#Japan #Tokyo #STEM #Office Tours

Second Round of Office Tours for Female Junior High and High School Students

TheTokyo Metropolitan Government has successfully carried out office tours aimed at encouraging female participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields, attracting around 3,600 participants since the initiative began in fiscal 2022. Following the success of last year's tours, a new summer program has been announced for August 2023, in collaboration with the Yamadashintaro D&I Foundation, which aims to foster interest and support for junior high and high school girls considering careers in STEM.

Starting June 24, 2023, registration for the second round of the summer office tours will be open. Notably, approximately 95% of participants from the previous year indicated that the tour aided their career decision-making process. This highly popular initiative is designed to provide girls with firsthand experiences from professionals currently working in STEM fields.

Overview of the Summer Office Tours

The upcoming summer series will feature first-time tours at renowned companies such as OKI Electric Industry Co., Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan, and Mitsui Chemicals. In total, over 80 organizations are slated to participate this summer—this is an unprecedented number. These tours not only include office visits but also hands-on experiences that focus on new technologies and workshops, allowing participants to engage in discussions about career paths with employees active in STEM fields.

Key Details for the Second Round

• - Tour Dates: From August 17 to August 31, 2023
• - Application Deadline: July 21, 2023, by noon
• - Eligibility: Female junior high and high school students residing or studying in Tokyo
• - Participation Cost: Free (participants are responsible for transport costs)
• - Application Method: Interested participants can apply through the official website: Tokyo STEM Office Tour Application

If applications exceed the number of available spots, a lottery system will determine participants. Note that tour details may be subject to change, so checking for the latest information on the homepage is advised.

Sample Participating Companies and Tour Details

1. Rakuten Group, Inc.

• - Tour Title: Creating a Colorful Future with Technology
• - Date: August 20, 2023, options at 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM
• - Overview: Discover how diverse backgrounds contribute to a better society through technology. Participants will explore the vibrant international offices and hear from leading female engineers during a panel discussion, showcasing real-life working styles and career trajectories.

2. OKI Electric Industry Co.

• - Tour Title: Peek into the World of Science and Engineering with OKI Female Engineers
• - Date: August 24, 2023, options at 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM
• - Overview: This tour focuses on the history of Japan's first telephone manufacturer, providing exposure to actual manufacturing processes and engineering problem-solving strategies. Participants will learn about the crucial role of communication technology in society by engaging with employees and experiencing the work environment firsthand.

3. Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan

• - Tour Title: Coca-Cola Factory Tour & Alumni Interaction
• - Date: August 26, 2023, from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
• - Overview: Participants will have a unique chance to see how beloved beverages are produced and interact with employees to gain insights into the excitement and importance of manufacturing.

4. Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

• - Tour Title: Discover the Wonders of Chemistry Around You
• - Date: August 27 & 28, 2023, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• - Overview: Participants will explore how everyday items—from clothing to beverages—are made possible through chemistry. This interactive tour offers a chance to see, touch, and learn about the fascinating role of chemistry in daily life and future societal challenges.

Background on the Office Tour Initiative

Japan faces a significant shortage of female professionals in the STEM fields, ranking lowest among OECD countries with only 17.5% of STEM graduates being women. Creating opportunities for students to engage with STEM careers before making educational choices is vital for fostering interest in this area.
Recently, Tokyo's initiative has seen a high satisfaction rate of over 95% among participants, reflecting its success in promoting relevance and accessibility within the STEM workforce.
Collaborating with the Yamadashintaro D&I Foundation—the organization founded to promote diversity and inclusion—this program emphasizes bridging the gender gap in STEM by supporting female students through educational and career-oriented experiences, facilitating their journey toward empowered futures.
Founded in July 2021 by Shintaro Yamada, CEO of Mercari, the foundation's mission is to help young women navigate and succeed in STEM environments, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive workforce for generations to come.