#Japan #Tokyo #IT Industry #Arsaga Partners #Career Dialogue

Career Design Dialogue at Rikkyo Niiza High School

On October 2, 2025, Arsaga Partners, a company specializing in digital transformation (DX) headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, organized a Career Design Dialogue for students from Rikkyo Niiza High School. The event aimed to address students' questions regarding the IT industry and careers through a structured interview format. This initiative was part of the school's career education program, aiming to elucidate the realities of the IT sector and the traits desired in modern business professionals.

Engaging Discussions on Career Formation

The session was moderated by Tohru Matsuto, Vice President of Arsaga Partners, who shared his insights based on personal experiences in the field. The discussion centered around the essential skills needed for high school students, the importance of setting realistic career goals, and how to navigate the challenges of defining one's future aspirations.

Key Questions from Students

• - What skills should high school students acquire?
• - How should students approach goal setting when unsure about their future?

Matsuto emphasized the significance of planning and commitment in achieving goals. He pointed out that many students might not have a clear sense of their future dreams, noting that this is a common issue. He suggested that students should focus on short-term, achievable goals, which can eventually lead to larger aspirations.

“Planning and executing tasks diligently form the foundation for success. Without the experience of persistent effort, it becomes challenging to strive for significant accomplishments in the future,” he stated. He encouraged attendees to adopt a mindset of continuous self-improvement and embrace every opportunity to succeed.

The Role of Passion in Career Choices

Matsuto also highlighted the importance of choosing a career based on what excites individuals. He recounted his own journey from working in a travel company to the IT sector, driven by a desire to harness technology to effect societal change. “When you're genuinely passionate about your work, it becomes easier to dedicate yourself to it. Conversely, pursuing a career that doesn't interest you can lead to frustration over time,” he advised.

To be prepared for those pivotal opportunities, he encouraged students to cultivate their skills and take every task seriously, as these efforts would pave the way for a fulfilling future.

Preparing for a Future in IT

Students curious about entering the IT field raised several thought-provoking questions:

• - What should students focus on now to prepare for a career in IT?
• - Given the vast amount of information available, how can one effectively gather valuable insights?

Emphasizing Industry Knowledge

Matsuto stressed the importance of understanding the industry landscape, outlining the diverse areas within IT, such as internet services, data utilization, communication infrastructure, and digital transformation consulting. He pointed out that nearly every industry is integrating IT into its operations, highlighting examples like the automotive industry's approach to autonomous driving technology.

He urged students to seek reliable sources of information, pointing out that with the vast amount of data available today, it is crucial to differentiate between credible and anonymous information. He recommended consuming content from reputable sources and making the most of school libraries.

Addressing Japan's Digital Challenges

Arsaga Partners is well aware of the pressing digital challenges within Japan's economy. Matsuto provided insights into how the company differentiates itself amidst competition and contributes to rectifying Japan's digital deficit, where profits are increasingly flowing to foreign companies.

Arsaga Partners engages in comprehensive consulting and development efforts to tackle these structural issues, striving to provide high-quality, cost-effective digital transformation solutions.

Encouraging Future Innovators

As discussions progressed, students inquired about the importance of English skills in the IT sector:

• - How can proficiency in English benefit one’s career in IT?
• - What careers maximize the use of English?

Matsuto assured students that despite advances in technology that may reduce the need for language studies, English skills remain vital for building trust and collecting first-hand information in the business world. The ability to communicate effectively will continue to give them a competitive edge.

He also encouraged students to consider entrepreneurship as a viable option, emphasizing that building companies based on personal passions could lead to meaningful contributions to society.

Conclusion

At the end of the session, when asked about his future goals, Matsuto expressed his commitment to addressing regional economic disparities and fostering local talent to support the expansion of digital transformation across all prefectures in Japan. This initiative marks a step towards creating a cycle of employment and education that yields fruitful results.

Arsaga Partners will continue to dedicate efforts to cultivating the next generation of digital leaders, collaborating with educational institutions to ensure a sustainable and innovative future for Japan's technology sector.