significant challenges. The aging of skilled workers has led to an increase in resignations, while environmental concerns result in a slowdown of young entrants into the sector. Despite efforts to improve working conditions and support career development through skill evaluation systems, the long-term acquisition of specialized skills remains a hurdle. Consequently, a drastic transformation of traditional building supply methods is being sought.

The concept of off-site construction is gaining traction as a promising solution. This approach aims to shift construction processes to factory settings, thereby reducing dependency on specific technicians and creating a new production method that could streamline the building supply. By embracing this innovative technique, the industry hopes to address labor shortages more effectively.

Symposium Themes and Discussions

The symposium will cover a variety of relevant topics and perspectives, including:

• - Global and Domestic Trends in Off-Site Construction: Discussing the revolutionary impacts of factory production methods on quality and efficiency.
• - Sustainable Use of Domestic Timber: Examining models that integrate sustainable circulation of domestic resources with industrial production.
• - New Career Designs: Fostering an environment where young workers can thrive, moving away from the traditional dependence on craftsmen.
• - Regional Issues and Disaster Response: Addressing housing supply in rural areas and islands, and ensuring rapid provision of temporary housing during emergencies.

Event Details

Date and Time:

October 3, 2026, from 14:00 to 17:00

Venue:

Rikkyo University, Ikebukuro Campus, Building 11, B1 AB01 Classroom
*Online streaming available (Zoom and others)

Theme:

Off-Site Construction: The Future of Building Supply in a Declining Population Society

Organized by:

Rikkyo University Social Design Research Institute
Cooperation: Japan Off-Site Construction Association
Participation Fee: Free (Registration required)
Registration Link: Google Form Registration

Speaker Profiles

Featured Speakers:

• - Tomokazu Oba, CEO of Create Rebun Inc. & Researcher at Rikkyo University
• - Yusuke Sue, Director of Public-Private Partnership Town Development Center at Chuo Restoration Consultants
• - Toshinari Nagasaka, Professor at Rikkyo University Graduate School and Representative Director of the Japan Off-Site Construction Association

Moderator:

• - Norifumi Nakayama, President of Sojusha Co., Ltd.

About the Japan Off-Site Construction Association

The Japan Off-Site Construction Association aims to promote the construction of buildings produced off-site. By improving productivity in the housing and construction sectors, the association plays a crucial role in addressing local challenges and enhancing disaster preparedness. In emergencies, the association aids in supplying temporary housing and essential facilities in collaboration with member companies.

Website: Japan Off-Site Construction Association