Labor economics workshop – Trends of Japan and Hungary labour markets in an International context

About the event:

Japan is of the largest foreign direct (FDI) investor of Hungary, and Japan-owned companies employ tens of thousands of workers in several industries. Join us to learn who the largest Japanese employers are, and what local labor market specifics and challenges they face in a European regulatory environment.

Japan faces a shrinking workforce and severe labor shortage, with women representing its largest untapped resource. Despite generous parental leave and childcare, many women exit full-time work due to long hours and traditional workplace norms. This talk presents evidence on how paternity leave, flexible work, and performance-based promotion can mobilize families and close gender gaps. Unlocking female talent is not only fair—it is Japan’s growth strategy.

Invited Guests:
Dr. Diána Kósa, Head of Secretariat, Deputy State Secretary for Labour Market, Occupational Safety and Labour Inspection, Ministry of National Economy of Hungary
Prof. Shintaro Yamaguchi, Faculty of Economics, University of Tokyo
Mr. András Kerekes, Head of Mission, Consulate of Hungary in Osaka

Program:
14:00 – 14:30 Registration
14:30 – 14:35 Opening remarks – Mr. András Kerekes
14:35 – 15:05 The Hungarian Labour Market in an international context:  Challenges and Strategic Objectives of Employment Policy – Presentation by Dr. Diána Kósa
15:05 – 15:35 Japan’s Shrinking Workforce: Unlocking Women’s Potential is Key to Future Growth – Presentation by Professor Shintaro Yamaguchi
15:35 – 15:45 Q&A, closing remarks – Mr. András Kerekes
15:45 – 16:15 Networking, refreshments

Program of the event will be in English language.

Note: from 17:00, a connecting event (organized independently from our program of at the Hungary Pavilion) in the same field will be organized at the Theme Weeks Studio (about 15 mins walking distance from the Hungary Pavilion).
Title: Rectification of labor market inequality
More info: https://theme-weeks.expo2025.or.jp/en/program/detail/66e2df5e9467b.html