[Event Report] TechBiz Co., Ltd. Holds International Women's Day Special Project "Considering Freelancing as an Option with Anju Ishiyama ~Career Event for Female HR Professionals~"

Background of the Event: Addressing the Challenge of a Lack of Role Models for Female Freelancers

Since its establishment, TechBiz has upheld the mission of "providing a place and environment where freelancers can work more autonomously," supporting the realization of diverse work styles through matching freelancers with companies.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in diverse work styles for women, and freelancing is gaining attention as a flexible career option that can adapt to changes in life stages. However, a survey conducted by TechBiz in February 2026 revealed that many women interested in freelancing hesitate to take the plunge due to anxieties such as "I couldn't imagine how much I could earn" or "I didn't know how to draw a long-term career path." The same survey also highlighted that 83.3% of female freelancers lack role models, and among them, 57.4% feel the need for one but cannot find one due to reasons like "no opportunities to meet" or "unclear reality." To address this challenge of a lack of role models for female freelancers, TechBiz is promoting initiatives to create opportunities for meeting role models.

This event was held on the occasion of International Women's Day, inviting Ms. Anju Ishiyama, who has dedicated herself to promoting new individual-led work styles. Through a talk session and panel discussion, she shared real-life experiences, aiming to create a space where participants could concretely envision their own work styles, and simultaneously foster opportunities for participants with similar concerns to interact.

Event Overview: Three Parts

The event consisted of three parts: a talk session by Ms. Ishiyama, a panel discussion, and a networking session.

[Part 1] Talk Session (19:05〜19:25)

Ms. Ishiyama spoke about her career trajectory from childhood to the present.

She shared how she grew up in a share house with diverse people, and during elementary school, after her parents' divorce, she developed self-esteem by interpreting that "I might have been born to do something for society." She also mentioned studying peace research at university due to her interest in world peace.

At the human resources company she joined after graduation, she shared experiences of feeling a disconnect in the relationship between companies and individuals while interacting with corporate HR personnel. Subsequently, she felt the potential in a new work style called "sharing," where individuals match on a project basis, and moved to a platform company connecting freelancers and companies. She further recognized the importance of market expansion through laws and systems, got involved in the establishment of the Sharing Economy Association, and became independent as a sole proprietor.

She also introduced key points she values when choosing a career, emphasizing the importance of "having a sense of mission," "drawing a vision," and "how to build companions." In particular, she mentioned that there were times when she lost confidence while working as an individual, but even in her twenties, when she had little experience or age, her strong passion for the sharing economy gave her confidence and the power to gather supporters and companions. She also touched upon the importance of drawing a vision when considering a career, explaining that drawing a vision is not about solutions to problems, but about first envisioning what kind of future would exist after the problems are solved.

[Part 2] Panel Discussion (19:25〜19:50)

Maai Miyake, who is in charge of TechBiz's HR talent matching business "HRBIZ" and also works as a freelance HR professional, participated as a panelist and deepened the discussion on the following topics:

Regarding the circumstances of independence, Ms. Ishiyama stated that after transferring to the Sharing Economy Association, an article she wrote at the request of the media went viral, creating a need for her to take on work as a sole proprietor. She admitted to feeling fear but was driven by a strong sense of mission to "deliver sharing to the world" and continued her activities.

On how to leverage HR experience as a freelancer, she emphasized that understanding "people" is crucial regardless of the career path, and the experience of observing various people and encountering many lives and careers as an HR professional is a great strength for anything one starts. She also noted that her perspective as a recruiter allowed her to objectively understand what companies seek, which positively contributed to enhancing her value as a freelancer.

As for things she wished she had done during her corporate employee days, she mentioned learning about procedures and knowledge that become self-responsibility after independence, such as health check-ups and tax returns, and considering things that require social credit, like housing loans. On the other hand, she also stated that there is nothing one cannot do just because they become a freelancer, and "not doing this will not put you at a disadvantage for independence."

Regarding challenges unique to female freelancers, based on her experience of undergoing uterine fibroid surgery at ages 29-30, she emphasized that freelancers, in particular, should be mindful of regular health check-ups and screenings. Furthermore, from her experience with egg freezing at age 35, she recommended that those who wish to have children in the future consider it as early as possible.

