#Industry Insights #Construction Forum #Suke Dachi

Construction Industry Work Style Forum 2026

On May 22, 2026, the Construction Industry Work Style Forum will take place at the Toranomon Hills Forum in Tokyo, hosted by Suke Dachi, one of the largest construction talent matching platforms in Japan. This event focuses on the frontline workers in the construction industry, particularly emphasizing their challenges and the future of the sector. This year, the forum has detailed its Communication Stage programs and speakers, bringing significant insights to address the ongoing challenges the industry faces.

Overview of the Communication Stage Programs

The Communication Stage will feature many active craftsmen, business leaders, and industry experts who will engage in sessions that aim to find realistic solutions to current industry problems.

Session 1: Are Craftsmen Optimistic About the Future?

Timing: 11:20 AM - 11:50 AM
This session will critically evaluate whether the happiness levels of craftsmen have improved since the introduction of work style reforms two years ago. With perspectives from both veteran and younger workers, the discussion will explore how to build a hopeful work environment that can adapt to the future of the construction industry.

Speakers:
- Ryotaro Terada (代表, R-Kobo)
- Yuri Watanabe (CEO, Wataritori Demolition)
- Anji Ozawa (Executive Officer, Isawa Equipment Industry)
Moderator:
- Yuta Akagi (Suke Dachi)

Session 2: Collaborative Organization Design with Foreign Workers

Timing: 12:50 PM - 1:20 PM
As the number of foreign workers rises, it's crucial to assess the current acceptance framework on construction sites. This session will gather active technical interns, their employers, and language support experts to share real challenges and discuss secrets for efficient communication, safety, and organizational design to ensure successful integration.

Speakers:
- Yoshihiro Tsubata (CEO, CiRCUS)
- Slaika Faki (Technical Intern, CiRCUS)
- Kyohei Aihara (CEO, Musubiba)
Moderator:
- Yoshiki Ashihara (Suke Dachi)

Session 3: Will Blue-Collar Billionaires Emerge in Japan's Construction Sector?

Timing: 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Inspired by significant income growth examples in the U.S., this session will debate whether Japanese craftsmen can become earners in this booming market. With increasing labor shortages and infrastructure demands, the discussion will pinpoint the characteristics of profitable craftsmen and their survival strategies in this new era.

Speakers:
- Yosuke Miyata (Blacksmith, Independent Artisan)
- Toru Adachi (Chief Electric Engineer)
Moderator:
- To be announced on the website later.

Session 4: Can AI Solve Labor Shortages in the Construction Industry?

Timing: 4:30 PM - 5:20 PM
This session will be divided into two parts, where companies focusing on AI in construction will delve into the current state and potential of AI technologies. Topics will include automation in estimates and sales, and the efficiency of skill acquisition via AI applications at construction sites.

Part 1 (4:30 PM - 5:00 PM)
- Kentaro Sasaki (CEO, BillBase)
- Shinnosuke Izumi (CEO, Construction Robotics)
Part 2 (5:00 PM - 5:20 PM)
- To be announced on the website later.
* Common Moderator:
- Shinichi Sakai (Editor-in-Chief, Shinken Shimbun)

Note: Speakers and content may change without prior notice.

Additionally, networking opportunities will be provided between sessions, fostering new connections among participants, limited to individuals engaged in the construction sector.

About the Construction Industry Work Style Forum

The Construction Industry Work Style Forum serves as a platform addressing the significant labor shortages the Japanese construction industry faces. With an aging workforce and a shortage of young entrants into the field, securing a reliable talent pool is critical. Moreover, high demands for infrastructure and urban redevelopment highlight the necessity of meeting these challenges with an efficient workforce.

Legislative advancements such as the