Japanese prefectures implement initiatives to retain young talent

Local governments in Japan are launching programs to encourage high school students to pursue careers within their home prefectures.

In Aomori, approximately 120 second-year students from Hirosaki Higashi High School participated in a promotional event featuring 24 local companies. The event allowed students to engage in discussions with young employees across various industries to learn about job satisfaction, company culture, and career preparation. According to the Aomori Prefectural Board of Education, about 60 percent of students who find employment after high school currently work for companies within the prefecture.

In Nara, the prefectural government has launched a project to cultivate digital transformation (DX) talent while simultaneously attracting IT-related service companies. The initiative aims to address the shortage of information and communications businesses and a high rate of youth migration to other prefectures. The program will offer free training to 20 high school students annually through 2030, focusing on IT tools, data-driven problem solving, and flexible thinking skills.