[Event Report] TechBiz Inc. Hosts 'Designing an Autonomous Career with the Representative Director of the Freelance Association ~Real Experiences and Freelance Work Styles~'
TechBiz Inc. hosted an event featuring Mari Hirata, Representative Director of the Freelance Association, focusing on freelance career development and work styles. Responding to increased interest after the Freelance Act's enforcement, the event aimed to address the lack of concrete career images by offering real experiences, consultations, and networking opportunities.
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- 📰 Published: May 11, 2026 at 22:00
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TechBiz Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Kazuki Nakajima; hereinafter "TechBiz") hosted an event on Friday, April 24, 2026, at its head office (Ebisu) with the theme "Real Experiences and Work Styles of Freelancers." The event welcomed Mari Hirata, Representative Director of the General Incorporated Association Freelance Association, as a guest speaker, who gave a lecture on freelance career formation and the realities of working as a freelancer. Additionally, an open Q&A session for concerns and a networking event were held, providing a platform for freelancers and those aspiring to be freelancers to learn from each other and deepen their connections.
Background of the Event
With the enforcement of the Act on the Proper Transaction between Freelancers and Businesses (commonly known as the Freelance Act) in 2024, interest in freelancing as a work style has further increased. A survey conducted by TechBiz targeting 900 full-time employees revealed that while 52.6% are interested in "side jobs, parallel careers, or freelancing," 64.7% have not yet taken action, indicating that many people are hesitant to take the first step.
TechBiz identifies one of the reasons for this as a "lack of concrete image regarding freelance work styles and careers." Therefore, this event aimed to provide an opportunity to learn from the experiences and perspectives of active freelancers, creating a space for participants to envision their careers more concretely.
Event Outline: Three-Part Structure
The event consisted of three parts: a talk session by Ms. Hirata, an open Q&A session for concerns, and a networking event.
[Part 1] Talk Session (19:10-19:30)
Ms. Hirata spoke about her career transitions and the appeal of working as a freelancer. She recalled that when she first became a freelancer, she "didn't meticulously prepare; it started by chance," but emphasized the importance of the Planned Happenstance Theory (80% of an individual's career is influenced by chance) for her subsequent career.
Regarding active freelancers around her, she shared real trends such as:
"Many people prioritize connections and opportunities at the time, rather than 'becoming someone.'"
"Those who can meet the expectations of people within a 50-meter radius are successful."
The following three points were highlighted as the appeals of freelancing:
◼︎Free Soul: High degree of freedom to choose how to work and manage time. A state where the soul is free.
◼︎Having multiple 'homes': Multiple psychological anchors through diverse relationships with clients, collaborators, etc.
◼︎Working under one's own name: A work style where decision-making is driven by oneself, not by company intentions.
She also offered concrete advice on how to deal with anxieties about independence:
"You can transition gradually, for example, by switching your original job to a contract basis."
"There's no need to become someone; just focus on exceeding the expectations of those in front of you by 120%."
[Part 2] Open Q&A Session for Concerns (19:30-19:50)
Ayumi Kubota, who has experience as a freelance engineer and currently works in freelance support at TechBiz, participated as a panelist and engaged in a discussion with Ms. Hirata.
■Regarding stable project acquisition
"It depends on what you define as 'stable,' but building a portfolio is important. Having multiple monthly contracts makes it easier to take on new challenges," she stated. She also referred to a Freelance Association survey result that "70-80% of projects are acquired through existing personal connections," emphasizing that "it's crucial to increase the number of people who rely on you."
■Regarding criteria for choosing work
"'Can I empathize?' and 'Can I provide value that only I can?' are important considerations."
"What kind of work you've done directly becomes your portfolio."
This highlighted the importance of a long-term career perspective in choosing work.
■Regarding balancing work and life events
"It's also important to lower your own expectations. There's no end to trying to do everything perfectly."
"Relying on others, such as domestic help or community connections, is also a valid option."
