Fostering Innovation in Careers: Another Works at Nakagawa Junior High
In a significant step towards promoting the concept of dual careers, Another Works, a company that connects individuals wanting to pursue multiple professions with businesses and local governments, held an educational session at Nakagawa Junior High School in Yokohama on January 16, 2026. Led by the company's Brand Manager, Eiko Kuroda, the session aimed to introduce students to the evolving nature of work and career paths in today's society.
Background of the Initiative
Japan is currently facing a major shift in its employment landscape, driven by a declining workforce due to an aging population and an increasing demand for diverse working styles. This transformation emphasizes the need for individuals to engage in multiple roles, enhancing their skills and experiences. The concept of dual careers is gaining traction as it not only broadens personal career options but also addresses workforce shortages in businesses and community challenges. The shift towards a more dynamic and multi-faceted working environment is becoming essential to the economy.
Since its establishment in May 2019, Another Works has been dedicated to promoting the idea of dual careers. The firm believes that possessing multiple skills and engaging in various roles leads to financial benefits, personal growth, and enhanced career opportunities. The company's primary service, the ‘Dual Career Cloud’ matching platform, has registered over 100,000 talents and facilitated partnerships with 2,500 enterprises and 250 municipalities by May 2026.
Understanding and exploring career options early on is crucial. According to Another Works, introducing the idea of ‘dual careers’ to middle school and high school students can significantly expand their horizons for future endeavors. This educational session is part of a larger initiative that aims to share the joy of working, the variety of choices available, and the potential impact of dual careers across schools nationwide. This is not merely career education; it embodies the company's vision of maximizing opportunities for all individuals willing to take on challenges.
Overview of the Class Content
During the session, students engaged in participatory discussions focused on essential themes for self-directed career development. The curriculum included:
1. Exploring Diverse Work Options and the Concept of Dual Careers
- - The decline of lifetime employment and the future changes in work environments.
- - The societal background supporting the rise of dual careers and real-life examples of their implementation.
- - Important considerations when choosing a job.
- - Showcasing dual career stories based on various goals, such as skill enhancement, community contributions, and personal fulfillment.
2. Workshop: Achieving Career Aspirations
- - Reflecting on true dreams and desired futures through guided questions.
- - Identifying necessary preparations and experiences to fulfill those dreams.
- - Actions middle school students can take to expand future career choices starting now.
About the Instructor
Eiko Kuroda, Brand Manager at Another Works, joined the company as the first back-office member during her university years. She won the company’s MVP award during her internship and has since progressed through various roles, now overseeing corporate branding, investor relations, and executive branding initiatives. Eiko also produces a YouTube channel, ‘Naoto Obayashi | Inside the Entrepreneur's Mind’, which has over 30,000 subscribers, aiming to enhance recognition for businesses and entrepreneurs. As a career educator, she has lectured at more than 30 schools nationwide, emphasizing diversified work patterns and self-directed choices to inspire students.
About Nakagawa Junior High School
About Another Works
Another Works envisions a society where challenges through dual careers can expand possibilities for all. Their primary mission is to connect individuals, businesses, and local governments via the Dual Career Cloud platform, fostering an environment where diverse individuals and values intersect to create new career paths. Another Works aims to be a launchpad for anyone seeking to initiate a personal challenge without drastically altering their current situation.
Company Information
- - Company Name: Another Works Inc.
- - CEO: Naoto Obayashi
- - Headquarters: 3rd Floor, Toranomon 40MT Building, 5-13-1 Toranomon, Minato, Tokyo 105-0001
- - Website: https://anotherworks.co.jp/
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding the educational sessions, please contact:
Another Works (Attn: Kuroda)
Email: [email protected]