SuFIA Appoints HideToshi Miyaji as New Executive Director for Strategic Reforms

Introduction

The general incorporated association, SuFIA, located in Setagaya, Tokyo, will see a new leadership change with the appointment of HideToshi Miyaji as the Executive Director. This change is officially set to take place on November 15, 2025, as SuFIA aims to strengthen its focus on employment support and community development.

Background

HideToshi Miyaji brings over 30 years of experience in consulting roles at prestigious firms like Deloitte and EY, having served as a partner at each organization. His involvement in the founding of SuFIA and subsequent role as a director since August 2025 showcases his commitment to advancing the association's mission. As the new Executive Director, he intends to address pressing issues in Japanese society related to employment, particularly the challenges faced by single parents and marginalized communities.

Employment Issues in Japan

Japan is facing a critical labor shortage, which is compounded by social issues such as poverty among single-parent families. According to a survey conducted by the Child and Family Agency, nearly 90% of single mothers—about 1.2 million—are employed with an average annual income of roughly 1.5 million yen. Additionally, a research report from the Japan Institute for Labour Policy and Training indicates that the poverty rate among single-parent households exceeds 50%, revealing systemic barriers to gaining employment.

Miyaji's focus is not only on improving employment numbers but also on understanding that numerous individuals face various challenges such as caregiving responsibilities, health issues, or geographical limitations that hinder their ability to work.

This restriction on work doesn't solely impact single mothers; parents caring for aging relatives, those dealing with chronic illnesses, and people who have to relocate due to a partner's job transfer also face significant limitations in their employment opportunities.

Dual Employment Gap

Japan's workforce is strained by a significant mismatch between available jobs and potential workers. There exists a simultaneous struggle between sectors that urgently need employees—spanning healthcare, childcare, logistics, manufacturing, and IT—and individuals eager to work but unable to find suitable opportunities.

Miyaji contends that this is not merely an issue for companies; it directly affects the sustainability of communities, industrial competitiveness, and social safety nets. Creating a new employment framework that allows for greater flexibility in working arrangements is paramount to alleviating this crisis.

Addressing Employment Needs

To successfully enter the workforce, individuals require a myriad of supports including physical and mental health resources, family cooperation, accessible transportation, and skill development. The advancement of IT has the potential to mitigate these barriers significantly. With tools such as the internet, computers, and smartphones, remote work has become a viable alternative for many.

Contrary to common assumptions, remote work does not always necessitate highly specialized skills. A foundational level of IT literacy and job-related skills can open numerous opportunities. However, a glaring issue remains: many individuals lack access to training that would help them develop these essential skills. By breaking down these barriers, a new pathway emerges for people to balance their personal lives and work commitments effectively.

Remote work facilitated by technological advancements can address the twofold issues of labor shortages and constraints on employment opportunities, helping to create systemic changes supportive of all workers.

SuFIA's Commitment

SuFIA is dedicated to supporting learning and employment for individuals seeking job opportunities, while simultaneously assisting companies in need of skilled labor. In particular, it aims to expand its outreach to businesses willing to offer stable employment to individuals facing unique circumstances, like single mothers. Creating supportive work environments and fostering collaboration among teams is at the core of SuFIA’s mission.

Career design and counseling that accounts for the future aspirations of job seekers is also vital. SuFIA aims to support individuals in crafting long-term paths toward self-sufficiency.

The confluence of economic poverty, labor shortages, and limited job opportunities signifies intersecting challenges that SuFIA is determined to tackle. By fostering an ecosystem where everyone can work authentically and maintain connections within society, SuFIA aspires to build a truly supportive community.

About SuFIA

Established in March 2023, coinciding with International Women's Day, SuFIA’s mission focuses on supporting financial independence for all individuals. With a strategic goal to create a community that assists 100,000 job seekers, SuFIA collaborates with professional entities to design a flexible employment ecosystem for the future.