This discussed realistic ways to achieve balance.
■Regarding transitioning from a side job to independence
"If it's in a field close to your main job, your experience from the main job directly becomes your asset after independence."
"If it's a different field, you need to secure time for self-investment."
This explained the different strategies to adopt depending on the situation.
[Part 3] Networking Event (20:00-20:40)
Participants and speakers exchanged opinions on freelance concerns and future careers, creating a space for aspiring freelancers and already independent individuals to share their thoughts.
Event Results
◼︎Participant Feedback
Background of the Event
With the enforcement of the Act on the Proper Transaction between Freelancers and Businesses (commonly known as the Freelance Act) in 2024, interest in freelancing as a work style has further increased. A survey conducted by TechBiz targeting 900 full-time employees revealed that while 52.6% are interested in "side jobs, parallel careers, or freelancing," 64.7% have not yet taken action, indicating that many people are hesitant to take the first step.
TechBiz identifies one of the reasons for this as a "lack of concrete image regarding freelance work styles and careers." Therefore, this event aimed to provide an opportunity to learn from the experiences and perspectives of active freelancers, creating a space for participants to envision their careers more concretely.
Event Outline: Three-Part Structure
The event consisted of three parts: a talk session by Ms. Hirata, an open Q&A session for concerns, and a networking event.
[Part 1] Talk Session (19:10-19:30)
Ms. Hirata spoke about her career transitions and the appeal of working as a freelancer. She recalled that when she first became a freelancer, she "didn't meticulously prepare; it started by chance," but emphasized the importance of the Planned Happenstance Theory (80% of an individual's career is influenced by chance) for her subsequent career.
Regarding active freelancers around her, she shared real trends such as:
"Many people prioritize connections and opportunities at the time, rather than 'becoming someone.'"
"Those who can meet the expectations of people within a 50-meter radius are successful."
The following three points were highlighted as the appeals of freelancing:
◼︎Free Soul: High degree of freedom to choose how to work and manage time. A state where the soul is free.
◼︎Having multiple 'homes': Multiple psychological anchors through diverse relationships with clients, collaborators, etc.
◼︎Working under one's own name: A work style where decision-making is driven by oneself, not by company intentions.
She also offered concrete advice on how to deal with anxieties about independence:
"You can transition gradually, for example, by switching your original job to a contract basis."
"There's no need to become someone; just focus on exceeding the expectations of those in front of you by 120%."
[Part 2] Open Q&A Session for Concerns (19:30-19:50)
Ayumi Kubota, who has experience as a freelance engineer and currently works in freelance support at TechBiz, participated as a panelist and engaged in a discussion with Ms. Hirata.
■Regarding stable project acquisition
"It depends on what you define as 'stable,' but building a portfolio is important. Having multiple monthly contracts makes it easier to take on new challenges," she stated. She also referred to a Freelance Association survey result that "70-80% of projects are acquired through existing personal connections," emphasizing that "it's crucial to increase the number of people who rely on you."
■Regarding criteria for choosing work
"'Can I empathize?' and 'Can I provide value that only I can?' are important considerations."
"What kind of work you've done directly becomes your portfolio."
This highlighted the importance of a long-term career perspective in choosing work.
■Regarding balancing work and life events
"It's also important to lower your own expectations. There's no end to trying to do everything perfectly."
"Relying on others, such as domestic help or community connections, is also a valid option."
This discussed realistic ways to achieve balance.
■Regarding transitioning from a side job to independence
"If it's in a field close to your main job, your experience from the main job directly becomes your asset after independence."
"If it's a different field, you need to secure time for self-investment."
This explained the different strategies to adopt depending on the situation.
[Part 3] Networking Event (20:00-20:40)
Participants and speakers exchanged opinions on freelance concerns and future careers, creating a space for aspiring freelancers and already independent individuals to share their thoughts.
Event Results
◼︎Participant Feedback