#Japan #Tokyo #career education #Integrated Reporting #Shedar

Empowering Future Professionals: Workshops on Integrated Reporting

In Japan, one of the most pressing challenges faced by companies is the so-called "three-year-three-quarters" problem, where approximately 30% of new graduates leave their jobs within three years. This high turnover rate is primarily attributed to a mismatch during the job-hunting process. Many students tend to choose companies based on superficial criteria like brand recognition, salary, and benefits, without deeply understanding the company's core purpose or long-term vision.

Recognizing this issue, educational institutions have also been challenged to promote effective career education that addresses these gaps. Shedar has stepped in with its new initiative: the "Integrated Reporting Workshop" that seeks to provide students with the tools needed to critically analyze corporate communications such as integrated reports.

What is an Integrated Report?

An integrated report is an annual publication wherein companies convey both financial and non-financial information, including aspects such as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and sustainability. This document encapsulates the essence of a company's vision, its value-creation narrative, and its approach to societal challenges. It presents an authentic glimpse into a company's true motivations and aspirations.

The workshops hosted by Shedar enable students to select integrated reports from businesses they are interested in, dissect these reports, and engage in group discussions. This hands-on program promotes active learning, focusing on discovering the underlying truths behind the information presented. Rather than merely imparting knowledge, the workshop encourages exploration and meaningful dialogues.

Workshop Overview

• - Target Audience: University students, junior colleges, vocational schools, and high school students preparing for or currently in the job search.
• - Participant Size: Groups of 10 to 100 participants (flexible as per needs).
• - Duration: Typical duration is 90 minutes but can be adjusted from 60 to 120 minutes.
• - Location: Available in-person (classrooms or auditoriums), online, or hybrid formats.
• - Requirements: A projector and Wi-Fi access (smartphones can facilitate participation).
• - Cost: The initial session is free for a limited number of participants.

Workshop Structure (for a typical 90-minute session)

1. Introduction and Lecture (30 minutes)
- Overview of the composition and specific features of integrated reports.
- Differences between financial and non-financial information.
- Key sections to focus on to uncover the company's true stance.
2. Individual Work (30 minutes)
- Students independently select a company and search for its integrated report online.
- Reflection on observations in the provided worksheets.
3. Sharing Session (15 minutes)
- Small groups of 3 to 5 share their insights, broadening understanding through peer discussion.
4. Group Presentations and Feedback (10 minutes)
- Representatives from each group present their findings with feedback from the instructor both to deepen the discussion and provide insights on how to leverage findings for interviews.
5. Reflection and Wrap-up (5 minutes)
- Participants fill out feedback cards, share thoughts, and confirm next actions.

This interactive format allows students to cultivate three crucial skills:
1. Analytical Skills: Understanding corporate essence through executive statements and strategies, enabling students to articulate business decisions in their own terms.
2. Selection Skills: Identifying alignments between a corporation's purpose and their own values; moving beyond mere company reputation to make informed choices that could prevent job mismatches.
3. Dialogue Skills: Engaging in substantive discussions with interviewers, articulating well-founded reasons for their career ambitions rather than superficial compliments.

Practical Application in University Courses

This initiative has been implemented across several universities, with positive feedback from participating students. For instance, students from Kyoritsu Women's University reflected on the benefits of analyzing Suntory Holdings' integrated report, noting how it showcased the company's ambition to merge social and corporate values effectively. Similarly, students examining Oriental Land's report appreciated the clarity of its mission focused on "creating happiness," as well as its substantial long-term strategy for business expansion, especially into cruises, which promises synergistic benefits.

An Invitation to Educational Institutions

Shedar is currently offering free workshops for universities, junior colleges, vocational schools, and career centers focused on embedded corporate reporting practices. Aiming for the widespread adoption of integrated report education for career development, the initiative is limited to ten educational institutions for the 2026 academic year, with four slots already filled as of April 7, 2026.

Through collaboration with educational institutions, Shedar strives to transform how students perceive corporate realities, equipping them to make the right career choices based on informed insights. For further details and inquiries, visit Shedar's Workshop Information.

Company Overview

Company Name: Shedar Co., Ltd.
Location: Kunitachi City, Tokyo
CEO: Tamiko Fukuda
Services: Sustainability promotion support (consulting, employee training, organizational integration)
Website: Shedar