≪今回のworkshop≫
参加人数：17名（うち新人の方：4名）
（詳しいディスカッションの様子はInstagramへ 掲載）
≪FIRST HALF≫
Return to the Office!? – Design a Work System That Boosts Both Satisfaction and Performance –
Remote work spread rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Six years on, we are now at a major turning point. GMO Internet Group — one of the first companies in Japan to adopt remote work — recently announced that it would end remote work entirely, making big headlines. More and more companies, including LY Corporation (LINE Yahoo) and Rakuten, are moving back toward office-based work.
On the other hand, some people worry that “commuting is too much of a burden” or that “top talent will start leaving.” And now that AI is transforming the way we work, some argue that we should rethink the very idea of judging people’s work by whether they show up at the office. In other words, no company has found the “right answer” yet.
This isn’t someone else’s problem — it directly affects our own work styles and careers. So in the first half, instead of holding a debate where we simply argue for or against remote work, we’ll hold a project-style workshop where we design our own “ideal work system.”
The Scenario:
You work at a company of about 300 employees — no factories, mostly office-based work. One day, your CEO gives you a mission:
“Propose a work system that boosts both employee satisfaction and performance. But remember — a plan that only benefits some employees won’t do.”
What We’ll Do on the Day:
・Form project teams of 3–4 people ・Introduce yourselves and share how you currently work or how you would like to work (5 min)
・As a team, map out the challenges faced by employees in different situations — new hires, working parents, long-distance commuters, managers, and more (10 min)
・Create a “New Work System Plan” that solves those challenges (20 min)
・Finally, each team presents their plan, and everyone votes for the “I’d Want to Work There!” Award (max 1.5 min per team)Whether you’re team remote or team office, there’s no right answer. Please just bring your own ideas from different angles.We can’t wait to see which team’s plan wins!
≪LATTER HALF≫
The Impact of the Weak Yen on Japanese Society
In recent years, the Japanese yen has weakened significantly against major currencies, particularly the US dollar. While a weak yen can benefit some parts of the Japanese economy, it also creates serious challenges for households and society as a whole.
One of the most direct impacts is the rising cost of living. Japan relies heavily on imports for energy, food, and raw materials. When the yen becomes weaker, imported goods become more expensive. As a result, companies often have to raise their prices, increasing the financial burden on consumers. This is particularly difficult for households whose wages have not increased as quickly as prices.
The weak yen also has a significant influence on foreign workers in Japan. On one hand, Japan may appear less attractive to foreign workers because their earnings, when converted into their home currencies, are worth less. This can make it harder for Japan to attract and retain skilled labor, especially compared to countries with stronger currencies. On the other hand, some industries facing labor shortages, such as agriculture, construction, and caregiving, continue to rely heavily on foreign workers despite these challenges. Employers may need to improve working conditions or raise wages to remain competitive in attracting international talent.
The weak yen also affects people’s ability to travel and study abroad. Overseas travel has become much more expensive for Japanese residents, while foreign tourists find Japan relatively affordable. This has contributed to a rapid increase in inbound tourism. Although tourism brings economic benefits, popular destinations such as Kyoto and Tokyo have also experienced problems related to overtourism, including overcrowding and pressure on local communities.
The impact on businesses is mixed. Export-oriented companies can benefit because their products become more competitive overseas and their foreign earnings are worth more when converted into yen. However, companies that depend heavily on imported materials and energy face higher costs. Small and medium-sized businesses may find it particularly difficult to absorb these additional expenses.
The weak yen may also influence how Japanese people perceive their country’s economic position in the world. When overseas travel, imported products, and international education become increasingly expensive, some people may feel that their purchasing power has declined compared with that of people in other developed countries.
Therefore, the weak yen is not simply a financial or economic issue. It affects people’s daily lives, business decisions, tourism, foreign labor dynamics, and even Japan’s relationship with the global economy. The key question is whether wage growth and economic productivity can increase enough to offset the negative effects of a weaker currency.
<Questions>
Q1. How has the weak yen affected your daily life, such as shopping, travel, or saving money?
Q2. What is your opinion on whether the benefits of a weak yen for export companies outweigh the negative effects on households and foreign workers?
Q3. In what ways can Japan balance the economic benefits of increased tourism with the problems of overtourism?
Q4. How should the Japanese government respond to the rising cost of living and challenges in attracting foreign workers caused by the weak yen?
(Please share a brief summary of Q4 in about one minute)