Talk Event & Networking Session "Drawing Your Autonomous Career" with Mari Hirata, Representative Director of the Freelance Association, to be held on April 24th (Friday) at 7 PM in Ebisu
TECHBIZ, a leading IT freelance agent, invites the Representative Director of the Freelance Association for a talk event on career development.
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TECHBIZ Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Kazuki Nakajima; hereinafter referred to as "TECHBIZ"), which operates matching services for freelancers and companies, including "TECHBIZ," one of the largest IT freelance agents in Japan, will hold a talk event and networking session themed around "Real experiences and working styles of freelancers" on Friday, April 24th, starting at 7:00 PM at the TECHBIZ Ebisu Headquarters Event Space. Ms. Mari Hirata, Representative Director of the General Incorporated Association Freelance Association, who has long been committed to improving the social standing of freelancers, will be invited as a speaker. The event will focus on the reality of the freelance work style, discussing its appeal and her personal experiences. Additionally, there will be a session for Ms. Hirata to answer questions from female freelancers and a networking opportunity for participants to build connections.
Background of the Event
Amidst deepening labor shortages and diversifying work styles, interest in freelancing is growing. The government is also advancing institutional frameworks to support the活躍 of freelancers, such as the enforcement of the "Act on the Proper Transaction Between Business Operators and Freelancers" (Freelance Act) in 2024. A survey conducted by TECHBIZ targeting 900 full-time employees revealed that over half (52.6%) are interested in work styles such as side jobs, concurrent employment, and freelancing, recognizing them as career advancement options. However, over 60% (64.7%) have not taken concrete action, highlighting a significant gap between awareness and action.
TECHBIZ believes that one of the reasons for this gap is the difficulty in "visualizing the reality of working as a freelancer." Therefore, this event was planned as an opportunity to connect experienced freelancers with those aspiring to become freelancers. Ms. Mari Hirata, Representative Director of the General Incorporated Association Freelance Association, who has long worked to create an environment where freelancers can work with their own style, will be invited as a guest. While continuing her own freelance activities, Ms. Hirata has also faced challenges unique to female freelancers, such as balancing life events with work and gaining social credibility. The event will feature a talk session where Ms. Hirata shares the reality of freelancing based on her experiences, as well as a public Q&A session where current freelancers can ask her direct questions. The latter half will include a networking session for participants and speakers to interact, providing an opportunity for attendees to deepen their understanding of the freelance work style.
Recommended for:
・Those interested in freelancing but cannot visualize the actual work style.
・Those currently employed who feel a bit uncertain about their current situation.
・Those who want to find their own way of working that balances life events and career.
・Those who want to hear real stories from people actually working as freelancers.
・Those who want to network with people who are thinking about their careers.
・Those who want to start a side job but don't know how.
Event Details
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Event Title |
Drawing Your Autonomous Career with Mari Hirata, Representative Director of the Freelance Association |
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Date and Time |
April 24, 2026 (Friday) 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Doors open at 6:45 PM) |
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Venue |
TECHBIZ Tokyo Headquarters / Event Space |
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Participation Fee |
Free (includes drinks and light snacks) |
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Capacity |
20 people |
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Application Period |
March 31st (Tuesday) - April 21st (Tuesday) 6:00 PM |
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Schedule |
・6:45 PM: Doors open |
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Details & Application |
◼️ Speaker Profile
Mari Hirata
Representative Director, General Incorporated Association Freelance Association
Joined the PR company Billcom during its early stages while attending Keio SFC. Aimed to become a researcher, studied abroad at Kellogg School of Management, and completed her MBA at Keio Business School. Although she entered the doctoral program, she withdrew due to childbirth. While working as a freelance publicist, she founded the Freelance Association in 2017 as a non-profit organization for individuals engaged in multiple jobs. She continues her personal business while dedicating herself to creating movements and improving the environment for new ways of working, including the establishment of the Freelance Act and the provision of welfare benefits for freelancers. She has served as a committee member and expert in numerous government study groups.
Adjunct Associate Professor at Keio University LEAP for Nonprofit. Associate Professor at Co-Innovation University. Recipient of the Power Mama Project "Workin' Mama of the Year 2015" and Nikkei WOMAN "Woman of the Year 2020." Mother of three.
TECHBIZ's Vision and Initiatives
TECHBIZ's business began when our representative, Kazuki Nakajima, helped an engineer who was struggling to find work. Since then, driven by the desire to "create a society where hard-working individuals are rewarded," we have developed and expanded services that support each freelancer.
Our mission is to "provide opportunities and an environment where freelancers can work more autonomously." We operate a matching service connecting freelancers and companies. Consultants with independent experience not only introduce projects but also act as constant partners, supporting freelancers from career design to concerns and challenges after going independent. Furthermore, to create an environment where freelancers can focus on their work, we offer comprehensive year-round welfare benefits, including health check-ups and tax support, through "FREELANCE OASIS."
"FREELANCE OASIS": https://techbiz.com/service/freelance-oasis
This event was planned with the desire to support those interested in freelancing but hesitant to take the first step, and to provide an opportunity to visualize this career path more concretely. TECHBIZ will continue to aim for a society where freelancers can challenge themselves with peace of mind and work autonomously.
About TECHBIZ Inc.
With the slogan "Change the way we work, change the world," TECHBIZ Inc. operates "TECHBIZ," one of Japan's largest agents for IT freelancers. In recent years, we have expanded our services to match business professionals such as marketers, HR specialists, and finance/accounting personnel with companies.
Through high-quality matching based on both technical and human skills by dedicated consultants, we achieve a continuous engagement rate of approximately 97%. We provide freelancers with long-term, stable work opportunities and an environment where they can work more autonomously. For companies, we solve management challenges such as labor shortages and DX in a rapidly changing society, supporting sustainable business growth.
In Japan, facing labor shortages, we view freelancers as important "human capital." By sharing their value across society, we aim to promote the growth of both companies and individuals, thereby creating a new way of working that contributes to the revitalization of the entire Japanese economy, advocating for the new concept of "Social Sharing of Human Capital."
【Company Profile】
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Company Name |
TECHBIZ Inc. |
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Location |
Ebisu Business Tower 3F, 1-19-19 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo |
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Representative Director |
Kazuki Nakajima |
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Established |
September 2, 2019 |
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Business Activities |
Operation of "TECHBIZ," a matching service for IT freelancers, etc. |
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Corporate Website |
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Services |
"TECHBIZ" https://freelance.techbiz.com/client/ |
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Owned Media |
"TECHBIZ Media" https://techbiz.com/media |
FAQ
What is the purpose of the event?
To provide an opportunity for those interested in freelancing but lacking a concrete image of the work style to learn about real experiences and working methods, thereby deepening their understanding of autonomous career development.
Who is the target audience for this event?
The event is targeted at individuals interested in freelancing but unable to visualize the work style, company employees contemplating their careers, those aiming to balance life events with their careers, and individuals looking to start side jobs.
What content is planned for the event?
The event includes a talk session by Mari Hirata from the Freelance Association, a Q&A session addressing concerns from current freelancers, and a networking session with speakers and participants.
What is the participation fee?
Participation is free of charge and includes drinks and light snacks.
How can I apply?
Applications can be made through the event page on Peatix. The application period is from March 31st to April 21st.