Okay, here is a detailed article based on the announcement from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) regarding the upcoming meeting on career consulting.
Japan’s MHLW to Hold 4th Study Group Meeting on Future of Career Consulting Amidst Economic and Social Shifts
Tokyo, Japan – The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) of Japan today announced the upcoming fourth meeting of its specialized study group focused on adapting career consulting to the nation’s changing economic and social landscape. The announcement, published on May 12, 2025, at 05:00 JST, signals the government’s continued efforts to ensure that career guidance services remain relevant and effective in a rapidly evolving work environment.
The study group, formally known as the “Study Group on Realizing Career Consulting that Responds to Changes in Economic and Social Conditions” (経済社会情勢の変化に対応したキャリアコンサルティングの実現に関する研究会), was established by the MHLW to delve into the significant transformations impacting work and careers in Japan. These changes include:
- Demographic Shifts: An aging population, declining birthrate, and a shrinking workforce necessitate strategies to support continued employment and career development across all age groups, particularly for older workers.
- Technological Advancements: The increasing integration of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation is altering job requirements, creating new roles, and potentially displacing others, requiring individuals to adapt and reskill.
- Diversification of Work Styles: The rise of non-regular employment, freelancing, remote work, and portfolio careers means that traditional career paths are less common, requiring more flexible and personalized support.
- Need for Lifelong Learning: The speed of change demands continuous learning, reskilling, and upskilling throughout an individual’s entire working life.
The study group brings together experts from various fields, including academia, industry, and career consulting practice, to discuss these challenges and propose concrete strategies. Their work is crucial for enhancing the quality and reach of career consulting services across the country.
The upcoming fourth meeting is expected to build upon discussions held in previous sessions. While the specific agenda details for the May 12th announcement would be outlined in the linked MHLW document, past meetings have likely covered foundational issues such as:
- Identifying the specific challenges faced by different demographics (e.g., youth, mid-career professionals, older workers, women, non-regular employees).
- Exploring the skills and competencies required for future career consultants.
- Discussing how technology can be leveraged in career guidance.
- Examining best practices and potential policy recommendations to support individuals through career transitions and lifelong learning.
The discussions and findings of this study group are vital as they are expected to inform future MHLW policies, guidelines, and initiatives related to employment support, vocational training, and the professional standards for career consultants in Japan. The goal is to empower individuals to proactively manage their careers and adapt to the demands of the future labor market, contributing to both individual well-being and the overall vitality of the Japanese economy.
Details regarding the specific date, time, and location (or online format) of the fourth meeting, along with the detailed agenda and materials, are typically made available via the official announcement page on the MHLW website referenced in the announcement (www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_57684.html). MHLW study group meetings are often open to public observation, though procedures for application or access are specified in the official notice.
As Japan continues to navigate significant structural changes, the work of the MHLW’s Study Group on Realizing Career Consulting that Responds to Changes in Economic and Social Conditions represents a key effort to ensure that the nation’s workforce is well-equipped to face the challenges and opportunities of the future.
第４回経済社会情勢の変化に対応したキャリアコンサルティングの実現に関する研究会の開催について
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The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-05-12 05:00, ‘第４回経済社会情勢の変化に対応したキャリアコンサルティングの実現に関する研究会の開催について’ was published according to 厚生労働省. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.
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