#Japan #Shibuya #TechBiz #Freelance Association #Mari Hirata

Event Report: Redefining Freelance Careers

Overview of the Event
On April 24, 2026, TechBiz, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, organized an engaging event titled 'Exploring Autonomous Career Paths: Real Experiences and Unique Working Styles of Freelancers'. The event took place at their headquarters in Ebisu and featured Mari Hirata, the representative director of the Freelance Association, who shared her profound insights on the realities of freelancing and career development. In addition to the keynote address, attendees participated in an open discussion and networking session designed to facilitate learning and connection among freelancers and those aspiring to become one.

Background

The significance of the event was heightened by the upcoming enactment of the Freelance Act in 2024, which has sparked considerable interest in freelance work. A study conducted by TechBiz among 900 full-time employees revealed that while 52.6% have an interest in side jobs, freelancing, or multiple business ventures, a staggering 64.7% have yet to take action towards this path. TechBiz identified a lack of clear imagery regarding freelancing as a significant barrier for potential freelancers. Hence, this event aimed to demystify freelancing and offer practical insights from those who are successfully navigating this career path.

Event Structure

The event unfolded in three segments: a talk session, open Q&A, and a networking event.

Session 1: Keynote by Mari Hirata (19:10 - 19:30)

In her presentation, Hirata discussed her own career trajectory and the enticing prospects of freelance work. She emphasized that her own journey into freelancing was less about meticulous planning and more about responding to opportunities as they arose, reflecting on the concept of planned happenstance theory, which posits that much of an individual’s career is influenced by chance. Another pertinent observation she made was that many successful freelancers prioritize connections and current relationships rather than solely defining themselves by their roles.

Hirata identified three key aspects of freelancing:
1. Free Soul: The freedom to choose how to utilize one's time and talents.
2. Multiple Homes: The psychological comfort derived from diverse relationships with clients and collaborators.
3. Autonomy: The ability to operate under one's own name rather than being dictated by company policies.

Addressing the fears of independence, she suggested that freelancers could transition gradually, such as starting by transitioning existing employment into contract work. Her advice focused on exceeding the expectations of those around you rather than striving for a definitive identity.

Session 2: Open Q&A (19:30 - 19:50)

Ayumi Kubota, a freelance engineer and staff member at TechBiz, joined Hirata for a panel discussion. They shared insights on several crucial aspects of freelancing:

• - Stability in Work: The key to consistent work lies in creating a strong portfolio. Having multiple contracts can reduce risk and make it easier to take on new challenges.
• - Work Selection Criteria: Kubota emphasized the importance of choosing work based on personal values and long-term portfolio development.
• - Balancing Life Events: Participants were encouraged to manage their expectations realistically and seek help from others in managing life’s demands.
• - Transitioning from Side Hustle to Freelancing: It’s essential to leverage experiences from one's full-time job when moving towards freelancing, while also investing time in self-development if the fields are unrelated.

Session 3: Networking Event (20:00 - 20:40)

Attendees had the opportunity to network and share their thoughts on freelancing and their respective career aspirations. This segment fostered dialogue between those already freelancing and those considering the shift, facilitating a meaningful exchange of ideas and support.

Feedback and Future Endeavors

Participant Testimonials:

• - One attendee expressed, “I resonated strongly with the idea of exceeding the expectations of those around me as I consider changing my working style as a freelancer.”
• - Another noted the empowering nature of the planned happenstance theory while contemplating specialization versus generalization.

Future Developments:
TechBiz plans to continue hosting events focused on freelance careers, offering more individuals the chance to explore freelancing as a viable career option. The aim is also to create environments that allow existing freelancers to cultivate their unique working styles and support one another in their professional journeys.

Speaker Profile

Mari Hirata:
Representative Director at the Freelance Association. With a notable background that includes founding roles at a PR firm during her university years, studying at Kellogg School of Management, and leading the establishment of the Freelance Association in 2017, Mari has remained a dedicated advocate for freelancers. Her extensive involvement in developing policies and benefits for freelancers has shaped the landscape of freelance work in Japan. She has received accolades for her contributions to women in leadership and is a celebrated mother of three.

About TechBiz

Founded in September 2019, TechBiz is an industry leader in connecting freelancers with opportunities in the tech sector through their platform, TECHBIZ, while also expanding into various business roles such as marketing, HR, and finance. Their mission encompasses not just providing job placement services, but also enhancing the societal perception of freelancers as valuable human capital in the workforce.