#Japan #Tokyo #Freelancing #Anju Ishiyama #TechBiz

Exploring Freelancing as a Career Path for Women

On March 25, 2026, TechBiz held a special event titled "Considering Freelancing as an Option: A Career Event for Women in HR" in celebration of International Women's Day. This event took place at STUDIO VIZZ EBISU in Tokyo and featured Anju Ishiyama, the president of the Sharing Economy Association, who shared her insights on the freelance lifestyle and facilitated networking among attendees.

Background: Addressing the Shortage of Role Models for Female Freelancers

Since its inception, TechBiz has committed itself to providing an environment where freelancers can work proactively. With the rise in interest around diverse working styles, especially among women, freelancing is increasingly recognized as a viable path that allows for flexible career development in line with life changes. However, a survey conducted by TechBiz in February 2026 revealed that many women remain hesitant to transition into freelancing due to uncertainties about income potential and long-term career planning.

The survey also highlighted a critical issue: 83.3% of female freelancers reported a lack of role models, with 57.4% stating they cannot find such figures due to a lack of opportunities or visibility.

In response to this pressing need, TechBiz organized the event to provide opportunities for interaction with role models like Ishiyama, fostering a space for attendees to envision their own unique career paths.

Structure of the Event: Three-Part Format

The event featured three distinct segments: a talk session, a panel discussion, and a networking session.

Part One: Talk Session (19:05 - 19:25)

Ishiyama shared her career journey from childhood through her present role. Growing up in a share house environment and experiencing her parents' divorce instilled a sense of purpose in her early years, leading to a focus on social contribution. Her path reflected her deep interest in global peace, which she pursued during her university studies.

She recounted her experiences in a human resource company where she felt uneasy about the traditional employee-employer dynamic, which led her to explore project-based work and her eventual transition to a platform that connects freelancers with companies. Ishiyama also highlighted the importance of market expansion via legal reforms, which motivated her to establish the Sharing Economy Association and become an independent contractor.

During her talk, she stressed three crucial elements for career development: having a sense of mission, painting a vision for the future, and understanding how to build supportive networks. She acknowledged moments of self-doubt in her career but emphasized that her strong dedication to sharing economics enabled her to gather supportive peers successfully.

Part Two: Panel Discussion (19:25 - 19:50)

This section involved a discussion led by Mai Miyake, who works within TechBiz's HR matching project. They delved into various themes, including the reasons behind Ishiyama's decision to become an independent worker and how her HR expertise has empowered her as a freelancer. Ishiyama stressed that a strong understanding of people and connections is essential, drawing from her experiences in HR, which serve as a cornerstone for any freelance venture.

Miyake shared valuable insights on managing freelance career risks, such as health checks and financial planning that are crucial when transitioning from employment to freelancing. They also addressed the specific challenges faced by women freelancers, amplifying the need for awareness about health issues and timing for family planning decisions.

Part Three: Networking Session (19:50 - 20:30)

In the final segment, attendees connected with Ishiyama and other freelancers, fostering shared experiences and support.

Impressive Moments from the Event

Following the panel, Ishiyama proposed a "Share Time" where participants exchanged their impressions, enhancing the sense of community in the venue and promoting smooth interactions during the networking session.

Participant Feedback

• - "I found Ishiyama-san's sharing about her history and her motivations incredibly inspiring and helpful."
• - "I learned how I can leverage HR experience as a freelancer, which has opened my eyes to new career paths."
• - "This event motivated me to think positively about combining being a woman with freelancing. I appreciated connecting with others here."

Future Developments

Building on the insights gained from this event and participant feedback, TechBiz remains dedicated to expanding awareness of freelancing as a career option and supporting individuals in crafting personalized career paths.

Upcoming Event Announcement

TechBiz will host another event on April 24, 2026, titled "Thinking About Autonomous Career Paths with Mari Hirata, President of the Freelancers Association." The event will cover real experiences related to freelancing, featuring insights from Hirata on its benefits and opportunities for participants to engage in Q&A sessions.

For more information about TechBiz and its services, visit TechBiz Corporate Website.