[Part 3] Networking Session (19:50〜20:30)

The session created an opportunity for participants to connect with Ms. Ishiyama and senior freelance HR professionals through networking.

Event Results

[Impressive Episode]

After the second part, Ms. Ishiyama spontaneously proposed a "share time" for participants to exchange impressions with those nearby. This sharing of impressions among participants enhanced the sense of unity throughout the venue and led to smoother conversations during the subsequent networking session.

[Participant Feedback]

・Participant Comment 1:
"Ms. Ishiyama's career history and her thoughts on taking action were shared in an enjoyable way, which was very helpful."

・Participant Comment 2:
"I learned that there are freelance opportunities where HR experience can be utilized. I heard about a career path, freelancing, that I hadn't considered before."

・Participant Comment 3:
"I was able to think more positively about women x freelancing. Talking with others was a good stimulus."

Future Developments

TechBiz will continue to leverage the insights gained from this event and participant feedback to further spread the option of freelancing to more people and support them in building their own careers.

[Next Event Announcement]

A talk event and networking session on the theme of "Real Experiences and Work Styles of Freelancers" will be held on Friday, April 24th, from 7:00 PM at TechBiz Tokyo Headquarters (Ebisu) event space. Ms. Mari Hirata, Representative Director of the Freelance Association, who has long worked to improve the social standing of freelancers, will be invited as a speaker. She will discuss the appeal of freelancing and her own experiences, focusing on the reality of this work style. There will also be a public Q&A session where Ms. Hirata will answer questions from female freelancers, and a networking opportunity for participants to build connections.

[Event Details]

Event Name	Considering Autonomous Career Paths with Mari Hirata, Representative Director of the Freelance Association, ~Real Experiences and Unique Freelance Work Styles~
Date and Time	Friday, April 24, 2026, 19:00〜21:00 (Reception opens at 18:45)
Venue	TechBiz Tokyo Headquarters/Event Space Ebisu Business Tower 3F, 1-19-19 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (5-minute walk from Ebisu Station)
Participation Fee	Free (includes drinks and light refreshments)
Capacity	20 people
Application Period	March 31 (Tue) 〜 April 21 (Tue) 18:00
Timetable	・18:45 Reception opens ・19:00-19:10 Opening remarks ・19:10-19:30 [Part 1] Mari Hirata Talk Session ・19:30-19:50 [Part 2] Q&A and Advice Session by Active Freelancers ・19:50-20:30 [Part 3] Networking Session with Speakers and Senior Freelancers ・20:30 Closing remarks ・21:00 End
Details and Application	https://peatix.com/event/4930701/

About TechBiz Co., Ltd.

TechBiz operates "TECHBIZ," one of Japan's largest IT freelancer agents, under the slogan "Changing work styles, changing the world." In recent years, we have expanded our business domain to include services that match freelancers in business roles such as marketing, HR, and finance/accounting with companies.

Through high-quality matching by dedicated consultants, focusing on both technical and human skills, we achieve a continuous operation rate of approximately 97%. We provide freelancers with long-term, stable work styles and an environment where they can work more autonomously, while supporting companies in solving management challenges such as talent shortages and DX in a rapidly changing society, thereby promoting sustainable business growth.

In Japan, which faces a talent shortage, our company views freelancers as crucial "human capital" and advocates a new concept of "social sharing of human capital" to promote the growth of both companies and individuals by sharing their value across society. We aim to create new work styles that contribute to the revitalization of the entire Japanese economy.

[Company Profile]

FAQ

What was the purpose of this event?

The event aimed to address the lack of role models for female freelancers, share real experiences of freelancing, and foster interaction among participants.

Who were the speakers at the event?

Ms. Anju Ishiyama, Representative Director of the Sharing Economy Association, spoke about her career trajectory and experiences as a freelancer.

When will the next event be held?

The next event will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at TechBiz Tokyo Headquarters, featuring Ms. Mari Hirata, Representative Director of the Freelance Association.

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