#Japan #wood construction #Toyohashi #Hajime Kensetsu #Toyohashi Technical High School

Educational Tour of Wooden House Construction

On November 14, 2025, Hajime Kensetsu Co., a core member of Iida Group Holdings, organized a site visit for 38 second-year students from the Architecture Design Department at Toyohashi Technical High School in Aichi Prefecture. The event aimed to provide students with firsthand experience of the wooden house construction process, teaching them about modern technological approaches in the construction industry.

Importance of the Event

The construction industry is currently facing a critical labor shortage. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the workforce in the construction sector has decreased by approximately 30% since its peak in 1997. Coupled with the impending retirement wave of the aging workforce, particularly those from the baby-boomer generation, the sector is predicted to experience further shortages as many workers reach the age of retirement by 2025. This phenomenon is often referred to as the “2025 Problem.”

Such challenges, including the need for effective skill transfer to the next generation and creating clear career paths, emphasize the relevance of this site tour. The project seeks to engage Generation Z, representing the future of the architecture and construction industry, in understanding how these challenges shape the working environment.

Details of the Site Tour

The event began with an opening address, where Hajime Kensetsu staff introduced various health and safety measures implemented on site, including the provision of fan-equipped work clothing and salt tablets for hydration. Students were led through a home under construction, focusing particularly on the foundation and structural work phases.

During the structural component of the tour, skilled carpenters employed by Hajime Kensetsu demonstrated the safe handling of power tools. Five students were selected to participate actively by trying out power tools and completing screw-drilling tasks. This hands-on experience bridged the gap between classroom theory and practical application, significantly enriching their learning journey.

Student Feedback

The participating students expressed enthusiasm about their experiences, with many commenting on the precision and swiftness of the carpenters at work. One student noted, “I was amazed at how quickly and accurately the carpenters performed their tasks. It was my first time entering a house under construction, and I learned so much that I couldn’t in class. Understanding the use of tools and the functions of various materials was particularly eye-opening.” Students were also impressed with the carpenters’ abilities to navigate the plans without constant reference to blueprints, highlighting their expertise.

Overview of the Event

• - Date: November 14, 2025
• - Location: Hajime Kensetsu Wooden House Construction Site, Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture
• - Activities: Opening remarks, guided tour of the construction site, safety lectures on tool usage, practical demonstrations by students, introduction to construction management technologies using iPads, and discussions on modern construction practices.
• - Participants: 38 second-year students from Toyohashi Technical High School; Hajime Kensetsu executives and carpenters, including President Tadami Horikuchi, Division Director Makoto Tsuchiya, and Human Resource Development Head Shuichi Kikuchi.

About Hajime Kensetsu Co.

• - Company Name: Hajime Kensetsu Co.
• - CEO: Tadami Horikuchi
• - Head Office: 2-25-5 Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo 171-0022
• - Established: February 13, 1967
• - Capital: 3.298 billion yen
• - Business Activities: Includes ready-built houses, condominiums, custom homes, renovations, and asset solutions for investments.

By fostering education and practical exposure, Hajime Kensetsu continues to nurture future talents, ensuring the sustainability and innovation of the construction industry ahead.