48th WorldSkills Competition "Water Technology" National Team Members Appeal at Various Locations / wateringAM

On March 23-24, the Japanese representatives (competitors and experts) for the 48th WorldSkills Competition (Host City: Shanghai, China) in the "Water Technology" skill, who belong to wateringAM Co., Ltd. (President: Takao Ishikawa, Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo), a group company of watering Co., Ltd., visited the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Japan Sewage Works Association, and other organizations as part of activities to promote understanding of the competition and the event. They appealed their enthusiasm for participating in the competition.

Cheering poster for the Japanese representatives of the 48th WorldSkills Competition "Water Technology" skill, requested to be displayed at various locations.

At the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Water Management and Land Conservation Bureau. From left: Mr. Seiji Tsutsui, Director of the Waterworks Division; Mr. Keisuke Mizutani, Expert for the "Water Technology" skill (wateringAM); Ms. Kimiya Misawa, National Team Competitor (wateringAM); Mr. Takatoshi Wakagimi, Waterworks and Sewerage Planning Division, Director for Waterworks and Sewerage Business Coordination; Mr. Ryuhei Fukuda, Deputy Director of the Waterworks Division.

At the Japan Sewage Works Association. Center: Mr. Hirofumi Okuhisa, Chairman.

The competitor explained the competition events themselves.

At Tokyo Technical College, a member of the "Water Technology" skill subcommittee. Center: Mr. Masanori Shirai, Principal.

*In addition, visits were made to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare 2028 WorldSkills Competition Preparation Office, the Japan Organizing Committee for the 2028 WorldSkills Competition, the Japan Water Association, the Japan Sewage Works Facility Management Association, the Japan Federation of Water Supply Industry Associations, the Japan Vocational Ability Development Association, the Water Technology Research Center, and others.

*Members of the "Water Technology" skill subcommittee:

wateringAM Co., Ltd., Japan Federation of Water Supply Industry Associations, Festo Corporation, Koyama Gakuen Tokyo Technical College (in no particular order)

[Comments from National Team Members (Competitors and Experts)]

I realized that I am receiving attention and support from many people outside the company. At the same time, I strongly felt the weight of responsibility and pride in being selected as a national team member. To meet everyone's expectations, I will continue to absorb the teachings from experts and the coaching team one by one, while also learning and thinking for myself, honing not only the skills related to the competition events but also mental strength. This competition will feature competitors from 15 countries around the world, but on the day of the competition, I will exert my full capabilities, fight with all my might until the end without any regrets. I appreciate your continued support. (Competitor: Misawa)

The "Water Technology" skill is a competition where extremely important skills for operational work are competed at a global standard. Through participation in this competition and coaching the competitors, we were able to appeal in various places that it also contributes to the development of next-generation human resources who support water infrastructure such as water supply and sewage. We received words of support and expectation from many people towards the coaches as well. We want to support the competitor along with the coaching team so that the competitor can perform to their best on the day of the international competition and meet everyone's expectations. (Expert: Mizutani)

[Overview of WorldSkills Competition]

This is a competition held every two years to promote vocational training in participating countries and foster international goodwill among young skilled workers. Competitors who have won through preliminary competitions in various countries and regions gather to compete with their honed skills. The first competition was held in 1950 between Spain and Portugal, and it has been held regularly since then. Japan has been participating since 1962. This competition is an excellent opportunity for young technicians and aspiring youth to observe and experience excellent skills, and it serves as a great opportunity for vocational education.

[About the "Water Technology" Skill]

1. Overview

It was adopted as a new competition skill in the WorldSkills Competition from the 45th WorldSkills Competition in Kazan, Russia (held in August 2019). Japan's participation was for the first time in the competition before last (46th competition). In that competition, a group employee from our company who was a Japanese representative won a bronze medal. In the 47th competition, a group employee from our company also participated as a Japanese representative.

2. Eligible Age

25 years old or younger (many other competition skills have an age limit of 22 years old)

This is a restriction because WorldSkills aims to improve the skills of young people.

3. Scope of Skills Covered

This covers water supply, sewage, and the treatment of sludge discharged from them. The scope is wide-ranging, from the proper operation and maintenance of treatment facilities to the water quality management of treated water. In the competition, knowledge and skills related to various aspects of "water technology" will be tested, including the maintenance of pumps used for transferring sludge, methods for responding to fluctuations in inflow water volume due to rain or other factors, and water quality analysis of raw water and treated water.

[Achievements and Effects of Participating in WorldSkills Competition]

Benchmark for Water Treatment Plant Technicians

- The competition content is strongly related to the operation and management of water treatment plants, involving a wide range of tasks in water quality, electricity, and machinery.

- The ability of young technicians to demonstrate broad skills without bias at a high level serves as a benchmark for technicians.

- Competition in vocational skills enhances competitiveness as technicians, leading to further growth.

Improvement of Coaches' Skill Level

- This competition, which young technicians with age limits can only participate in once in their lifetime, is considered a competition for the growth of competitors and the development of coaches, rather than a competition for veterans.

- When providing technical guidance, the knowledge to be acquired and the skills to aim for are organized, leading to the visualization of techniques.

- Coaches also improve their coaching skills by setting ambitious goals and devising various methods for technical instruction.

Contribution to Society and the Global Environment

- Gaining experience in international competitions fosters a global perspective. Through interaction with young technicians from around the world who competed with the same goal, an increased awareness of contributing to society and the global environment leads to self-contribution towards SDGs goals 6. "Clean Water and Sanitation" and 14. "Life Below Water."

- The praise gained through competition is an invaluable experience and a major turning point for young technicians, broadening their scope of activities.

Development of the Industry through the Development of Young Technicians

- The development of technicians is a common challenge not only for the "Water Technology" industry but for all industries. By leveraging the experience of competitors under 25 and their coaches participating in the WorldSkills Competition, and by developing systems for nurturing technicians, motivated young people with hope for the future can be continuously trained as technicians, leading to the sustained development of each industry.

The watering Group will contribute to the continued protection of Japan's world-class water infrastructure by nurturing next-generation field technicians and coaches through its challenge in the WorldSkills Competition "Water Technology" skill.

[Related Sites]

Japan Vocational Ability Development Association / Latest Competition Information (Shanghai 2026)

Tokyo Technical College / School Guide

About Festo Corporation

Japan Federation of Water Supply Industry Associations / Business Content

◇About watering Group◇

watering (pronounced: su-ing-u) is a water treatment company that handles everything from the design and construction to the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities (purification plants, sewage treatment plants, sludge recycling centers, night soil treatment plants, private facilities, etc.) (with approximately 300 operation and maintenance sites nationwide), based on the management philosophy of "continuously contributing to society through 'water,' the source of life, with 'ing.'"

Under the brand message "Create Beyond Water," we address the challenges of local communities, provide a safe and secure water environment, and support the future of living and cities through water.

watering Co., Ltd. Official Website